September 8, 2008
Hi everyone,
Just wanted to give you a quick update on Kaitlyn. She is doing better. I've been able to work parttime and leave her alone. She is able to get up and down on her own again. She has found that she can sleep in her own bed and the recliner sometimes, and not be on the couch all the time. Kaitlyn's pain level had decreased and she is taking a lot less medication. This is helping her get her appetite back. She is able to eat a little more at each meal. I'm still having her eat every few hours to keep the calorie count high each day. Being back at work is helping me not eat everytime she needs to eat.
Kailtyn started school this week and that seems to be going well. She misses seeing her friends at school, but I'm sure she is keeping in contact via the phone and computer. She is striving to get the credits she needs and gain her strength to be able to attend regular classes during the second semester of school. I've warned her not to get hooked on soap operas during the day. She seems to be hooked on Family Fued and some other game shows during the day. At least that's keeping her mind busy and alert.
She has also enjoyed reading some of the books that she received from friends lately. For a long time she wasn't able to read books because she was on too much medication to concentrate on them, but she is really enjoying reading them now. Thank you to everyone who got her books!!! She is also enjoying the puzzle books that she received. I have to admit that I did some of the puzzles that people got for her. Some of those were really hard and I had to go back to work to think that I was smart again. ;-) I think some of them were hard because I wasn't getting much sleep during the time I tried them. That's my story and I'm sticking with it...!!!
Kaitlyn's mobility is also improving. It's nice to see her not be as afraid of moving her back. It doesn't seem to hurt her as much when she moves now. She said that it feels weird that some of her back is completely numb. This doctor's said that this is because the nerves were cut. They said that it can be temporary or permanent. We are hoping and praying that the feeling will come back soon.
We went to see Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movie this week. I carried in two pillows to put on the chair for comfort. I have to admit that this was the first time I took pillows to a walk-in movie. Not too many people stared at me. ;-) Kaitlyn sat through the entire movie, but was really tired and slept most of the next day. It was fun to get her out of the house, though.
Thank you everyone for your words of encouragement and support!!!!
Ruby
Monday, September 8, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
August 26, 2008 - Progress Report
Hi all,
Kaitlyn went back to Shriners Hospital today to have an early check up. We thought she might have had an infection because there were a few bumps around the incision site that we hadn't noticed before. Kaitlyn was having sharp pains in those areas. Well, the good news is that it was not an infection. Praise God!! They were bumps caused by the end of the ribs that were cut. We hadn't noticed them before because her back was swollen. As the ribs continue to grow, the pain will change and the bumps should be less noticeable.
Kaitlyn switched to a lower level pain medication, which is a good sign that the pain level is decreasing. She is still taking more medication than someone her size normally takes. Kaitlyn is still in pain most of the time, but it is getting better. Her stomach was bothering her because of all the medication. She lost 9 pounds in the last 8 weeks. The doctors are concerned about her weight loss because this took her down to 81 pounds. She is back on a two hour feeding schedule (during waking hours), with high calorie/high fat foods. This is not good for me as I have very little resistance to the foods I'm giving her.
At times, she is not able to get herself up or turn her body on the couch like she was able to do a week ago. The doctor assured me that this is normal because her body is changing. Kaitlyn is learning what she can do without causing too much pain and trying to stay active part of the day without overdoing it, so that she is in bed the following day. It's been a fine line, but we are learning.
Kailtyn's doctor said that it would be about 4 more weeks before I could leave her for more than a few hours at a time. I am starting back to work part time next week in order to keep our medical coverage and cover future expenses. I will be working a split shift, so I can come home and check on Kaitlyn at lunch time for a few hours. We truly appreciate our family and friends that have helped us with expenses (including food and other items). I don't know what we would have done so far without you!!!
Kaitlyn was happy when the doctor reiterated that she shouldn't be doing any housework, or lifting anything more than a few pounds. I told her that there would be plenty to do when she's feeling better.
She starts independent home study next week and we are hoping that she has the energy to stay awake and complete what she needs to each day.
Please keep her and our family in your prayers. We appreciate it!!!
