Dale’s Story

Site created on June 5, 2018

I have used this site to keep up with family members and friends roads to recovery and it was very helpful.  It is heartwarming to know how many wonderful caring people are in our lives and we appreciate each and every one of you. Now, to tell this amazing man’s story....where do I begin.  I thought that Daddy had been through it all (and enough).  Over the past 30 + years he has had 5 back surgeries, hip replacement, 2 carpel tunnel surgeries. many injections for pain....and much more.  This...however, has been the hardest.  I really can’t believe we are the one’s creating this site to help everyone keep up with my Daddy’s road to recovery.  


Recently, he has been losing strength in his legs and as he described it...has been getting “wobbly “.   His pain was increasing so his doctor referred him to the Mayo Clinic.  They did not accept him at the spine center there...long story short he continued to get worst.  Doctor still wanted him to go to Mayo to Neurology...we didn’t feel like he could make the trip to Mayo.  The  decision was made that a care team closer to home would be best.  So the process to refer him to Barnes began.  


Saturday afternoon Daddy fell twice - resulting in an ambulance ride to OMC in West Plains.  They admitted him and were trying to figure out what was causing his recent confusion and  “ wobbliness”.  During his stay there he developed pneumonia, decreased strength, increased pain and more confusion.  After three days there we decided he needed more care than OMC was providing and requested that they send him to Springfield- they did and here we are in ICU at Mercy.  (There is a lot to that part of the story that God gave us strength to get through).  The important thing is that we are here and Daddy is getting great medical care.  We feel such relief knowing that he is able to rest and begin his healing process.  


Currently, he is on a ventilator and is sedated.  They are trying to give him a chance to rest his body and mind.  While he is resting they have been running many tests to determine exactly what is going on and the best treatment to provide.  

Newest Update

Journal entry by Stacy Coiner

Couldn’t be more pleased with the care Daddy has received at the Mercy Rehabilitation Facility. He is doing amazing and is very excited to be getting to go home tomorrow! Mom can’t wait to get home so she can learn to purée Daddy’s meals (lol) Hopefully, this is temporary...he will continue to strengthen those muscles in his throat and will get to eat a “normal” meal eventually.

Tomorrow will be 21 days since this nightmare/miracle began. TWENTY ONE DAYS!!! Mom, Daddy and I have talked a lot about God during this past 21 days. There is no time to be bitter about what has happened in the past...there is only time to rejoice in God’s grace. I am thankful to have my Daddy back and trust me folks he is nothing short of a miracle. Now, let me give some praise to my mom. She has not slept in a comfortable bed in 21 days and she has been so strong through this journey with Daddy. She is my mom, my friend and she is my hero.

Thank you all for your prayers. I know beyond a shadow of doubt that those prayers were heard and answered!

Please continue to pray for healing and strength for both Mom and Daddy. They still have a long road ahead of them. As Daddy says “he has people to see and a wedding to go to in August.”

I have put my parents in their car and sent them back to West Plains many times after surgeries. I have never felt good about doing that. I worried about them every time. I am sure I will have that feeling tomorrow a little bit but, I have a good feeling about Daddy’s recovery. He has a sparkle in his eye that I haven’t seen in a very long time. With that sparkle back and his determination...I know everything is gonna be alright💜🦋🌈🙌🏻
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