Sitting at lunch, driving in the car, living our lives….our family seems to constantly remember the little things that Kevin would do or say. Others have told us about dreams they have had. I had another extremely vivid dream a couple nights ago. In the dream, Kevin had apparently ‘awakened’ and took place a few days after and was telling everyone about his experience from his viewpoint. That is, what he had heard, what he had seen, etc… Man, it was so real. Unfortunately, that is not our reality yet, but we pray that it is soon.
Kevin’s heart rate got up pretty high today. Apparently, he was in his blue neuro chair for over three hours (three hours and twenty minutes). Towards the end of his time in the chair, his heart rate got into the 130’s, then while having his trach changed out his heart rate got up to 147 and stayed in the 140’s. By the time, I got up there several hours later, he finally crossed the threshold of 100 to 99. Pray that he can continue to have lower, healthy heart rates, as his body and mind heals.
He also had a temp of 101.8 earlier today, but was 99.5 when I was there. He had a bath today, but it didn’t look like he had been shaved…..hard to tell anyway.
Pray for Kevin’s mind to continue to heal. Pray for his body to continue to heal. Pray for our family to lean on God as we struggle through this. Thanks for praying.
Thanks for reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Update #85 on Kevin
This week we have seen Kevin having an even better heartrate than normal. This week in times of rest, Kevin’s heart rate has been down in the low 80’s. Even hitting 80 one night this week.
Thursday, Kevin got another shower. That makes our family very happy since it provides a different stimulation to Kevin (water, gurney, different room, etc…), and it also helps him be cleaner than a sponge bath.
After reading about them in the Brain Injury Association of America resources, we asked if Occupational and Physical therapy had a Tilt Table. We didn’t even know what it is really, but we know it is something that helps a patient “stand” in a more upright position. We have read that for traumatically brain injured patients the most neurologically stimulating position is standing. This morning around eleven o’clock therapy put Kevin onto the tilt table. It looks like a general doctors office “bed” that you sit on for the doctor to examine you. Same vinyl covering, same size. The difference is that it tilts up electronically. After strapping Kevin in with several belts, they starting lifting Kevin up a few degrees at a time. They would stop and monitor his heart rate, blood pressure and O2 levels. They kept taking Kevin all the way up to 60 degrees. That is actually really impressive for someone who has not been in a standing position for over two months. The therapy department was really impressed with how well Kevin did. They said usually a patient will pass out or their blood pressure will drop suddenly. Kevin didn’t do any of that. He’s a fighter. They said Kevin did great and they will do it again on Monday.
Kevin’s right eye continues to look better each day. With some staff we have to make sure that the ointment is really getting in his eye each hour. Pretty sure today, it didn’t get in there for over three hours this morning. We will keep vigilant about that ointment, since if his eye doesn’t continue getting better the eye doctor has said he would have to tack (sew) his eyelid shut.
Insurance has cleared Kevin until Monday at Meadowbrook. We still have not heard back from the Rehab at St Francis nor the Skilled Nursing Center assessing Kevin. The insurance continues to hound us through the case manager at Meadowbrook about what other places have we visited. We scoured the industry guide, called the Vintage Guide, calling each facility. Then those who would even consider taking someone with a trach we visited. How can we visit more places, if we have been to them all in this area?
Thanks for reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/
Thursday, Kevin got another shower. That makes our family very happy since it provides a different stimulation to Kevin (water, gurney, different room, etc…), and it also helps him be cleaner than a sponge bath.
After reading about them in the Brain Injury Association of America resources, we asked if Occupational and Physical therapy had a Tilt Table. We didn’t even know what it is really, but we know it is something that helps a patient “stand” in a more upright position. We have read that for traumatically brain injured patients the most neurologically stimulating position is standing. This morning around eleven o’clock therapy put Kevin onto the tilt table. It looks like a general doctors office “bed” that you sit on for the doctor to examine you. Same vinyl covering, same size. The difference is that it tilts up electronically. After strapping Kevin in with several belts, they starting lifting Kevin up a few degrees at a time. They would stop and monitor his heart rate, blood pressure and O2 levels. They kept taking Kevin all the way up to 60 degrees. That is actually really impressive for someone who has not been in a standing position for over two months. The therapy department was really impressed with how well Kevin did. They said usually a patient will pass out or their blood pressure will drop suddenly. Kevin didn’t do any of that. He’s a fighter. They said Kevin did great and they will do it again on Monday.
Kevin’s right eye continues to look better each day. With some staff we have to make sure that the ointment is really getting in his eye each hour. Pretty sure today, it didn’t get in there for over three hours this morning. We will keep vigilant about that ointment, since if his eye doesn’t continue getting better the eye doctor has said he would have to tack (sew) his eyelid shut.
Insurance has cleared Kevin until Monday at Meadowbrook. We still have not heard back from the Rehab at St Francis nor the Skilled Nursing Center assessing Kevin. The insurance continues to hound us through the case manager at Meadowbrook about what other places have we visited. We scoured the industry guide, called the Vintage Guide, calling each facility. Then those who would even consider taking someone with a trach we visited. How can we visit more places, if we have been to them all in this area?
Thanks for reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Update #84 on Kevin
A family member wrote yesterday about something that I was planning on mentioning in an upcoming update….that is Kevin’s love of claw machines! You know those machines that look like popcorn machines, with a claw that reaches down and grabs stuffed animals, toys and even jewelry? "The Claw! The Claw is our master. It decides who will go and who will stay." (The little aliens from Toy Story say this when Buzz and Woody meet them at Pizza Planet). A few days ago, Angie, Kohl, Jacob and I were at Wal-Mart. We were leaving and saw the arcade on the way out. We decided to stop and toss in a few quarters. We ended up at the claw machines. I won a necklace for Angie and Jacob won something as well. The allure for me was that Kevin does love those claw machines. The family member that wrote talked about Kevin sitting there dropping twenty bucks to win a stuffed animal for one of his kids or someone else’s.
I saw Kevin’s back sores last night….wow! What a difference a few days makes. It is looking better and healing up. They started putting an antibiotic ointment on it last week and that has seemed to do really well. Kevin’s right eye is also looking better. It still is red in different areas, but the right side of his eye is looking better each day.
Kevin’s doctor came in today and said that Kevin’s blood work came back okay. Which means the MRSA staff infection is not in his blood. This means that the MRSA staff infection is most likely colonized in his back sores.
Kevin has had quite a few secretions the past couple days. Not sure if it is due to allergies or what. It seems many people we know are dealing with allergies, headaches due to allergies, etc…. So maybe Kevin’s are a result of that too.
We got another $1100 this morning towards the kitchen project at Kevin’s house, which means we reached beyond our goal, so we can start ordering the kitchen pieces then it can be installed. Depending on how long it takes to order and get pieces in, the install should only take a couple days. We may have a work day for those wanting to help install it.
Things are progressing, albeit slowly. I was reminded today of this, when a couple of Kevin’s visitors stopped by. They hadn’t been by in about a month. They remarked about the jump in progress since they had seen him. I likened it to watching a snail move. If you sit and watch the snail crawl across the room, it seems like forever…..but if you leave the room and come back later, you see how far the snail has actually come. Well, we’ll celebrate all the progress, whether it comes slowly or quickly. And we will continue to thank God for the progress that has been made.
Thanks for reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (don’t miss a single update)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/
I saw Kevin’s back sores last night….wow! What a difference a few days makes. It is looking better and healing up. They started putting an antibiotic ointment on it last week and that has seemed to do really well. Kevin’s right eye is also looking better. It still is red in different areas, but the right side of his eye is looking better each day.
Kevin’s doctor came in today and said that Kevin’s blood work came back okay. Which means the MRSA staff infection is not in his blood. This means that the MRSA staff infection is most likely colonized in his back sores.
Kevin has had quite a few secretions the past couple days. Not sure if it is due to allergies or what. It seems many people we know are dealing with allergies, headaches due to allergies, etc…. So maybe Kevin’s are a result of that too.
We got another $1100 this morning towards the kitchen project at Kevin’s house, which means we reached beyond our goal, so we can start ordering the kitchen pieces then it can be installed. Depending on how long it takes to order and get pieces in, the install should only take a couple days. We may have a work day for those wanting to help install it.
Things are progressing, albeit slowly. I was reminded today of this, when a couple of Kevin’s visitors stopped by. They hadn’t been by in about a month. They remarked about the jump in progress since they had seen him. I likened it to watching a snail move. If you sit and watch the snail crawl across the room, it seems like forever…..but if you leave the room and come back later, you see how far the snail has actually come. Well, we’ll celebrate all the progress, whether it comes slowly or quickly. And we will continue to thank God for the progress that has been made.
