One more hurdle down!

Saw the surgeon today, took an x-ray and all looks great!  The doc said that Kohlton can stop wearing the brace, but suggested taking it slow.  Still having a lot of pain on the upper left side of the back which we hope will subside with adjusting the nerve medication.  The pain seems to zap all of his strength which makes it hard for him to transfer from bed to chair to car, etc.  The plus is that having the brace removed should enable Kohlton to move easier and use all his upper body strength.

Please continue to pray for strength, patience, pain relief and God's miracle to work through all of us!!

A trip to the Symphony...

First Date :)

Home Bitter-Sweet Home

Kohlton made it home today!  We are so glad he is here, but the road is still going to be long and hard.    Thank you to our friends and neighbors for the yellow ribbons donning the trees and the sign of well wishes and encouragement welcoming him home.  His arrival was bittersweet - glad to be here, but not in the way he would like to have come home.

Please continue to pray for healing, strength and God's peace.  We love you all!

Getting Stronger!!!

Hey friends and family!!!!  This week Kohlton has been really working hard to build up his upper body strength.  Dad and he mastered the slide board into and out of the car on the first try!  Because Kohlton is so tall and the brace restricts his movements, we had to use his Honda Element which made transfer slightly more difficult because it was going up instead of just sliding over.  Yesterday he took his Mom to the museum via the metro rail (along with other TIRR staff and patients).  We spent most of our time in the gem museum (Kohlton is and will always be a rock and dirt man).  His favorite crystal was the orange Wulvenite.  He did a lot of pushing his manual wheelchair (no more power chair per Kohlton's request) yesterday afternoon, therefore I think he was out by 7:00! 

Looking forward to October 18th when he can come home! 

Keep prayers, visits and well wishes coming.  We love you all!

Come One, Come All!

Greetings Missio Family,

This Sunday October 7^th we will be going on the road. As all of you know our brother Kohlton is at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) to learn what he will need to live life without the help of his mid to lower body. As you can imagine this can be tedious and discouraging work.

The cost to park at TIRR will be covered by the church. We will meet at 5PM as always. Please try to arrive a little early because it will take a little time to park and find the room. We will be meeting in the private dining room. Pass the word along.

http://www.memorialhermann.org/locations/tirr/

Address:

TIRR Memorial Hermann

Houston, Texas 77030" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted" class="ClickableAddress">1333 Moursund Street

Houston, Texas 77030

3-1/2 weeks

Well fellow bloggers Kohlton is doing well and growing stronger every day!  His Dad and I have been learning how to help him transfer from bed to chair and back again.  It's really hard to let Kohlton do all the work and just be there to guide him. (You know parents - always wanting to take control.)  Yesterday in physical therapy Kohlton was able to sit up by himself for 2 minutes!  Also clapping and tossing a ball while sitting on his own all the while smiling!  (I think he's just trying to impress the therapist!)  He tried out his manual wheelchair, but they need to make some modifications so it fits better. Our conference today went well and we are on target for discharge on October 18th. 

Thanks again for all the prayers and visits!  Keep `em coming!

Weekend Update #2

Well, turns out he does have a spot on the bus to go see the wheelchair basketball game tomorrow!  It is from 12:30 - 3:30, 1475 W. Gray, Houston. Come on out to the Hotwheels BB tournament!

Weekend Update

Visitors are welcome to come anytime throughout the weekend!!!

Unfortunately the rugby game event fell through so there will be a lot of time on our hands.

What's Happening

Physical Therapy is moving full speed ahead!  Kohlton continues to get stronger every day.  We had our conference yesterday afternoon with his doctors and therapists.  There is alot of training to be done not only for Kohlton, but for Mom and Dad, too!  His PT, Natasha, doesn't let him slack off!!! (I really like her.)  Hector, OT, is awesome as well.  Has a kind sweet spirit just like Kohlton's. 

Our target date for discharge is October 18th.  At that time Kohlton plans to come home with us.  His mobility will be limited by the brace, but there are plans for that to come off in December.  After the first of the year, he will return to TIRR to begin Phase II. 

Weekends seem to be the best time for visits.  His schedule is very light so there is a lot of down time.
There is a wheelchair rugby game scheduled for Saturday afternoon which Kohlton has signed up to go see.  Visitors are also welcome to attend the game, but will have to do their own transport.  Will post time and location when I get that information.

Thanks again for all the prayers and support!  You are all AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update

The blood pressure finally stabilized enough for Kohlton to get into the wheelchair and take a tour of the hospital.  Went down to see the gym and meet some of the therapist who will be working with him.  In true form, he had the nurses laughing.  Dr. Berliner took out the staples on the very long incision on his back and all looked good. 

Please continue to pray for strength, courage and peace for Kohlton, his family and friends.  Today is a new day! Let the work begin and fear fade away!