Thank you,
Ruby
Hi all,
Kaitlyn went back to Shriners Hospital today to have an early check up. We thought she might have had an infection because there were a few bumps around the incision site that we hadn't noticed before. Kaitlyn was having sharp pains in those areas. Well, the good news is that it was not an infection. Praise God!! They were bumps caused by the end of the ribs that were cut. We hadn't noticed them before because her back was swollen. As the ribs continue to grow, the pain will change and the bumps should be less noticeable.
Kaitlyn switched to a lower level pain medication, which is a good sign that the pain level is decreasing. She is still taking more medication than someone her size normally takes. Kaitlyn is still in pain most of the time, but it is getting better. Her stomach was bothering her because of all the medication. She lost 9 pounds in the last 8 weeks. The doctors are concerned about her weight loss because this took her down to 81 pounds. She is back on a two hour feeding schedule (during waking hours), with high calorie/high fat foods. This is not good for me as I have very little resistance to the foods I'm giving her.
At times, she is not able to get herself up or turn her body on the couch like she was able to do a week ago. The doctor assured me that this is normal because her body is changing. Kaitlyn is learning what she can do without causing too much pain and trying to stay active part of the day without overdoing it, so that she is in bed the following day. It's been a fine line, but we are learning.
Kailtyn's doctor said that it would be about 4 more weeks before I could leave her for more than a few hours at a time. I am starting back to work part time next week in order to keep our medical coverage and cover future expenses. I will be working a split shift, so I can come home and check on Kaitlyn at lunch time for a few hours. We truly appreciate our family and friends that have helped us with expenses (including food and other items). I don't know what we would have done so far without you!!!
Kaitlyn was happy when the doctor reiterated that she shouldn't be doing any housework, or lifting anything more than a few pounds. I told her that there would be plenty to do when she's feeling better.
She starts independent home study next week and we are hoping that she has the energy to stay awake and complete what she needs to each day.
Please keep her and our family in your prayers. We appreciate it!!!
Thank you,
Ruby
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Hi everyone,
It's been awhile since our last post. This last week went by extremely fast. I've been trying to catch up on stuff around the house and sleep. Kaitlyn has had some good days and some not so good days. Sometimes her pain level is really good and sometimes it gets really high and takes hours to get back under control. She is able to move from her back to her left side and back again most times, so I have been able to sleep 4 hours at a time. She can get off the couch by herself most of the time. She has cut back on the pain medication to just 1 pill every 4 hours instead of 2 pills. She has also cut back on the a muscle relaxer. The scars on her back are looking much better and she is now able to lift her right arm without too much pain.
She is gearing up to start school right after Labor Day. She is still tired most of the time, but is getting stronger each day. Whenever she gets up and does something for an hour or so, she then sleeps for 3-4 hours. Riding in the car is much easier than before.
We wanted to thank everyone for their support during this time. I don't know what we would have done without all of you!! We know that we are blessed with some amazing people in our lives. Thank you!!!
I will post pictures later.
Ruby
It's been awhile since our last post. This last week went by extremely fast. I've been trying to catch up on stuff around the house and sleep. Kaitlyn has had some good days and some not so good days. Sometimes her pain level is really good and sometimes it gets really high and takes hours to get back under control. She is able to move from her back to her left side and back again most times, so I have been able to sleep 4 hours at a time. She can get off the couch by herself most of the time. She has cut back on the pain medication to just 1 pill every 4 hours instead of 2 pills. She has also cut back on the a muscle relaxer. The scars on her back are looking much better and she is now able to lift her right arm without too much pain.
She is gearing up to start school right after Labor Day. She is still tired most of the time, but is getting stronger each day. Whenever she gets up and does something for an hour or so, she then sleeps for 3-4 hours. Riding in the car is much easier than before.
We wanted to thank everyone for their support during this time. I don't know what we would have done without all of you!! We know that we are blessed with some amazing people in our lives. Thank you!!!
I will post pictures later.
Ruby
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
New Pictures!