Thanks for reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (don’t miss a single update)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/
Monday, November 2, 2009
Update #83 on Kevin
Sometimes it feels like this whole process is going to take forever. Kevin shouldn’t be laid up in bed in a coma, vegetative state or minimally conscious (depending on whom you talk with). It shouldn’t be like this. All of our lives are ripped up out of the stable ground and cast into the swirling wind. For instance, how do I answer the question, how am I doing? How am I doing? I know for many it is just another way to say “hello”, but some ask expecting an answer. Some ask it with a tilt of the head and quiet understanding which suggests ‘I’m here for you.’ Others ask it as if nothing else is going on. So, how am I doing? Any answer I could give you, on better days to lesser days would be tainted with one fact…..at this moment, Kevin is not now what he once was. That does not mean he will never be again. In fact, as a follower of God, I believe he will be better than he ever was….one day in eternity. But right now, when we go to lunch as a family after church, go to a movie, hang out, etc….and he’s not there, a piece of us is missing. So, if I hesitate in response to that question…..it is only a processing of the current state of our lives and how to state something like “good, but my brother is still not completely awake or the same.” Or “decent, but I haven’t been able to hear my brother tell me one of his stories for over two months”.
This weekend there were a few bumps. The nurses started having trouble getting Kevin’s IV into his veins. Apparently it took at least three different nurses trying to get one in on Saturday and then his IV got pulled out when they moved Kevin into his blue neuro chair on Sunday morning. So, when they went to get it back in, there was a couple more tries.
Also, the infection specialist doctor came in on Sunday morning, saw Kevin had a fever (around 101), heard about the IV’s wanted to know about his PICC line (a line from his arm that goes into his heart and empties out). The nurse told him that he had requested the other one be pulled when Kevin was having fevers before. He wanted everything to be checked for infection (catheters, PICC line, etc…). I guess no one knew to order a replacement PICC. So they replaced a PICC line yesterday evening.
A PICC line was already scheduled for today anyway by Kevin’s general doctor. They have started Kevin on another couple antibiotics, Cipro (ciprofloxacin)and Vancomyacin. He had been on Cipro before. Vancomyacin is a hard hitting antibiotic which is usually only used for serious infections which other medicines may not work (mayo clinic). These are on top of the antibiotic ointment that Kevin is getting for his right eye (which was continuing to look better today). Vancomyacin is so caustic that they have to insert it very slowing to prevent thrombophlibitis (swelling or redness)
It is interesting to note sometimes the politics that play out in a hospital or medical institution. That is, who doesn’t like who, or who disagrees with who. Sometimes, it is interesting to see a whole group (ie nurses, doctors or techs) that disagree with another whole group. They need to all sit down, realize they are on the same team and read the book, “Silos, Politics and Turf Wars” by Patrick Lencioni. Great read, especially for leaders.
A note about Kevin’s kitchen….I hope that as you read these updates you feel no strange impulses of guilt, or a desire on my part to impart those feelings. What I know is that this is how the church can be the church. To not know about a need is the ability to do nothing for that need. It’s really that simple. If you can help…then help. If you can’t or God isn’t leading you to do so…..then don’t. If you have a need, let those around you know about that need and trust God to meet that need. For us it seems to be as difficult to trust sometimes as it is to believe that there is no way God won’t take care of those who love and follow Him. That said, another $100 came in this weekend towards the kitchen project. That means we now have $1300 out of $2300. If only ten people gave $100 we would be purchasing and installing the kitchen in the house this week. Or twenty people to give $50. Really what it comes down to is…if you want to help (and many people have asked for ways to help) this is another way you can help.
I have been checking on the Pray for Kevin bracelets. When we placed the order towards the end of September, it was supposed to take a few weeks. We still have not heard anything from those who were ordering the bracelets, so we will continue to check on those and get them in. Thanks for those who have asked. And definitely thanks for continuing to pray for Kevin with or without those bracelets.
Kevin’s main doctor came in today and saw Kevin alert and up in his blue neuro chair. He told the nurse that this was the most alert that he had seen Kevin. He asked the nurse if Kevin has been like this before, she replied that he has had many alert/awake times like this in the past, especially since getting started on Provigil.
Not sure, who all has been checking the dilation in Kevin’s eyes, but I asked a night nurse recently and she said she hasn’t seen any dilation. I will be checking it myself in a little while. Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement.
Thanks for reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/
This weekend there were a few bumps. The nurses started having trouble getting Kevin’s IV into his veins. Apparently it took at least three different nurses trying to get one in on Saturday and then his IV got pulled out when they moved Kevin into his blue neuro chair on Sunday morning. So, when they went to get it back in, there was a couple more tries.
Also, the infection specialist doctor came in on Sunday morning, saw Kevin had a fever (around 101), heard about the IV’s wanted to know about his PICC line (a line from his arm that goes into his heart and empties out). The nurse told him that he had requested the other one be pulled when Kevin was having fevers before. He wanted everything to be checked for infection (catheters, PICC line, etc…). I guess no one knew to order a replacement PICC. So they replaced a PICC line yesterday evening.
A PICC line was already scheduled for today anyway by Kevin’s general doctor. They have started Kevin on another couple antibiotics, Cipro (ciprofloxacin)and Vancomyacin. He had been on Cipro before. Vancomyacin is a hard hitting antibiotic which is usually only used for serious infections which other medicines may not work (mayo clinic). These are on top of the antibiotic ointment that Kevin is getting for his right eye (which was continuing to look better today). Vancomyacin is so caustic that they have to insert it very slowing to prevent thrombophlibitis (swelling or redness)
It is interesting to note sometimes the politics that play out in a hospital or medical institution. That is, who doesn’t like who, or who disagrees with who. Sometimes, it is interesting to see a whole group (ie nurses, doctors or techs) that disagree with another whole group. They need to all sit down, realize they are on the same team and read the book, “Silos, Politics and Turf Wars” by Patrick Lencioni. Great read, especially for leaders.
A note about Kevin’s kitchen….I hope that as you read these updates you feel no strange impulses of guilt, or a desire on my part to impart those feelings. What I know is that this is how the church can be the church. To not know about a need is the ability to do nothing for that need. It’s really that simple. If you can help…then help. If you can’t or God isn’t leading you to do so…..then don’t. If you have a need, let those around you know about that need and trust God to meet that need. For us it seems to be as difficult to trust sometimes as it is to believe that there is no way God won’t take care of those who love and follow Him. That said, another $100 came in this weekend towards the kitchen project. That means we now have $1300 out of $2300. If only ten people gave $100 we would be purchasing and installing the kitchen in the house this week. Or twenty people to give $50. Really what it comes down to is…if you want to help (and many people have asked for ways to help) this is another way you can help.
I have been checking on the Pray for Kevin bracelets. When we placed the order towards the end of September, it was supposed to take a few weeks. We still have not heard anything from those who were ordering the bracelets, so we will continue to check on those and get them in. Thanks for those who have asked. And definitely thanks for continuing to pray for Kevin with or without those bracelets.
Kevin’s main doctor came in today and saw Kevin alert and up in his blue neuro chair. He told the nurse that this was the most alert that he had seen Kevin. He asked the nurse if Kevin has been like this before, she replied that he has had many alert/awake times like this in the past, especially since getting started on Provigil.
Not sure, who all has been checking the dilation in Kevin’s eyes, but I asked a night nurse recently and she said she hasn’t seen any dilation. I will be checking it myself in a little while. Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement.
Thanks for reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/
Friday, October 30, 2009
Update #82 on Kevin
So Kevin had his rescheduled eye appointment today. The doctor thought that his eye is looking better. He isn’t going to change anything right now, and doesn’t see the need to sew (tack) his eyelid shut just yet. He is going to see him in four weeks. He was very encouraged because Kevin is moving his right eye and blinking more than it was (even if it is slow).
The doctor last week ordered cultures of the sores on Kevin. The results came back and Kevin’s sores have the MRSA bacteria. MRSA is a strain of staph bacteria that’s resistant to the broad spectrum antibiotics commonly used to treat it (Mayo Clinic). Staph bacteria are normally found on the skin or in the nose of about one-third of the population. If you have staph on your skin or in your nose but aren’t sick, you are said to be “colonized” but not infected. However, you can still pass the germ to others. That means gowns and gloves for visitors once more!