The Real Work Begins

It has been a long weekend.  The staff at TIRR continues to be very supportive and positive.  We were a little disappointed this weekend because the physical therapy did not go as we had hoped.  Kohlton's blood pressure seems to be an issue either too high or too low.  Also, they are not at full staff on the weekends so PT is limited.  Today the real work begins at 8:00 a.m.!  Please continue to pray for strength, guidance and balance of the blood pressure.  Also pray for Kohlton's spirit to be renewed and for him not to be discouraged.

We have arrived!

Kohlton arrived at TIRR this afternoon and we are soooooo pleased!! He is in room 503, bed A.  He will be evaluated tomorrow by the therapist and a plan will be put into place. 

What a wonderful facility!  The staff are all very positive and outgoing and we feel very encouraged.  Kohlton's roommate is another guy around his age, Taylor, that was transported from New York, long day for that family as well.  Not sure what the extent of his injuries are. 

We left Kohlton in good hands tonight, Andi, his girlfriend, and the wonderful staff!

another prayer answered

Hallelujah, happy day!  Insurance paperwork has been magically approved and Kohlton will be moved to TIRR this afternoon around 4 or 430.  Thanks for all your prayer!  Can't wait to see what God does next.  :)

Urgent Prayer Request

Dear friends and family,

Kohlton has been stuck in a closet-sized room on the 6th floor for 4 days! We found out why...insurance paper malfunction! Ugh! Please pray for a speedy resolution and that Kohlton can be moved to TIRR as quickly as possible.  He is becoming a bit discouraged by all the red tape.  It is also very important (physically and emotionally) for him to begin his rehab ASAP.  PRAY NOW!!!

Tuesday

This morning Kohlton had lots of x-rays!  Chest and lungs are all clear.  He has been sitting up in his brace and even went on a wheelchair tour of the hospital.  

Although he still has his positive attitude, he is also anxious about the next steps in his recovery.  I think the waiting to begin his therapy is starting to irritate him a bit!  Please pray for strength and patience for Kohlton as his endures the "uncomfortableness" of his recovery.  

Monday Madness

After a restless night and very busy morning adjusting to a new room, staff and routine, Kohlton is hanging in there still strong.  Chris and I toured the TIRR facility that, hopefully, he will go to tomorrow or Wednesday.  The final drain tube came out this morning and the morphine pump.  They  are trying to manage the pain with just pills.  The physical therapist will be coming in this afternoon to put the brace on and sit him up.  After that he will be mobile!  She said we could take him out and about the hospital.  He is really looking forward to getting out of this small cubicle room.  Today Kohlton would like to chill, rest and regroup and see visitors tomorrow.  (He is saying that now, but I know he doesn't want to miss seeing everyone).  

We are looking forward and excited about the new frontier!

Keep those prayers a comin'!  God, our friends and family are AWESOME!

Nancy (Mom)

We have a room!!!!!

After a long day of waiting, we finally have a room!  Jones Pavillion 616 West.  Kohlton will be moved up here soon and we are anxiously waiting to greet him.  Today was a great day, even though visiting was cut to a minimum because there was an emergency in the room next to Kohlton's. 

He was still able to spend the afternoon with one of his best friends, Paul, watching the Texans game and a wonderful nurse delivered his lunch from Fred's Italian Restaurant. 

Chris and I had a great day visiting with all of Kohlton's friends even though he didn't get to see some of them.

Keep those prayers coming!!!  God is so faithful!

Nancy (Mom)

One Week Later

Kohlton is feeling good this morning.  He had a wonderful nurse, Trista, last night.  She said he had a great night and loved being with him and wished she could be his nurse all the time!  Chris' brother, Cliff and his wife, Courtney arrived this morning from Virginia and two other friends from Waco and Dallas.  The support from family and friends has been phenomenal!  God is good and we are so blessed!

Live Long and Prosper!!

Kohlton slept great last night and one more tube is out today!! He is sitting up in a chair and pretty happy to be out of that bed.  :)   We are still waiting for a bed to open up on the intermediate level of the ICU so he can be moved.  Please continue to pray for Kohlton's recovery as he adjusts to his new life.

 

 

Kohlton & Matthew

TIRR Update

TIRR, The Institute for Rehabilitation and Recovery, is just a few blocks away from Memorial Hermann where Kohlton is currently located.  In a few days they will move him and he will stay there for 2-3 weeks and receive inpatient therapy. After those few weeks, he will move back home or to an assisted living facility (whatever he decides) and be receiving therapy as an outpatient.  He will be in his brace for 8-12 weeks.  Once the brace is removed, he will return as an inpatient to TIRR and begin further therapy. 

Kohlton's response - "I'm excited about this new frontier!"  Such an amazing young man!!!!

