"All Was Well."

Hi family and friends,

This is Kaitlin's mom, Sue, and I wanted to give you an update on her progress and pass on to you our current prayer requests. It amazes me how our prayer needs seem to change each and every day. Thank you all for your faithfulness to take these requests to the very foot of the cross, both with us and for us.

Where do I begin? Kaitlin's weekend went pretty well. Saturday and Sunday are days of rest at Craig Hospital. That means that there are no therapies scheduled and it's a good time to rest up for the coming week. We were told by a staff member on Thursday evening that they wanted family to cut back on the duration of our visits with her so she could get more rest. Additional information on Carolyn's mention of Kaitlin's blood transfusion: she had a blood transfusion on Friday evening because her blood count was low due to blood loss during surgery. In order to give her an extra 'boost' and attempt to get her off of supplemental oxygen, they did the transfusion. On Saturday her color seemed better and I think she's feeling less tired as her blood counts rise. 

That being said, we did get the news yesterday that they have found a blood clot in her left calf. Her left knee is the one that she underwent surgery on to repair her patella which was injured during the accident. Hearing the word 'blood clot' is alarming to me but I spoke with her doctor today and he said that, although they are concerned about & paying attention to it, they see blood clots in 80% of their patients. They are not as concerned about blood clots in calves as they are about clots in the knees (a praise!). Kaitlin is on a blood thinner and Dr. J said that the clot will most likely dissolve over time.

She also is having an issue with her blood platelets being quite elevated. They put her on a new medication yesterday, which should begin to get them lowered.

Kaitlin is sitting up in her wheelchair for at least two hours each day now (sometimes more). This is great for her spirit because she can get out of her room and move about. She keeps saying, "I'm speedy Gonzales!" It's also good for the blood clot, as movement in other limbs has been found to help dissolve blood clots faster throughout the body. She has PT twice per day for an hour each time. It's quite tiring for her, but also positive as I think it will help her to have some solid goals in place. Right now her goals are to get stronger by eating healthy, getting plenty of rest, and doing what her therapists ask of her. She's lighting the kindling right now to get the fire going!

I attended Kaitlin's first physical therapy session yesterday with her. She did so very well. I must admit that I had to choke back the tears a few times when I saw her great courage and perseverance. By the end of the hour, she sat up on the mat alone without assistance. I was amazed! She's just 2 weeks out of major spinal surgery. Her therapist is teaching her how to transfer from a bed to the wheeled chair and back again. She's a fast learner!

My favorite time with Kaitlin this week was Sunday night when I went back to Craig at 8pm to say goodnight. I arrived just as the nurses were preparing her for her first full shower since the accident. She actually took her shower while lying down on a special gurney. The best part of it for me was that I got to go along and wash/condition her hair and shave her legs/underarms, etc. It was a special time for me and as I left her that night she was tucked in bed all clean and shiny with a fresh gown and warm hospital blankets on her. For that moment, "All was well". Carolyn spoke of a similar experience in last nights blog. John was with her for her shower last night. Needless to say, I didn't ask for any details!  :)

We are beginning the process of looking at Kaitlin and John's home to determine what kind of remodeling will need to take place so that she can move freely about. Craig will help us with this. At this point in time, we believe that it's possible for them to remain in the home they purchased when they got married three months ago.

Here are our most needed prayers:

• Complete healing in Kait's spinal cord so that she may walk again!
• For the blood clot to dissolve and for no new ones to form.
• For her blood platelet count to decrease.
• Special quality time for the newly weds to just be together. They are really missing one another.
• Permission for all of us to cry when we need to.
• Courage & trust in the Lord.
• Patience to wait on the Lord and not run ahead of His timing.
• Wisdom for the doctors and home improvement recommendation decisions.
• Time for the family to pray and draw close to God.
• FAITH!

 I have been reading the book of Daniel this week. This verse spoke to me:

For He is the living God and He endures forever;

His kingdom will not be destroyed, His dominion will never end.

He rescues and He saves;

He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth.

He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.

                                                Daniel 6:26-27

God bless you all! Thank you for being here for us. We love you.

Sue