After putting in one of our recent updates about Kevin’s home heater, several people responded. Kevin’s heater is now fixed. Thanks so much to the guys who offered and especially those who fixed it. It really means a great deal to our family. At some point, we’ll need someone to look at his AC too, but hopefully, the weather will push that need back a little.
Since the update about Kevin’s kitchen, another $100 was contributed towards the project. That means we have about $1200 towards the need of $2300. The vinyl flooring was installed this week, and with the heater fixed, it is getting really close to structurally finished. Once we raise the money for the kitchen, it can be installed and stained in a relatively short time. After what has been contributed so far, we still need another $1100 to order the pieces. Next steps will be continuing to look at Kevin’s furniture to determine what is salvageable, what will go directly back into the house, and what might go into storage for the meantime.
Thanks to those who have mown lawns throughout this ordeal. It has been a great way to help our family. We really appreciate it.
Thanks for reading and praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (for all updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (for another way to read the updates)
The doctor last week ordered cultures of the sores on Kevin. The results came back and Kevin’s sores have the MRSA bacteria. MRSA is a strain of staph bacteria that’s resistant to the broad spectrum antibiotics commonly used to treat it (Mayo Clinic). Staph bacteria are normally found on the skin or in the nose of about one-third of the population. If you have staph on your skin or in your nose but aren’t sick, you are said to be “colonized” but not infected. However, you can still pass the germ to others. That means gowns and gloves for visitors once more!
After putting in one of our recent updates about Kevin’s home heater, several people responded. Kevin’s heater is now fixed. Thanks so much to the guys who offered and especially those who fixed it. It really means a great deal to our family. At some point, we’ll need someone to look at his AC too, but hopefully, the weather will push that need back a little.
Since the update about Kevin’s kitchen, another $100 was contributed towards the project. That means we have about $1200 towards the need of $2300. The vinyl flooring was installed this week, and with the heater fixed, it is getting really close to structurally finished. Once we raise the money for the kitchen, it can be installed and stained in a relatively short time. After what has been contributed so far, we still need another $1100 to order the pieces. Next steps will be continuing to look at Kevin’s furniture to determine what is salvageable, what will go directly back into the house, and what might go into storage for the meantime.
Thanks to those who have mown lawns throughout this ordeal. It has been a great way to help our family. We really appreciate it.
Thanks for reading and praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (for all updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (for another way to read the updates)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Update #81 on Kevin: Pupil Reaction
So quick good news…..something that we have been waiting on since Kevin was in the Trauma ICU. Kevin’s left eye had pupilary reaction. Tonight, Kevin’s nurse checked Kevin’s eyes with a light, while doing some regular tasks. She didn’t say anything, but went and asked the charge nurse to come back in with her. The charge nurse checked his eyes too and they had a quick whispered conversation, of which Angie heard one of them say, “it did, didn’t it?” Basically, Kevin’s left eye had a definite response to light. Later in the evening, three family members also tried it again. The dilation responses continued. Kevin’s right eye is still healing, so I don’t expect much from it. But it is really exciting to see any quick movement in either eye. Usually, pupil reaction is looked for in an effort to assess consciousness. I’m not sure what this means in relation to Kevin’s situation being two months out from the accident, but we will celebrate it for the new progress that it is.
Thanks for praying and reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (alt address)
Thanks for praying and reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (alt address)
Update #80 on Kevin
Low carbs….. My brother, Kevin, is a big believer in low carbs. So many times, I saw him eat a burger without the bun. Or go to a buffet and have all you can eat steak, proclaiming that it was okay to have that fourth steak…since he wasn’t having any bread or rolls. Kevin has taken care of himself; athletic, good looks, but it’s his personality that people usually fall for. It’s more than just being outgoing. It’s being friendly, nice, helpful. In my opinion, it’s being like Jesus. Is that to say that Kevin lived a perfect life? No, but neither did David, Abraham, Jonah or Paul. And neither have any of us. For those of us who are believers, we strive to do the right thing. That doesn’t mean we do it every single time. What it means is that if we weren’t striving to do the right thing, we would do it right even less than we do now.
Kevin’s eye appointment got cancelled today. His eye doctor got stranded out of state. His eye appointment has been rescheduled for Friday morning.
Since he didn’t go anywhere (on an eye doctor field trip), we requested that Kevin get another one of those old fashioned real showers! You know the kind….water pours out of a shower head on the wall and washes away all the soap and grime. They use a PVC pipe bed for the showers. Again, Kevin had a speaking valve placed instead of hooked up to wall-flo air. He coughed a couple times, but not much they said. He came out smelling good and looking good with a freshly shaved face. Something hit me, the other day when we were going through Kevin’s house stuff. We have to open up boxes and go through everything from his house. We look for flood damaged items. I opened one box and I thought that smells like Kevin. It was sour. I am not a big fan of the sponge bath….maybe it depends on who does it, but often he is not fully cleaned with one. So, I am happy with the real shower.
We continue to learn how to be advocates for Kevin. We don’t want to come across as jerks to anyone, but we don’t want his care to suffer in any way. Overall, the staff at Meadowbrook is great. We have formed several friendships being there and seeing their care for Kevin and our family. We are thankful for where God has us right now. It is hard to look at the future, much less the next step, it seems to be shrouded in a gray fog (or is it grey?). We just forge ahead, looking at the bits of the puzzle that God lays down in front of us. Is it hard? You bet. Is it what we really want to be doing? No way. But we will follow God, in the good and the bad.
Kevin’s house is still being finished. The kitchen floor could not be installed since the heater does not work. The glue would not stick if they tried to place the vinyl flooring now. It has to be more than 65 degrees for the floor to stick. The solution is to get an electric heater that will keep it a tropical 65 degrees for 24 hours in order for the floor to adhere. The flooring should be done by Thursday. Long term, we need the heater fixed (and the AC too). Please let me know if you know how to fix a heater.
The kitchen cabinets need to be ordered and then they can be installed. We have a small team for that. It should take a couple days once we have the modules bought. We have about $1100 towards a total need of about $2300. If you can contribute towards that, pleeeease let me know ASAP (Matt 850-9828).
Kevin was in the neuro chair earlier and was awake throughout. Remember, when I state “awake” I do not mean fully out of his state. In the early levels of consciousness you will begin to have awake and sleep cycles. The provigil Kevin has been on, seems to be having good effects. Also, we have been reading much of the material from the Brain Injury Association of America. There are all different things we can try, which we plan as we move forward.
Now, I think I’ll go get a burger without a bun, in honor of Kevin…..nah, I’ll still eat the bun.
Thanks for reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (alt address)
Kevin’s eye appointment got cancelled today. His eye doctor got stranded out of state. His eye appointment has been rescheduled for Friday morning.
Since he didn’t go anywhere (on an eye doctor field trip), we requested that Kevin get another one of those old fashioned real showers! You know the kind….water pours out of a shower head on the wall and washes away all the soap and grime. They use a PVC pipe bed for the showers. Again, Kevin had a speaking valve placed instead of hooked up to wall-flo air. He coughed a couple times, but not much they said. He came out smelling good and looking good with a freshly shaved face. Something hit me, the other day when we were going through Kevin’s house stuff. We have to open up boxes and go through everything from his house. We look for flood damaged items. I opened one box and I thought that smells like Kevin. It was sour. I am not a big fan of the sponge bath….maybe it depends on who does it, but often he is not fully cleaned with one. So, I am happy with the real shower.
We continue to learn how to be advocates for Kevin. We don’t want to come across as jerks to anyone, but we don’t want his care to suffer in any way. Overall, the staff at Meadowbrook is great. We have formed several friendships being there and seeing their care for Kevin and our family. We are thankful for where God has us right now. It is hard to look at the future, much less the next step, it seems to be shrouded in a gray fog (or is it grey?). We just forge ahead, looking at the bits of the puzzle that God lays down in front of us. Is it hard? You bet. Is it what we really want to be doing? No way. But we will follow God, in the good and the bad.
Kevin’s house is still being finished. The kitchen floor could not be installed since the heater does not work. The glue would not stick if they tried to place the vinyl flooring now. It has to be more than 65 degrees for the floor to stick. The solution is to get an electric heater that will keep it a tropical 65 degrees for 24 hours in order for the floor to adhere. The flooring should be done by Thursday. Long term, we need the heater fixed (and the AC too). Please let me know if you know how to fix a heater.
