Thursday, December 11, 2008

Day 194 - Dec 11, 2008

Kevin is still in a really bad way. I actually took a major nutty on all of the neurosurgeons - including the head honcho - today. They just aren't doing anything for him. They are 'pumping' or 'priming' the shunt ever hour now and it's not caused any change in the last 30 hours. Hello? I think that means it's just not working!

There answer is to do the cranioplasty in 2 weeks. In the meantime, they are going to stick a needle in his head and drain fluid out every day until then. This is VERY painful for Kevin and I have to hold him up away from the bed while they do it and he just screams and cries the whole time (about 20 mins).

You know what? I just can't even write anymore tonight. I am just too upset and I am hoping it will be better tomorrow after I get some rest. I have been at the hospital for about the last 22 hours (with the exception of an hour and a half to take a shower and go to a meeting for his VA benefits) and I am tired. I will explain more tomorrow night.

And for those reading tonight - keep Breezy in your thoughts. She is staying up there with Kevin tonight as I am just too exhausted. He will not allow both of us to leave at the same time and one of us now has to sleep at night up there with him. I feel confident that she can do it - but it's still hard to sleep in the chair and keep an ear out for every noise he makes. Not to mention the nurses coming in every hour to prime the shunt...

15 comments:

Holee said...

It's time to Demand a cot. They use to pull that even in kids wards so you would leave. Finally someone realized that doesn't work. If a person has decided to stay with their family member they will sleep standing up if they have to. Tell them you want a cot..NOW.

I know you are not in the mood to hear this..but the box arrived today. RMC Carter signed for it.

Vicki Chrisman said...

OH man... I was SO hoping today was going much better. I hope you can get some sleep tonight friend. I know Breezy can handle things.. she is her momma's daughter. Your kids are tuff stuff!
Keeping you all in my prayers tonight!

The Rock said...

Sorry to hear about Kevin not doing so good ! I can imagine how hard it must be to hold your Child when he screams out in pain ! I hope these Doctors find a way to fix it all. It must be somewhat frustrating for you and for Breezy !
And I am with Holly " Get a Cot NOW "
Hugs
Petra
Soldiers Angel

Long-time RN said...

Agreed, demand a cot. So very sorry to read Kevin's condition has not improved. How frustrating and maddening the roller coaster ride is for your family. Lifting you all in prayers. Stay strong, Leslie, hope you were able to get some sleep.

Anonymous said...

I can only pray for you and your family. I also pray for the nurses, therapists, physicians and all involved in the decision making for his care.

Jodi said...

I am so sorry Kevin and you and Breezy are having such a difficult time right now.

I hope you got some rest Leslie. And I am sure Breezy did fine last night. She is a tough young lady!

Hang in there you 3! You have each other to get thru this rough time. STAY STRONG! We are all pulling for you!

I hope today is a better day....

EXTRA healing and positive thoughts for Kevin.
EXTRA strength and comfort for Leslie and Breezy.
Safe thoughts for all military personnel and strength for their families.
EXTRA BIG HUGS AND ALL MY LOVE TO ALL OF YOU!!!
Andrew's Aunt Jodi

Anonymous said...

Leslie, They need to get you something to rest in, in Kevins room.Cot or another bed. DEMAND IT. We are all praying for you all honey. Please try to rest some and give Breezy a hug from me. Love ya, Pam

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear that Kevin is suffering. And,of course, if he is doing poorly that means you are too. Oh, Leslie, I just feel so helpless and like there are no words that haven't already been said over and over to express how badly I feel and how wonderful and strong you and Breezy are. And sweet, sweet Kevin. When I think of him as that happy go lucky, funny boy we all knew back home my heart just breaks. BUT, and this is a big but, I truly believe in my gut that he is going to get better. All of these months of suffering are not going to be for nothing. Kevin,in time, is going to be well enough to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

As far as you and Breezy are concerned, you must do as the others have suggested. Ask for a cot so you can at least get some rest while you're there.

Things will get better again, Leslie. Don't get discouraged.

Love you, Sherri

Anonymous said...

Praying and thinking of you always. Hope for a better day. God Bless you all.

Love and prayers,
Barbie (DeBacco) Lucas

Anonymous said...

Hey Mama-Leslie!

Stay strong we are all praying and thinking of you three. I know Kev can pull through this. And hopefully people will start to pull their heads out of their butts and get this taken care of quickly! Love you and Miss you!

Jess

Anonymous said...

Leslie,
I say ask for a California King bed, after all you and Breezy are doing most of the work and I believe slave labor is illegal in this country. Don't get me into politics, you know me. I'm here for you, you need me I'm on the plane down. If only I could take away the pain for Kevin and you guys I'd do it in a heart beat, actually quicker than that. I hope today is a better day for all of you. Love you lots
Tracy A. Jack

Anonymous said...

A cot or a recliner, something needs to be in there for you to sleep in. TONIGHT.

Is there ANY possible way they could move up the date of the surgery? I know it's 2 weeks from now but what if they could do it sooner if it would help Kev?? Maybe you could ask the docs if this could be considered??

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry things aren't better today. Kevin, you, or Breezy don't need any of this right now. We continue to pray for you guys and REALLY hope tomorrow is a better day for all of you.
HUGS to you!!!!
Kathy in Iowa

Anonymous said...

Leslie,

What can we do to help you ?

Would it help if you called Texas to share the situation with them and ask for advice ?

Can any of us make any calls to try and get things resolved quicker and attention paid to you and Kevin ?

It sounds like the day he was to have the surgery..that never happened and he slept all day, that something was not right then. Did he sleep all day because he had been given drugs to make him drowsy prior to surgery or was he sleeping all day for unexplained reasons ?

It seems as though something is going on other than the fluid. I'm so glad you had a fit...it sounds like another one is in order..FAST.

We are here if you need us...please remember that.

PS..I wish Tracy A. Jack was still there and could go on a political rant. It sounds as though something is greatly needed.

Good luck tonight, Brianna. Please know Kevin and your Mama appreciate you.

The roller coaster ride continues.

Anonymous said...

That makes me sick to hear that Kevin is in so much pain. I pray that by the time I write this, something has been done to improve the situation. I'm so sorry you all have to go through this. I will definitely pray for Breezy, too, and hope she gets a cot soon!