Eventers truly are the most resilient people on the planet, and Denny Emerson is at the top of that list. Denny fell and broke a vertebrae in his neck on Sunday at the Stoneleigh Burnham horse trials in Massachusetts. By the grace of God he was spared from spinal chord injury and is expected to recover without surgery in 3 months. Denny’s wife May was kind enough to send us an update on how Denny is doing, including the great news that he is coming home from the hospital today. May also requests that if you are trying to contact Denny in the next week please use email and Facebook notes.
From May:
Denny will be coming home today. They have gotten a little better handle on his pain, the worst of which is caused by muscle spasms in his head probably from the trauma and most likely from the unnatural position it is forced into by the “halo” contraption. His chin is up so he can’t really look down or straight ahead – his vision is always directed toward just below the ceiling. This makes walking a challenge. He uses a walker and is very careful. Yesterday he was able to get in and out of his bed, walk around the nurses’ station, practice climbing a couple of stairs, etc. (We have 5 steps up into our house.) After the prescribed 3 months in this “halo” his dressage position will be a 10!
Denny is really looking forward to coming home to quiet, where he can deal with his injury and hopefully get uninterrupted sleep whenever he is able. We have had many wonderful calls from our friends, and really appreciate your concern and help, but for the next week or two would ask that most communication take place by email or notes. Denny’s not up to talking on the phone, and can’t read or see a computer yet. The next three months are going to be a challenge, but he continues to be thankful that his injuries were not worse and has a great positive attitude to hasten his recovery. He sends his best to everyone & hopes that they all will wear the appropriate safety gear that’s available now.
Thanks for all your prayers and good wishes.
Thank you for sending us the update May and we are incredibly happy to hear Denny is coming home! Go Denny.