The kitchen cabinets need to be ordered and then they can be installed. We have a small team for that. It should take a couple days once we have the modules bought. We have about $1100 towards a total need of about $2300. If you can contribute towards that, pleeeease let me know ASAP (Matt 850-9828).
Kevin was in the neuro chair earlier and was awake throughout. Remember, when I state “awake” I do not mean fully out of his state. In the early levels of consciousness you will begin to have awake and sleep cycles. The provigil Kevin has been on, seems to be having good effects. Also, we have been reading much of the material from the Brain Injury Association of America. There are all different things we can try, which we plan as we move forward.
Now, I think I’ll go get a burger without a bun, in honor of Kevin…..nah, I’ll still eat the bun.
Thanks for reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (alt address)
Monday, October 26, 2009
Update #79 on Kevin
When is a good dream a bad dream? Many in our family have been dreaming dreams. Since Kevin’s accident, we have all had dreams about Kevin, good and bad. It does however go in waves. The dreams in the current wave have been good. However, that can be the problem….when you wake up from a good dream and realize that it hasn’t happened yet, the balloon of good feeling is punctured.
I look back over the past couple months and see all the progress that Kevin has made, that brings us happiness. Getting stuck in the snail-like day to day slowness can take its toll on you. This weekend has also been a rollercoaster of emotions. We were basically told on Friday that if our family didn’t make a decision on a skilled nursing facility this week, insurance would force the staff at Meadowbrook to make it for us.
Friday, they also switched Kevin’s food from a continual feeding drip to four times per day getting a can of formula food. He gets two in the morning and one can every six hours after that. This shouldn’t change much in Kevin’s nutrition, but might make it easier for a skilled nursing center to approve him.
We still have not heard back from two centers that were assessing Kevin’s situation to determine their acceptance. Over the weekend, one of the doctors really stepped out and helped the family by ordering some medicine called Provigil. It is for the treatment of narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and excessive daytime sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea. There should be no problems with him taking it, but it might help make Kevin more alert. Today they actually started doubling it. Kevin’s left eye (right eye is taped, not patched) has been open and moving around a lot today. His right eye (that has had all the issues) is continuing to look lighter in color. The white of Kevin’s eye is much less red. The side of his eye has gotten much better, looking only like a bloodshot eye, rather than completely red.
Also, this doctor has been contacting the medical director for Kevin’s insurance in order to get more time here at Meadowbrook. We think they will be allowing Kevin to stay for ten to fourteen more days. We’ll still take it week by week or day by day. It doesn’t totally feel like the amount of time is a for sure thing though. But this doctor has been great.
Tomorrow is Kevin’s follow up eye appointment. EMSA is coming at 12:15 to take him over there. We’ll see what the doctor says about how his eye is doing.
We also received some paperwork from the Traumatic Brain Injury Association of America. Great stuff, we are busily reading through it all. Good insight and great information.
Thanks for reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (this is the main site address)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (does anyone still have problems accessing that site)
I look back over the past couple months and see all the progress that Kevin has made, that brings us happiness. Getting stuck in the snail-like day to day slowness can take its toll on you. This weekend has also been a rollercoaster of emotions. We were basically told on Friday that if our family didn’t make a decision on a skilled nursing facility this week, insurance would force the staff at Meadowbrook to make it for us.
Friday, they also switched Kevin’s food from a continual feeding drip to four times per day getting a can of formula food. He gets two in the morning and one can every six hours after that. This shouldn’t change much in Kevin’s nutrition, but might make it easier for a skilled nursing center to approve him.
We still have not heard back from two centers that were assessing Kevin’s situation to determine their acceptance. Over the weekend, one of the doctors really stepped out and helped the family by ordering some medicine called Provigil. It is for the treatment of narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and excessive daytime sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea. There should be no problems with him taking it, but it might help make Kevin more alert. Today they actually started doubling it. Kevin’s left eye (right eye is taped, not patched) has been open and moving around a lot today. His right eye (that has had all the issues) is continuing to look lighter in color. The white of Kevin’s eye is much less red. The side of his eye has gotten much better, looking only like a bloodshot eye, rather than completely red.
Also, this doctor has been contacting the medical director for Kevin’s insurance in order to get more time here at Meadowbrook. We think they will be allowing Kevin to stay for ten to fourteen more days. We’ll still take it week by week or day by day. It doesn’t totally feel like the amount of time is a for sure thing though. But this doctor has been great.
Tomorrow is Kevin’s follow up eye appointment. EMSA is coming at 12:15 to take him over there. We’ll see what the doctor says about how his eye is doing.
We also received some paperwork from the Traumatic Brain Injury Association of America. Great stuff, we are busily reading through it all. Good insight and great information.
Thanks for reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (this is the main site address)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (does anyone still have problems accessing that site)
Friday, October 23, 2009
Update #78 on Kevin
So, this week has been exhausting…..overall, we went to around thirteen different nursing centers. We had very specific criteria. First of all, they need to have a Skilled Nursing Unit. They have to be able to take someone with a trach. Prepared to handle someone in a coma. And they had to pass our checklist. We have given permission for a total of three places to do assessments at Meadowbrook. That means they evaluate Kevin’s medical condition, care needs and insurance coverage. Then they approve whether or not they can accept him as a resident. We are currently waiting on affirmative response from two different places. One seems more possible than the other. If accepted, they will probably move Kevin on Tuesday, after his eye appointment.
We will continue to pray for Kevin to be where God wants him to be. Thank you so much for joining us in this prayer.
Thanks for reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (catch up on old posts)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (or here)
We will continue to pray for Kevin to be where God wants him to be. Thank you so much for joining us in this prayer.
Thanks for reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (catch up on old posts)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (or here)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Update #77 on Kevin
Kevin’s blood gas test came back yesterday. We were looking for high CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) levels. They told us the results were great. His O2 (Oxygen) levels were a little bit low, but nothing to be concerned about. Still great.
Kevin got denied from another Skilled Nursing Center. We are wondering if he is going to continue to be denied from any Skilled Nursing Center right now, because his care need is more than most Skilled Nursing Centers would provide. A few of us are looking at a few new locations today.
Also, yesterday, I spoke with the Brain Injury Association of Oklahoma and the Brain Injury Association of American (the Virginia office). They are helping us with resources and support. The National Association is sending us a packet of resource materials, for instance a “road map” of things to expect in the future as well as some Coma Stimulation techniques and helps.
Work is continuing on Kevin’s (and family’s) house. The bathroom is done. Next up is the vinyl flooring in the kitchen. The insurance is not going to cover the cabinets in the kitchen, so we have a plan for that. If you would like to donate time or money, especially money to that project please give me a call. If you are keeping score….most often we don’t hear from anyone when I put it in an update. It is due to a psychological phenomenon which causes the reader/hearer to assume that because so many people know about the situation that someone else is surely doing something about it, so less people act.
Thanks for reading and praying about all this,
Matt, Angie and family
PS - Loy Johnson…give me a call at 918-850-9828.
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (forward this to others to read from the beginning)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (or this)
Kevin got denied from another Skilled Nursing Center. We are wondering if he is going to continue to be denied from any Skilled Nursing Center right now, because his care need is more than most Skilled Nursing Centers would provide. A few of us are looking at a few new locations today.
Also, yesterday, I spoke with the Brain Injury Association of Oklahoma and the Brain Injury Association of American (the Virginia office). They are helping us with resources and support. The National Association is sending us a packet of resource materials, for instance a “road map” of things to expect in the future as well as some Coma Stimulation techniques and helps.
Work is continuing on Kevin’s (and family’s) house. The bathroom is done. Next up is the vinyl flooring in the kitchen. The insurance is not going to cover the cabinets in the kitchen, so we have a plan for that. If you would like to donate time or money, especially money to that project please give me a call. If you are keeping score….most often we don’t hear from anyone when I put it in an update. It is due to a psychological phenomenon which causes the reader/hearer to assume that because so many people know about the situation that someone else is surely doing something about it, so less people act.
Thanks for reading and praying about all this,
Matt, Angie and family
PS - Loy Johnson…give me a call at 918-850-9828.
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (forward this to others to read from the beginning)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (or this)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Update #76 on Kevin
The last two days, Kevin has had less secretions. That is something that may come and go, but right now it is gone, so we are thankful. His last X-Ray looked really good, other than a elevated diaphragm on the right lung side. It was probably caused by trauma to the right lung and keeps him from breathing really deeply on the right side, that isn’t a huge issue however, some people live with only one lung. They took new X-Rays today of Kevin’s lungs, so later we’ll see where things are at on that.