Friday Evening

Today has been a very busy day for Kohlton!  One of the drain tubes was removed; two more to go! He was fitted for his brace, had his chest x-rayed, put into his brace and sitting up for the first time.  :)  TIRR, the rehab nurse has visited Kohlton and discussed the next step in his recovery.  No word yet on when he will be moved to his step down room. 

TGIF!!

First words I heard from Kohlton today: "the brace is on and it feels great!" WOO HOO!  One step closer!

Thursday

Kohlton had a great night sleep last night and was feeling fabulous this afternoon.  His friends and family continue to be amazed by his attitude.  The doctors are planning to move him into an intermediate ICU this afternoon or tomorrow.   He will be fitted for a brace soon which will stabilize his torso so he can begin sitting up. 

I continue to be amazed by his faith and maturity.  He is thoughtful and kind to every nurse, doctor, and tech that enters his room.  He easily shares the peace that the Lord is giving him with eve ryone he sees and at every opportunity. 

He is still on the 3rd floor in the STICU if anyone wants to visit.  I will update the blog when he is moved. 

Keep praying!
treese

THE TUBE IS OUT!!!!

Wednesday

6:30am Walked into Kohlton's room and he is already on his phone and texting people!  Ventilator is still in, but we are hoping that will be removed today.  He looks incredibly good and his spirits are good.  Please come visit if you are able to.  Visitors are a great encouragement to him.  And please continue to pray for him.

from Mom...

Just saw my baby boy. He looks good and is breathing well (although a little cranky about the breathing tube!).  He is anxious to communicate with us via sign language, unfortunately, I can't seem to remember what the signs mean. ;) I am so encouraged by his progress and his amazing attitude.  He has a slight fever, 101, and is terribly uncomfortable with the ventilator.  Please pray for comfort and peaceful rest for Kohlton tonight.

We continue to feel the peace of God surrounding us.  Thank you for your continued prayers.

Answer to Prayer!

Kohlton's surgery finished around 5 this afternoon.  The surgeon was extremely pleased with the results.  After cleaning up the shattered vertebrae, they found that although his spinal cord is severely damaged, part of it is still intact.  The MRI was wrong!!  PRAISE GOD!!  The surgeon said he was very aggressive in his treatment of the area and made sure the damaged spinal cord was preserved as best as possible.  Kohlton will remain paralyzed from the chest down, but with some of his spinal cord still connected, there is more of a possibilty that he may walk again as spinal cord research moves forward. 

Thank you so much for all your prayers.  Please continue to lift Kohlton up. We can't wait to see what God does next!!

Surgery

Kohlton's surgery began at 9:31am this morning.  They are hoping to perform two procedures.  The first procedure involves removing the fragments from the shattered vertebrae.  During the second procedure they will create a cage around the area of the damaged spinal cord and put in a titanium rod that will allow him to sit up once his body is better healed.  As we prayed this morning, we asked that the Lord would reveal a misdiagnosis of the original MRI...that some of the spinal cord might still be intact. 

Kohlton remains so positive.  A special thank you goes out to all of his friends who have come by the hospital, texted, and called him.  We believe that your prayer, support and encouragement are a huge contribution to his positive attitude. 

Monday

Gramma Texas, Matthew, Jack, and I arrived at Memorial Hermann Hospital on Monday evening.  My sister and her husband were there as were a few of their friends.  But what impressed me most were the young people who were waiting to visit and pray with Kohlton.  Each of these "kids" introduced themselves to mom and me and others who arrived.  They prayed together and shared how they knew my nephew.  It was wonderful to hear stories of Kohlton's antics :) and especially to realize how much he is loved. 

I always knew Kohlton was a special young man (although I may be a bit biased), but I was awestruck to learn how much he has touched other peoples' lives.  God definitely has a plan!

treese

Psalm 73:26
My health may fail,
and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength
of my heart;
he is mine forever.

Initial Diagnosis

After an MRI on September 9, the doctors stated that Kohlton's spinal cord was completely severed at the T-6 vertebrae and would not walk again.  He has been able to breathe on his own and move his arms.

Throughout this trauma, Kohlton continues to be kind and considerate, thinking of everyone (especially his mom, dad, and sister) before himself.  His faith is unshaken, "God has a plan", is his response when difficult questions arise. 

Thank you for all your prayers.  We know that the Lord is going to use this experience for His glory.

What a handsome guy!

The Injury

On Sunday, September 9, 2012, Kohlton and his dad were riding motocross at Rio Bravo in Houston.  Kohlton crashed coming off a jump, landing on his head and his back.  He was life-flighted to Memorial Hermann Hospital and diagnosed with severe spinal cord trauma. He never lost consciousness, his sense of humor or his faith. 

This blog is to update his amazing friends and family on his journey to a miraculous recovery!