They tried to cap Kevin’s trach around 10:30 AM. His stats were okay, but he seemed to be trying to breathe through the capped trach. His body hadn’t quite adjusted to breathing in and out through his nose and mouth yet. So, instead of going completely back on the trach tube, they put his speaking valve on. If you’ll remember, the speaking valve, allows him to take breaths in but he has to breathe out through his nose and mouth. He has been on the speaking valve since since then and his vitals have continued to improve. Just now his heart rate is in the 90’s and his respiratory rate has been in the high teens and low 20s. That means he has been off the trach tube and on the speaking valve for 2 ½ hours. I think before the longest had been around 1 hr 20 mins.
The respiratory therapist came in to take his speaking valve off. She only did this to give him a breathing treatment. He coughed just a first and she suctioned it off. Then he was clear. She said he continued to sound really clear. After the breathing treatment, she put the speaking valve back on, but this time left the nasal O2 line off. They had put in on this morning, when they tried the cap. They said that they didn’t think he needed it, but it was just a precaution. He has done so well, it is better that he has it back off.
Physical and occupational therapy came in and worked on his range of motion. Also over the past couple days Kevin’s residuals have been next to nothing. Residuals are just the measurement of what is left in his stomach, in other words, what he is NOT digesting. So low residuals mean that he is digesting his food well. His doctor said this morning that his nutrition levels were normal, so he is getting what he needs.
People continue to ask what they can do for the family, so I will list options here….
- If you work at American Airlines and have days off that you would consider donating to my brother, Greg, you can do so at the administration desk located next to the injury counselor’s office in the admin building (near the credit union). We are getting ready to start sorting through all Kevin’s possessions that were in Kevin’s house during the flood. We have to go through every single item. It would be very helpful for us if Greg was able to have the time off to help at the warehouse.
- If you want to prepare meals for the family or deliver the meals is something that you would like to help with, we could still use help in that area. You can contact Jeff Congdon, if you would like to prepare or deliver a meal OR you can contribute to the Crosser account #4374300 at 742-DINE.
New stats:
Members of the “Pray for Kevin” Facebook group: 295 members
Subscribers to the “Pray for Kevin” email update list: 285 subscribers
Visitors to prayforkevin.com: 1,968 people
How many times prayforkevin.com has viewed: 6,815 views
Twitter followers of pray4kevin: 30 twitterers
There’s almost been 2000 people go to prayforkevin.com! Thanks for spreading the word. If you know of anyone that would like to get these updates, please forward the updates to them. Or have them go to http://www.prayforkevin.com/ and sign up to receive the updates via email.
Thanks for praying for Kevin,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (click here to read all the updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (just another way to get there)
Monday, September 28, 2009
Update #57 on Kevin
Have you ever heard the song “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good” by Don Williams? I remember Kevin bringing home that song on an 8-track. For those of you too young to remember the vinyl albums and 45s, good luck remembering 8-tracks. They were basically pre-cassette cassettes, about the size of a thick piece of toast. Anyway, the lyrics to that song are…
Lord, I hope this day is good
I'm feelin' empty and misunderstood
I should be thankful Lord, I know I should
But Lord, I hope this day is good
Lord, have you forgotten me
I've been prayin' to you faithfully
I'm not sayin' I'm a righteous man
But Lord, I hope you understand
I don't need fortune and I don't need fame
Send down the thunder Lord, send down the rain
But when you're planning just how it will be
Plan a good day for me
You've been the king since the dawn of time
All that I'm asking is a little less crime
It might be hard fo the devil to do
As we arrived here this morning (we had another family member stay last night thankfully), the sun was up, and things felt hopeful. We got there in time to meet today’s respiratory therapist and RN. A short while later and his main doctor came in. We have felt very thankful to God for this doctor. As he examined Kevin, we waited. Once he finished, he shared some thoughts and we chatted for a bit. We had already noticed that Kevin’s right eye had lost some of its swollenness, then he noticed too. He wants to make sure he isn’t missing anything, even though he already called in an infection specialist doctor. He mentioned different ideas such as calling in favors of eye doctors that he knows to get them in Meadowbrook. In fourteen years, he told us he hasn’t had an eye specialist come in there. He also talked about the possibility of taking Kevin somewhere to have his eye checked. Another option was to have an MRI done of Kevin’s eye. He wants to make sure that the infection is not getting into Kevin’s right eyeball. He said the benefit of an MRI is getting one of the brain at the same time. Two for one, he said.
We have heard some suggestions from staff about looking at the next stage for Kevin’s care. Meadowbrook is an LTAC. An LTAC is to help transition Kevin from the ICU to a more healthy, stable life. His vitals have continued to improve. His scarring is healing on the right side of his head. His swelling has gone down from his left arm, where the clot is. The PA said that his pneumonia is doing better. And his pseudomonas is something that can get better, but that he would have the bacteria in his lungs as long as he has the trach tube. The next stage depends on a few factors. In order to move to a rehab center, Kevin would need to be able to participate in rehab therapy three hours per day. At this stage, we aren’t sure if this is possible. Most of it would be range of motion and things like that. He isn’t at the point to do it on his own yet, since he isn’t really waking up. He just seems more alert at times than others.
Another option for the next step would be a skilled nursing center. These are usually a part of a nursing center, but are more advanced and for patients that need more attentive care. If Kevin still has his trach tube in, we are limited in choice to five different places in the Tulsa area. One in Bixby, one in Inola and three in Tulsa. However, the PA came in today and said that they wanted to try out a trach cap today on Kevin. Basically, it caps Kevin’s trach tube, removing the tube that goes into his trach. This gives him a trial run of breathing only through his nose and mouth. Another RT, had told me he was breathing some through his nose the other day, even with the trach in. If this trial goes well, we can look at taking the trach out completely, but putting in a trach button which keeps the hole from closing.
Please pray that Kevin breathes fine without the trach help, that is with the trach cap on. Pray for his continued healing. Pray for him to wake up. I just finished playing for Kevin a Don Williams CD I picked up. His eyelids fluttered when the music came on. Lord, I hope this day is good. In fact, we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Thanks for always planning a good day for us God.
Thanks for reading, praying and encouraging,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (the main site for reading, commenting and catching up on posts)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (this is an alternate address for the blog)
Lord, I hope this day is good
I'm feelin' empty and misunderstood
I should be thankful Lord, I know I should
But Lord, I hope this day is good
Lord, have you forgotten me
I've been prayin' to you faithfully
I'm not sayin' I'm a righteous man
But Lord, I hope you understand
I don't need fortune and I don't need fame
Send down the thunder Lord, send down the rain
But when you're planning just how it will be
Plan a good day for me
You've been the king since the dawn of time
All that I'm asking is a little less crime
It might be hard fo the devil to do
As we arrived here this morning (we had another family member stay last night thankfully), the sun was up, and things felt hopeful. We got there in time to meet today’s respiratory therapist and RN. A short while later and his main doctor came in. We have felt very thankful to God for this doctor. As he examined Kevin, we waited. Once he finished, he shared some thoughts and we chatted for a bit. We had already noticed that Kevin’s right eye had lost some of its swollenness, then he noticed too. He wants to make sure he isn’t missing anything, even though he already called in an infection specialist doctor. He mentioned different ideas such as calling in favors of eye doctors that he knows to get them in Meadowbrook. In fourteen years, he told us he hasn’t had an eye specialist come in there. He also talked about the possibility of taking Kevin somewhere to have his eye checked. Another option was to have an MRI done of Kevin’s eye. He wants to make sure that the infection is not getting into Kevin’s right eyeball. He said the benefit of an MRI is getting one of the brain at the same time. Two for one, he said.
We have heard some suggestions from staff about looking at the next stage for Kevin’s care. Meadowbrook is an LTAC. An LTAC is to help transition Kevin from the ICU to a more healthy, stable life. His vitals have continued to improve. His scarring is healing on the right side of his head. His swelling has gone down from his left arm, where the clot is. The PA said that his pneumonia is doing better. And his pseudomonas is something that can get better, but that he would have the bacteria in his lungs as long as he has the trach tube. The next stage depends on a few factors. In order to move to a rehab center, Kevin would need to be able to participate in rehab therapy three hours per day. At this stage, we aren’t sure if this is possible. Most of it would be range of motion and things like that. He isn’t at the point to do it on his own yet, since he isn’t really waking up. He just seems more alert at times than others.
Another option for the next step would be a skilled nursing center. These are usually a part of a nursing center, but are more advanced and for patients that need more attentive care. If Kevin still has his trach tube in, we are limited in choice to five different places in the Tulsa area. One in Bixby, one in Inola and three in Tulsa. However, the PA came in today and said that they wanted to try out a trach cap today on Kevin. Basically, it caps Kevin’s trach tube, removing the tube that goes into his trach. This gives him a trial run of breathing only through his nose and mouth. Another RT, had told me he was breathing some through his nose the other day, even with the trach in. If this trial goes well, we can look at taking the trach out completely, but putting in a trach button which keeps the hole from closing.
Please pray that Kevin breathes fine without the trach help, that is with the trach cap on. Pray for his continued healing. Pray for him to wake up. I just finished playing for Kevin a Don Williams CD I picked up. His eyelids fluttered when the music came on. Lord, I hope this day is good. In fact, we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Thanks for always planning a good day for us God.
Thanks for reading, praying and encouraging,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (the main site for reading, commenting and catching up on posts)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (this is an alternate address for the blog)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Update #56 on Kevin
Can I just say, I miss Kevin? I do. This morning at church, I was really missing his voice, personality, etc…
After church, my family went to lunch together. Then we went over to Kevin’s house to see how things were going. Greg had taken the lead at the house during the cleanup, while I remained at the hospital with Kevin, family and visitors. It is actually the first time I have seen the house since the flood. In the driveway there is a long blue dumpster for getting rid of the old damaged sheetrock, cabinets, etc… The front of the house looks pretty much the same. When we arrived, we noticed that there were workers there. Trucks outside, front door open and the curtains drawn in the windows. We went in and introduced ourselves. They showed us what they are doing. The new sheetrock was installed and now they were texturing the walls so that the new pieces were blended with the old. They told us that it should be ready for trim tomorrow. The cabinets have been torn out in the bathroom and kitchen, although the upper ones remain in the kitchen. The insurance will only pay for the ones on the bottom, the damaged part. So at this point, Kevin will have old cabinets on top and new ones on bottom. All the appliances in the kitchen were damaged and should be covered by insurance as well. After the trim is put on, they can start painting the walls.
Kevin has continued to have a pretty good weekend. He was put in his blue neuro chair yesterday twice and so far once today. His heart rate goes up (around 120’s bpm)often when he is in the blue neuro chair and it did again today. He is back in bed with a heart rate in the 90’s.
Please be praying for his right eye. It continues to look worse. They put new antibiotics for his eye, in case it is bacterial. If it was viral it would just run its course.
Keep praying that his lungs would continue to heal. Pray for his mind to continue to heal.
Kevin’s left arm that has the blood clots in it, has lost most of its swelling. The doctor even said he would be fine if they took blood pressure readings from that left arm and leg (which also has a clot). He said that normally, after a week or more, the blood will drill a hole through the clot in order, which allows good circulation. It does take about 6-8 weeks for the blood clot to completely dissolve.
Pray that the picc line in Kevin’s right arm would not cause any clotting.
Thanks for following all of this and thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to catch up on old updates or sign up to receive them)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (just another way to get to the blog above)
After church, my family went to lunch together. Then we went over to Kevin’s house to see how things were going. Greg had taken the lead at the house during the cleanup, while I remained at the hospital with Kevin, family and visitors. It is actually the first time I have seen the house since the flood. In the driveway there is a long blue dumpster for getting rid of the old damaged sheetrock, cabinets, etc… The front of the house looks pretty much the same. When we arrived, we noticed that there were workers there. Trucks outside, front door open and the curtains drawn in the windows. We went in and introduced ourselves. They showed us what they are doing. The new sheetrock was installed and now they were texturing the walls so that the new pieces were blended with the old. They told us that it should be ready for trim tomorrow. The cabinets have been torn out in the bathroom and kitchen, although the upper ones remain in the kitchen. The insurance will only pay for the ones on the bottom, the damaged part. So at this point, Kevin will have old cabinets on top and new ones on bottom. All the appliances in the kitchen were damaged and should be covered by insurance as well. After the trim is put on, they can start painting the walls.
Kevin has continued to have a pretty good weekend. He was put in his blue neuro chair yesterday twice and so far once today. His heart rate goes up (around 120’s bpm)often when he is in the blue neuro chair and it did again today. He is back in bed with a heart rate in the 90’s.
Please be praying for his right eye. It continues to look worse. They put new antibiotics for his eye, in case it is bacterial. If it was viral it would just run its course.
Keep praying that his lungs would continue to heal. Pray for his mind to continue to heal.
Kevin’s left arm that has the blood clots in it, has lost most of its swelling. The doctor even said he would be fine if they took blood pressure readings from that left arm and leg (which also has a clot). He said that normally, after a week or more, the blood will drill a hole through the clot in order, which allows good circulation. It does take about 6-8 weeks for the blood clot to completely dissolve.
Pray that the picc line in Kevin’s right arm would not cause any clotting.
Thanks for following all of this and thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to catch up on old updates or sign up to receive them)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (just another way to get to the blog above)
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Update #55 on Kevin
Yesterday, we drove to St. Louis and back to get some of our belongings that were left behind in Italy, including our dog, Brinkley. We left Tulsa around 5:30 AM. I am not a morning person. Angie is not a morning person. We aren’t used to seeing sunrises. So, as we were driving, we were wondering when it was ever going to come up. It was dark and there was fog surrounding us. For an hour, we drove through varying thicknesses of the low hanging clouds. We wondered if Kevin can see, was that all he could see right now? And for us, there is a cloud over the future. What seemed so clear a month and a half ago, is veiled in a hazy mystery. Around 6:40 we started seeing depth in the fog. We saw that the sun had been rising, but wasn’t high enough to break through. There were layers of perspective going back into the short distance. Then as the sun finally pierced the fog, we were able to see through it. In fact, I don’t actually remember the point at which we could see clearly. I remember it clearing. I remember when it was thick. But the actual point in time when all was seen again, I can’t seem to recall.
The fog that surrounded us right after the accident was so thick, I could hardly breathe. I couldn’t think about future plans, I couldn’t even think about the next day. Making minor decisions were difficult and making major decisions were practically impossible and seemed to knock our breath out. Now, it is still foggy. It is a little less thick, but we are wondering when the sun will come up. Kevin has made progressions, but its slow. Will he continue to improve? Only God knows. And we can only walk through it day by day. It’s faint, but it seems like I can make out some shapes of the next few days, maybe weeks in my mind’s eye. But only God knows if it is shifting fog, as opposed to actualities.
Kevin’s vitals seemed to be doing pretty good yesterday. He had some coughing bouts though. They were going to try and take him outside yesterday evening, but didn’t due to the coughing. They wanted to get his stats calmed back down. He repeated some leg movements Thursday night. That would be two nights in a row that his leg(s) has(have) been restless. I haven’t heard if he was doing it last night too. He seems to still be doing okay with the feeding plug. They have continued to monitor if anything gets left behind in his stomach or if he is digesting it all. Yesterday he was doing fairly well. They have his rate for getting food at 50. They have to work up to somewhere between 75-85 to be more normal.
Today is our dad, Bill’s, birthday. We will all be up in Kevin’s room later today with another cake to celebrate his birthday. This will be the third birthday we have celebrated as a family since Kevin’s accident.
