Sunday, June 21, 2009

Day 386 - Jun 21, 2009

They hooked Kevin up to a 24 hour IV drip to keep him nourished. His state of mind seemed a little better today, but he ate less today than the last two days.

He did get up a couple of times and he tried to walk around some, but he really just isn't eating enough to go very far. His muscles are also getting stiff from not being used.

Breezy has been here every day to give me time to get a shower and usually I take a nap of sorts, but today she stayed for a good 6 hours to give me a real break. I went to a movie and just drove around for a while. It was nice to be out in the sun instead of in dark hospital room.

And I want to say that the nursing staff here has been wonderful and they are being so tolerant of me 'living' in the hospital room with Kevin.

And speaking of hospitals, someone anonymously posted a comment that the VA hospital we were in needed to test 10,000 soldiers for Hepatitis due to 'unclean' equipment. I researched this and found it to be many VA hospitals and the one in Tampa wasn't listed - one in Miami was - but not in Tampa. All of the people that needed tested have already been (from what I am gathering) and the results are in.

And today we made the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. You can view the article by clicking here. I think it turned out very nice, although we all know Breezy has been here all along - up until the last month or two. And I have to laugh - if they only knew that the photo on the first page was taken by my 6 year old nephew, lol. Michael was so excited to see his work in print and now is asking for a paycheck, hehe.

And now I am going to end this post with a photo of Kevin right now - with his bolsters on. If you are faint-hearted - I would suggest not looking. I have really debated on whether or not to show this, but you guys have all been along for the ride and I figured it might clear a lot of the questions up on why he's not eating (partially anyway).

16 comments:

LISA said...

The poor guy...no wonder he doesn't feel like doing a darn thing. Who would ??

Thank you for posting. It makes it easier for us to see what Kevin is going through.

It is so good that Brianna came and gave you a break. Sunshine works wonders.

Going to now go and look at the article. Tell Michael a GOOD photographer is hard to find and yes, no one ever wants to pay. ha ha I remember his picture of you and Kevin from the blog. It was very good.

I simply cannot fathom what Kevin must be going through right now. I'm truly surprised he could even get up.

His ceremony may need to be postponed with all he is going through now. Oh gosh, I wouldn't push him...not on this one.

Kevin getting well is and has always been your #1 priority. The poor poor guy. My heart just breaks looking at what he's just been through.

Praying he starts to get well real fast and is out of pain soon.

God Bless you all. The staff at the hospital sounds great. Oh one more thing, is this what the doctors have anticipated Kevin to be going through after just having this surgery or are they concerned too ?

Thanks for this update. Take care of yourself.

Anonymous said...

How long does that stay on Leslie? After seeing this I can see why he couldn't eat even if he wanted to. I sure wouldn't want to move anything. Poor guy. I'm glad they can keep him nourished with the IV. Will they have to put the feeding tube in too then?
I'm so glad Breezy is there with you! You guys are like the energizer bunnies that keep going and going- that's for sure.
I read the article and printed the picture of you and Kevin. I really like that one and remember when you said your nephew took the picture. I hope Breezy is doing good too. :)
Will they be able to feed him other ways then by mouth until the bandage is off? Wow- I sure didn't realize what type of bandage it was. :(
It was good to hear that he did get up a couple of times though.
Thank you for everything you do!
Take care,
Kathy in IA

Long-time RN said...

Ya, having what looks like a huge catepillar on Kevin's eye and a couple of pounds of lard sewn from lip to neck, one can sure see why he doesn't feel like eating. What an involved process it is in graft healing.

Good to read you were able to get a break from the hospital room for a bit. Prayers for Kevin's continued healing and gaining strength.

Unknown said...

Poor Kevin. Who would feel like eating.
Sending lots of prayers and hugs your way.
love debbie

Anonymous said...

OMG! Leslie, what is that thing supposed to do and when does it come off? I wouldn't want to eat either but it is temporary and will eventually lead to a good thing. Stay strong, Kevin will come around as he heals.

Shawnsgirl315 said...

I don't post often, but just had a question. Would it be a bad thing if they hooked him up to a feeding tube for awhile? Maybe taking the stress of worrying about what/how much/how often/ with eating off of both of you would allow you both to not be so stressed and perhaps allow Kevin to just allow himself to heal before pushing himself? Just thinking outloud.
Thinking of you guys everyday,
Michelle

Aleksand Meursault said...

ohhh my God, how is it possible that Kevin could eat something if it is very swollen, my prayers for his speedy recovery, each day the most admired as a mother and wife, I have no idea of the suffering that happens, but God has rewarded him with recovery of Kevin, I do my best thoughts for you

Jodi said...

Yep, I wouldn't want to eat either. And considering what Kev is going thru, I think he is doing pretty good. I would be a frickin' wreck if I had that on my mouth! Hang in there Les. You two have been thru worse and you made it thru. You are both fighters and will continue to be fighters. I don't ever see either of you "giving up". You have each other and you have Breezy. Together you will all get thru this bump in the road. Hang in there. Stay Strong. Have faith in yourself.

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

Jan said...

Like the other commenters, I can now see why Kevin has been down and hasn't had much of an appetite. He looks so uncomfortable. :(

Alison said...

If I were in that condition, I wouldn't want to move at all, let alone try to get up and walk around. I honestly think the fact that Kevin is willing to try to keep himself even a little bit mobile is a testament to his strength and determination. Everything is just piling on at once and it gets tough.

Stick with it, Kevin! That bandage will be off soon and you'll be lookin' good. (Not that you don't look great already, mind you...)

Thoughts and prayers coming your way, for healing and for Kevin to get the nourishment and strength that he needs.

pommom said...

All I can add are my prayers and tears.
God bless you all and give you His strength. Only He can deal with this: lean on Him.

Anonymous said...

That is a wonderful article. Hard to keep back tears while reading it. Kevin has come so far and he is going to continue to improve. Baby steps.

God bless you and Kevin.

Cathy M

LISA said...

So thankful for your camera. After coming back to look at the post surgical photo of Kevin, it is so good to see what you guys are dealing with.

I truly don't think ANY of us had any idea what this poor guy was going through. The picture tells the whole story.

After seeing the image, I am truly amazed he was even able to try and get up, let alone eat anything. I agree, a feeding tube might be a good thing, as not many would want anything by their mouth in this condition.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...in this case...oh my goodness, how true. Your words to us before you showed us the picture about your frustration of Kevin not trying and not eating...now tells us why.

It is so good that Brianna is giving you a break. You need to get away from this for a little while and give your mind and your body some rest. You guys have been through so much already and just need to take baby steps in getting through this new hurdle.

STAY STRONG...this one is going to a bit harder to get through.

God Bless. Praying as always for this young man, as we've done since day one of discovering his near death mishap.

He is indeed a miracle.

Grant Grdunac said...

leslie i have 2 copies of the tribune and i was wondering if you guys wanted one... also im throwing a skate comp for kevin saturday of riverfest weekend. if ypu would like to know more tell breezy to myspace me. im posting a link with my name here to the facebook page about it.

Jessica said...

Good grief! Hang in there, Kevin. Your courage and tenacity continue to inspire me.

Glad you were able to get out for a bit, Leslie. It really is a blessing that Breezy is able to give you those much needed breaks without having to worry about who's watching over Kevin. Take care. I'll be thinking of you all and praying for Kevin's condition to improve quickly.

Phyllis said...

Dear Leslie,
Tell Kevin you can see how handsome he is behind it all. He reminds me of a butterfly coming out of his cocoon! May God continue to bless you both. Have an awesome day, Phyllis