Last night, the infection specialist ended Kevin’s antibiotics. He had been on a drip antibiotic to ward against infection in his lungs. His eye antibiotics ended over the weekend. It still looks red, so his main doctor here is having it taped shut. The eye specialist didn’t want it patched because the gauze could get into the eye and irritate it further, but the tape sits only across it, with no real way to get down into the eye.
Yesterday, I wrote that Kevin had a temperature, but and here’s where things get crazy….even though he had a temperature on his forehead with our optical thermometer, the axillary temp under his arm was not showing a temp at all. Was it then just a neurologically localized fever? Basically, what I mean is, is his brain allowing higher temps in certain areas of his body? If part of his brain that was injured controls thermoregulation (the ability of the body to keep its own body temperature within certain boundaries) could that show in various readings around the body?
This week we saw the return of a lung doctor that we had a particularly easy time understanding and dealing with (the lung doctors are here for a week every five to six weeks). She was really happy with Kevin’s progress and told him so. We talked about capping his trach and she said there were benefits to capping it. She told us that one thing that can happen if CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) levels are too high in the blood is that there can be muscle spasms. So, she put in an order for Kevin to be capped specifically so that after a few hours they can do a blood gas test. This is the test that shows levels of gasses in your blood. We will be most interested in the level of CO2 in his blood. He is currently capped and sitting in his blue neuro chair. His heart rate is only 110-112, which is good for sitting in the chair. I also have some TV shows on the portable DVD player. He’s getting to watch one of our new favorites, Community. He has had some various jerks and movements, but not the prolonged muscle reflex spasms which we have seen previously.
Thanks for praying and reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (website)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (alt website address)
Last night, the infection specialist ended Kevin’s antibiotics. He had been on a drip antibiotic to ward against infection in his lungs. His eye antibiotics ended over the weekend. It still looks red, so his main doctor here is having it taped shut. The eye specialist didn’t want it patched because the gauze could get into the eye and irritate it further, but the tape sits only across it, with no real way to get down into the eye.
Yesterday, I wrote that Kevin had a temperature, but and here’s where things get crazy….even though he had a temperature on his forehead with our optical thermometer, the axillary temp under his arm was not showing a temp at all. Was it then just a neurologically localized fever? Basically, what I mean is, is his brain allowing higher temps in certain areas of his body? If part of his brain that was injured controls thermoregulation (the ability of the body to keep its own body temperature within certain boundaries) could that show in various readings around the body?
This week we saw the return of a lung doctor that we had a particularly easy time understanding and dealing with (the lung doctors are here for a week every five to six weeks). She was really happy with Kevin’s progress and told him so. We talked about capping his trach and she said there were benefits to capping it. She told us that one thing that can happen if CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) levels are too high in the blood is that there can be muscle spasms. So, she put in an order for Kevin to be capped specifically so that after a few hours they can do a blood gas test. This is the test that shows levels of gasses in your blood. We will be most interested in the level of CO2 in his blood. He is currently capped and sitting in his blue neuro chair. His heart rate is only 110-112, which is good for sitting in the chair. I also have some TV shows on the portable DVD player. He’s getting to watch one of our new favorites, Community. He has had some various jerks and movements, but not the prolonged muscle reflex spasms which we have seen previously.
Thanks for praying and reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (website)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (alt website address)
Monday, October 19, 2009
Update #75 on Kevin
Yesterday, after church, the family continued one of our traditions. For the past many years on the Sunday following the Tulsa State Fair, our family chose Casa Bonita for lunch after church. For those who remember, on the back of Tulsa State Fair tickets there used to be coupons for the aforementioned restaurant. The past two years, they stopped printing the Casa Bonita coupons, but still give the discount nonetheless. So, we had a family friend stay with Kevin at Meadowbrook while we went for a experience in tradition and memories. Good food and good times, yet we so wished Kevin was there with us.
Kevin has been doing okay. His eye seemed to get real red by the end of last week, which should tell us that there was no infection therefore the strong antibiotics made it red. Now, that gives the insight to treat his severely irritated eye for exposure problem. Ointment in his right eye every hour.
After, asking a couple times, we got Kevin shaved. This was supposed to be done on Saturday and wasn’t. Sometimes it feels like we have to ask for the same things over and over, usually when there is someone new is working with Kevin, but not always. We never found out last week if Kevin was approved till tomorrow, but since we weren’t sitting on the curb with bags and Kevin on a gurney, we assumed that it was approved for Kevin to be here until tomorrow. We never know from week to week whether the almighty insurance company will descend and tell us the gravy train is over. All joking aside, God will be the one to determine for how long Kevin will be anywhere and in what capacity.
Today, in his blue neuro chair, Kevin did well. A few times, his right leg had some muscle spasms. These only lasted about ten to fifteen seconds each time and they stopped suddenly. Is this just how it works? Sometimes, they last for forty-five minutes, other times for ten seconds? Or is Kevin’s mind stopping the movements when he can? Is it just a change in how his brain is healing? God is really the only one who knows.
Kevin has still had some bouts with fever over the past few days. Even today, it got to 101. We put some cold wet rags on him and his fever subsided. When there is brain trauma, fever can be caused neurologically. They continually check for infections and other issues. This is important, because if he does get an infection, we want to be vigilant to catch it.
Thanks for following all this and what you mean to Kevin and our family,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to catch up on all the past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (click here instead)
Kevin has been doing okay. His eye seemed to get real red by the end of last week, which should tell us that there was no infection therefore the strong antibiotics made it red. Now, that gives the insight to treat his severely irritated eye for exposure problem. Ointment in his right eye every hour.
After, asking a couple times, we got Kevin shaved. This was supposed to be done on Saturday and wasn’t. Sometimes it feels like we have to ask for the same things over and over, usually when there is someone new is working with Kevin, but not always. We never found out last week if Kevin was approved till tomorrow, but since we weren’t sitting on the curb with bags and Kevin on a gurney, we assumed that it was approved for Kevin to be here until tomorrow. We never know from week to week whether the almighty insurance company will descend and tell us the gravy train is over. All joking aside, God will be the one to determine for how long Kevin will be anywhere and in what capacity.
Today, in his blue neuro chair, Kevin did well. A few times, his right leg had some muscle spasms. These only lasted about ten to fifteen seconds each time and they stopped suddenly. Is this just how it works? Sometimes, they last for forty-five minutes, other times for ten seconds? Or is Kevin’s mind stopping the movements when he can? Is it just a change in how his brain is healing? God is really the only one who knows.
Kevin has still had some bouts with fever over the past few days. Even today, it got to 101. We put some cold wet rags on him and his fever subsided. When there is brain trauma, fever can be caused neurologically. They continually check for infections and other issues. This is important, because if he does get an infection, we want to be vigilant to catch it.
Thanks for following all this and what you mean to Kevin and our family,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to catch up on all the past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (click here instead)
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Update #74 on Kevin
Kevin had a fever earlier today, but with a little ice and Tylenol it came back down. Also, I found out that I was wrong, the night before last Kevin did have a fever, but yesterday it wasn’t an issue.
We went over and checked out things at the warehouse that contains Kevin’s property from the house. We made assessments of furniture that was flood damaged. So far the adjuster has only offered on a couple pieces of furniture, but we already found more that were damaged. Pray that this is not a battle. The fridge and stove were working before the flood and the adjuster didn’t want to pay for those either. Also, in looking at the setup of the house. We are going to need someone to come and look at the heater, especially with winter lurking. It isn’t working. It needs to work.
Kevin was “alert” last night until 12:30 AM moving . It is supposed to get his muscle relaxer around 9 PM, yet he is still moving around every night and yet very drowsy some days. I think that Kevin’s doctor is cutting Kevin’s muscle relaxer in half. Although I am not sure when that starts.
I think that the softball benefit tournament got postponed due to a couple conflicts. Once I get a firm date for it, I will repost the information.
Thanks to all those who have given time in prayer, concern for the family, and well wishes,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (archived past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (or here)
We went over and checked out things at the warehouse that contains Kevin’s property from the house. We made assessments of furniture that was flood damaged. So far the adjuster has only offered on a couple pieces of furniture, but we already found more that were damaged. Pray that this is not a battle. The fridge and stove were working before the flood and the adjuster didn’t want to pay for those either. Also, in looking at the setup of the house. We are going to need someone to come and look at the heater, especially with winter lurking. It isn’t working. It needs to work.
