Friday, August 22, 2008

Kenny is making progress on a daily basis. No more oxygen, no more trach, and no more catheter. He’s able to talk again and has rediscovered his cell phone. He passed the swallow test and is now able to eat soft foods. He boycotted the broth and juice several days ago. The focus is on physical therapy now. He’s forced to get out of the bed and sit in a chair. He can now physically pull himself from the chair back into the bed. He’s also taken a few steps with the assistance of a walker. Looks like his strength is returning since he’s getting real food now. AND, he’s out of ICU and now in room # 403. He still has the drain tube for his gall bladder, and the doctor hasn’t determined or told us when that will be dealt with. Looks like he’s on the down slide to recovery.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Kenny got kicked out of Hermann STICU because of his improvement. He’s now at the Triumph Rehabilitation Hospital in Spring, TX. He’s still in ICU at Triumph, but is doing well. Don’t know how long he will be there. The rehabilitation is for his voice (still has the trach for now) and muscles. He has to regain his strength so he can learn to walk again. At least he’s getting a meal tray now. Broth, Jello, and Sprite is his diet. At least it’s a start. He seems to be in good spirits, but a little apprehensive about breathing on his own. The ventilator is gone and he’s breathing on his own. It’s still a long process, but he’s definitely headed in the right direction.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Kenny is being transported to Triumph Northwest around 5:30 p.m. More to come...

Monday, July 21, 2008

Kenny continues to improve on a daily basis. His trach could go down to a size 4 or maybe gone all together by Monday evening. He’s still not happy when he has to sit in the “chair” for 2 hours at a time, but it really seem to be helping get his strength back. There’s swelling in his left knee, but the nurse seems to think it’s just inflammation from his joints not being used for a while. The x-rays haven’t came back as of Sunday afternoon. He’s started the physical therapy in his bed and has exercises he’s supposed to be doing. We’ll see how that works out. Over all, he’s on the road to a full recovery.

Friday, July 18, 2008

It’s been another week of recovery and it's UNBELIEVABLE how Kenny has improved. No more insulin in the IV. He get’s normal injections in the arm. He’s sitting in a special chair almost daily for two hours. It takes a while for him to get comfortable, but he’s aware he has to do it for recovery. Kenny has always enjoyed music and Lyndsey and David hooked him up with an Ipod and 7 hours of continuous country music. They changed his trach yesterday from a size 8 to a smaller size 6. That’s a good thing. He’s breathing mostly on his own, but still has the ventilator for backup when he tires out. There are no commitments from the respiratory therapists because Kenny is a new experience for them. Kenny is their first to have been on the “Mac Daddy” ventilator for so, so, so many days. In saying that, there doesn’t appear to be any problems with the healing of his lungs and normal breathing in the future. There’s nothing but POSITIVE news about the Miracle Man. We know that all your prayers have been the main ingredients of Kenny’s continuous recovery. Also, please pray for Kenny’s neighbor in the room next to him in STICU. Her name is Amy and she just turned 17 a few weeks ago. Her injuries are from a car accident like Kenny had, but also include head injuries. She’s also a REAL TROOPER. Amy has the love and support of her family, and especially her mom and dad, Mariam and Adrian who believe in the POWER OF PRAYERS and have constantly been by her side.

Monday July 14, 2008

Kenny continues to improve, but it’s still at a snail’s pace. He’s able to breath on his own, but the respirator is still being used as a back up. He’s been breathing on his own during the day, but tires, and the respirator is turned up to assist him. The doctor has prescribed anti depressants due to his idle time and just feeling helpless. Kenny has always been real active and has never been in a position like this where he is totally bed ridden. He’s weak from not using his muscles, but does well with his hands and has mastered the TV remote control. The respiratory therapists will not commit as to how much longer the normal respirator will be needed, as Kenny is a FIRST for them. One therapist told me that he has been there for 2 years and Kenny was the first patient that he has ever known to be on the “Mac Daddy” for that long (37 days). I think the average time is around 4-7 days. Plans are in the making for Kenny to go to physical therapy rehab in the near future. He’s definitely a miracle.

Wenesday, July 9, 2008

Quick update on Kenny bo benny...

Kenny is still continuing to improve. Leslie went to visit him last night and said he looked great and was fever free! Please continue to keep him in your prayers, he still has a long road of recovery ahead :)