I hope everyone had a great Independence Day! We had a nice barbecue with my parents and that was about it. Kevin went to sleep very early tonight - so no fireworks for us, but he woke up vomiting a while ago. My first instinct was 'shunt malfunction', but I am not seeing the swelling of his head yet. Man, I sure hope that isn't it. He didn't seem groggy when he woke up and usually when his shunt does quit working his eyes are glassy and he is kinda out of it so maybe that's not it.
I guess we should all just keep our fingers crossed that it's just something he ate or just some little bug and not the signs of something major.
And I'm going to cut this short because it is very late...
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Day 400 - Jul 3, 2009
YAY!!!!
Kevin did so well today on our flight! It was like being with someone almost normal and I am just so dang proud of him! I must tell you too, how awesome Southwest Airlines was with us today.
First, at the airport in San Antonio, the clerk came over and talked with us for about 10 minutes or more and then he made an announcement just before boarding asking everyone to give a standing ovation to a war hero - Kevin. He told the tale of Kev being in the hospital for a year and how this was his first commercial flight. I started crying like a baby! Kevin (of course) ate it up.
We then boarded first amid all this cheering and the crew asked all the familes with children to go farther back the plane so as not to over-stimulate Kevin.
During the whole flight the stewardesses spoiled him rotten and when they learned it was his birthday on Monday they got on the horn and had the whole plane sing "Happy Birthday" to him.
When we were getting ready to land, they got back on the microphone and asked everyone to sit until Kevin had departed and then asked everyone to remain seated until all of the rest of the military personnel had deboarded.
And when we did depart from the plane, we had to wait for them to get his wheelchair and while the rest of the people from the plane got off and walked past - almost all of them said either "Happy Birthday, Kevin" or "Thank You For Your Service".
I can be honest and say that I was very heart-warmed to see a group of people care so much about a stranger. It was just an all around great flight and I am so thankful that we chose Southwest. And I am so thankful that Kevin could handle the flight and I feel like it's another hurdle jumped.
Lookout World! Here we come!!!
Kevin did so well today on our flight! It was like being with someone almost normal and I am just so dang proud of him! I must tell you too, how awesome Southwest Airlines was with us today.
First, at the airport in San Antonio, the clerk came over and talked with us for about 10 minutes or more and then he made an announcement just before boarding asking everyone to give a standing ovation to a war hero - Kevin. He told the tale of Kev being in the hospital for a year and how this was his first commercial flight. I started crying like a baby! Kevin (of course) ate it up.
We then boarded first amid all this cheering and the crew asked all the familes with children to go farther back the plane so as not to over-stimulate Kevin.
During the whole flight the stewardesses spoiled him rotten and when they learned it was his birthday on Monday they got on the horn and had the whole plane sing "Happy Birthday" to him.
When we were getting ready to land, they got back on the microphone and asked everyone to sit until Kevin had departed and then asked everyone to remain seated until all of the rest of the military personnel had deboarded.
And when we did depart from the plane, we had to wait for them to get his wheelchair and while the rest of the people from the plane got off and walked past - almost all of them said either "Happy Birthday, Kevin" or "Thank You For Your Service".
I can be honest and say that I was very heart-warmed to see a group of people care so much about a stranger. It was just an all around great flight and I am so thankful that we chose Southwest. And I am so thankful that Kevin could handle the flight and I feel like it's another hurdle jumped.
Lookout World! Here we come!!!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Day 399 - Jul 2, 2009
Yep - today is Breezy's birthday. We went to a nice dinner and truthfully, that's about it, lol.
And yes - Breezy has decided to come home to FL with us. She will be driving back tomorrow, once we leave for the airport. I worry about her driving over the holiday, but she is 25 yrs old now and I guess I could cut SOME of the strings, lol.
And I took some of the advice from the blog here and called TSA and after numerous attempts found someone that knows about the Injured Soldier Program. I set it all up for tomorrow and for our flights in a couple of weeks. Thank you so much for the info, Sue! (and anyone else that mentioned it)
And that is pretty much it for tonight.