Kevin was “alert” last night until 12:30 AM moving . It is supposed to get his muscle relaxer around 9 PM, yet he is still moving around every night and yet very drowsy some days. I think that Kevin’s doctor is cutting Kevin’s muscle relaxer in half. Although I am not sure when that starts.
I think that the softball benefit tournament got postponed due to a couple conflicts. Once I get a firm date for it, I will repost the information.
Thanks to all those who have given time in prayer, concern for the family, and well wishes,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (archived past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (or here)
Friday, October 16, 2009
Update #73 on Kevin
Last night, Kevin seemed to sleep well. He had less secretions last night and this morning too. Last night’s respiratory therapist told me his lungs were sounding good and looking better on the X-rays. It just shows that his right lung is not taking in as deep of breaths.
Kevin did really well with his shower. They had to unhook him from everything that monitors his status, as well as the wall-flow. So they put a speaking valve on him and rolled him in. We hope they start doing that more as opposed to the sponge baths. He looked so good afterwards and smelled good too.
Kevin has been in his blue neuro chair for two hours. I first put on a new show for him to watch called Community. Then later another show called Supernatural. His eyes have been open the entire time he has been in the chair. Of course his right eye is greased up with ointment, but his left eye has directed towards the portable DVD player several times.
He has been doing very well in the area of digestion lately. He has not had very many residuals lately. None that have required them to stop his tube feeding.
The situation with his fever has gotten better. He has not had hardly any fever the past few days. Keep praying.
Today, I think we have finally found time to check out some stuff at the warehouse from Kevin’s house. It has been difficult finding time that we could leave Kevin and go over there. We need to determine what needs to be cleaned, restored, replaced, etc… of the furniture. The house is coming along and should be finished in the next few days. I don’t know if this includes the kitchen. The insurance is not covering the cabinets, because the adjuster said there was previous water damage. The restoration company has said they would be able to replace the bottom cabinets with a base model out of their own expenses. We would love to replace his upper cabinets at the same time so that they match. We’ve been told that the upper cabinets will cost around $2000 (labor not included). Not sure where that money will come from but we would love to replace them for him. If you are looking for something special to give towards this might be it! Give me a call at 918-850-9828 to talk about it or send me a message.
As we feel the push from insurance to find a next level facility, one of things that we have to be concerned with, unfortunately, is cost. It seems that Kevin’s insurance covers only 50% of a skilled nursing center for up to 60 days. That means that if were to get approved for a skilled nursing center that would cost $6000 per month, the family would need to come up with half of that. We would not be guaranteed a two month stay however, it would go week to ulcer creating week, waiting on the approval of insurance, like we were peasants waiting for the edict of a King each week to determine if we can stay or not. Could we have another cup or gruel sir??
Another way to this effort is to play softball. That’s right softball. I have mentioned before about Kevin’s love of softball and he has been involved in it for years. There is a benefit tournament for Kevin this weekend at Carl Smith. You can find out details here at the softball boards (Benefit-Tourney-for-Kevin-Crosser-Oct-17th.html). I think it has to be a registered team, but you can also go and buy raffle tickets and stuff.
Thanks for your prayers,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (read the past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (alternate address)
Kevin did really well with his shower. They had to unhook him from everything that monitors his status, as well as the wall-flow. So they put a speaking valve on him and rolled him in. We hope they start doing that more as opposed to the sponge baths. He looked so good afterwards and smelled good too.
Kevin has been in his blue neuro chair for two hours. I first put on a new show for him to watch called Community. Then later another show called Supernatural. His eyes have been open the entire time he has been in the chair. Of course his right eye is greased up with ointment, but his left eye has directed towards the portable DVD player several times.
He has been doing very well in the area of digestion lately. He has not had very many residuals lately. None that have required them to stop his tube feeding.
The situation with his fever has gotten better. He has not had hardly any fever the past few days. Keep praying.
Today, I think we have finally found time to check out some stuff at the warehouse from Kevin’s house. It has been difficult finding time that we could leave Kevin and go over there. We need to determine what needs to be cleaned, restored, replaced, etc… of the furniture. The house is coming along and should be finished in the next few days. I don’t know if this includes the kitchen. The insurance is not covering the cabinets, because the adjuster said there was previous water damage. The restoration company has said they would be able to replace the bottom cabinets with a base model out of their own expenses. We would love to replace his upper cabinets at the same time so that they match. We’ve been told that the upper cabinets will cost around $2000 (labor not included). Not sure where that money will come from but we would love to replace them for him. If you are looking for something special to give towards this might be it! Give me a call at 918-850-9828 to talk about it or send me a message.
As we feel the push from insurance to find a next level facility, one of things that we have to be concerned with, unfortunately, is cost. It seems that Kevin’s insurance covers only 50% of a skilled nursing center for up to 60 days. That means that if were to get approved for a skilled nursing center that would cost $6000 per month, the family would need to come up with half of that. We would not be guaranteed a two month stay however, it would go week to ulcer creating week, waiting on the approval of insurance, like we were peasants waiting for the edict of a King each week to determine if we can stay or not. Could we have another cup or gruel sir??
Another way to this effort is to play softball. That’s right softball. I have mentioned before about Kevin’s love of softball and he has been involved in it for years. There is a benefit tournament for Kevin this weekend at Carl Smith. You can find out details here at the softball boards (Benefit-Tourney-for-Kevin-Crosser-Oct-17th.html). I think it has to be a registered team, but you can also go and buy raffle tickets and stuff.
Thanks for your prayers,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (read the past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (alternate address)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Update #72 on Kevin
Coney Island. Today, some of us had meetings downtown. Afterwards, we didn’t miss the opportunity to go to one of my family’s favorite restaurant haunts, Coney Island. All over Tulsa there are restaurants called Coney Islander, they used to be connected with the Coney Island downtown. In fact, it was the first one in town back in 1926! I’m not sure when they parted ways, but the chili at the downtown location is a little different, a little richer, a little better. I can’t tell you how many memories I have of our family, recently and past, that were at a Coney Islander or the Coney Island downtown. Oh how I wished Kevin had been with us for lunch today.
Today, Kevin got his first real shower since the accident! They have a special stretcher bed that can get wet. It is constructed of PVC pipe and a canvas liner. Kevin looked and smelled so good afterwards!
The past couple days, Kevin’s temperature has been lower and even dropped down to normal. Yesterday, Kevin’s heartbeat got high when he was in his neuro chair and exhibited stimulation signs, such as spasms and shakes. This week his head has been moving around more, back and forth.
I haven’t seen his eye today, but yesterday it was looking more red. There are still a few days left of the antibiotic, but if it stays like this or gets even more red, then it would support the eye doctors theory that there is no more infection in it, just exposure.
Thanks for the messages, emails, replies, etc….. We may not always respond to them, but I want you to know how much we appreciate them. Kevin usually gets on average 3-4 visitors per day and we appreciate them very much.
Pray for us as we care for Kevin. Pray for our finances to stretch as we straddle two homes (Angie and I – Italy & Tulsa; Taylor and Kohl – Tulsa & Midwest City). Pray for our family as we try to live and breathe and “do” normal even as we try to figure out what is normal in the middle of all of this. Pray for Kevin to heal and be restored to us.
Thanks for all you are to us,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (for all past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (or rather here)
Today, Kevin got his first real shower since the accident! They have a special stretcher bed that can get wet. It is constructed of PVC pipe and a canvas liner. Kevin looked and smelled so good afterwards!
The past couple days, Kevin’s temperature has been lower and even dropped down to normal. Yesterday, Kevin’s heartbeat got high when he was in his neuro chair and exhibited stimulation signs, such as spasms and shakes. This week his head has been moving around more, back and forth.
I haven’t seen his eye today, but yesterday it was looking more red. There are still a few days left of the antibiotic, but if it stays like this or gets even more red, then it would support the eye doctors theory that there is no more infection in it, just exposure.
Thanks for the messages, emails, replies, etc….. We may not always respond to them, but I want you to know how much we appreciate them. Kevin usually gets on average 3-4 visitors per day and we appreciate them very much.
Pray for us as we care for Kevin. Pray for our finances to stretch as we straddle two homes (Angie and I – Italy & Tulsa; Taylor and Kohl – Tulsa & Midwest City). Pray for our family as we try to live and breathe and “do” normal even as we try to figure out what is normal in the middle of all of this. Pray for Kevin to heal and be restored to us.
