Jim’s Story

Site created on August 6, 2019

Friends and Family - The Gamble Family will be using this CaringBridge website to keep you all updated with Jim's condition in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement:

Jim was involved in a motorcycle accident early Sunday morning. In order to avoid a collision with another vehicle, he sustained multiple broken ribs, a broken scapula and clavicle, in addition to head lacerations and a ruptured spleen caused by the impact of the fall and slide. He underwent surgery on Sunday to control the internal bleeding by removing his spleen and to plate the fractured ribs. 

He has been in stable condition since surgery and continues to improve. We have one more surgery scheduled for Tuesday to address the clavicle and scapula. He rested the majority of the night and has been increasingly responsive since.

Words cannot describe how lucky we are for you all and the fantastic doctors, nurses and staff here at Utah Valley. Especially Jim's riding buddies and specifically Steve Banks who was by his side from the accident, to the ER, and stayed with him in the ICU as Betsy and Joey made our way down. Steve, we cannot thank you enough for that, being our contact on the ground, and helping Joey through the first 24hrs after he arrived. 

Thank you to all who have reached out and please know Jim is (im)patiently waiting until he can get back on his phone and social media to respond to all of the kind words, messages, and support received. 

***We appreciate those who have contacted Jim directly whether it be through social media or cell phone. Due to his current condition, sedation, and ventilator, he is unable to check and respond to those messages for the time being***

**P.S. We so do appreciate gifts however the ICU won't allow any flowers, food baskets, etc. in the unit**

Newest Update

Journal entry by jim gamble

Friends and Family,

It's been a while since we've provided you with an update... 38 DAYS!  We've come a long way, and have a long way to go.  What do I mean by that?
  • My injuries seem to need a little less energy every day, which means that I am able to use the remaining energy to "get back to normal".  There are 5 injuries that continue to require attention...  Three of them are stacked on top of one another.  Shoulder rehab on top of post thoracotomy surgery, which was needed to gain access to ribs and collapsed lung.  
  • That incision/scar runs from the center of my rib cage, running under my left pectoral around to the center of my shoulder blade. This incision is causing a build up of lymphatic fluid "above" the incision. I don't know if this is due to a) my not having a spleen or b) the lymphatic flow has been disrupted by the incision.  I'm including a GRAPHIC photo of that incision, which shows the 6 ribs that were plated.  
  • That incision is slowing my shoulder rehabilitation, due to the muscles healing and possibly scaring.  
  • Left hip has significant pain, and we might get an X-ray to see if there's anything other than a deep bone bruise.
  • I've experienced some persistent dizziness, with episodes of vertigo when I move my head in certain positions, and some instances of slight nausea.  My first attempt at a neurology appointment offered a "mid February" appointment.  I called another concussion specialist today, and they had an opening at 2:30pm.... TODAY!
  • Tried to sleep in a twin bed last night.  When I tried to get up to use the bathroom, I struggled.  SO... I went straight back to the Lazyboy to complete my nights rest.
As you might expect, I want to "get back to normal".  That means getting back to the routine that I have been used to over the course of my professional life.  That also means getting back to attending State and National Realtor events... and MIZZOU Football games.  I'm sure glad I have not attended a road game.... we stink on the road!  0-2 on the road... 5-0 at home!

Professionally, my goal in 2020 is to grow the Gamble Group.  We have an amazing hub, and want to offer our system of training and support to agents looking for a group environment.  Our success will come through supporting, training and encouraging our team members to achieve their goals.  Call me to discuss!!

Betsy, Joey and I are going to spend a few days on a beach in late October.  We all have been through a lot.  Betsy and Joey have shown strength that I didn't know they had. I'm blessed to have them in my life.  I'm also blessed to have so many of you share your love and prayers with us.  You are truly remarkable friends and family.  

Thank you for being a friend...

With Love,  Jim, Betsy, Joey & Gus!
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