Pam - we did come over to say goodbye to you but you were unavailable. Sorry - but we'll be back next month!
Janet - it was wonderful seeing you again and we will have to get together next month as well.
And tonight I am going to try to get to bed early as tomorrow is going to be a very hectic day! Wish us luck! I am just so scared because once we are in the air - there is just nothing we can do...
And yes - Breezy has decided to come home to FL with us. She will be driving back tomorrow, once we leave for the airport. I worry about her driving over the holiday, but she is 25 yrs old now and I guess I could cut SOME of the strings, lol.
And I took some of the advice from the blog here and called TSA and after numerous attempts found someone that knows about the Injured Soldier Program. I set it all up for tomorrow and for our flights in a couple of weeks. Thank you so much for the info, Sue! (and anyone else that mentioned it)
And that is pretty much it for tonight.
Pam - we did come over to say goodbye to you but you were unavailable. Sorry - but we'll be back next month!
Janet - it was wonderful seeing you again and we will have to get together next month as well.
And tonight I am going to try to get to bed early as tomorrow is going to be a very hectic day! Wish us luck! I am just so scared because once we are in the air - there is just nothing we can do...
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Day 398 - Jul 1, 2009
Kevin and I actually managed to sit through the whole Transformers movie today! I was amazed because he usually can't sit through something that hectic.
I am really struggling trying to get him to go to therapy though. I sure hope he is better once we get home. We start back on Tuesday and he really needs to get back into the swing of things. I think it's just hard because we have been traveling so much that there has been no schedule of any kind.
And we are going home Friday on a commercial flight. Man, I hope this works! I am very nervous about it - please just don't let there be any screaming children on that flight! And please no delays! I know the weather has been terrible in Tampa so we can only hope!
And now I am going to go watch some TV on my computer. I am so glad ABC shows can be watched online!
I am really struggling trying to get him to go to therapy though. I sure hope he is better once we get home. We start back on Tuesday and he really needs to get back into the swing of things. I think it's just hard because we have been traveling so much that there has been no schedule of any kind.
And we are going home Friday on a commercial flight. Man, I hope this works! I am very nervous about it - please just don't let there be any screaming children on that flight! And please no delays! I know the weather has been terrible in Tampa so we can only hope!
And now I am going to go watch some TV on my computer. I am so glad ABC shows can be watched online!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Day 397 - Jun 30, 2009
How do y'all like the new look? I thought it was time to update the blog - at least for a few days (which will probably end up being months as I will be too lazy to change it again, lol).
I think we have kinda fallen into a bit of a funk. Kevin isn't getting up until noon and he really isn't in that great of a mood most of the day. I know it's hard being in this little, tiny room, but we have to hang in there just a few more days.
I believe we are going home on a commercial flight this time. Supposedly it is to be on Friday so keep your fingers crossed that it works out. I am a bit nervous, but will fake it til I make it.
And for tonight, I think I am just going to answer some questions.
First - Pam - we will try to make it to OT tomorrow (today by the time you read this). I really just can't get him roused early enough to do what we need to do before coming over. (not that I am trying too hard - I love the noon wake-up too, lol)
Jessica - no, the docs haven't suggested anything for his scarring. I have been keeping him lubed up with an antibiotic cream, but that's about it.
Also, he didn't get car sick today when we went to dinner so maybe it was just a 'withdrawal' of sorts from all of the pain meds he had been on while in the hospital. He quit taking them once that bolster was off his face and we came back to the Fisher House.
Cathy M - they told me that if Kevin is still 'red' when we come back in Aug that they will fix that then. Not sure what that entails, but I guess we'll see.
Debbie - we were hoping to get Josh and some of the other guys/gals from the 173rd to come to Kev's ceremony. I believe Rigney is coming, but am not sure about anyone else yet.