Hey guys! It's Kaitlyn. Lately, I've been in a lot of pain, so I haven't been able to sit in a chair for very long. I'm feeling almost pain-free for the moment, so I thought I'd post some of the pictures of my stay in the hospital, and also the pictures of visitors I've had since I've been home. I was finally able to get out and take a walk in the park, so I'll show you a picture or two from that adventure, too. Thank you to all of you who have been praying for my recovery and keeping up on the blog. It means a lot to see all the comments from you guys.
Check out my mom's post from today for more information.
Check out my mom's post from today for more information.
Road Trip and Information
Hi all,
We finally made it out of the house Sunday afternoon. We took a short trip to William Land Park. It was great to be outside. Rick came along with us just in case Kaitlyn fell again, as I am not able to get her up by myself from the ground. The weather was perfect and there was a gentle breeze. Kaitlyn walked about a half a mile. We sat in lawn chairs (Kaitlyn had pillows behind her) for about an hour. Kaitlyn took a book to read, but we mostly just talked. We probably did a little too much in one day because she was really tired and sore afterwards. Next time we'll do more sitting and a little less walking, but it felt so good to get her out of the house.
Yesterday, she had some friends from school come over. They watched a movie and Kaitlyn shared her stories about the hospital. The girls were talking about school starting. Kaitlyn will be doing independent home study for the first semester of school to allow her to heal more. She doesn't want to be bumped in the hallways and doesn't feel like she can keep up with a normal schedule for school right now. She will miss her friends and the social part of school, but I'm sure she will keep in contact with her friends via the computer and phone.
It has been 3 weeks since Kaitlyn's surgery and she is doing as good considering the extensive surgery. Some people have been asking exactly what Kaitlyn had done to her back, so I thought I would share (now that I understand it a little better, too). Kaitlyn had one rib fully removed. That rib will not grow back. The doctors cut out sections of 5 ribs in order to hammer those ribs back into place. They will eventually grow back together. Before the surgery, Kaitlyn had a hump on her right shoulder. That hump is now gone!! Praise God!!! Then metal rods were placed on each side of her spine from the top of her spine to just before the lumbar area. The doctors were amazed that once the top of her spine was aligned that the bottom part just corrected itself. This is great news because Kaitlyn will be able to bend at the waist and still grow in that area of the back.
Through prayer, Kaitlyn overcome obstacles during the surgery and in ICU. I did not mention them before because I didn't want people to worry, but wanted to share them now to let you know that your prayers were appreciated and answered. I also wanted to share to let you know that Katilyn is doing wonderful after going through all she has gone through. It will also explain to people why Kaitlyn was in ICU for longer than expected.
During surgery, Kaitlyn's lungs collapsed and she had drainage tubes placed in each lung area. She was only able to breathe at 250 ml instead of the 1000-1250 ml, that she was able to before surgery. She had a team of respiratory specialist and a special machine to help her lungs get stronger. She was able to breathe at 750 ml as she left the hospital and is now up to 1000 ml. Her lungs are getting stronger each day. Prayers are being answered!!
She also lost a lot of blood during surgery. Two days after surgery she required two more units of blood because her blood pressure was extremely low (65/49) and her blood counts were also low. Kaitlyn's IVs were not working properly and it was difficult to get her the liquids she needed. One of Kaitlyn's good friends, Rachel, who was visiting her, was amazing as Kaitlyn received units of blood and had IVs burst. I would not have been able to do that in my teen years. I'm in the legal field because I don't like the sight of blood. Rachel, answered prayers, and other people got me through that day!!! Thanks again, Rachel!!
Kaitlyn also stopped beathing the morning before getting out of ICU because her airway was blocked. Her lungs were not strong enough to cough up the stuff still in her throat from the surgery. I was able to convince her nurse to just suction the stuff out and Kaitlyn's condition got so much better. That was a tough morning and prayer really got me through!!
We finally made it out of the house Sunday afternoon. We took a short trip to William Land Park. It was great to be outside. Rick came along with us just in case Kaitlyn fell again, as I am not able to get her up by myself from the ground. The weather was perfect and there was a gentle breeze. Kaitlyn walked about a half a mile. We sat in lawn chairs (Kaitlyn had pillows behind her) for about an hour. Kaitlyn took a book to read, but we mostly just talked. We probably did a little too much in one day because she was really tired and sore afterwards. Next time we'll do more sitting and a little less walking, but it felt so good to get her out of the house.