Last night when we got back to Tulsa, we held Brinkley up in the window so he could see Kevin and the family could see him. It was a good thing for us to get our dog. Thanks for everyone who was involved in Brinkley’s adventure (April, Shauna, Carla, Echo and others who volunteered to help). He has already gotten to know, Annie, the dog at the house where we are staying. They seem like they will become fast friends. It meant so much for us to get Brinkley up there to see Kevin. He introduced to the breeder where we got Brinkley. He was the first one at our house to see Brinkley the night we brought him home. A couple weeks before we departed for Italy, Kevin took Brinkley for an afternoon. He bought him toys and snacks. Kevin loves Brinkley and we’re glad he’s back.
Please keep praying for Kevin’s complete healing. We have already seen Kevin improve and know that God has the power to continue the work.
Thanks for reading and thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to read comments and past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (try this if the other link doesn’t work for you)
The fog that surrounded us right after the accident was so thick, I could hardly breathe. I couldn’t think about future plans, I couldn’t even think about the next day. Making minor decisions were difficult and making major decisions were practically impossible and seemed to knock our breath out. Now, it is still foggy. It is a little less thick, but we are wondering when the sun will come up. Kevin has made progressions, but its slow. Will he continue to improve? Only God knows. And we can only walk through it day by day. It’s faint, but it seems like I can make out some shapes of the next few days, maybe weeks in my mind’s eye. But only God knows if it is shifting fog, as opposed to actualities.
Kevin’s vitals seemed to be doing pretty good yesterday. He had some coughing bouts though. They were going to try and take him outside yesterday evening, but didn’t due to the coughing. They wanted to get his stats calmed back down. He repeated some leg movements Thursday night. That would be two nights in a row that his leg(s) has(have) been restless. I haven’t heard if he was doing it last night too. He seems to still be doing okay with the feeding plug. They have continued to monitor if anything gets left behind in his stomach or if he is digesting it all. Yesterday he was doing fairly well. They have his rate for getting food at 50. They have to work up to somewhere between 75-85 to be more normal.
Today is our dad, Bill’s, birthday. We will all be up in Kevin’s room later today with another cake to celebrate his birthday. This will be the third birthday we have celebrated as a family since Kevin’s accident.
Last night when we got back to Tulsa, we held Brinkley up in the window so he could see Kevin and the family could see him. It was a good thing for us to get our dog. Thanks for everyone who was involved in Brinkley’s adventure (April, Shauna, Carla, Echo and others who volunteered to help). He has already gotten to know, Annie, the dog at the house where we are staying. They seem like they will become fast friends. It meant so much for us to get Brinkley up there to see Kevin. He introduced to the breeder where we got Brinkley. He was the first one at our house to see Brinkley the night we brought him home. A couple weeks before we departed for Italy, Kevin took Brinkley for an afternoon. He bought him toys and snacks. Kevin loves Brinkley and we’re glad he’s back.
Please keep praying for Kevin’s complete healing. We have already seen Kevin improve and know that God has the power to continue the work.
Thanks for reading and thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to read comments and past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (try this if the other link doesn’t work for you)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Update #54 on Kevin
Not much to update on today. Kevin did start having a fever in the afternoon. But they were able catch it and start cooling him off.
He had a couple coughing issues, but it turned out to be the angle of his head, which allowed his trach to tickle his throat.
Kevin was up in his neuro chair for several hours today. He would have went back in for a second time, but for his fever.
The respiratory therapist tried out the speaking valve, but when we got him, it was maybe too late. Kevin had already started to be worn out. He had some groaning, but nothing more.
The doctor said that he would be sending a specialist to look at Kevin’s right eye. The infection doesn’t seem to be getting better. He believes he has Kevin on the best medicine, but would like a specialist’s second opinion.
The lung doctor thought Kevin’s lungs sounded good.
Kevin has been doing okay with the feeding plug. They had restarted it last night around 5 pm. They had to stop it once during the night, but then restarted it again. He has been on it since, with the only exception being when he was in his chair.
A friend and fellow Team Expansion worker is driving our dog and stuff from Italy halfway to St. Louis tomorrow. Angie and I rented a car and are driving up. We leave around 5:30 AM. We will be picking up Brinkley at the St. Louis arch, then returning home! He will be a source of comfort for Angie, myself and the family!
After tomorrow, you should see more updates again! Thanks for reading and especially for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to read all updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (another way to get to the above address)
He had a couple coughing issues, but it turned out to be the angle of his head, which allowed his trach to tickle his throat.
Kevin was up in his neuro chair for several hours today. He would have went back in for a second time, but for his fever.
The respiratory therapist tried out the speaking valve, but when we got him, it was maybe too late. Kevin had already started to be worn out. He had some groaning, but nothing more.
The doctor said that he would be sending a specialist to look at Kevin’s right eye. The infection doesn’t seem to be getting better. He believes he has Kevin on the best medicine, but would like a specialist’s second opinion.
The lung doctor thought Kevin’s lungs sounded good.
Kevin has been doing okay with the feeding plug. They had restarted it last night around 5 pm. They had to stop it once during the night, but then restarted it again. He has been on it since, with the only exception being when he was in his chair.
A friend and fellow Team Expansion worker is driving our dog and stuff from Italy halfway to St. Louis tomorrow. Angie and I rented a car and are driving up. We leave around 5:30 AM. We will be picking up Brinkley at the St. Louis arch, then returning home! He will be a source of comfort for Angie, myself and the family!
After tomorrow, you should see more updates again! Thanks for reading and especially for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to read all updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (another way to get to the above address)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Update #53 on Kevin
Today is Jacob’s birthday. Jacob is Kevin’s youngest son. He turned 15 today. After school he came up to Meadowbrook and hung out with the family. For dinner, everybody chose something off the menu from Smashburger, a new franchise restaurant in town. They have two locations and are quickly becoming one of our favorite burger joints. Afterwards, he opened presents. We brought the cake into Kevin’s room and sang Happy Birthday to Jacob. Later, we took the cake back to the cafeteria, lit the candles and sang it again. This time, Jacob had candles to blow out.
They started his feeding tube tonight around 5 pm. Around midnight, they had to hold it off again for awhile, because he wasn’t digesting as good as they want him to be.
This afternoon, we took care of some logistical details. We had to do some things, so that we could move further with other areas.
The neurologist came in to inform us of the EEG results. She said that his brain activity was slow. To me, that is better than none. It would be interesting to see what an EEG would have showed a couple weeks ago. Are there changes? Are his synapses reconnecting and creating new paths?
Today, they moved Kevin’s ventilator out of his room. He hadn’t used it in over a week and a half. I guess he does not need it at all anymore.
Moving his feet and legs around some tonight. The interesting thing is that the movements are more random tonight. Usually, there is one movement and it is the same movement over and over again. Tonight, his legs seemed to stretch out. Then later his right foot was moving back and forth. A little later, he bounced his right foot up a couple times. In between two of the movements, he pulled his head straight forward from the position it had been in, which was leaning to the right.
Thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to peruse all the updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (if the previous link doesn’t work for you, try this)
They started his feeding tube tonight around 5 pm. Around midnight, they had to hold it off again for awhile, because he wasn’t digesting as good as they want him to be.
This afternoon, we took care of some logistical details. We had to do some things, so that we could move further with other areas.
The neurologist came in to inform us of the EEG results. She said that his brain activity was slow. To me, that is better than none. It would be interesting to see what an EEG would have showed a couple weeks ago. Are there changes? Are his synapses reconnecting and creating new paths?
Today, they moved Kevin’s ventilator out of his room. He hadn’t used it in over a week and a half. I guess he does not need it at all anymore.
Moving his feet and legs around some tonight. The interesting thing is that the movements are more random tonight. Usually, there is one movement and it is the same movement over and over again. Tonight, his legs seemed to stretch out. Then later his right foot was moving back and forth. A little later, he bounced his right foot up a couple times. In between two of the movements, he pulled his head straight forward from the position it had been in, which was leaning to the right.
Thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to peruse all the updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (if the previous link doesn’t work for you, try this)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Update #52 on Kevin
So Kevin is looking good with a fresh bath and a close shave.
His main doctor was in today and he told us that Kevin seemed to be doing well. His kidneys are doing fine, his white blood count is good, both of his lungs sound really good, and the right lung had trauma and pneumonia. He also said his stomach is making good bowel sounds.
Kevin does have pseudomonas, but is antibiotics were switched last Thursday to combat it. He has another micro bacteria (not sure if that’s how the dr referred to it or not, but it seems to be no big deal). Kevin’s antibiotics (he’s on two) is for both the pseudomonas and the other bacteria. His antibiotics for the C-Diff ended yesterday with its natural course, even though he was cured of it last week.
Kevin’s Physician’s Assistant said it looks like we have the GI Tract (gastrointestinal tract) thing under control now. The major functions of the GI tract are ingestion, digestion, absorption and defecation. There are still not feeding through the feeding plug, but through IV’s.
Yesterday, the doctor ordered new eye drops for Kevin’s right eye. It is red and filmed-over (the filmed-over is probably puss from an infection). It could be like pink eye, but could also could be from the pseudomonas that is in Kevin’s lungs.
We lost our second recliner today. Another patient’s room needed it. We knew this was a possibility since the day they gave it to us. But it was good while it lasted. One of us gets to sleep on the pink chairs that lean back. Hopefully, it will get comfortable with the addition of pillows.
If anyone has an extra car available, Greg could definitely use it. His car is now undrivable until there are some repairs. Call Greg to let him know if you have a loaner, at 852-0295. Thank you!
We are working on the two ways for us to get Brinkley and our stuff. Either I fly and it amounts to a whole days’ worth of travel (two flights there and two flights back) OR someone has offered to meet us halfway if we drive (either St. Louis or Memphis). If we drive we will probably have to rent a car.
Kevin’s heart rate has been dropping to a lower more normal rate. His rate last night was around 88-89 beats per minute. Yesterday and today his rate was in the low 90’s which was good. Previously, he was experiencing heart rates in the mid 100’s and 110’s before that.
There was a neurologist consult that came by yesterday and today. She ordered an EEG which was done at his bedside today. Not sure when we will hear the results, but if anything the results just give us a starting place. It will be interesting to see in a month, if he has another, what changes there would be. The neurologist doesn’t have a definitive answer on Kevin’s condition or prognosis. She thought it unlikely from his medical records that he would be experiencing alert moments. But then she continued to say, if we thought that he was to be the case, she didn’t want to stop us. Also, other therapists and doctors have seen things on their own.
Yesterday, I bought Kevin som nose hair trimmers. I knew he would want that area groomed. So today, after his shave, he was laying there in his bed, with his eyes open. I showed him the trimmers, told him what they were and what I intended to do with them. I proceeded to turn them on, so he could hear them before experiencing them,. I then inserted the trimmers into his left nostril. He did NOT like it. His eyes shut, his brows were furrowed and his face tightened up. I said, “sorry, sorry!” And then told him I would try the right nostril. He didn’t like that much better. I then told him that this was for interrupting our TV shows! No, I didn’t, I’m just kidding. I decided that I had done enough harrassment to him today.
Thanks again for praying and thinking of all of us (especially Kevin),
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/
His main doctor was in today and he told us that Kevin seemed to be doing well. His kidneys are doing fine, his white blood count is good, both of his lungs sound really good, and the right lung had trauma and pneumonia. He also said his stomach is making good bowel sounds.
Kevin does have pseudomonas, but is antibiotics were switched last Thursday to combat it. He has another micro bacteria (not sure if that’s how the dr referred to it or not, but it seems to be no big deal). Kevin’s antibiotics (he’s on two) is for both the pseudomonas and the other bacteria. His antibiotics for the C-Diff ended yesterday with its natural course, even though he was cured of it last week.
Kevin’s Physician’s Assistant said it looks like we have the GI Tract (gastrointestinal tract) thing under control now. The major functions of the GI tract are ingestion, digestion, absorption and defecation. There are still not feeding through the feeding plug, but through IV’s.
Yesterday, the doctor ordered new eye drops for Kevin’s right eye. It is red and filmed-over (the filmed-over is probably puss from an infection). It could be like pink eye, but could also could be from the pseudomonas that is in Kevin’s lungs.
We lost our second recliner today. Another patient’s room needed it. We knew this was a possibility since the day they gave it to us. But it was good while it lasted. One of us gets to sleep on the pink chairs that lean back. Hopefully, it will get comfortable with the addition of pillows.
If anyone has an extra car available, Greg could definitely use it. His car is now undrivable until there are some repairs. Call Greg to let him know if you have a loaner, at 852-0295. Thank you!
We are working on the two ways for us to get Brinkley and our stuff. Either I fly and it amounts to a whole days’ worth of travel (two flights there and two flights back) OR someone has offered to meet us halfway if we drive (either St. Louis or Memphis). If we drive we will probably have to rent a car.
Kevin’s heart rate has been dropping to a lower more normal rate. His rate last night was around 88-89 beats per minute. Yesterday and today his rate was in the low 90’s which was good. Previously, he was experiencing heart rates in the mid 100’s and 110’s before that.
There was a neurologist consult that came by yesterday and today. She ordered an EEG which was done at his bedside today. Not sure when we will hear the results, but if anything the results just give us a starting place. It will be interesting to see in a month, if he has another, what changes there would be. The neurologist doesn’t have a definitive answer on Kevin’s condition or prognosis. She thought it unlikely from his medical records that he would be experiencing alert moments. But then she continued to say, if we thought that he was to be the case, she didn’t want to stop us. Also, other therapists and doctors have seen things on their own.
Yesterday, I bought Kevin som nose hair trimmers. I knew he would want that area groomed. So today, after his shave, he was laying there in his bed, with his eyes open. I showed him the trimmers, told him what they were and what I intended to do with them. I proceeded to turn them on, so he could hear them before experiencing them,. I then inserted the trimmers into his left nostril. He did NOT like it. His eyes shut, his brows were furrowed and his face tightened up. I said, “sorry, sorry!” And then told him I would try the right nostril. He didn’t like that much better. I then told him that this was for interrupting our TV shows! No, I didn’t, I’m just kidding. I decided that I had done enough harrassment to him today.
Thanks again for praying and thinking of all of us (especially Kevin),
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/
Update #51 on Kevin
“Do you like that show?” Kevin would say upon arriving 15 minutes into Lost, one of our favorite shows. I would pause it and reply with a simple yes. I would unpause it and less than a minute later, we would hear….”What’s it about?” I would repause it…..and then ask him, “Are you serious? You want me to go over the past several years’ worth of episodes for one of the most complex and intriguing shows on television?” He would reply with something like, “No, I just want to know what that guy is doing right now.” This would ensue and I would end up pausing and unpausing several times, that is until I would either stop pausing and just say something like, “It’s hard to watch this when you keep asking questions about it,” and he would say, “Oh.” Or someone would call him and he would lay on the couch on the phone the rest of the time the show was on.
The past several days, we have seen ups and downs. There was also some conflicting statements made to the family this weekend about the course of Kevin’s treatment. However, it looks like that is better and the family has been through discussions about it. It seems like when you are going through a situation like this, every little thing can feel like ‘the final straw’ and then it too lands on the camel’s back and you find out it didn’t break. Apparently, God means it when he says, “No temptation has seized you, except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” I remember learning this verse. It was in High School. I was attending a guys Bible Study. I was the only one in High School, the others were young and starting out in their careers. We went through a Navigator’s Bible Study. That verse has been so potent in my life.
Kevin’s heart rate has been great today. Right now, it is fluctuating between 88-89 beats per minute. Throughout the last week it has been between 100-111 bpm. He did expel many secretions today, but that is good and part of the process of getting off a vent and having a trach. Kevin is on two antibiotics for the pseudomonas, which is apparently a very common infection in hospitalized environments and as a result of having a trach.