Ok - I just woke Kevin with my typing so I need to sign off early. Catch y'all tomorrow night...
I think we have kinda fallen into a bit of a funk. Kevin isn't getting up until noon and he really isn't in that great of a mood most of the day. I know it's hard being in this little, tiny room, but we have to hang in there just a few more days.
I believe we are going home on a commercial flight this time. Supposedly it is to be on Friday so keep your fingers crossed that it works out. I am a bit nervous, but will fake it til I make it.
And for tonight, I think I am just going to answer some questions.
First - Pam - we will try to make it to OT tomorrow (today by the time you read this). I really just can't get him roused early enough to do what we need to do before coming over. (not that I am trying too hard - I love the noon wake-up too, lol)
Jessica - no, the docs haven't suggested anything for his scarring. I have been keeping him lubed up with an antibiotic cream, but that's about it.
Also, he didn't get car sick today when we went to dinner so maybe it was just a 'withdrawal' of sorts from all of the pain meds he had been on while in the hospital. He quit taking them once that bolster was off his face and we came back to the Fisher House.
Cathy M - they told me that if Kevin is still 'red' when we come back in Aug that they will fix that then. Not sure what that entails, but I guess we'll see.
Debbie - we were hoping to get Josh and some of the other guys/gals from the 173rd to come to Kev's ceremony. I believe Rigney is coming, but am not sure about anyone else yet.
Ok - I just woke Kevin with my typing so I need to sign off early. Catch y'all tomorrow night...
Day 396 - Jun 29, 2009
We had our post-op check up today and Kevin passed with flying colors! We have been released, so now we play the waiting game for our flight home.
I am really amazed at how well the new skin on his chin matches the rest of his face. And the lower part of his neck is already flush with the rest of his skin. I expect superb results in the end and I am told it will take about 2 months for it to all be healed and any touch-ups will be done in August when we come back for the rest of his surgeries.
Anyway, here are some photos from yesterday that show how much improvement just from the other day. Amazing, huh? This first one is just him outside the Fisher House:
And this one was taken at TGI Fridays. Kevin's whalin' along to the music - something we so rarely get to see.
And now I am going to fold the laundry and then I am going to try to finish watching Slumdog Millionaire. It's been a 3 day event so far and I am still only halfway through it.
PS - Cathy M - that address is correct. I am anxious to see what you have chosen!
I am really amazed at how well the new skin on his chin matches the rest of his face. And the lower part of his neck is already flush with the rest of his skin. I expect superb results in the end and I am told it will take about 2 months for it to all be healed and any touch-ups will be done in August when we come back for the rest of his surgeries.
Anyway, here are some photos from yesterday that show how much improvement just from the other day. Amazing, huh? This first one is just him outside the Fisher House:
And this one was taken at TGI Fridays. Kevin's whalin' along to the music - something we so rarely get to see.
And now I am going to fold the laundry and then I am going to try to finish watching Slumdog Millionaire. It's been a 3 day event so far and I am still only halfway through it.
PS - Cathy M - that address is correct. I am anxious to see what you have chosen!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Day 395 - Jun 28, 2009
We finally made it to the outlet mall today. We stopped on the way and ate so that Kev was out of the car some. We only shopped for clothes and shoes for him and he really had a good time at the Zoo York store. It's his favorite skate line of clothing and I think he was in heaven while there, lol. (although it felt like hell because their air conditioner broke a while ago and it was the normal 100 degrees here today)
And here's a funny little thing - last night when I went to the kitchen for my popcorn, I encountered a snake in the hallway on my way back to our room. YIKES! I DO NOT LIKE SNAKES!! I called security to have them come and get it, but I wouldn't let it out of my sight until they got here. It kept getting close to the door of the room and I would have to fling it away with a magazine. Obviously it was just a really small thing, but still...I DO NOT LIKE SNAKES!
