Injured SnoCross Racer Home for Christmas & Showing Improvement

PILLAGER, MN - Friday, December 26, 2008 - Mike Schultz was released from St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth on Wednesday. He and his wife spend a quiet Christmas together. According to the latest entry on Schultz's CaringBridge.com journal, Mike and Sara were both tired, but very happy to be home for Christmas. Schultz received a devastating injury to his lower left leg while racing at this season's 2nd National race in Ironwood, on December 13th. He has made remarkable progress since the injury, and it appears that he is well on his way to a full recovery.

On Monday, Schultz's wife Sara posted the following message:

Hi it is Sara - Mike had his best day yet. I am watching him sleep in the glow of the Christmas lights on the tree in his room. We had a very busy day starting with a visit from his orthopedic doctor, who was very impressed with the progress he made over the weekend. He removed the drain from his left leg and the incision looked great. We sent a goal of Wednesday to be discharged from the hospital!! Mike next hit the gym for physical therapy. He is walking and transferring on his own with the help of a walker. He will switching to crutches after the IV is removed from his upper arm. (He did extra reps for you, Drew.) On the way back from the gym Mike was in a wheelchair and told the therapist that he was going to drive back to his room. Mike's appetite is slowly improving. After gaining 40lbs of fluid, we have now signed him up for the Biggest Loser. On 12/21 he lost 13lbs and on 12/22 he lost another 15lbs. It is amazing and helping him feel a lot better. He is now wearing a compression stocking on the left leg, which is the first step towards a new and improved leg. The pain is constant but he is completely on oral pain medications. His strength, determination, positive attitude and the love and support of friends and family is allowing him to progress quickly.

Mike and I enjoyed our "entertainment" from many friends and family today. We are so thankful everything and are blessed to have each and everyone of you in our lives. Sorry this message is later, my writers are home getting ready for Christmas and our return home. Thanks again for everything!!

Love - Sara Schultz