Kevin’s main doctor returned today and was impressed with Kevin’s progress. He said we should continue stimulating Kevin as we have been. The doctor ordered some new eye drops for Kevin’s right eye, in case he has an infection in it like ‘pink eye’. It already looks better from the ointment and patch that is covering it.
On another note, the missions agency that Angie and I work with has graciously allowed us to take a ninety day medical furlough. As we approach the end of that ninety days, we will determine if another medical furlough is needed. We are so very thankful that we work with an organization that has the foresight and wisdom to include protocol such as this. This does not mean that I will not be working. I will remain Team Leader, and continue to guide our team as they are in various preparatory stages. If you would like to follow the ministry that God has led myself and Angie, just email us back and tell us you want to receive our general email updates.
We also have housing straightened out for now. Taylor and Kohl and staying with a relative, while Angie and I are staying with a family from church. Jacob can stay at either when he is not at his mom’s.
Thanks for reading and thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (how to find the way to Oz)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (just another way to get to the site listed above)
The past several days, we have seen ups and downs. There was also some conflicting statements made to the family this weekend about the course of Kevin’s treatment. However, it looks like that is better and the family has been through discussions about it. It seems like when you are going through a situation like this, every little thing can feel like ‘the final straw’ and then it too lands on the camel’s back and you find out it didn’t break. Apparently, God means it when he says, “No temptation has seized you, except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” I remember learning this verse. It was in High School. I was attending a guys Bible Study. I was the only one in High School, the others were young and starting out in their careers. We went through a Navigator’s Bible Study. That verse has been so potent in my life.
Kevin’s heart rate has been great today. Right now, it is fluctuating between 88-89 beats per minute. Throughout the last week it has been between 100-111 bpm. He did expel many secretions today, but that is good and part of the process of getting off a vent and having a trach. Kevin is on two antibiotics for the pseudomonas, which is apparently a very common infection in hospitalized environments and as a result of having a trach.
Kevin’s main doctor returned today and was impressed with Kevin’s progress. He said we should continue stimulating Kevin as we have been. The doctor ordered some new eye drops for Kevin’s right eye, in case he has an infection in it like ‘pink eye’. It already looks better from the ointment and patch that is covering it.
On another note, the missions agency that Angie and I work with has graciously allowed us to take a ninety day medical furlough. As we approach the end of that ninety days, we will determine if another medical furlough is needed. We are so very thankful that we work with an organization that has the foresight and wisdom to include protocol such as this. This does not mean that I will not be working. I will remain Team Leader, and continue to guide our team as they are in various preparatory stages. If you would like to follow the ministry that God has led myself and Angie, just email us back and tell us you want to receive our general email updates.
We also have housing straightened out for now. Taylor and Kohl and staying with a relative, while Angie and I are staying with a family from church. Jacob can stay at either when he is not at his mom’s.
Thanks for reading and thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (how to find the way to Oz)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (just another way to get to the site listed above)
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Update #50 on Kevin
It was one month ago that we received a frantic call. We were in Italy and they told us about Kevin’s accident. Those first few hours were a blur. Sickening, stomach twisting hours that passed. We called and got what information that we could. We didn’t know what the future held.
Today, as we look back on the day of the accident, we see progress. It is slow. It is relatively small. And yet it’s still progress. There are things that Kevin is doing now, that we only dreamed about three to four weeks ago.
Not sure of the severity of Kevin’s pseudomonas. We have been told that normally pseudomonas usually causes green secretions and has a very pungent smell. Kevin’s secretions have been white or clear since around the first of last week. And there has not been a pungent smell yet.
There was a bit of blood in Kevin’s secretions during the past twenty-four hours. It could be damage to Kevin’s trachea or lungs from suctioning. Tonight’s Respiratory Therapist changed Kevin’s trach tube, so that it would be more controlled when he would be suctioned.
Kevin was wiped out yesterday after going outside for fifteen minutes. He was also in his blue neuro chair for around 7 ½ hours combined from two sessions in it on Friday. Today he had a very restful day.
Tomorrow, Kevin’s main doctor returns. We are thankful and we also have several questions. Kevin also has a neurological consult tomorrow too. We are interested to see how both of those go.
Tonight is the last night in the hotel. I think that we have situations lined up for those of us in the family from out of town (or country). Thanks so much for all the help and offers.
So for now, we don’t need more help towards housing expenses. But if preparing meals, delivering them or giving money towards meals is something that you would like to help with, we could still use help in that area. You can contact Jeff Congdon, if you would like to prepare or deliver a meal OR you can contribute to the Crosser account 4374300 at 742-DINE. Thanks for those that had contributed towards that in the past.
Thank you for praying with us this past month. We thank God for all the progress Kevin has made so far. Please join us in praying for the next month. Pray that God would continue to heal Kevin. Pray for Kevin’s caretakers to be at the top of their game. And pray for the family to lean on each other while leaning on God.
Thanks for your time, prayers and encouragement,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (go here to read all the past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (this is the address that is not the forwarding address)
Today, as we look back on the day of the accident, we see progress. It is slow. It is relatively small. And yet it’s still progress. There are things that Kevin is doing now, that we only dreamed about three to four weeks ago.
Not sure of the severity of Kevin’s pseudomonas. We have been told that normally pseudomonas usually causes green secretions and has a very pungent smell. Kevin’s secretions have been white or clear since around the first of last week. And there has not been a pungent smell yet.
There was a bit of blood in Kevin’s secretions during the past twenty-four hours. It could be damage to Kevin’s trachea or lungs from suctioning. Tonight’s Respiratory Therapist changed Kevin’s trach tube, so that it would be more controlled when he would be suctioned.
Kevin was wiped out yesterday after going outside for fifteen minutes. He was also in his blue neuro chair for around 7 ½ hours combined from two sessions in it on Friday. Today he had a very restful day.
Tomorrow, Kevin’s main doctor returns. We are thankful and we also have several questions. Kevin also has a neurological consult tomorrow too. We are interested to see how both of those go.
Tonight is the last night in the hotel. I think that we have situations lined up for those of us in the family from out of town (or country). Thanks so much for all the help and offers.
So for now, we don’t need more help towards housing expenses. But if preparing meals, delivering them or giving money towards meals is something that you would like to help with, we could still use help in that area. You can contact Jeff Congdon, if you would like to prepare or deliver a meal OR you can contribute to the Crosser account 4374300 at 742-DINE. Thanks for those that had contributed towards that in the past.
Thank you for praying with us this past month. We thank God for all the progress Kevin has made so far. Please join us in praying for the next month. Pray that God would continue to heal Kevin. Pray for Kevin’s caretakers to be at the top of their game. And pray for the family to lean on each other while leaning on God.
Thanks for your time, prayers and encouragement,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (go here to read all the past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (this is the address that is not the forwarding address)
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Update #49 on Kevin
Woke up this morning, went outside and the car was dead. No lights left on. Not sure what caused it but we got it jump started. I walked over from the hotel to Meadowbrook so that I could meet the president of our missions organization. He was coming through Tulsa and he took the time to visit Kevin.
While I was there I got to see Kevin up in his blue neuro chair for the morning. He was alert and so we got the Respiratory Therapist to bring in the speaking valve. After I left, we heard Kevin seemed to be mouthing words. They said that Kevin seemed to say “hi”, at the very least seemed be saying something that started with an “h” sound. How do you spell “h” aytche?
Today, they told the family that Kevin needed to have another IV pick put in. It was around the one in his left arm where he got a clot. And now they are putting one in his right arm. Please pray that no new clots appear.
We also found out that Kevin has pseudomonas. It can be a pretty nasty infection that can cause lung infections, eye infections, etc…. Not sure of all the details. Will let you know more later.
On a good note, Kevin got to go outside today. It was while he was in his blue neuro chair. They had to get him some large sun glasses to protect his eyes. He did good. They said that it does take it out of him. The staff told family that for Kevin going outside it would be like playing a full game of football. So that means he needs extra rest tonight.
Keep praying for all these things. Thanks for lifting them up on behalf of Kevin and our family.
Thanks,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (go here to read all the past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (this is the address that is not the forwarding address)
While I was there I got to see Kevin up in his blue neuro chair for the morning. He was alert and so we got the Respiratory Therapist to bring in the speaking valve. After I left, we heard Kevin seemed to be mouthing words. They said that Kevin seemed to say “hi”, at the very least seemed be saying something that started with an “h” sound. How do you spell “h” aytche?
Today, they told the family that Kevin needed to have another IV pick put in. It was around the one in his left arm where he got a clot. And now they are putting one in his right arm. Please pray that no new clots appear.
We also found out that Kevin has pseudomonas. It can be a pretty nasty infection that can cause lung infections, eye infections, etc…. Not sure of all the details. Will let you know more later.
On a good note, Kevin got to go outside today. It was while he was in his blue neuro chair. They had to get him some large sun glasses to protect his eyes. He did good. They said that it does take it out of him. The staff told family that for Kevin going outside it would be like playing a full game of football. So that means he needs extra rest tonight.
Keep praying for all these things. Thanks for lifting them up on behalf of Kevin and our family.
Thanks,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (go here to read all the past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (this is the address that is not the forwarding address)
Update #48 on Kevin
Kevin sat up for the second time today. They sat him up in his blue neuro chair around 5:30 PM and got put back in his bed around 9:45 PM or so.
I remember so many times coming out the front door at Mom and Dad’s house and there would be Kevin. He loved tanning outside. He lay on each side until he was baked crisp. I also thought he was going to burn he was out there so long. But he never did. He has some kind of gene that is found in suntan lotions. Maybe we can bottle it.
So, when he got settled into his blue neuro chair, Kevin’s Respiratory Therapist tried something new. She put on a speaker valve for a trial run. Basically, the speaker valve makes it so Kevin can only breathe in through his trach, and he has to breathe out through his mouth and nose. This also makes it so he can makes sounds through his mouth.
He didn’t make any noise for the first thirty minutes, but then there were a few moans or groans. We were told that this was a good first run at trying out the speaker valve. It is a little different than just talking normally, because he still has the trach sitting right next to his vocal cords. Kevin has to kind of get used to it first. Sometimes he would make a groan sound when he would cough. He did try to move his mouth and tongue quite a bit.
It’s been one week since Kevin was taken off breathing machines. He has been breathing Wall-Flow air since last Friday. This is just one of the progresses that we were looking forward to and now we are celebrating the one week anniversary.
Thanks for those who have written emails or comments to us or Kevin. It really means a lot!
Now in honor of Kevin, let's all go out and get some sun tomorrow!
Thank you,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to read past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (here’s another address to get there)
I remember so many times coming out the front door at Mom and Dad’s house and there would be Kevin. He loved tanning outside. He lay on each side until he was baked crisp. I also thought he was going to burn he was out there so long. But he never did. He has some kind of gene that is found in suntan lotions. Maybe we can bottle it.
So, when he got settled into his blue neuro chair, Kevin’s Respiratory Therapist tried something new. She put on a speaker valve for a trial run. Basically, the speaker valve makes it so Kevin can only breathe in through his trach, and he has to breathe out through his mouth and nose. This also makes it so he can makes sounds through his mouth.
He didn’t make any noise for the first thirty minutes, but then there were a few moans or groans. We were told that this was a good first run at trying out the speaker valve. It is a little different than just talking normally, because he still has the trach sitting right next to his vocal cords. Kevin has to kind of get used to it first. Sometimes he would make a groan sound when he would cough. He did try to move his mouth and tongue quite a bit.
It’s been one week since Kevin was taken off breathing machines. He has been breathing Wall-Flow air since last Friday. This is just one of the progresses that we were looking forward to and now we are celebrating the one week anniversary.
Thanks for those who have written emails or comments to us or Kevin. It really means a lot!
Now in honor of Kevin, let's all go out and get some sun tomorrow!
Thank you,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to read past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (here’s another address to get there)
Friday, September 18, 2009
Update #47 on Kevin
Kevin’s main doctor here at Meadowbrook is on vacation. We heard he might coming back on Monday. I hope so, the fill in doctor came in this morning listened to his lungs, stood back up and declared that things haven’t really changed. I told him that another doctor and two Respiratory Therapists (R.T.s) have both said that it really seemed that Kevin had been looking at them during therapy times and exams. I thought that then this doctor might look into his eyes or lift his head or something, maybe touch his hands or even talk to Kevin, but he did nothing, he just replied that, “we just need to keep supporting him and see if anything changes neurologically.”
After speaking with the Physician’s Assistant, she is ordering a speaking valve. While Kevin has the trach in, he cannot make any sounds. If they place a speaking valve when he is alert, he may be able to make sounds. We are preparing ourselves in advance though. He may not make any sound. It may be gibberish. He may say something that doesn’t make sense. It could all depend on if the wires in Kevin’s brain are mixed up or not. It doesn’t mean that it can’t change though. We are praying that he is able to express himself when it is in. The speaking valve would not be in place all the time yet. They are still using the heated humidified air through his trach to help combat his pneumonia in his right lung. The R.T. during the night told us that both of his lungs sounded good.
This morning in order to help rest and heal his right eye, the nursing staff put some ointment in his eye and have taped it closed so that it can heal good.
The Occupational therapist told us that over the next few days, when Kevin is up in the blue neuro chair we might be able to take him outside! It is another great way to stimulate his senses. Today while sitting in his chair, Angie and I got to see how his body is being stimulated. Both of his legs were rocking, His arms/hands were kind of shivering. His eye was wide open (is right eye is taped all day). Angie and I were holding his hands and
There have been a few reports lately of Kevin tracking someone with his left eye. His R.T. today told us more than once Kevin was looking at her. Also today, Kevin watched an episode of Big Valley and an episode of The Monkees while he was up in his blue chair.
Thank you for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to read all the updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (same bat site, different bat address)
After speaking with the Physician’s Assistant, she is ordering a speaking valve. While Kevin has the trach in, he cannot make any sounds. If they place a speaking valve when he is alert, he may be able to make sounds. We are preparing ourselves in advance though. He may not make any sound. It may be gibberish. He may say something that doesn’t make sense. It could all depend on if the wires in Kevin’s brain are mixed up or not. It doesn’t mean that it can’t change though. We are praying that he is able to express himself when it is in. The speaking valve would not be in place all the time yet. They are still using the heated humidified air through his trach to help combat his pneumonia in his right lung. The R.T. during the night told us that both of his lungs sounded good.
This morning in order to help rest and heal his right eye, the nursing staff put some ointment in his eye and have taped it closed so that it can heal good.
The Occupational therapist told us that over the next few days, when Kevin is up in the blue neuro chair we might be able to take him outside! It is another great way to stimulate his senses. Today while sitting in his chair, Angie and I got to see how his body is being stimulated. Both of his legs were rocking, His arms/hands were kind of shivering. His eye was wide open (is right eye is taped all day). Angie and I were holding his hands and
There have been a few reports lately of Kevin tracking someone with his left eye. His R.T. today told us more than once Kevin was looking at her. Also today, Kevin watched an episode of Big Valley and an episode of The Monkees while he was up in his blue chair.
Thank you for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to read all the updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (same bat site, different bat address)
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Update #46 on Kevin
A friend of ours was telling us about a time last year, when we had known her for very long. She and Kevin are friends and they were on their way somewhere. Kevin told her ‘Let’s stop by Matt & Angie’s’. They got to our apartment in Tulsa and Kevin pulled out his key and opened up the door and came in. She came in behind him and started looking around. I think Kevin had her sit down and he proceeded to go into the kitchen. Seeing into the kitchen, she saw Kevin going through our fridge and getting food out of the cabinets. She asked him, ‘Are Matt and Angie here?’ Kevin replied that we weren’t. She told him, I don’t know if we should be here (Also she was thinking should Kevin be going through their food???). Kevin replied nonchalantly, ‘Ah, they won’t care.’ And continued his grazing. The truth is we wouldn’t have cared.