Other than that, nothing much happened today. Kevin and I are mad at each other right now because I told him he needs to start either getting up and doing nonsensical stuff himself or he can just forget about the issues. I am getting real tired of getting up just to shut the bathroom door or just to fix the corner of his bed sheet or to shave him at midnight or gosh knows whatever other crazy ideas he gets. I realize OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) is a major part of TBI, but frankly - I am too old and tired to get up 40 times every hour to do things that just don't matter (or that can wait until a normal hour). And besides, he is getting well enough now that he can get up and do more on his own, right? Right!
And here's a funny little thing - last night when I went to the kitchen for my popcorn, I encountered a snake in the hallway on my way back to our room. YIKES! I DO NOT LIKE SNAKES!! I called security to have them come and get it, but I wouldn't let it out of my sight until they got here. It kept getting close to the door of the room and I would have to fling it away with a magazine. Obviously it was just a really small thing, but still...I DO NOT LIKE SNAKES!
Other than that, nothing much happened today. Kevin and I are mad at each other right now because I told him he needs to start either getting up and doing nonsensical stuff himself or he can just forget about the issues. I am getting real tired of getting up just to shut the bathroom door or just to fix the corner of his bed sheet or to shave him at midnight or gosh knows whatever other crazy ideas he gets. I realize OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) is a major part of TBI, but frankly - I am too old and tired to get up 40 times every hour to do things that just don't matter (or that can wait until a normal hour). And besides, he is getting well enough now that he can get up and do more on his own, right? Right!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Day 394 - Jun 27, 2009
For some reason Kevin has been getting car sick since this surgery. I don't know if it's the heat here in TX or the motion, but we can't go more than a few minutes in the car. We tried to go to an outlet mall about a half hour away and we didn't get very far before we had to pull over - and not even just anywhere - it had to be somewhere silent (try to find that in the heart of San Antonio!). I did manage to find a gated community and we just pulled in to the gate and turned around and sat in the exit lane. I really didn't know what else to do.
And Kevin actually rolled over tonight. Sounds so dumb, doesn't it? But it was a major feat for him to be able to roll onto his bad side, then to his belly and then back over onto his back. He was just so proud of himself. I personally couldn't figure out what he was doing because it was dark in the room and I couldn't really see him, lol. He was sure making a lot of noise though.
And I had to laugh at Joyce's comment about Chick-fil-A. We have never tried their cheesecake, but Kevin is so hooked on that place. He eats 3 chicken sandwiches at a time and it was what he woke up wanting this morning.
Yesterday he wanted Longhorn Steakhouse (we finally figured it out by him saying "yeehaw", lol), but they don't have those around here - not that I've seen anyway. I told him we'd go there for his birthday next week if we are home in FL.
Hopefully tomorrow I can get some pictures of him because his chin/neck is already starting to look better. The redness is going away some and the swelling is going down. Unfortunately his eye is still very swollen, but I know it's all going to take time.
And now I think I will sneak to the kitchen and make some popcorn - my total weakness!
And Kevin actually rolled over tonight. Sounds so dumb, doesn't it? But it was a major feat for him to be able to roll onto his bad side, then to his belly and then back over onto his back. He was just so proud of himself. I personally couldn't figure out what he was doing because it was dark in the room and I couldn't really see him, lol. He was sure making a lot of noise though.
And I had to laugh at Joyce's comment about Chick-fil-A. We have never tried their cheesecake, but Kevin is so hooked on that place. He eats 3 chicken sandwiches at a time and it was what he woke up wanting this morning.
Yesterday he wanted Longhorn Steakhouse (we finally figured it out by him saying "yeehaw", lol), but they don't have those around here - not that I've seen anyway. I told him we'd go there for his birthday next week if we are home in FL.
Hopefully tomorrow I can get some pictures of him because his chin/neck is already starting to look better. The redness is going away some and the swelling is going down. Unfortunately his eye is still very swollen, but I know it's all going to take time.
And now I think I will sneak to the kitchen and make some popcorn - my total weakness!
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