Jacob Mabus

On 6/24/23 Jake unfortunately had a terrible accident at a pool party. He jumped into the pool flat misjudging where the deep end and shallow end meet. He hit the back of his on the bottom of the pool. As he came up he was struggling to swim and keep himself above water. A friend sprang into action and pulled him into the shallow end. As he was in the shallow end Jake realized he couldn’t feel his feet or hands. An ambulance was called and he was transported to the ED immediately. On presentation to the ED he was taken into the trauma center. X-rays were preformed as well as a CT. Fractures were seen in the cervical spine level 6 and 7. Traction was recommended until CT was further evaluated and an MRI was needed. Following MRI we were given the news that Jake had complete fractures at C-6 and C-7. A neurologic evaluation revealed numbness throughout the upper and lower extremities. He had hyper reflexes in his legs indicating neurological problems. He was noted to also have significant weakness in his hands. Spine surgery recommended surgery. We were informed that Jake was extremely luck in how the spine fractured as if it had only fractured on one side paralysis wound have been eminent. As it was he had some neurological deficits but was not paralyzed. He could feel and move everything except for the fine motor dexterity of his hands. Surgery took place 6/25/23. Jake was in surgery for over 6 hours. He required surgery from the front and the back of the neck. Surgery in the front was rough and required plates and screws and cadaver bone. He the was flipped onto his stomach and his vertebrae were fused from C-4 to T-2. He was then in the ICU overnight as the anesthesia wore off. He had a difficult night of pain with little rest. His biggest point of pain is between his shoulder blades and his hands. Unfortunately he is experiencing nerve pain in his hands that gives little respite. He had his first physical therapy session this morning. He is having a lot of dexterity issues in the right hand. He was able to stand with assistance and take a few steps. His Foley catheter was removed and he was able to urinate on his own. We were very happy to see him stand and urinate because up to that point we were not sure he would be able to. He has a long road of pain and recovery ahead of him. At this time his future is unknown. We are not sure what kind of function he will have or if his function will improve. We may have to learn a new “normal”. We are just taking it day by day! We have had an overwhelming amount of support and we appreciate that. Jake will be in the hospital anywhere from 1-4 weeks. I am trying to continue working, taking care of the dogs and Jake. We are not sure if and when Jake will be able to return to work. We appreciate each and everyone one of you who have reached out and given support and prayers. I will keep everyone updated on his progress as I am able.