Thanks for all you are to us,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (for all past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (or rather here)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Update #71 on Kevin
Kevin is in his bed with a furrowed brow and frown. He favors the left side of his face. For instance right now, his furrowed brow is on the left side, as is his frown. Over the years, being his younger brother, I have seen his face frown. Sometimes, it was when he didn’t agree with something. Other times, it was when he was frustrated. And then there were the times that he couldn’t believe someone would choose to do whatever they were doing, whether it was going to a particular restaurant (“you want to go there?”) or choose a shirt (“you like that?” Usually, those times were light-heartened teasing.
Kevin went to an eye doctor today. EMSA came and picked him up around 10:30 AM. They ended up hanging around at the doctor’s office since his office did not have things to suction (if necessary) or even a bed to lay him onto off of EMSA’s stretcher. So they moved him into a exam room and went out in the hall until it was done.
Angie and I went with Kevin to the eye doctor. He feels like it is probably just exposure from Kevin’s eye not closing much. However, since there is pseudomonas in Kevin’s lung, he wanted to verify that it was not causing an infection in his eye. So, he wants to hit it hard with two strong antibiotics for five days eight times per day. Also, he wants the ointment that Kevin is getting in his eye to be applied every hour on the hour. I think that is what the order has said for the ointment, but some nurses have only put it in every few hours, while others have stuck to the once per hour order. He also said that he did not want it patched any more. He said that if he opens his eye, gauze can rub and scratch the eye, when it is patched like that. He set up an appointment for two weeks from now. He said if it was only caused by exposure the eye could get more red again, since the two antibiotics are strong. Then they can treat it more for exposure. If there is an infection the antibiotics should make it improve even more.
Angie saw Kevin yawn on Sunday. That’s the first time we have seen that.
We continue to look at new options for a next step, even though we still think it is too soon to go somewhere. Apparently, that is what one facility thought that did an assessment. So what happens if all the possible places think it is too soon and insurance wants him to leave this place??????
Speaking of insurance, the house is coming along….the rooms are all painted and carpet is in. The restoration company showed us tile samples to go in the kitchen. Once we decide for sure on those they can put that in. Then the next step would be starting to go through the flood damaged property. Not sure when we will find the time to do that.
We’re going to check another facility today, then we have to start looking at places further out.
Kevin has still had fever, just low grade (around 100.4) yesterday and today. Not enough for Tylenol yet, but we are keeping an eye on it.
Oh yeah, and Kevin is still furrowing his left eyebrow, just a little…..but the frown is almost gone.
Thanks for reading and praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (for previous updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (or here)
Kevin went to an eye doctor today. EMSA came and picked him up around 10:30 AM. They ended up hanging around at the doctor’s office since his office did not have things to suction (if necessary) or even a bed to lay him onto off of EMSA’s stretcher. So they moved him into a exam room and went out in the hall until it was done.
Angie and I went with Kevin to the eye doctor. He feels like it is probably just exposure from Kevin’s eye not closing much. However, since there is pseudomonas in Kevin’s lung, he wanted to verify that it was not causing an infection in his eye. So, he wants to hit it hard with two strong antibiotics for five days eight times per day. Also, he wants the ointment that Kevin is getting in his eye to be applied every hour on the hour. I think that is what the order has said for the ointment, but some nurses have only put it in every few hours, while others have stuck to the once per hour order. He also said that he did not want it patched any more. He said that if he opens his eye, gauze can rub and scratch the eye, when it is patched like that. He set up an appointment for two weeks from now. He said if it was only caused by exposure the eye could get more red again, since the two antibiotics are strong. Then they can treat it more for exposure. If there is an infection the antibiotics should make it improve even more.
Angie saw Kevin yawn on Sunday. That’s the first time we have seen that.
We continue to look at new options for a next step, even though we still think it is too soon to go somewhere. Apparently, that is what one facility thought that did an assessment. So what happens if all the possible places think it is too soon and insurance wants him to leave this place??????
Speaking of insurance, the house is coming along….the rooms are all painted and carpet is in. The restoration company showed us tile samples to go in the kitchen. Once we decide for sure on those they can put that in. Then the next step would be starting to go through the flood damaged property. Not sure when we will find the time to do that.
We’re going to check another facility today, then we have to start looking at places further out.
Kevin has still had fever, just low grade (around 100.4) yesterday and today. Not enough for Tylenol yet, but we are keeping an eye on it.
Oh yeah, and Kevin is still furrowing his left eyebrow, just a little…..but the frown is almost gone.
Thanks for reading and praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (for previous updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (or here)
Monday, October 12, 2009
Update #70 on Kevin
This morning we got here around 8:15 AM. Kevin had another fever of 103, so we told the staff and they brought in some Tylenol. He had it in his system for about an hour and it had kicked in. His temp dropped down to 100. His doctor came in and told us that his eye appointment is set for tomorrow morning, even though his right is looking a little better (it’s still red and pink, but not as brightly colored blood red as previously). UPDATE to the temp (I started writing this an hour ago) – Now his temp has started to go back up, it is at 102, and we have some ice around some warm points of the body to help cool him down until it is okay to take his temperature again.
A family friend came up to give Kevin a haircut. I gave him a little of my gel. He is looking sharp! He does need a shave though.
Kevin got the smaller trach tube placed over the weekend. It went down in size from an 8 to a 6. It also does not have the little balloon on the end. Before he needed that to prevent aspiration. I guess that is not as much of a concern now. There has been some slowdown on capping the trach. I think the lung doctors’ opinion (he has one per week in a five week rotation) is that unless he is more alert, it would be a mistake to remove the trach completely. Normally, you would cap the trach as a way to determine tolerance for removal. But we feel that in coma stimulation and discovery there are other reasons for capping the trach and/or placing the speaking valve. For one, if he is going to make any sounds or say anything, he can only do this when his trach has at least the speaker valve on it (or when capped). For another, studies show that using smells for about ten seconds per smell can be good coma stimulation. So we do see benefit in using those methods as long as it does not hurt Kevin. I was reassured by the PA today that as long as we are here, he can be capped without danger.
There are still rumblings about moving him. While we have looked at several places for the next move, we aren’t sure if it is time yet.
For those of us from out of town (or country), we can start to feel the financial pinch. God has always provided, and we believe that he always will. It’s just in these lean times, that we look to see how God will supply.
Tomorrow Kevin has an eye appointment tomorrow so we will hopefully find out more then.
Last night was the final night of the Tulsa State Fair, so several of us went. We ended up at the knife ring toss as usual. I won a few cool knives for Kevin.
Thank you for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (go here to read past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (or here)
A family friend came up to give Kevin a haircut. I gave him a little of my gel. He is looking sharp! He does need a shave though.
Kevin got the smaller trach tube placed over the weekend. It went down in size from an 8 to a 6. It also does not have the little balloon on the end. Before he needed that to prevent aspiration. I guess that is not as much of a concern now. There has been some slowdown on capping the trach. I think the lung doctors’ opinion (he has one per week in a five week rotation) is that unless he is more alert, it would be a mistake to remove the trach completely. Normally, you would cap the trach as a way to determine tolerance for removal. But we feel that in coma stimulation and discovery there are other reasons for capping the trach and/or placing the speaking valve. For one, if he is going to make any sounds or say anything, he can only do this when his trach has at least the speaker valve on it (or when capped). For another, studies show that using smells for about ten seconds per smell can be good coma stimulation. So we do see benefit in using those methods as long as it does not hurt Kevin. I was reassured by the PA today that as long as we are here, he can be capped without danger.
There are still rumblings about moving him. While we have looked at several places for the next move, we aren’t sure if it is time yet.
For those of us from out of town (or country), we can start to feel the financial pinch. God has always provided, and we believe that he always will. It’s just in these lean times, that we look to see how God will supply.
Tomorrow Kevin has an eye appointment tomorrow so we will hopefully find out more then.
Last night was the final night of the Tulsa State Fair, so several of us went. We ended up at the knife ring toss as usual. I won a few cool knives for Kevin.
Thank you for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (go here to read past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (or here)
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Update #69 on Kevin
Thanks for your continued prayers even with the lack of updates.
Throughout this weekend, Kevin has continued to battle his fever spikes. When the fever comes on, there are full body shivers that accompany it. Sometimes the shivers come first, sometimes the fever comes first. His white count has remained good. I found out tonight info about a sputum culture that was taken on October 2nd and came back on October 5th. It showed pseudomonas again, which brings fevers with it, as well as infections in lungs and eyes, not sure if it was ever in the eyes though.