Things have been going smoothly this evening for Kevin. He hasn’t coughed very much. His respiratory therapist told us that from his latest X-Rays it shows that his left lung looks good, but his right lung still looks hazy (his right lung is the one that got punctured). The fact that his left lung looks good is GREAT!
His pulmonologist came in to see him tonight. She listened to him and talked with us. She said that she would be ordering a Doppler for his left arm, if there wasn’t one already ordered. (Side note – isn’t a doppler the thing they find tornadoes with???). She also lifted Kevin’s head up, it had been leaning to his left when she came in. When she moved his head, both his eyes opened up drowsily. He blinked slowly and the doctor was asking him questions. She asked if he could look at her. She got down right in front of face while talking to him. She gently laid his head back down and stood back up to talk with us. She stated, somewhat impressed, “it really seems like he was looking at me when I got right down in front of his face.” We told her that is what we have been seeing for the last several days. She confirmed that there are times when he will be more asleep than others, even in this state. It was nice to have a doctor confirm feelings that we were having.
Thanks so much to so many of you for commenting, either publicly or privately, about your appreciation for these updates. Some of you have also thanked me for my transparency. Since Angie and I have been ministry, we have seen the importance of transparency in communication. How can someone pray, if they don’t really know what to pray for? But it definitely extends past ministry. It should extend into the life of every believer. We, as Christians, should be sharing with other brothers and sisters what is really going on in our lives. We weren’t meant to live lives in isolation. How can the church BE the church, if they don’t know what you need? I think it is the responsibility of each Christian to open your lives up to other Christians. This humbling of ourselves trains to become more like Jesus. I believe that God can also lay someone on your heart as well, but that does not negate the responsibility of the one in need.
Thanks to all those who have given towards 742-Dine. Tonight we ordered hot wings from Wings To Go. Great stuff, it hit the spot. Thanks again. I believe it is a zero balance now, but we have gotten several meals out of it. Thanks again!! We appreciate it and our stomachs really appreciate it!
Thank you for loving on our family,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to read all the past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (same website, different avenue for getting there)
Things have been going smoothly this evening for Kevin. He hasn’t coughed very much. His respiratory therapist told us that from his latest X-Rays it shows that his left lung looks good, but his right lung still looks hazy (his right lung is the one that got punctured). The fact that his left lung looks good is GREAT!
His pulmonologist came in to see him tonight. She listened to him and talked with us. She said that she would be ordering a Doppler for his left arm, if there wasn’t one already ordered. (Side note – isn’t a doppler the thing they find tornadoes with???). She also lifted Kevin’s head up, it had been leaning to his left when she came in. When she moved his head, both his eyes opened up drowsily. He blinked slowly and the doctor was asking him questions. She asked if he could look at her. She got down right in front of face while talking to him. She gently laid his head back down and stood back up to talk with us. She stated, somewhat impressed, “it really seems like he was looking at me when I got right down in front of his face.” We told her that is what we have been seeing for the last several days. She confirmed that there are times when he will be more asleep than others, even in this state. It was nice to have a doctor confirm feelings that we were having.
Thanks so much to so many of you for commenting, either publicly or privately, about your appreciation for these updates. Some of you have also thanked me for my transparency. Since Angie and I have been ministry, we have seen the importance of transparency in communication. How can someone pray, if they don’t really know what to pray for? But it definitely extends past ministry. It should extend into the life of every believer. We, as Christians, should be sharing with other brothers and sisters what is really going on in our lives. We weren’t meant to live lives in isolation. How can the church BE the church, if they don’t know what you need? I think it is the responsibility of each Christian to open your lives up to other Christians. This humbling of ourselves trains to become more like Jesus. I believe that God can also lay someone on your heart as well, but that does not negate the responsibility of the one in need.
Thanks to all those who have given towards 742-Dine. Tonight we ordered hot wings from Wings To Go. Great stuff, it hit the spot. Thanks again. I believe it is a zero balance now, but we have gotten several meals out of it. Thanks again!! We appreciate it and our stomachs really appreciate it!
Thank you for loving on our family,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to read all the past updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (same website, different avenue for getting there)
Update #45 on Kevin
Well, it’s official. The test results are in. The C-Diff is gone! That means Kevin is no longer in an isolation category and we don’t have to wear gowns to get close to him and gloves to touch him! So I was able to give him the first kiss on the cheek since before he was diagnosed with C-Diff at the hospital about ten or eleven days ago!
Thanks for praying! Keep praying for everything.
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to read all previous updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (same site, different address to get there)
New stats:
Members of the “Pray for Kevin” Facebook group: 285 members
Subscribers to the “Pray for Kevin” email update list: 272 subscribers
Visitors to prayforkevin.com: 1,501 people
How many times prayforkevin.com has viewed: 4,512 views
Twitter followers of pray4kevin: 30 twitterers
Thanks for praying! Keep praying for everything.
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to read all previous updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (same site, different address to get there)
New stats:
Members of the “Pray for Kevin” Facebook group: 285 members
Subscribers to the “Pray for Kevin” email update list: 272 subscribers
Visitors to prayforkevin.com: 1,501 people
How many times prayforkevin.com has viewed: 4,512 views
Twitter followers of pray4kevin: 30 twitterers
Update #44 on Kevin
Last night, Kohl manned up and watched over his dad all by himself. Of course, he had the help of a very capable loving staff. We were at the hotel last night. This morning we got up, had breakfast and took Jacob to school. We came back are getting ready and then running some breakfast up to Kohl before going out for some away time. I feel like we have been doing fairly good at balancing time with Kevin and time by ourselves. In fact, on many of the nights we are supposed to stay at the hotel, before leaving Meadowbrook, I think I could stay here again tonight. However, we aren’t naïve enough to think that we could do that for long before burning out. So we discipline ourselves and come back refreshed.
We spoke with Kohl on the phone this morning. He said his dad had a good night last night. And this morning Kevin is one of his aware states. When I speak of aware and asleep states, we have come to learn that even in a coma people can experience times where they are more at rest than others. When he is aware, we aren’t sure if it is clear or more of a dreamlike haze. We have heard many stories where people remembered what was said around them while they were in a coma. We’ve heard very few where the person did not remember. I wonder if in that sense it is like a ‘dream-state’. When you wake up in the morning, do you always remember your dreams?
So this morning, Kevin is in an aware state. He is also moving different parts of his body. These are the exciting parts of the day. I’m glad Kohl is getting to be there to experience it. But you know there was a subdued sense of calm last night, when Kevin seemed to be sleeping hard, and when he exhaled breaths his mouth kind of blew the air out of his lips, as people often do.
Some might say during a time of life like this that there is nothing else worth praising God. However, I find this to still be true. God is still on His throne. God is still in control. In times, when we should be pulling our hair out and giving up, we find peace that is beyond understanding (this is after, of course, pulling a few hairs out and threatening to give up). God sustains us. God has still provided for us a way to spend eternity with Him. God still offers this as a free gift to any who would accept it. God is still providing clothes, housing, food and laughter to our family. God is still there. God listens. God hurts with us, when we hurt. He cries when we cry. He pulls us to Him when we allow it.
You know some think this life is it. I don’t. I believe from God’s Word that there is an eternity after this life. This life is merely a chance for us to practice following God for an eternity of being with Him. I have heard time and eternity described this way. There are two birds. One on each side of North America. One on the West Coast. The other on the East. Each bird takes a grain of sand from their side and flies it to the other. The time in which it takes for them to complete swap out every grain of sand in this fashion would be only a speck in eternity. And technically, not even a speck, less than. This life, with its hurts, pain and sadness is not all there is. And for that I find reason to continue praising God.
For those of you, who would like to help the family, there are still a couple of great ways. Meals and housing. We seem to be pretty good on money for the prayer bracelets right now. At least for this first order. If you would like to help with meals, please let Jeff Congdon at Sandusky Avenue Christian Church know. It makes it so much easier on us than trying to coordinate meals on top of everything else. His cell number is 918-408-7680. For lunches, it usually only needs to be for 3-4 people. Dinners and Lunch/Dinner on Saturday, and Dinner on Sunday need to be for about 10-15. If you can make these meals, delivery them or pick them up at a drive thru, our family would be very appreciative. With housing, we are still looking for our next solution (starting next Monday). Some of the options still cost money, but being close to Kevin’s facility would be a huge blessing in many ways. You can still contact Brian Jennings at Highland Park Christian Church. You can reach him at 918-627-0783.
This was supposed to be a short morning update. Sorry about that.
Thanks for everything that you are doing for Kevin and his family,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to read all the previous updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (same blog, different address to get there)
We spoke with Kohl on the phone this morning. He said his dad had a good night last night. And this morning Kevin is one of his aware states. When I speak of aware and asleep states, we have come to learn that even in a coma people can experience times where they are more at rest than others. When he is aware, we aren’t sure if it is clear or more of a dreamlike haze. We have heard many stories where people remembered what was said around them while they were in a coma. We’ve heard very few where the person did not remember. I wonder if in that sense it is like a ‘dream-state’. When you wake up in the morning, do you always remember your dreams?
So this morning, Kevin is in an aware state. He is also moving different parts of his body. These are the exciting parts of the day. I’m glad Kohl is getting to be there to experience it. But you know there was a subdued sense of calm last night, when Kevin seemed to be sleeping hard, and when he exhaled breaths his mouth kind of blew the air out of his lips, as people often do.
Some might say during a time of life like this that there is nothing else worth praising God. However, I find this to still be true. God is still on His throne. God is still in control. In times, when we should be pulling our hair out and giving up, we find peace that is beyond understanding (this is after, of course, pulling a few hairs out and threatening to give up). God sustains us. God has still provided for us a way to spend eternity with Him. God still offers this as a free gift to any who would accept it. God is still providing clothes, housing, food and laughter to our family. God is still there. God listens. God hurts with us, when we hurt. He cries when we cry. He pulls us to Him when we allow it.
You know some think this life is it. I don’t. I believe from God’s Word that there is an eternity after this life. This life is merely a chance for us to practice following God for an eternity of being with Him. I have heard time and eternity described this way. There are two birds. One on each side of North America. One on the West Coast. The other on the East. Each bird takes a grain of sand from their side and flies it to the other. The time in which it takes for them to complete swap out every grain of sand in this fashion would be only a speck in eternity. And technically, not even a speck, less than. This life, with its hurts, pain and sadness is not all there is. And for that I find reason to continue praising God.
For those of you, who would like to help the family, there are still a couple of great ways. Meals and housing. We seem to be pretty good on money for the prayer bracelets right now. At least for this first order. If you would like to help with meals, please let Jeff Congdon at Sandusky Avenue Christian Church know. It makes it so much easier on us than trying to coordinate meals on top of everything else. His cell number is 918-408-7680. For lunches, it usually only needs to be for 3-4 people. Dinners and Lunch/Dinner on Saturday, and Dinner on Sunday need to be for about 10-15. If you can make these meals, delivery them or pick them up at a drive thru, our family would be very appreciative. With housing, we are still looking for our next solution (starting next Monday). Some of the options still cost money, but being close to Kevin’s facility would be a huge blessing in many ways. You can still contact Brian Jennings at Highland Park Christian Church. You can reach him at 918-627-0783.
This was supposed to be a short morning update. Sorry about that.
Thanks for everything that you are doing for Kevin and his family,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ (to read all the previous updates)
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/ (same blog, different address to get there)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Update #43 on Kevin
I remember Kevin bringing home the 45. For those of you too young to remember vinyl records, a 45 had a single song on one side and a “b” side single on the other. Normally, it was a great radio song, and rare was the time you got another great song on the other side. I think it was a in a peach colored sleeve. He pulled it out and put it on the turntable. It was….King Tut. Steve Martin, the comedian, did this song about the boy pharaoh of Egypt. I can still see Kevin dancing around to it. I played it for him tonight on my MP3 player.
Kevin has had a restful night. Eventful in a good way. The only thing is he had a fever earlier tonight. After some Tylenol and cold rags it has gotten under control. The pulmonologist (lung doctor) started him on a new antibiotic that will take care of the bacteria found in his secretion sample from Saturday night. It should also help with the remaining pneumonia. Kevin still has his antibiotic for C-Diff (until the 21st of September). It will depend on when Kevin has a negative test though.
Angie and I are at the hotel tonight. We found out that we will be at the Hampton Inn until Monday. Thanks so much for all the offers and help. We are working on our “residence” starting Monday night.
Kohl is staying with his dad tonight and Taylor is supposed to arrive from Midwest City sometime tonight. She had to take care of some loose ends during the past couple days.
Thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
http://prayforkevin.blogpsot.com/
Kevin has had a restful night. Eventful in a good way. The only thing is he had a fever earlier tonight. After some Tylenol and cold rags it has gotten under control. The pulmonologist (lung doctor) started him on a new antibiotic that will take care of the bacteria found in his secretion sample from Saturday night. It should also help with the remaining pneumonia. Kevin still has his antibiotic for C-Diff (until the 21st of September). It will depend on when Kevin has a negative test though.
Angie and I are at the hotel tonight. We found out that we will be at the Hampton Inn until Monday. Thanks so much for all the offers and help. We are working on our “residence” starting Monday night.
Kohl is staying with his dad tonight and Taylor is supposed to arrive from Midwest City sometime tonight. She had to take care of some loose ends during the past couple days.
Thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
http://prayforkevin.blogpsot.com/
Update #42 on Kevin
I thought it would be good for us to give you a list of specific things to pray about, then as we knock them off, we can celebrate the progression as given by God. Pray for…
1) The scar from his major fracture on his right side of his head.
2) The remaining stitches to be loose & area healed enough to be removed from his right side.
3) Right eye opening seems more sluggish than his left eyelid.
4) Right eye is very red and sensitive to touch.
5) Some infection is in the right eye.
6) Started having a fever this afternoon, but it has already started going back down.
7) Bowels to function.
8) Stomach to produce only the amount of bile necessary for healthy function.
9) Stomach to digest normally.
10) Respiratory rate to stay normal.
11) Pneumonia to be cleared up.
12) Right lung to be fully healed after the puncture.
13) Vitals to stay normal.
14) More purposeful movement in his head.
15) More purposeful movement in his arms.
16) More purposeful movement in his eyes.
17) More purposeful movement in his legs.
18) More purposeful movement in his neck.
19) Consciousness to fully return.
20) Facial fractures to fully heal.
21) Speaking ability to return.
22) Brainstem swelling to be reduced.
23) Areas of the brain that had damaged to be completely healed.
24) Ability to walk to fully return.
25) Memories to be intact.
26) Short term memory to be intact.
27) Short term memory to be intact. (that’s a joke on me!)
28) Learning ability to be unrestricted.
29) All others of his brain to retain full functionality.
30) All normal life functions to return intact.
31) For the nurses and doctors to be encouraged.
32) For the staff of Meadowbrook to have clear minds for making wise decisions.
33) For the family to remain unified, strong and full of faith
34) For everyone involved to be pointed to God.
Thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/
1) The scar from his major fracture on his right side of his head.
2) The remaining stitches to be loose & area healed enough to be removed from his right side.
3) Right eye opening seems more sluggish than his left eyelid.
4) Right eye is very red and sensitive to touch.
5) Some infection is in the right eye.
6) Started having a fever this afternoon, but it has already started going back down.
7) Bowels to function.
8) Stomach to produce only the amount of bile necessary for healthy function.
9) Stomach to digest normally.
10) Respiratory rate to stay normal.
11) Pneumonia to be cleared up.
12) Right lung to be fully healed after the puncture.
13) Vitals to stay normal.
14) More purposeful movement in his head.
15) More purposeful movement in his arms.
16) More purposeful movement in his eyes.
17) More purposeful movement in his legs.