Yesterday, she had some friends from school come over. They watched a movie and Kaitlyn shared her stories about the hospital. The girls were talking about school starting. Kaitlyn will be doing independent home study for the first semester of school to allow her to heal more. She doesn't want to be bumped in the hallways and doesn't feel like she can keep up with a normal schedule for school right now. She will miss her friends and the social part of school, but I'm sure she will keep in contact with her friends via the computer and phone.
It has been 3 weeks since Kaitlyn's surgery and she is doing as good considering the extensive surgery. Some people have been asking exactly what Kaitlyn had done to her back, so I thought I would share (now that I understand it a little better, too). Kaitlyn had one rib fully removed. That rib will not grow back. The doctors cut out sections of 5 ribs in order to hammer those ribs back into place. They will eventually grow back together. Before the surgery, Kaitlyn had a hump on her right shoulder. That hump is now gone!! Praise God!!! Then metal rods were placed on each side of her spine from the top of her spine to just before the lumbar area. The doctors were amazed that once the top of her spine was aligned that the bottom part just corrected itself. This is great news because Kaitlyn will be able to bend at the waist and still grow in that area of the back.
Through prayer, Kaitlyn overcome obstacles during the surgery and in ICU. I did not mention them before because I didn't want people to worry, but wanted to share them now to let you know that your prayers were appreciated and answered. I also wanted to share to let you know that Katilyn is doing wonderful after going through all she has gone through. It will also explain to people why Kaitlyn was in ICU for longer than expected.
During surgery, Kaitlyn's lungs collapsed and she had drainage tubes placed in each lung area. She was only able to breathe at 250 ml instead of the 1000-1250 ml, that she was able to before surgery. She had a team of respiratory specialist and a special machine to help her lungs get stronger. She was able to breathe at 750 ml as she left the hospital and is now up to 1000 ml. Her lungs are getting stronger each day. Prayers are being answered!!
She also lost a lot of blood during surgery. Two days after surgery she required two more units of blood because her blood pressure was extremely low (65/49) and her blood counts were also low. Kaitlyn's IVs were not working properly and it was difficult to get her the liquids she needed. One of Kaitlyn's good friends, Rachel, who was visiting her, was amazing as Kaitlyn received units of blood and had IVs burst. I would not have been able to do that in my teen years. I'm in the legal field because I don't like the sight of blood. Rachel, answered prayers, and other people got me through that day!!! Thanks again, Rachel!!
Kaitlyn also stopped beathing the morning before getting out of ICU because her airway was blocked. Her lungs were not strong enough to cough up the stuff still in her throat from the surgery. I was able to convince her nurse to just suction the stuff out and Kaitlyn's condition got so much better. That was a tough morning and prayer really got me through!!
I share all this to let you know that I'm proud of Kaitlyn for going through all of this and not complaining about her situation. The only time she complains is when she is in too much pain. She has been a real trooper through all of this.
Once Kaitlyn is feeling better, she will post some more pictures.
Ruby
Friday, August 8, 2008
August 8, 2008
Hi all,
Kaitlyn wanted to post yesterday, but she just wasn't up to it. She took a hard fall while walking back to the couch and landed on her bottom. We're not sure why she fell because there wasn't anything in her way and the floor wasn't wet. Sometimes we call her "Little Miss Graceful" and I'm sure you can figure out how she got that name... ;-) She has been dizzy at times, which is probably because of the medicaiton. She seems to be doing fine and it doesn't seem to have done any damage to her back. Praise God!! However, the fall did cause her pain level to go back up. She is taking it easy today and hopes to post something herself later today. Please pray the her pain level goes back down and that we can cut back on her pain medication again. Kaitlyn is wanting to get out of the house. We are going to try a small road-trip tomorrow and maybe a walk in a park.
Until later...