They continue to put Kevin in the neuro chair on a daily basis, usually twice, but sometimes less, if he has a fever spike or intense body tremors. The doctor has an appointment at an eye specialist’s office on Tuesday morning. This is good for the eye, although I will say that today Kevin’s right eye was starting to look even better, especially when compared with a week ago. There is more pink than red in some sections, and the red is not bright blood red like last Monday night.
We have been learning how to do basic care stuff, including suctioning Kevin’s trach tube and also oral care. The more we know, the better care Kevin will have.
Thanks for praying and reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to find all the past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (if you have trouble with the first link)
Throughout this weekend, Kevin has continued to battle his fever spikes. When the fever comes on, there are full body shivers that accompany it. Sometimes the shivers come first, sometimes the fever comes first. His white count has remained good. I found out tonight info about a sputum culture that was taken on October 2nd and came back on October 5th. It showed pseudomonas again, which brings fevers with it, as well as infections in lungs and eyes, not sure if it was ever in the eyes though.
They continue to put Kevin in the neuro chair on a daily basis, usually twice, but sometimes less, if he has a fever spike or intense body tremors. The doctor has an appointment at an eye specialist’s office on Tuesday morning. This is good for the eye, although I will say that today Kevin’s right eye was starting to look even better, especially when compared with a week ago. There is more pink than red in some sections, and the red is not bright blood red like last Monday night.
We have been learning how to do basic care stuff, including suctioning Kevin’s trach tube and also oral care. The more we know, the better care Kevin will have.
Thanks for praying and reading,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to find all the past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (if you have trouble with the first link)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Update #68 on Kevin
This morning was much more laid back. We found out last night that Kevin’s doctor had consulted with an eye specialist about Kevin’s eye. They are going to treat it with a very powerful antibiotic and topical ointment.
The MRI while not focused on Kevin’s brain (it was intended for his eye) did capture an overview of his brain. It showed that there was still blood residue around the fracture point on the right side of his head. It also showed residual blood in his brain where the trauma had been (including the brainstem). He said it could take awhile for that to go away.
Kevin has still been battling fever and they are trying to figure out what is causing it. His body has had tremors and chills whenever the fever is coming on, so it has been a signal.
He sat in his neuro chair once so far today for 2 hours and 45 minutes. The physical and occupational therapists held Kevin in a sitting position on the edge of his bed for 20 minutes again today.
Pray for Kevin’s eye to heal, pray for his fever to subside, pray for his mind to heal completely.
Thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to find all the past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (an alternate address)
The MRI while not focused on Kevin’s brain (it was intended for his eye) did capture an overview of his brain. It showed that there was still blood residue around the fracture point on the right side of his head. It also showed residual blood in his brain where the trauma had been (including the brainstem). He said it could take awhile for that to go away.
Kevin has still been battling fever and they are trying to figure out what is causing it. His body has had tremors and chills whenever the fever is coming on, so it has been a signal.
He sat in his neuro chair once so far today for 2 hours and 45 minutes. The physical and occupational therapists held Kevin in a sitting position on the edge of his bed for 20 minutes again today.
Pray for Kevin’s eye to heal, pray for his fever to subside, pray for his mind to heal completely.
Thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to find all the past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (an alternate address)
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Update #67 on Kevin
Okay…..take a breath, Matt. Today has been really stressful. Not really bad stuff, but it has already been a flurry of activity. I mean it seems like every doctor, nurse, tech, specialist, case worker, therapist, etc… has come through Kevin’s door this morning. Only the last thirty minutes have been somewhat peaceful. Here’s the list of those that came in:
Infection Specialist (for his eye – he said it is looking better to him)
Wound Specialist (for his heel blood blisters – She is ordering new suspension boots that are soft)
Neurologist (increased the amount of nightly muscle relaxer from 10mg to 20mg, after only one night)
Pulmonologist (Lung Doctor, he said it might not be good to remove the trach until he is more awake)
Physician’s Assistant (to the Lung Doctors – nodded in agreement with the lung doctor)
Case Worker (Insurance cleared Kevin for another week at Meadowbrook)
Respiratory Therapist (capped his trach for about three hours)
Pharmacist (with an antibiotic that supposed to be here last night; it was wrong, I had the nurse switch it)
X-Ray technician (took an X-Ray of Kevin’s chest)
Physical therapist & Occupational therapist (they had him sit up on the side of the bed for 20 mins this time, 2 days ago it was 10)
Nurses (to nurse him to health)
Techs (to tech him to health)
I know there were others, but the one who hasn’t shown up yet, is his main general doctor. He is always good about answering questions, which is good, since I have a list of about six or seven.
Yesterday, we spoke with Kevin’s dentist. We just wanted to check to make sure there wasn’t anything we needed to be concerned with. They said there is nothing that we need to worry about for now. It is good that he is being tube fed, instead of a tube down his throat. The reason is that there is no food going into his mouth to encourage the growth of bacteria in his mouth. We can even get a dry tooth brush to work on his teeth ourselves.
Reps from one of the Skilled Nursery facilities visited today. They missed one of the windows of Kevin’s more alert stages throughout the day. I think they are planning on returning. As of right now, he is cleared to remain at Meadowbrook for another week. We are happy with him staying at Meadowbrook as long as his insurance will let him. Can I just say that it is warped that insurance is one of the biggest deciders for Kevin’s medical state. Asinine. Did the insurance go to school the study medicine??? Well, I just have to fall back and trust in the one who created doctors and insurance agents. God will continue to get us through this situation. Please pray that Kevin remains or goes to wherever God has the best for him.
Pray for Kevin’s complete recovery.
Pray for our family to become closer to God as we go through this together.
Pray that the nurses, doctors, etc… are opened to Kevin’s progress and God’s involvement.
Pray for the restoration of Kevin’s house.
The thing about stress is that it can come from good things and bad things. Stress can impact your health, your decisions, your life. Pray that we rely on the Holy Spirit to comfort us and for us to wade through the waist deep swamp of stress in which we currently find ourselves. I am already feeling more relaxed.
Thanks for your prayers,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (check out the updates you missed, it may not make sense otherwise)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (you can find them here too)
Infection Specialist (for his eye – he said it is looking better to him)
Wound Specialist (for his heel blood blisters – She is ordering new suspension boots that are soft)
Neurologist (increased the amount of nightly muscle relaxer from 10mg to 20mg, after only one night)
Pulmonologist (Lung Doctor, he said it might not be good to remove the trach until he is more awake)
Physician’s Assistant (to the Lung Doctors – nodded in agreement with the lung doctor)
Case Worker (Insurance cleared Kevin for another week at Meadowbrook)
Respiratory Therapist (capped his trach for about three hours)
Pharmacist (with an antibiotic that supposed to be here last night; it was wrong, I had the nurse switch it)
X-Ray technician (took an X-Ray of Kevin’s chest)
Physical therapist & Occupational therapist (they had him sit up on the side of the bed for 20 mins this time, 2 days ago it was 10)
Nurses (to nurse him to health)
Techs (to tech him to health)
I know there were others, but the one who hasn’t shown up yet, is his main general doctor. He is always good about answering questions, which is good, since I have a list of about six or seven.
Yesterday, we spoke with Kevin’s dentist. We just wanted to check to make sure there wasn’t anything we needed to be concerned with. They said there is nothing that we need to worry about for now. It is good that he is being tube fed, instead of a tube down his throat. The reason is that there is no food going into his mouth to encourage the growth of bacteria in his mouth. We can even get a dry tooth brush to work on his teeth ourselves.
Reps from one of the Skilled Nursery facilities visited today. They missed one of the windows of Kevin’s more alert stages throughout the day. I think they are planning on returning. As of right now, he is cleared to remain at Meadowbrook for another week. We are happy with him staying at Meadowbrook as long as his insurance will let him. Can I just say that it is warped that insurance is one of the biggest deciders for Kevin’s medical state. Asinine. Did the insurance go to school the study medicine??? Well, I just have to fall back and trust in the one who created doctors and insurance agents. God will continue to get us through this situation. Please pray that Kevin remains or goes to wherever God has the best for him.
Pray for Kevin’s complete recovery.
Pray for our family to become closer to God as we go through this together.
Pray that the nurses, doctors, etc… are opened to Kevin’s progress and God’s involvement.
Pray for the restoration of Kevin’s house.
The thing about stress is that it can come from good things and bad things. Stress can impact your health, your decisions, your life. Pray that we rely on the Holy Spirit to comfort us and for us to wade through the waist deep swamp of stress in which we currently find ourselves. I am already feeling more relaxed.
Thanks for your prayers,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (check out the updates you missed, it may not make sense otherwise)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (you can find them here too)
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