18) More purposeful movement in his neck.
19) Consciousness to fully return.
20) Facial fractures to fully heal.
21) Speaking ability to return.
22) Brainstem swelling to be reduced.
23) Areas of the brain that had damaged to be completely healed.
24) Ability to walk to fully return.
25) Memories to be intact.
26) Short term memory to be intact.
27) Short term memory to be intact. (that’s a joke on me!)
28) Learning ability to be unrestricted.
29) All others of his brain to retain full functionality.
30) All normal life functions to return intact.
31) For the nurses and doctors to be encouraged.
32) For the staff of Meadowbrook to have clear minds for making wise decisions.
33) For the family to remain unified, strong and full of faith
34) For everyone involved to be pointed to God.
Thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/
Update #41 on Kevin
When we were growing up, we liked The Monkees. The show. The music. The guys. So as I type I am playing Headquarters, their third album. Also, I am younger than Greg and Kevin, so sometimes I was seen as the pesky little brother. I think I relished in it a little too much. With Greg, I could just tap him as he walked by. Seconds later I would receive the wrath of a kick to the leg, all worth it when I watched him squirm at Mom’s disapproval.
With Kevin, all I had to do was mess with his relationships. Tease him about the girls that sent him perfume soaked letters, or asking when they were going to get married in front of the girl he was with…..bratty I know. Kevin would get so mad at me! Later, as I got older and matured, my brothers and I became more than brothers, we became best friends.
Kevin has been having a good day. He has had far less secretions and the Respiratory Therapists have said each time they came in (every 2 hours) that his lungs were sounding good, so good they didn’t have to suction him. He has hardly coughed in the past 12 hours and he doesn’t have the rattly sound when he is breathing.
He is sitting in his blue neuro chair right now. His eyes have been open for most of the time he has been in the chair. Also, albeit slowly, his eyes will blink. He is doing this more regularly today. He has also been tracking some with his left eye. Angie was holding his head straight in the chair, because he kept letting it lean to his left side. One time she stopped and she saw him trying to pull back up himself.
Last night when his nurse was cleaning out his eyes, she went to wipe out his right eye. I was standing on his right and saw him grimace. He closed his left eye tightly (his right eye was being held open for the cleaning). Both his brows were furrowed. And his mouth clenched. She also said he try to pull his head away while she was cleaning his eyes. Apparently, he did NOT like it.
Greg just got here. We are going to get some lunch at the cafeteria while Angie hangs out with Kevin. We already got some lunch for Angie. Kevin can keep listening to the Monkees while we go.
Thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/
With Kevin, all I had to do was mess with his relationships. Tease him about the girls that sent him perfume soaked letters, or asking when they were going to get married in front of the girl he was with…..bratty I know. Kevin would get so mad at me! Later, as I got older and matured, my brothers and I became more than brothers, we became best friends.
Kevin has been having a good day. He has had far less secretions and the Respiratory Therapists have said each time they came in (every 2 hours) that his lungs were sounding good, so good they didn’t have to suction him. He has hardly coughed in the past 12 hours and he doesn’t have the rattly sound when he is breathing.
He is sitting in his blue neuro chair right now. His eyes have been open for most of the time he has been in the chair. Also, albeit slowly, his eyes will blink. He is doing this more regularly today. He has also been tracking some with his left eye. Angie was holding his head straight in the chair, because he kept letting it lean to his left side. One time she stopped and she saw him trying to pull back up himself.
Last night when his nurse was cleaning out his eyes, she went to wipe out his right eye. I was standing on his right and saw him grimace. He closed his left eye tightly (his right eye was being held open for the cleaning). Both his brows were furrowed. And his mouth clenched. She also said he try to pull his head away while she was cleaning his eyes. Apparently, he did NOT like it.
Greg just got here. We are going to get some lunch at the cafeteria while Angie hangs out with Kevin. We already got some lunch for Angie. Kevin can keep listening to the Monkees while we go.
Thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Update #40 on Kevin
It’s been awhile since I updated you on Kevin’s flood situation (for those just joining, Kevin’s house flooded while he was in TICU – His youngest son, Jacob, lives there with him). I believe they have taken everything out that can be taken out (furniture, property, ruined kitchen cabinets, ruined bathroom cabinets, ruined carpet, lower sections of sheetrock on the walls needing replaced, etc….). There are just a few more details to take care of before the restoration work can begin.
Kevin’s digestion has been up and down. It seems to be okay but the problem seems to be more related to his stomach. Because Kevin is being tube fed, his body is confused. It knows he is getting carbohydrates, nutrition, etc… but it assumes it needs to make more bile to break down these components. Kevin also seems to have a very sensitive gag reflex. Whenever they come in to suction him, his reflex is to gag and when that happens he often brings up the extra bile that is being produced by his stomach. He is having more regular B.M.’s but now there is this issue of stomach acid. They started him on a new acid reducer today.
This morning, they also sent off a sample to be tested for C-Diff. If he doesn’t have it any longer then my understanding is they will take him out of isolation, which means no more gloves to touch him and gowns to be close to him. If he still has it, they will keep monitoring it and testing for it.
Several of you have told us that you have stayed away at different times due to not feeling well, or being around others who are not feeling well. I want to say thank you. Thanks for not just being considerate but recognizing the very real threat to Kevin’s recovery that could be caused by the addition of a flu or virus. I appreciate that.
A tech today told me a couple things when I got here today. She said that earlier when she was doing some Oral Care for Kevin, he kept biting down on the utensils. She would ask him to open his mouth each time he did this so that she could keep working on him. Each time he would open his mouth when she asked. Also, she said he was grinning on his right side of his mouth at her. He stopped and she asked him to smile for her again and he grinned again. I guess this happened a couple times! There have been a couple times where we thought Kevin was trying to smile, so it is cool that it seems he is progressing.
Kevin’s digestion has been up and down. It seems to be okay but the problem seems to be more related to his stomach. Because Kevin is being tube fed, his body is confused. It knows he is getting carbohydrates, nutrition, etc… but it assumes it needs to make more bile to break down these components. Kevin also seems to have a very sensitive gag reflex. Whenever they come in to suction him, his reflex is to gag and when that happens he often brings up the extra bile that is being produced by his stomach. He is having more regular B.M.’s but now there is this issue of stomach acid. They started him on a new acid reducer today.
This morning, they also sent off a sample to be tested for C-Diff. If he doesn’t have it any longer then my understanding is they will take him out of isolation, which means no more gloves to touch him and gowns to be close to him. If he still has it, they will keep monitoring it and testing for it.
Several of you have told us that you have stayed away at different times due to not feeling well, or being around others who are not feeling well. I want to say thank you. Thanks for not just being considerate but recognizing the very real threat to Kevin’s recovery that could be caused by the addition of a flu or virus. I appreciate that.
A tech today told me a couple things when I got here today. She said that earlier when she was doing some Oral Care for Kevin, he kept biting down on the utensils. She would ask him to open his mouth each time he did this so that she could keep working on him. Each time he would open his mouth when she asked. Also, she said he was grinning on his right side of his mouth at her. He stopped and she asked him to smile for her again and he grinned again. I guess this happened a couple times! There have been a couple times where we thought Kevin was trying to smile, so it is cool that it seems he is progressing.
I am including a photo of Kevin. It is Kevin doing something that came very natural for him…talking on his cell phone. Over the years, Kevin had several cell phones, sometimes two or three at the same time (with several numbers). It is rare to see him without the phone on his ear or his finger not texting. This photo was taken by me at a Tulsa Drillers baseball game that Kevin got several of us tickets too. I remember thinking this was a good photo because embodies a favorite pastime of Kevin….talking on the phone. Those of you that know him, know this is true.
We appreciate all of your prayers.
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
Monday, September 14, 2009
Update #39 on Kevin
If you’ve ever seen The Amazing Race on TV you know that it is a show about several two member teams in a race around the world. They travel from country to country doing different tasks and advancing to win the final prize. One of those tasks is called a Roadblock. A Roadblock is a task that only one team member may perform. Sometimes it is to eat a huge bowl of local traditional cuisine that is disgusting to the American palate. Sometimes it is to wade chest deep in a mud swamp searching for clues. Sometimes the team member doing the Roadblock takes a long time, sweating through the task, crying out, tiring out, wishing they had let the other team member do the task. Meanwhile, the team member sitting out is just waiting. They sit there watching. Watching while others complete the task. Watching as their teammate, who is usually a loved one, is feeling frustrated, getting worn out, wishing to give up. They cycle between cheering for them, annoying them, getting frustrated that they are taking so long to complete the task.
Sometimes I think we are in the middle of a Roadblock. Kevin drew the short straw is doing the task. We sit on the outside looking on, waiting for him to complete the task. We hope that he has almost finished what his body is doing, never really knowing how long it will actually take. Sometimes we cheer him on, sometimes we get frustrated it is taking so long, and sometimes I am sure we annoy him with some of the things that we say to him.
We talk about the progression in these updates. We celebrate the little steps that Kevin makes. We talk about the down moments too. For every time Kevin moves his eyes, there are ten or more times that he doesn’t. We look back a couple weeks ago and know that there are things Kevin is doing now that he did not do then. It is like climbing a mountain using toothpicks for climbing gear. It is like rowing across the ocean using spoons as paddles. Are we moving forward? Looking back at the last three weeks it is undeniable that we are moving forward, but at times it feels like a snail’s pace.
That’s why we celebrate things that in normal life we wouldn’t even notice. A pinky here, a ring finger there. He had a third B.M. tonight after we left for the hotel. Natural? Yes. Significant? Not normally, but now…yes. Greg (my other brother) and I were standing on each side of Kevin. Greg had been talking to Kevin during one of the moments that his eyes were opened. Kevin had finally started lowering his eyelids. We tried asking him to open them a few times. Greg started telling Kevin a story anyway and upon getting to the cool part of the story, Kevin started reopening his eyes. After Angie and I left for the evening, we heard that a family friend was holding Kevin’s right hand and Kevin began squeezing back. His fingers were opening and closing several times on our friend’s hand. Really cool. Pinky. Ring Finger. All fingers. Baby steps.
I talk about the pace because I want to accurately portray what is happening. It is a marathon, not a sprint. If you try to run a marathon with a sprints’ pace, you will pass out or drop out. We ask that you continue to pray for the family as we journey this voyage together. Pray for us as we wait when there is nothing physical for us to do. Pray for Kevin to be healed and better than before.
In one of the last updates, I mentioned a way for those working at AA can help. I just found out that Greg’s supervisor and manager set it up to make it easy for those wishing to donate a day to Greg. All someone has to do is go to the administration desk located next to the injury counselor’s office in the admin building (near the credit union) to donate vacation time.
Also, it is looking like Friday may be our last day at the Hampton Inn. The greatly discounted rate we have will last until then. Right now, I am exploring options for those of us out of towners to be close to Kevin. There are two extended stay facilities very close to Meadowbrook. To get the great rate, we would need to pay for each month up front (around $750) for the month. Still researching options, but this may be what would work for six of us.
Thanks for reading. Thanks for praying.
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/
Sometimes I think we are in the middle of a Roadblock. Kevin drew the short straw is doing the task. We sit on the outside looking on, waiting for him to complete the task. We hope that he has almost finished what his body is doing, never really knowing how long it will actually take. Sometimes we cheer him on, sometimes we get frustrated it is taking so long, and sometimes I am sure we annoy him with some of the things that we say to him.
We talk about the progression in these updates. We celebrate the little steps that Kevin makes. We talk about the down moments too. For every time Kevin moves his eyes, there are ten or more times that he doesn’t. We look back a couple weeks ago and know that there are things Kevin is doing now that he did not do then. It is like climbing a mountain using toothpicks for climbing gear. It is like rowing across the ocean using spoons as paddles. Are we moving forward? Looking back at the last three weeks it is undeniable that we are moving forward, but at times it feels like a snail’s pace.
That’s why we celebrate things that in normal life we wouldn’t even notice. A pinky here, a ring finger there. He had a third B.M. tonight after we left for the hotel. Natural? Yes. Significant? Not normally, but now…yes. Greg (my other brother) and I were standing on each side of Kevin. Greg had been talking to Kevin during one of the moments that his eyes were opened. Kevin had finally started lowering his eyelids. We tried asking him to open them a few times. Greg started telling Kevin a story anyway and upon getting to the cool part of the story, Kevin started reopening his eyes. After Angie and I left for the evening, we heard that a family friend was holding Kevin’s right hand and Kevin began squeezing back. His fingers were opening and closing several times on our friend’s hand. Really cool. Pinky. Ring Finger. All fingers. Baby steps.
I talk about the pace because I want to accurately portray what is happening. It is a marathon, not a sprint. If you try to run a marathon with a sprints’ pace, you will pass out or drop out. We ask that you continue to pray for the family as we journey this voyage together. Pray for us as we wait when there is nothing physical for us to do. Pray for Kevin to be healed and better than before.
In one of the last updates, I mentioned a way for those working at AA can help. I just found out that Greg’s supervisor and manager set it up to make it easy for those wishing to donate a day to Greg. All someone has to do is go to the administration desk located next to the injury counselor’s office in the admin building (near the credit union) to donate vacation time.
Also, it is looking like Friday may be our last day at the Hampton Inn. The greatly discounted rate we have will last until then. Right now, I am exploring options for those of us out of towners to be close to Kevin. There are two extended stay facilities very close to Meadowbrook. To get the great rate, we would need to pay for each month up front (around $750) for the month. Still researching options, but this may be what would work for six of us.
Thanks for reading. Thanks for praying.
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
http://prayforkevin.blogspot.com/
Update #38 on Kevin
Nick. Heath. Jarrod. The Barclays. If you ever watched the TV Western called, The Big Valley, you know their names. My brothers and I loved that show growing up. We even had the characters divvied up. Greg was Heath. I was Jarrod. Kevin was Nick. Tall, dark haired and the self titled protector of the Barclay clan, Nick was a good choice for Kevin. I bought the first two seasons of Big Valley at Wal-Mart for us to play for Kevin. I think I’ll put one on after I finish writing this update. Kevin is sitting in his blue neuro chair. Throughout the night, he coughed up quite a bit. That’s a good thing, but it can also be tiring, especially if it is constant. This morning he seemed to have a more restful period. Around noon, the Occupational and Physical therapists came in to work on his range of motion. They started and said its okay to start working on his left arm and leg (where the blood clots were). Around that time we discovered that he had a B.M. today! That’s good news. So they did a quick clean and placed him in the blue chair.
Three people in the past few days have either felt or seen his pinky on his right hand move. This morning I was holding his right hand, and I laid it down. I was watching his hand and saw his ring finger move.
We appreciate the visits to Kevin. Our family has definitely been in encouraged by those who have come up. When you come, remember that we believe that Kevin may be hearing things we are saying in his room. Please be careful about mentioning or asking about what future he may or may not have in front of him. It’s hard enough for him to fight this, we want to encourage him with positive reinforcement! And of course, we want it all bathed in prayer! If you have questions, please feel free to ask them, we may just pull you aside to answer them.
Oh and by the way…I couldn’t wait until I finished this update. I had to turn on the first episode of Big Valley for Kevin. I put it on a table right in front of his eyes. I was standing behind the portable DVD player and I saw his eyes flicker when I told him I was putting Big Valley on for him. I seemed to look up at me above the player and back down to the DVD player, back up at me then back down to watch the episode. I hope he can hear it over the beeps and whistles in the room.
Just when I thought we were going to have a peaceful afternoon. The RT came in and suctioned and he started throwing up. They have it under control, but now they have to give him his bath. I helped them lift him back into his bed from the chair. He had another B.M. too.
I’ll close this one, by saying we just got back in here. He’s all washed up now. Resting peacefully…we’ll try Big Valley in a bit.
Thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Update #37 on Kevin
My family’s tradition is to go to lunch together every Sunday after church. Even on Sunday’s when we were at different churches, we would call or text each other to connect up so that we could decide where to go. This morning, several in the family went to church together. Then we went to lunch together. This is the first time we have gone to lunch together after church since Kevin’s accident. Since we are all going through this together, we were able to drop any guards and be ourselves. Through this tragic experience we have had to learn how to laugh together, even when at first it feels like you will never laugh again.
I keep thinking about the movie “Sleepless in Seattle”. I won’t ruin it for you but there is a person dealing with a tragedy. When asked how he deals with it, he replies with the following reply…
“Well, I'm gonna get out of bed every morning... breath in and out all day long. Then, after a while I won't have to remind myself to get out of bed every morning and breath in and out... and, then after a while, I won't have to think about how I had it great and perfect for a while.”
Whew….straight to the depths of my soul. We have felt incredibly blessed by how God has provided for the family during this amazingly difficult time. We have also felt God soothe us, after dealing with stress after stress throughout this situation. That does not mean that things feel normal for us.
Kevin had been somewhat still today, but tonight Angie started challenging him to cough. After a bit, he started coughing and opening his eyes some. It seems to tire him after awhile, but Angie kept pushing him to cough. It shows cognition, understanding and the ability to respond. Respiratory told us that it is more painful if they have to stick a suction down his trach than for him to cough it out on his own. So we encourage him, even when it seems like such a long slow process.
We were told by the night nurse coming on duty that Kevin had finally had a B.M. today. It must have been around the time of his bath, since the family didn’t know about it. I’m looking forward to speaking with Kevin’s doctor tomorrow, since he has had a replacement over the weekend.
We have the TV on now for Kevin. It is on an arm attached the wall. It is sitting directly in front of Kevin’s face. We will be trying all sorts of stimulation.
We’re still looking forward to him getting over isolation from the C-Diff (intestinal illness). At Meadowbrook they will look for one negative test for C-Diff from a B.M. before taking him out of isolation. They said that once he is out of isolation, there is a possibility to take Kevin outside. That will provide other stimulation. Once per month, they have a pet day where you can bring pets to see the patients. Brinkley would love to see his “unca” Kevin.
Thanks for joining us on this journey. It means so much for you to go along with us. Thanks so much for the long emails, the short messages, the notes of prayer, the quoting of scripture, etc….. You have meant so much to us.
Thanks,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
I keep thinking about the movie “Sleepless in Seattle”. I won’t ruin it for you but there is a person dealing with a tragedy. When asked how he deals with it, he replies with the following reply…
“Well, I'm gonna get out of bed every morning... breath in and out all day long. Then, after a while I won't have to remind myself to get out of bed every morning and breath in and out... and, then after a while, I won't have to think about how I had it great and perfect for a while.”
Whew….straight to the depths of my soul. We have felt incredibly blessed by how God has provided for the family during this amazingly difficult time. We have also felt God soothe us, after dealing with stress after stress throughout this situation. That does not mean that things feel normal for us.
Kevin had been somewhat still today, but tonight Angie started challenging him to cough. After a bit, he started coughing and opening his eyes some. It seems to tire him after awhile, but Angie kept pushing him to cough. It shows cognition, understanding and the ability to respond. Respiratory told us that it is more painful if they have to stick a suction down his trach than for him to cough it out on his own. So we encourage him, even when it seems like such a long slow process.
We were told by the night nurse coming on duty that Kevin had finally had a B.M. today. It must have been around the time of his bath, since the family didn’t know about it. I’m looking forward to speaking with Kevin’s doctor tomorrow, since he has had a replacement over the weekend.
We have the TV on now for Kevin. It is on an arm attached the wall. It is sitting directly in front of Kevin’s face. We will be trying all sorts of stimulation.
We’re still looking forward to him getting over isolation from the C-Diff (intestinal illness). At Meadowbrook they will look for one negative test for C-Diff from a B.M. before taking him out of isolation. They said that once he is out of isolation, there is a possibility to take Kevin outside. That will provide other stimulation. Once per month, they have a pet day where you can bring pets to see the patients. Brinkley would love to see his “unca” Kevin.
Thanks for joining us on this journey. It means so much for you to go along with us. Thanks so much for the long emails, the short messages, the notes of prayer, the quoting of scripture, etc….. You have meant so much to us.
Thanks,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Update #36 on Kevin
So there have been some ups and down today, but mainly ups. Things may seem to move slowly, but they actually seem to be moving quicker than they should.
Kevin has been breathing only wall-flow since yesterday at 1:35 PM. That is going on a day and a half!!! It has definitely exceeded their expectations here at Meadowbrook. However, they do continue to be positive and optimistic about the future. Not even at night did they need to give him a rest. Kevin is doing great.
The wall-flow is just like normal air, with just enough pressure to boost the air through his tube. Try breathing through a straw, and you’ll have a better understand why even healthy lungs need a boost from wall-flow. At first one of the main differences was the humidifying device added to the wall-flow air. Yesterday, they added a heating element too.
Because he was on a ventilator, gunk was pushed down into the bottom of his lungs due to the pressure the vent provided. Now that he is off, a goal is to get all that junk and gunk coughed out. Kevin has spent a better part of this morning and much of this afternoon coughing it out.
One of the only downs today is that because he was coughing so hard this morning, he threw up twice. The cleaned him up each time and he has done better each time. Another down is that he has not had a B.M. in several days. They have him on medicine for that, but hopefully, will not take much longer to go.
This afternoon, Kevin was placed in a neurological chair for several hours. Whenever Kevin is moved around (rolled, moved, etc…) he seems to be roused from a sleepiness. One of the doctors today, Dr. Smith (a pulmonologist), said it is normally for them to wake and sleep and wake and sleep. It is getting easier for us to see the difference. It was difficult in the beginning since some of the difference are slight.
While in the chair, Angie stood by his side and encouraged him to cough harder and get the stuff out of his lungs. Each time, Angie would tell him to cough, he would. And whenever his eyes started closing, she would tell him it wasn’t time to sleep yet and to try and stay awake. She continued getting him to cough and helped him clear his lungs.
Thanks for stopping by, sending cards, encouraging us through messages and most of all, praying for Kevin’s healing and the family as they continue to go through this tragedy together.
Thanks for everything,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
Kevin has been breathing only wall-flow since yesterday at 1:35 PM. That is going on a day and a half!!! It has definitely exceeded their expectations here at Meadowbrook. However, they do continue to be positive and optimistic about the future. Not even at night did they need to give him a rest. Kevin is doing great.
The wall-flow is just like normal air, with just enough pressure to boost the air through his tube. Try breathing through a straw, and you’ll have a better understand why even healthy lungs need a boost from wall-flow. At first one of the main differences was the humidifying device added to the wall-flow air. Yesterday, they added a heating element too.
Because he was on a ventilator, gunk was pushed down into the bottom of his lungs due to the pressure the vent provided. Now that he is off, a goal is to get all that junk and gunk coughed out. Kevin has spent a better part of this morning and much of this afternoon coughing it out.
One of the only downs today is that because he was coughing so hard this morning, he threw up twice. The cleaned him up each time and he has done better each time. Another down is that he has not had a B.M. in several days. They have him on medicine for that, but hopefully, will not take much longer to go.
This afternoon, Kevin was placed in a neurological chair for several hours. Whenever Kevin is moved around (rolled, moved, etc…) he seems to be roused from a sleepiness. One of the doctors today, Dr. Smith (a pulmonologist), said it is normally for them to wake and sleep and wake and sleep. It is getting easier for us to see the difference. It was difficult in the beginning since some of the difference are slight.
While in the chair, Angie stood by his side and encouraged him to cough harder and get the stuff out of his lungs. Each time, Angie would tell him to cough, he would. And whenever his eyes started closing, she would tell him it wasn’t time to sleep yet and to try and stay awake. She continued getting him to cough and helped him clear his lungs.
Thanks for stopping by, sending cards, encouraging us through messages and most of all, praying for Kevin’s healing and the family as they continue to go through this tragedy together.
Thanks for everything,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
Friday, September 11, 2009
Update #35 on Kevin
So, we found out that last night they did give Kevin a rest for a few hours from breathing. They took him from CPAP and put him on Assist Control on the ventilator in order to give him some rest. They had him set at 12 breaths per minute. Assist Control allows Kevin the opportunity to initiate any breath and the machine gives it to him. This allows Kevin to be fully rested on the ventilator except for triggering, as long as there is adequate flow. Also it makes it so Kevin can breathe spontaneously without working. For more about it read http://icmtutorials.com/rs/mv/page6.htm.
But when the doctor was in this morning he said that essentially Kevin has been breathing on his own for over 24 hours. Around 5:30 AM they switched Kevin back from the vent to CPAP again. Then at around 1:30 PM they took Kevin completely off any machine, vent, CPAP or otherwise and put him on what’s called “Wall-Flow”. It comes out of the wall, but it is just the same as room air. It has the same 21% of oxygen that is in room air. One of the main differences is that the air has humidification. That helps with his secretions. Yesterday, they put him on some allergy medicine, so helpfully that helps with drainage too.
Kevin’s had his eyes open quite a bit today, but not a ton of reaction. It is slow, but seems to be progressing forward.
Another way to help the family would actually be a big help to me and the rest of the family. Greg works at American Airlines, like Kevin. Not sure if there is a way for people at AA that have an extra day that they could give up to give it to Greg because it would really help the family. The reason is that there are many tasks related to the house construction after Kevin’s flood like going through the warehouse that is storing Kevin’s personal belongings in order to sort it all. Greg is also taking care of things for Kevin like getting documents procured and taking care of financial items for Kevin and family. Of course, Greg is also here at the LTAC helping with the care of Kevin on top of all that. If Greg has to go back to work it all falls to us. This would be a great help to me personally.
Thanks so much for everything that you are doing for our family and Kevin!
Thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
___________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
But when the doctor was in this morning he said that essentially Kevin has been breathing on his own for over 24 hours. Around 5:30 AM they switched Kevin back from the vent to CPAP again. Then at around 1:30 PM they took Kevin completely off any machine, vent, CPAP or otherwise and put him on what’s called “Wall-Flow”. It comes out of the wall, but it is just the same as room air. It has the same 21% of oxygen that is in room air. One of the main differences is that the air has humidification. That helps with his secretions. Yesterday, they put him on some allergy medicine, so helpfully that helps with drainage too.
Kevin’s had his eyes open quite a bit today, but not a ton of reaction. It is slow, but seems to be progressing forward.
Another way to help the family would actually be a big help to me and the rest of the family. Greg works at American Airlines, like Kevin. Not sure if there is a way for people at AA that have an extra day that they could give up to give it to Greg because it would really help the family. The reason is that there are many tasks related to the house construction after Kevin’s flood like going through the warehouse that is storing Kevin’s personal belongings in order to sort it all. Greg is also taking care of things for Kevin like getting documents procured and taking care of financial items for Kevin and family. Of course, Greg is also here at the LTAC helping with the care of Kevin on top of all that. If Greg has to go back to work it all falls to us. This would be a great help to me personally.
Thanks so much for everything that you are doing for our family and Kevin!
Thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
___________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
Update #34 on Kevin
Real quick update…
Kevin has been breathing on his own for over 24 hours!
Also, the doctor said he was very positive and impressed with Kevin’s improvement.
Another quick note is that the red bracelets that have “Pray for Kevin” imprinted on them are in the process of being ordered. They will take about two and a half weeks to get in.
There are 188 members of the Facebook group “Pray for Kevin”. There are 237 people receiving the email updates . And the blog http://www.prayforkevin.com has been viewed 2,612 times by 1026 people in five days!!
Thanks so much for all the prayers, support, encouragement and love!
We appreciate it!
When I talked with Kohl earlier, he told me that they had put Kevin in a neurological chair. Kohl said his dad’s eyes were open and Kevin had movement throughout parts of his body.
Keep praying and thanks,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
Kevin has been breathing on his own for over 24 hours!
Also, the doctor said he was very positive and impressed with Kevin’s improvement.
Another quick note is that the red bracelets that have “Pray for Kevin” imprinted on them are in the process of being ordered. They will take about two and a half weeks to get in.
There are 188 members of the Facebook group “Pray for Kevin”. There are 237 people receiving the email updates . And the blog http://www.prayforkevin.com has been viewed 2,612 times by 1026 people in five days!!
Thanks so much for all the prayers, support, encouragement and love!
We appreciate it!
When I talked with Kohl earlier, he told me that they had put Kevin in a neurological chair. Kohl said his dad’s eyes were open and Kevin had movement throughout parts of his body.
Keep praying and thanks,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Update #33 on Kevin
For Kevin today was a good day. Each nurse or staff person that came in treated him with respect and wanted to know about him. Not just medicine but who he is. Refreshing for him to be seen as more than an object. The doctor came in and was very encouraging. He is going to read through Kevin’s medical records and start making orders tomorrow (Friday). He is the first doctor to actually acknowledge that his seasonal allergies could be affecting his secretions. He wants to get him on some allergy medicine to combat the drainage.
The Occupational therapist and Physical therapist came in and worked on Kevin’s range of motion. They also sat him up manually in bed, positioning him so his feet hung off the side of the bed. One of them stood in front of him, the other supported him from the back. They kept him in that position for about 8 minutes, until his respiratory rate started increasing.
Starting at 9:10 AM the Respiratory therapist switched Kevin over to CPAP, which means Kevin was breathing on his own. When we left tonight, he had almost gone twelve hours breathing on his own!! He had only gone two the day before. The RT was so impressed. She had said she was going to put him back on with low settings to give his body a rest. What a great first day in the LTAC.
Several times throughout the day, Kevin would open his eyes and move parts of his body. It is still limited, and not in any real order, but he has done great so far. This is especially true in his condition. A few times, Kevin raised either his left corner of his mouth or both corners after being suctioned. He was asked on different occasions to open his mouth for the nurses to suction his mouth and two times he opened his mouth at that time.
Please spend some time thanking God for bringing Kevin so far in just a few days. Tonight is the third week anniversary of his wreck. Kevin has come a long way in those three weeks too. Pray for God to heal Kevin’s mind and body. Pray for our family as we navigate some of the hardest decisions and issues that we may ever have to go through in our lifetime.
Note also that Kevin cannot have any fresh flowers or balloons, but can have cards or pictures to hang up in his room.
Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragement.
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
The Occupational therapist and Physical therapist came in and worked on Kevin’s range of motion. They also sat him up manually in bed, positioning him so his feet hung off the side of the bed. One of them stood in front of him, the other supported him from the back. They kept him in that position for about 8 minutes, until his respiratory rate started increasing.
Starting at 9:10 AM the Respiratory therapist switched Kevin over to CPAP, which means Kevin was breathing on his own. When we left tonight, he had almost gone twelve hours breathing on his own!! He had only gone two the day before. The RT was so impressed. She had said she was going to put him back on with low settings to give his body a rest. What a great first day in the LTAC.
Several times throughout the day, Kevin would open his eyes and move parts of his body. It is still limited, and not in any real order, but he has done great so far. This is especially true in his condition. A few times, Kevin raised either his left corner of his mouth or both corners after being suctioned. He was asked on different occasions to open his mouth for the nurses to suction his mouth and two times he opened his mouth at that time.
Please spend some time thanking God for bringing Kevin so far in just a few days. Tonight is the third week anniversary of his wreck. Kevin has come a long way in those three weeks too. Pray for God to heal Kevin’s mind and body. Pray for our family as we navigate some of the hardest decisions and issues that we may ever have to go through in our lifetime.
Note also that Kevin cannot have any fresh flowers or balloons, but can have cards or pictures to hang up in his room.
Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragement.
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Update #32 on Kevin
What a difference a day makes….
This morning we met with doctors, nurses, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, neurosurgery, etc…. all to get an idea about Kevin’s condition. They were planning on discharging him and we wanted to see where things were before we left. We asked questions about where Kevin has been in comparison with how far he has come. We asked about thoughts regarding progress to expect in the next month and what improvements and setbacks they had seen so far. We got a great deal of information. I think a few people were a little put out by the questions, but most people understood.
Kevin’s finger wasn’t broken and his neck’s fractures were stable and still aligned making it so he could be transferred today. Still on antibiotics, Kevin is working through the C-Diff. His transfer took place around 5 pm in a shiny ambulance. Our caravan headed over to Kevin’s LTAC. We came in, having already visited once to check it out last week, and we have continued to be bowled over with how much we like it already.
The LTAC is named Meadowbrook and he can accept visitors. Although right now, due to the C-Diff, you still have to gown and glove up to go in. The difference between here and TICU at St. Francis is that our whole family can go in at the same time. There is also free pop in the cafeteria 24 hours a day. Those things are minor to the quality of care that we have already seen from the staff. They treat Kevin not only as a person, but as a family member. His first night’s nurse even said that she sees him as a brother and will treat him as if he were her brother. What a refreshing feeling. His room is directly next to the respiratory nurses station. There is even a window from their station straight into his room.
The other cool thing is that Meadowbrook is at 31st & Memorial behind all the hotels. It is in fact directly behind the Hampton Inn that we have been so fortunate to have provided for us. We can actually walk next door for a shower and breakfast! Kevin’s in room 133.
Earlier today, before leaving TICU. They switched Kevin from the Ventilator to CPAP. He breathed on his own for about two hours. When they tested his blood they found that his PO2 (Oxygen) levels were a little low so they switched him back to the previous low settings he had been on. This was also good preparation for the transfer. When I asked the Physical Therapist upon arrival if that was normal to have that reaction when doing trials for getting off the vent, she said “oh yeah” dismissing it with a hand wave, then said with a huge smile, “we can fix that!!” Man, this feels like a good night. On that note, I am heading to bed. They brought us in with two recliners for sleeping.
Thanks so much for your prayers and thoughts. It means so much for the family.
Thanks,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
This morning we met with doctors, nurses, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, neurosurgery, etc…. all to get an idea about Kevin’s condition. They were planning on discharging him and we wanted to see where things were before we left. We asked questions about where Kevin has been in comparison with how far he has come. We asked about thoughts regarding progress to expect in the next month and what improvements and setbacks they had seen so far. We got a great deal of information. I think a few people were a little put out by the questions, but most people understood.
Kevin’s finger wasn’t broken and his neck’s fractures were stable and still aligned making it so he could be transferred today. Still on antibiotics, Kevin is working through the C-Diff. His transfer took place around 5 pm in a shiny ambulance. Our caravan headed over to Kevin’s LTAC. We came in, having already visited once to check it out last week, and we have continued to be bowled over with how much we like it already.
The LTAC is named Meadowbrook and he can accept visitors. Although right now, due to the C-Diff, you still have to gown and glove up to go in. The difference between here and TICU at St. Francis is that our whole family can go in at the same time. There is also free pop in the cafeteria 24 hours a day. Those things are minor to the quality of care that we have already seen from the staff. They treat Kevin not only as a person, but as a family member. His first night’s nurse even said that she sees him as a brother and will treat him as if he were her brother. What a refreshing feeling. His room is directly next to the respiratory nurses station. There is even a window from their station straight into his room.
The other cool thing is that Meadowbrook is at 31st & Memorial behind all the hotels. It is in fact directly behind the Hampton Inn that we have been so fortunate to have provided for us. We can actually walk next door for a shower and breakfast! Kevin’s in room 133.
Earlier today, before leaving TICU. They switched Kevin from the Ventilator to CPAP. He breathed on his own for about two hours. When they tested his blood they found that his PO2 (Oxygen) levels were a little low so they switched him back to the previous low settings he had been on. This was also good preparation for the transfer. When I asked the Physical Therapist upon arrival if that was normal to have that reaction when doing trials for getting off the vent, she said “oh yeah” dismissing it with a hand wave, then said with a huge smile, “we can fix that!!” Man, this feels like a good night. On that note, I am heading to bed. They brought us in with two recliners for sleeping.
Thanks so much for your prayers and thoughts. It means so much for the family.
Thanks,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
Update #31 on Kevin
So, like I previously mentioned, things are moving fast. They are still planning on moving Kevin today to an LTAC here in town. They are trying to get some final things scanned, such as a new X-ray for Kevin’s neck fractures before they move him in an EMSA vehicle. They are also X-Raying his right hand to determine if he has a broken finger or not. It’s interesting how they can get the reports back and read in an hour when they want to move him out. I asked the social worker why the move was happening in the early afternoon as opposed to the late afternoon which is what she told me yesterday. She said well the insurance is already calling to see why he hasn’t been moved yet. That’s not right. I don’t want them rushing things through. (ten minutes later) I just went back and discussed the matter and now it will be at least late afternoon.
Good news is that Kevin is now breathing on his own. It has been about an hour. It is with a CPAP machine. Basically, Kevin is initiating every breath he takes. The machine only gives him a low amount of pressure support, kind of like a boost of air whenever he starts the breath, but it is low. It’s at a 5, which is about as low of support as it can go they said. Also his PEEP is at a 5, which the Respiratory Therapist told us is also really low. She said is probably just enough to make sure air is going through the tube. That means when it’s not there, it shouldn’t be needed.
We’ve been talking with all the different disciplines (departments) of Kevin’s care. Asking about how far he has come in their opinion and what goals we can expect in the next month. Most of it has gone really smoothly.
Also, Dr. Fell, the neurosurgeon finally graced us with his presence. His last notes on Kevin were on August 31st, nine days ago. Then He had told us he would be back in a couple of days. I told him how disappointed I was that he did not follow through with what he had told us. He apologized. He went on to examine Kevin. Of course, Kevin didn’t do any of the things he has been doing when he was examined by Dr. Fell. So he said there hasn’t been any change. I told him that others had done the Kleenex in the eye test and Kevin’s left eye blinked all three times. He tried it again and said there was some blinking. I told him Kevin had started opening his eyes on Sunday and had done so at different points since. I told him how different parts of his body were moving, and some in reaction to stimulus in sitting and moving to the neurological chair. He then replied, I guess we have had some progress. He hadn’t looked at the latest CATscan from Sunday yet, and when I asked him about it, he asked if we wanted to see it. Angie and I had seen it, but Greg and Taylor hadn’t. I still wanted to look again to hear his views on it. He said there is still swelling around the Basal Ganglia (where the brain stem connects to the brain). Also, swelling around a couple other spots. This hasn’t changed his view that Kevin is up against very big odds.
We still need to meet with the head of trauma nursing and the main nutritionist/dietician. This is going to be another long day.
Thanks for praying for Kevin,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
Good news is that Kevin is now breathing on his own. It has been about an hour. It is with a CPAP machine. Basically, Kevin is initiating every breath he takes. The machine only gives him a low amount of pressure support, kind of like a boost of air whenever he starts the breath, but it is low. It’s at a 5, which is about as low of support as it can go they said. Also his PEEP is at a 5, which the Respiratory Therapist told us is also really low. She said is probably just enough to make sure air is going through the tube. That means when it’s not there, it shouldn’t be needed.
We’ve been talking with all the different disciplines (departments) of Kevin’s care. Asking about how far he has come in their opinion and what goals we can expect in the next month. Most of it has gone really smoothly.
Also, Dr. Fell, the neurosurgeon finally graced us with his presence. His last notes on Kevin were on August 31st, nine days ago. Then He had told us he would be back in a couple of days. I told him how disappointed I was that he did not follow through with what he had told us. He apologized. He went on to examine Kevin. Of course, Kevin didn’t do any of the things he has been doing when he was examined by Dr. Fell. So he said there hasn’t been any change. I told him that others had done the Kleenex in the eye test and Kevin’s left eye blinked all three times. He tried it again and said there was some blinking. I told him Kevin had started opening his eyes on Sunday and had done so at different points since. I told him how different parts of his body were moving, and some in reaction to stimulus in sitting and moving to the neurological chair. He then replied, I guess we have had some progress. He hadn’t looked at the latest CATscan from Sunday yet, and when I asked him about it, he asked if we wanted to see it. Angie and I had seen it, but Greg and Taylor hadn’t. I still wanted to look again to hear his views on it. He said there is still swelling around the Basal Ganglia (where the brain stem connects to the brain). Also, swelling around a couple other spots. This hasn’t changed his view that Kevin is up against very big odds.
We still need to meet with the head of trauma nursing and the main nutritionist/dietician. This is going to be another long day.
Thanks for praying for Kevin,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Update #30 on Kevin
So, things are moving quickly. We have been told that the hospital is wanting to discharge Kevin to a Long Term Acute Care Center, or LTAC. There was great confusion today, because they were wanting to discharge him today, but there were pending evaluations to do, such as the ultrasound.
We went through a mountain of confusion of meetings today. Meetings with several doctors, head of nursing, social worker, etc…. Basically, unless there are any surprises, Kevin will be discharged tomorrow afternoon. We will be in meetings all morning tomorrow with different departments to work out a plan of progress for Kevin.
Pray as we go through this crazy process. There’s fog ahead that keeps us from seeing everything clearly. We can only lean on the One who sees clearly in any fog. The One who we know never leaves us.
Thanks for your prayers,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
We went through a mountain of confusion of meetings today. Meetings with several doctors, head of nursing, social worker, etc…. Basically, unless there are any surprises, Kevin will be discharged tomorrow afternoon. We will be in meetings all morning tomorrow with different departments to work out a plan of progress for Kevin.
Pray as we go through this crazy process. There’s fog ahead that keeps us from seeing everything clearly. We can only lean on the One who sees clearly in any fog. The One who we know never leaves us.
Thanks for your prayers,
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
Monday, September 7, 2009
Update #29 on Kevin
So I had forgotten a few things and there were other new things.
Earlier Kevin had made a face when they were suctioning out his mouth. Also, the past two days he has bitten down on the suction tube.
Ventilator stuff – they have been doing weaning Kevin off the ventilator. He has been on only 2 breaths per minute for several hours and is doing good. After 5:30 PM they lowered his pressure support down from 15 to 14 then a little while later lowered it to 10. The PEEP is still at 5. Doing good.
Some family were back with him a little while ago and he was moving his eyes (irises) around. And his left eyelid blinked after someone asked him to blink. It wasn’t immediate, but he hadn’t been blinking prior to it.
We have been told several times by nurses that they have never seen a family that has been more compliant and helpful in cleaning out a room and following guidelines. Really? Our family?
His virus is not airborne, and that is why we do not have to have masks. His treatment is for ten days and we will have to keep wearing the gowns and gloves until he has three straight clear tests! Not sure when they will start testing him or the frequency of the tests. I guess we’ll wait and see.
We have pillows and blankets. Thanks for all the offers!! We ARE allowed to take new blankets in. We will have to wear gowns and rubber gloves to sleep in the room tonight! Won’t my hands get all pruny??
A couple other items –
A few people have already responded about helping with bracelets. Thanks! We can definitely still use a few more. We hope to know how many we can order by tomorrow.
If you are able and want to help with meals at the hospital, we can definitely still use meals! Lunches seem to be the hardest to fill, but lunch or dinner is just fine!! Right now that haven’t been too many that have responded to Jeff, who’s acting as our food coordinator. His number is 918-408-7680. Also, I found out tonight that our 742-DINE account is almost exhausted. The meals really help our family to focus on Kevin and his medical care. Just one of those background things that we don’t have to worry about. Thanks for those who have given before! If you want to give money toward 742-DINE, just call them and tell them you want to give to gift account 4374300, for the Crosser family.
Not sure where things are at on the hotel bill, but if you would like to give towards our housing expenses at the hotel, get in touch with Brian Jennings at Highland Park Christian Church. The number is 627-0783.
Thanks for the unbelievable help so far! Thanks for all of your prayers and thoughts.
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
Earlier Kevin had made a face when they were suctioning out his mouth. Also, the past two days he has bitten down on the suction tube.
Ventilator stuff – they have been doing weaning Kevin off the ventilator. He has been on only 2 breaths per minute for several hours and is doing good. After 5:30 PM they lowered his pressure support down from 15 to 14 then a little while later lowered it to 10. The PEEP is still at 5. Doing good.
Some family were back with him a little while ago and he was moving his eyes (irises) around. And his left eyelid blinked after someone asked him to blink. It wasn’t immediate, but he hadn’t been blinking prior to it.
We have been told several times by nurses that they have never seen a family that has been more compliant and helpful in cleaning out a room and following guidelines. Really? Our family?
His virus is not airborne, and that is why we do not have to have masks. His treatment is for ten days and we will have to keep wearing the gowns and gloves until he has three straight clear tests! Not sure when they will start testing him or the frequency of the tests. I guess we’ll wait and see.
We have pillows and blankets. Thanks for all the offers!! We ARE allowed to take new blankets in. We will have to wear gowns and rubber gloves to sleep in the room tonight! Won’t my hands get all pruny??
A couple other items –
A few people have already responded about helping with bracelets. Thanks! We can definitely still use a few more. We hope to know how many we can order by tomorrow.
If you are able and want to help with meals at the hospital, we can definitely still use meals! Lunches seem to be the hardest to fill, but lunch or dinner is just fine!! Right now that haven’t been too many that have responded to Jeff, who’s acting as our food coordinator. His number is 918-408-7680. Also, I found out tonight that our 742-DINE account is almost exhausted. The meals really help our family to focus on Kevin and his medical care. Just one of those background things that we don’t have to worry about. Thanks for those who have given before! If you want to give money toward 742-DINE, just call them and tell them you want to give to gift account 4374300, for the Crosser family.
Not sure where things are at on the hotel bill, but if you would like to give towards our housing expenses at the hotel, get in touch with Brian Jennings at Highland Park Christian Church. The number is 627-0783.
Thanks for the unbelievable help so far! Thanks for all of your prayers and thoughts.
Matt, Angie and family
_______________________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
Update #28 on Kevin
A few things to update.
First, Kevin got a stomach infection last night. He was susceptible to this because of the antibiotics he was on for pneumonia. The bacteria is called C. difficile or C.diff. Not sure how long they expect him to be on the meds for that. Hopefully, we will find out a plan of action for treating that. If you want to read more check out the Mayo Clinic’s website about it (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/c-difficile/DS00736). Pray for God to heal him of all illness, including the new infection. Right now, visitors have to put on gown and rubber gloves, washing their hands before and after putting the gloves on and taking them off. We also have to remove, wash and clean everything that we have had in the room and they have asked us not to introduce anything new into the room right now. He is on the antibiotic for ten days. They told us they can’t tell us NOT to sleep in there at night, but they would discourage it. So, now we have to figure out what to do for blankets tonight, if we decide to still stay here, which we want to do.
Second, they are still working on getting off the ventilator. They have lowered the rate at which the machine helps from 4 breaths per minute down to only 2 breaths per minute. He still has a pressure support rating of 15 and they lowered the PEEP down from 6 to 5. The respiratory therapist said she thought that he was doing well breathing on his own. She felt good about Kevin getting off the vent.
They have been putting Kevin into a sitting position a couple times per day. When they move him like that, he seems to open his eyes more. Mary Ann, Angie’s sister saw Kevin’s left eye (iris) move earlier when I was in there.
We are looking at ordering some silicone bracelets that say “pray for kevin” on them. If you would like to help with the cost for this, just send me a note!