Ruby
Kaitlyn wanted to post yesterday, but she just wasn't up to it. She took a hard fall while walking back to the couch and landed on her bottom. We're not sure why she fell because there wasn't anything in her way and the floor wasn't wet. Sometimes we call her "Little Miss Graceful" and I'm sure you can figure out how she got that name... ;-) She has been dizzy at times, which is probably because of the medicaiton. She seems to be doing fine and it doesn't seem to have done any damage to her back. Praise God!! However, the fall did cause her pain level to go back up. She is taking it easy today and hopes to post something herself later today. Please pray the her pain level goes back down and that we can cut back on her pain medication again. Kaitlyn is wanting to get out of the house. We are going to try a small road-trip tomorrow and maybe a walk in a park.
Until later...
Ruby
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Blessings!
Hi everyone!!
I just wanted to let everyone know that we are feeling very blessed right now. Even though Kaitlyn is still having a tough time doing things, that used to come very easily, we are both feeling blessing and wanted to share our gratitude for all the love and support we have been receiving. Last night I was able to sleep the entire night because our good friends, Margy and her daughter, Katie, spent the night. Margy was a great surrogate "Mommy" and helped Kaitlyn move every two hours and gave Kaitlyn her medicine during the night. It felt so good to be able to sleep all night long. Thank you!!
Kaitlyn, Alex and I also wanted to say thank you to the wonderful people who have been making us very delicious meals. That has been so helpful. It gives me more time to rest and spend time helping Kaitlyn. The comments, cards and special gifts have made Kaitlyn's days brighter. It helps her to focus on the good things in life. We feel very blessed to be surrounded by loving people!!!
Also, a special thank you to Laura and Renay for coming over and watching Kaitlyn at separate times, so that I could get out for a little while and take care of stuff that I needed to do. Also, a special thank you to Rick for running errands for things we need. Thank you!!!
I feel as though I have an infant again, that can not be left alone. Kaitlyn has been really good most of the time. She has been saying thank you for everything that I do for her. This is not typical for a teenager!!! I'm enjoying spending time with her while she recovers.
Yesterday, with the help of her friend, Katie, Kaitlyn was able to walk down to the end of the street. She didn't want to go outside until yesterday, but she finally decided it would be good to get outside. She is nervous about a dog running up fast and having to run. It is still hard for her to breathe very deep, but it gets a little easier every day. Her lung capacity has really increased this week.
Feel free to visit Kaitlyn, but please call first to make sure that she will be awake and that she is not in too much pain. Thanks again, Ruby
P.S. Kaitlyn is going to try to post more tomorrow and add more pictures.
I just wanted to let everyone know that we are feeling very blessed right now. Even though Kaitlyn is still having a tough time doing things, that used to come very easily, we are both feeling blessing and wanted to share our gratitude for all the love and support we have been receiving. Last night I was able to sleep the entire night because our good friends, Margy and her daughter, Katie, spent the night. Margy was a great surrogate "Mommy" and helped Kaitlyn move every two hours and gave Kaitlyn her medicine during the night. It felt so good to be able to sleep all night long. Thank you!!
Kaitlyn, Alex and I also wanted to say thank you to the wonderful people who have been making us very delicious meals. That has been so helpful. It gives me more time to rest and spend time helping Kaitlyn. The comments, cards and special gifts have made Kaitlyn's days brighter. It helps her to focus on the good things in life. We feel very blessed to be surrounded by loving people!!!
Also, a special thank you to Laura and Renay for coming over and watching Kaitlyn at separate times, so that I could get out for a little while and take care of stuff that I needed to do. Also, a special thank you to Rick for running errands for things we need. Thank you!!!
I feel as though I have an infant again, that can not be left alone. Kaitlyn has been really good most of the time. She has been saying thank you for everything that I do for her. This is not typical for a teenager!!! I'm enjoying spending time with her while she recovers.
Yesterday, with the help of her friend, Katie, Kaitlyn was able to walk down to the end of the street. She didn't want to go outside until yesterday, but she finally decided it would be good to get outside. She is nervous about a dog running up fast and having to run. It is still hard for her to breathe very deep, but it gets a little easier every day. Her lung capacity has really increased this week.
Feel free to visit Kaitlyn, but please call first to make sure that she will be awake and that she is not in too much pain. Thanks again, Ruby
P.S. Kaitlyn is going to try to post more tomorrow and add more pictures.
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