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
3 comments:
Kaitlyn!
Great to see you go on an expedition! We gave our "Kaitlyn Update" again in Friends and Girls Only. Guess what? We have 51 people going to the Revolve Tour this year! Wild, huh?
I'm so glad you guys did not move to Utah! I can't wait to see you again!
Remember... Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.
Kaitlyn, you are an amazing young woman! I am so proud of all you have toughed through (yes I was an English major.. please do not hold that in my face at the moment... I also enjoyed "creative writing".... and creative grammar it seems. ) I didn't know you might have moved to Utah! I'm glad you didn't move too! I so enjoyed your pictures. I'm amazed how I have had the privilege of getting to know you a bit better through this "adventure" of yours! Thank you for allowing me to do so!
Blessings and hugs,
Arla
It is amazing how the Lord puts people in place when we need them most. As he has done for your family. We need need to remember that he will never give us anything that we cannot handle, which says a lot for the both of you. You both have so much strength going through this time of transition and healing. You will both continue to be in our prayers and again, cannot wait to see you both again in G.O.
Post a Comment