Feel free to forward this message on or better yet just have people go and sign up here at http://www.prayforkevin.com/ to receive updates. Look in the top right corner.
Thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
____________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
First, Kevin got a stomach infection last night. He was susceptible to this because of the antibiotics he was on for pneumonia. The bacteria is called C. difficile or C.diff. Not sure how long they expect him to be on the meds for that. Hopefully, we will find out a plan of action for treating that. If you want to read more check out the Mayo Clinic’s website about it (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/c-difficile/DS00736). Pray for God to heal him of all illness, including the new infection. Right now, visitors have to put on gown and rubber gloves, washing their hands before and after putting the gloves on and taking them off. We also have to remove, wash and clean everything that we have had in the room and they have asked us not to introduce anything new into the room right now. He is on the antibiotic for ten days. They told us they can’t tell us NOT to sleep in there at night, but they would discourage it. So, now we have to figure out what to do for blankets tonight, if we decide to still stay here, which we want to do.
Second, they are still working on getting off the ventilator. They have lowered the rate at which the machine helps from 4 breaths per minute down to only 2 breaths per minute. He still has a pressure support rating of 15 and they lowered the PEEP down from 6 to 5. The respiratory therapist said she thought that he was doing well breathing on his own. She felt good about Kevin getting off the vent.
They have been putting Kevin into a sitting position a couple times per day. When they move him like that, he seems to open his eyes more. Mary Ann, Angie’s sister saw Kevin’s left eye (iris) move earlier when I was in there.
We are looking at ordering some silicone bracelets that say “pray for kevin” on them. If you would like to help with the cost for this, just send me a note!
Feel free to forward this message on or better yet just have people go and sign up here at http://www.prayforkevin.com/ to receive updates. Look in the top right corner.
Thanks for praying,
Matt, Angie and family
____________________
http://www.prayforkevin.com/
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Update #27 on Kevin
There are a few things to note before heading to bed this evening.
First off, Kevin’s eye moved! When the nurse was checking for reaction his iris moved around in his right eye. This morning, when his eyelids first opened, I was talking to him on his left side and Angie was standing beside me. His left eye’s iris was looking straight ahead. I looked away from his face and when I looked back his iris was pointed at me! Also, the nurse said that he has some pupil reaction to light, and that it is sluggish. She said it has had some reaction the past few days, but always sluggish.
Kevin sat in a chair, called a neurological chair, for about two hours tonight. This is to help stimulate his brain and also for better circulation of his fluids. He had already sat in his bed, when they changed the settings to make it sit like a recliner earlier in the day.
If B.M.’s are ‘too much info’ for you, skip the next paragraph. He had been having some stomach issues. This was most likely due to the pain & sedative meds he had to take on Friday for his trach and feeding plug procedures. They make your insides like super glue, therefore he was stopped up. Finally today he was able to become more regular again. Almost too much so.
The reason the digestion issues are important are that they are controlled by the same area of his brainstem that had so much damage. The same area controls his heart, respiratory and ability of consciousness. It is encouraging to see his body getting the first three under control. We are praying for him to now wake up!
Pray for God to help our family to determine when the hospital/insurances/case workers/etc… are really working for us and when they are working against us. Ask God to help us be discerning and wise in areas of which we aren’t experts. Pray that God would send those to us that would be beneficial to advancing Kevin’s wellness. Pray for us to make wise decisions.
I have to say this entire process has been the most excruciating thing I have ever been a part of. At times my mind feels ripped apart. Not only from two worlds, Italy and America, but because I want to trust and follow God while at the same time fighting the temptation to be selfish for my timing and wants. It may sound in emails like we have it all together, but we don’t. What we are striving to do is lean on Christ for our strength, for our peace in the midst of a raging storm and for wisdom. It is not easy to wait on God, but I know from past experiences that it is worth it. I rest in the pattern of God in our life.
In an effort to continue introducing you to my brother, I wanted to share a memory from Angie. Oftentimes, he would show up at our house and upon seeing Angie would immediately begin teasing Angie. If would scrunch up his face and with a furrowed brow say, “you haven’t done your hair today have you?” Angie would take the bait and reply she had, he would raise his eyebrows and ask her if she was sure or needed to check it in the mirror! Kevin is a teaser. Lighthearted and easygoing. We are ready to start teasing with him again!
Thanks for praying for my brother,
Matt, Angie and family
First off, Kevin’s eye moved! When the nurse was checking for reaction his iris moved around in his right eye. This morning, when his eyelids first opened, I was talking to him on his left side and Angie was standing beside me. His left eye’s iris was looking straight ahead. I looked away from his face and when I looked back his iris was pointed at me! Also, the nurse said that he has some pupil reaction to light, and that it is sluggish. She said it has had some reaction the past few days, but always sluggish.
Kevin sat in a chair, called a neurological chair, for about two hours tonight. This is to help stimulate his brain and also for better circulation of his fluids. He had already sat in his bed, when they changed the settings to make it sit like a recliner earlier in the day.
If B.M.’s are ‘too much info’ for you, skip the next paragraph. He had been having some stomach issues. This was most likely due to the pain & sedative meds he had to take on Friday for his trach and feeding plug procedures. They make your insides like super glue, therefore he was stopped up. Finally today he was able to become more regular again. Almost too much so.
The reason the digestion issues are important are that they are controlled by the same area of his brainstem that had so much damage. The same area controls his heart, respiratory and ability of consciousness. It is encouraging to see his body getting the first three under control. We are praying for him to now wake up!
Pray for God to help our family to determine when the hospital/insurances/case workers/etc… are really working for us and when they are working against us. Ask God to help us be discerning and wise in areas of which we aren’t experts. Pray that God would send those to us that would be beneficial to advancing Kevin’s wellness. Pray for us to make wise decisions.
I have to say this entire process has been the most excruciating thing I have ever been a part of. At times my mind feels ripped apart. Not only from two worlds, Italy and America, but because I want to trust and follow God while at the same time fighting the temptation to be selfish for my timing and wants. It may sound in emails like we have it all together, but we don’t. What we are striving to do is lean on Christ for our strength, for our peace in the midst of a raging storm and for wisdom. It is not easy to wait on God, but I know from past experiences that it is worth it. I rest in the pattern of God in our life.
In an effort to continue introducing you to my brother, I wanted to share a memory from Angie. Oftentimes, he would show up at our house and upon seeing Angie would immediately begin teasing Angie. If would scrunch up his face and with a furrowed brow say, “you haven’t done your hair today have you?” Angie would take the bait and reply she had, he would raise his eyebrows and ask her if she was sure or needed to check it in the mirror! Kevin is a teaser. Lighthearted and easygoing. We are ready to start teasing with him again!
Thanks for praying for my brother,
Matt, Angie and family
Update #26 on Kevin
Lots to update on. Last night respiratory started weaning Kevin off his ventilator. They lowered the rate at which the vent helps Kevin breathe from 10 to 8 breaths per minute. Then Kevin does the additional breaths, adding up to somewhere between 16-22 breaths per minute. Around 4:30 AM they lowered it again since Kevin had done so well. They lowered it from 8 to 6 breaths per minute. They are supposed to continue doing this every 8 hours as long as Kevin responds well, dropping it by 2 each time. At 2:30 PM they just lowered his breathing rate from 6 to 4 breaths per minute.
The doctor who has been helping this weekend, told us that he thinks Kevin could be reaching a point where Kevin may open his eyes, appear to move his eyes around, possibly say words (either that make sense or not), but still may not be “awake”. If he does get to that point, if asked to draw a number 2, he would not be able to do that. There would be some miscommunication in his brain/body. It sounds like this doctor is giving us a new worst case scenario. Previously, the worst case scenario was that he might never wake up, but this would be different.
He has moved his head a couple times today. His legs were slightly moving a bit too. When the nurses rolled Kevin over to examine a sore that has been healing well on his backside, I saw him open his eyelids. After they rolled him onto his back, his eyelids stayed open for a little while, never fully closing them. He has opened them back up a couple times since then.
The doctor this weekend had ordered a CATscan and it took place this morning. The doctor then gave us the results today. Kevin’s blood clots aren’t visible on the scan. This means they are either too small to show up and are being absorbed by the body, or have already been absorbed. There was no residual blood on the scans, except in one spot. He said it was on the inside of Kevin’s largest skull fracture (on the right side of his head, above the ear). He also said this was to be expected.
The started putting Kevin in a chair position last night. His bed moves into that position. They will start doing this three times per day to help with circulation and some studies show it helps neurologically. They will also try once per day sitting him in another recliner that starts out flat like a bed. There are studies that show that moving him can help neurologically stimulate the brain.
This doctor, Dr. Dailey, was great answering all of our questions. Very openly and honestly. He told us there is still much that they do not know and cannot predict. He told us about someone who had more damage than Kevin who had been written off by himself and the neurologist. Later on, this patient was dismissed to go home with his brothers. He isn’t exactly the same as before, but he isn’t laying motionless in a coma. He also told us of people with less injuries who never woke up.
About the vent settings, Dr. Dailey told us that he was pleasantly surprised that Kevin had done so well so far being weaned off the ventilator. This is good since it is controlled by the brainstem. It is also good because it opens up more possibilities for Acute Care Centers as a next step for Kevin. There are only three in Tulsa that accept patients on ventilators. If he’s off, there are centers that specialize in brain injuries, but again these don’t accept patients on ventilators.
I also wanted to clarify and explain some of the new areas to keep track of Kevin’s progress. Starting tomorrow, I will start weaning off the old communication, and use only the new. So that means if you are having problems, please write me with questions and I will help you out. We want your involvement and we definitely want your prayers.
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ – This is essentially a blog with whistles. You do not need to sign up for anything to read this. I will post every update I make on this.
http://groups.google.com/group/prayforkevin - This is an email update list. If you are wanting to receive updates as soon as I post them, you may want to sign up here. If you go to www.prayforkevin.com you can subscribe to the list on the right side of the page. If you have problems signing up and want to receive the emails, please reply to me and I can add some on to it manually. The system will not allow me to add a major bulk amount however.
http://www.facebook.com/mattcrosser?v=app_2347471856&ref=profile – on Facebook, you can go and read the updates in “My Notes” section. If that is where you have been reading them and want to continue then by all means go ahead.
http://www.facebook.com/mattcrosser?v=app_2347471856&ref=profile#/group.php?gid=140853109176 – This link may or may not get you to the Facebook group – Pray For Kevin, otherwise you can search groups for “Pray for Kevin” and you should find it.
http://twitter.com/pray4kevin - This last method is for Twitter. I know many of you are unfamiliar with Twitter. But it is best used for very short updates, like a text message on a phone. In fact, after signing up for twitter and “follow”ing Pray4Kevin on Twitter, you can choose to add your cell phone to your profile and turn device updates on for his particular twitter update. Below I’ll list a couple examples of our latest Twitter updates:
“They are prepping Kevin for a morning CATscan at 9. The doctor should also be in some time this morning.about 6 hours ago from web”
“The Respiratory Therapist just lowered his breath support/minute from 8 to 6 & his breathing rate is still staying around 21/minute.about 10 hours ago from web”
“Kevin was active w/his right shoulder & leg, sort of withdrawing them several times. In 4 hrs, they want to reduce vent from 8 to 6.about 13 hours ago from web”
You get the picture.
Sorry for the length of this one. I promise to not make this a habit. Every once in awhile maybe, but not normally.
We are so thankful for your prayers. We are so grateful for the answers that God has given so far to our prayers. Thank you for prayers.
Thanks,
Matt, Angie & family
The doctor who has been helping this weekend, told us that he thinks Kevin could be reaching a point where Kevin may open his eyes, appear to move his eyes around, possibly say words (either that make sense or not), but still may not be “awake”. If he does get to that point, if asked to draw a number 2, he would not be able to do that. There would be some miscommunication in his brain/body. It sounds like this doctor is giving us a new worst case scenario. Previously, the worst case scenario was that he might never wake up, but this would be different.
He has moved his head a couple times today. His legs were slightly moving a bit too. When the nurses rolled Kevin over to examine a sore that has been healing well on his backside, I saw him open his eyelids. After they rolled him onto his back, his eyelids stayed open for a little while, never fully closing them. He has opened them back up a couple times since then.
The doctor this weekend had ordered a CATscan and it took place this morning. The doctor then gave us the results today. Kevin’s blood clots aren’t visible on the scan. This means they are either too small to show up and are being absorbed by the body, or have already been absorbed. There was no residual blood on the scans, except in one spot. He said it was on the inside of Kevin’s largest skull fracture (on the right side of his head, above the ear). He also said this was to be expected.
The started putting Kevin in a chair position last night. His bed moves into that position. They will start doing this three times per day to help with circulation and some studies show it helps neurologically. They will also try once per day sitting him in another recliner that starts out flat like a bed. There are studies that show that moving him can help neurologically stimulate the brain.
This doctor, Dr. Dailey, was great answering all of our questions. Very openly and honestly. He told us there is still much that they do not know and cannot predict. He told us about someone who had more damage than Kevin who had been written off by himself and the neurologist. Later on, this patient was dismissed to go home with his brothers. He isn’t exactly the same as before, but he isn’t laying motionless in a coma. He also told us of people with less injuries who never woke up.
About the vent settings, Dr. Dailey told us that he was pleasantly surprised that Kevin had done so well so far being weaned off the ventilator. This is good since it is controlled by the brainstem. It is also good because it opens up more possibilities for Acute Care Centers as a next step for Kevin. There are only three in Tulsa that accept patients on ventilators. If he’s off, there are centers that specialize in brain injuries, but again these don’t accept patients on ventilators.
I also wanted to clarify and explain some of the new areas to keep track of Kevin’s progress. Starting tomorrow, I will start weaning off the old communication, and use only the new. So that means if you are having problems, please write me with questions and I will help you out. We want your involvement and we definitely want your prayers.
http://www.prayforkevin.com/ – This is essentially a blog with whistles. You do not need to sign up for anything to read this. I will post every update I make on this.
http://groups.google.com/group/prayforkevin - This is an email update list. If you are wanting to receive updates as soon as I post them, you may want to sign up here. If you go to www.prayforkevin.com you can subscribe to the list on the right side of the page. If you have problems signing up and want to receive the emails, please reply to me and I can add some on to it manually. The system will not allow me to add a major bulk amount however.
http://www.facebook.com/mattcrosser?v=app_2347471856&ref=profile – on Facebook, you can go and read the updates in “My Notes” section. If that is where you have been reading them and want to continue then by all means go ahead.
http://www.facebook.com/mattcrosser?v=app_2347471856&ref=profile#/group.php?gid=140853109176 – This link may or may not get you to the Facebook group – Pray For Kevin, otherwise you can search groups for “Pray for Kevin” and you should find it.
http://twitter.com/pray4kevin - This last method is for Twitter. I know many of you are unfamiliar with Twitter. But it is best used for very short updates, like a text message on a phone. In fact, after signing up for twitter and “follow”ing Pray4Kevin on Twitter, you can choose to add your cell phone to your profile and turn device updates on for his particular twitter update. Below I’ll list a couple examples of our latest Twitter updates:
“They are prepping Kevin for a morning CATscan at 9. The doctor should also be in some time this morning.about 6 hours ago from web”
“The Respiratory Therapist just lowered his breath support/minute from 8 to 6 & his breathing rate is still staying around 21/minute.about 10 hours ago from web”
“Kevin was active w/his right shoulder & leg, sort of withdrawing them several times. In 4 hrs, they want to reduce vent from 8 to 6.about 13 hours ago from web”
You get the picture.
Sorry for the length of this one. I promise to not make this a habit. Every once in awhile maybe, but not normally.
We are so thankful for your prayers. We are so grateful for the answers that God has given so far to our prayers. Thank you for prayers.
Thanks,
Matt, Angie & family
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