It took a bit of sweet talking, but I was able to convince my nurse to get my journal from my bag. There were some doubts as to whether or not I'd be 'up to it', but I assured her that holding a quill wasn't as exerting as she made it out to be.
I should be out of here in another week or so. After that, I'll have to get home care until I can walk again, but the point is I'm getting my strength back. The pain comes and goes, but if my spinal injuries had been just a half an inch lower, I'd be in this chair for the rest of my life. Scary fucking thought, but I know how lucky I got.