7.29.08

Steve had a solid day yesterday. No temperature, slept well the night before, and he was feeling good. When I spoke to Joe last night, it was around 8 and they were gearing up for Steve to get back into bed.

Joe and Steve Willet did the overnight with Steve last night. They were all up a lot; it was not the most restful night. But Steve's feeling okay at the moment. MaryAnn is giving him his breathing treatment and the nurse, Tracy is there.

Tonight's movie night. Awesome. Dudes filling the man cave, I love it. I keep threatening to bring Sixteen Candles for movie night next week.

MaryAnn and I talked about the blog a little bit and what would be the best frequency. We are thinking that maybe a post once a week would be better--this way I am not calling everyday, sometimes twice a day for details. They have their hands full 24/7. That doesn't mean that you can't leave comments throughout the week, especially those of you who don't get to see Steve regularly. Steve still needs to hear from every one of you. Everyone!!

Also, please stay tuned for my list of resources which I will be adding to my profile page. There have been a number of books that I have come across in the last few months which offer some interesting insight and practical nuts and bolts information about spinal cord injuries. Some of you might be interested in checking them out. Once again, thank you, thank you.

7.27.08

Hey all. I apologize for the delay in posting, everything is fine, I hope I didn't have you concerned. I was away for the weekend at a friend's, and when I said that I needed to use the computer for the blog, she apologized and told me that her computer wasn't working! I just got back a few minutes ago.

Steve had a rough couple of days--fever, discomfort, fear, lack of sleep--just awful. Thankfully, Saturday afternoon and today were much better for him. He had a little crew of visitors today, he was up in his chair fo a while and overall, he was feeling much better. Kris and Ashley stayed for the overnight last night, and April is staying tonight.

It looks like they may have found a respiratory therapist, who hopefully, will be coming once a week. Keep your fingers crossed that that will work out well.

I head to AL on Saturday morning. My brother, Uncle Joe, arrives Saturday too. Although it's not ideal that our extra hands will be there at the same time--it sure will be nice to all be together. I really can't wait. It's been a while now.

Here's hoping that Steve has a great night's sleep tonight and feels good all day long tomorrow. I know we all hope and pray that each day brings a little more comfort, rest and ease for everyone.

Update and Addresses

Steve's been sleeping a lot today. His vent numbers have been a little off, so MaryAnn and Joe are monitoring those closely. Steven really needs a respiratory therapist who can come see him. Fortunately, Joe's cousin Donald (who is a doctor) can back last night, so he's able to keep on eye on this too. They have made some calls and are waiting to hear back as to whether or not someone will be able to come and assess the issue.

At 8 this morning, the nurse showed up and so far, so good! Her name is Tracy; she lives nearby and used to work at Huntsville Hospital. Her shift will be 8 AM-8 PM.

Nicky, here is the home address:

265 Chipmunk Circle
New Market, AL 35761

Also, I know that recently some asked about the donation address, so here is that info:

Steven Collins Donation Fund
220 Wynn Drive
Huntsville, AL 35893


Thanks everyone!

7.23.08

The crew has deemed Tuesday night movie night. And while last night's movies weren't great--the company was awesome. Bubby, Dirty, Adam and Brian watched two flicks with Steve and then rounded out the night watching The Deadliest Catch. The access to friends has done wonders for Steve's spirits.

Tomorrow morning an agency is sending over a nurse. Let's all cross our fingers that she is amazing.

Steve was feeling good this morning, his blood pressure was fine and his temperature was only very slightly elevated. And best of all, Steve was not uncomfortable. And MaryAnn gave Steve a breathing treatment herself yesterday. Go Mare!

April stopped at the house on her way to work, and we got to talk about Kylie a bit. Kylie's been over to see Steve. She was excited the other day that she could read his lips when he told her "I love you." She tells him that she loves him and sometimes she rubs his arm. Last night she was a little intimated by the boys, but it sounds like, overall, she's doing great and happy to have her Steves back home.

7.21.08

Steve is doing fine, and as of a couple of hours ago, he was in his new chair which was assembled today. It still needs some tweaks, like new arm rests, but Steve was happy with it. As he maneuvered through the house, he asked Joe if he had left over paint for the walls. It may take a little while to adjust to the mid-wheel turns.

Overall, things have been crazy. In addition to the chair being put together today--Steve's new furniture arrived. It's this rugged, rustic wood furniture that he had picked out for his house. If I remember correctly, I believe this was a gift from Nana and Aunt Karen. It's really cool.

The search continues for a nurse. In the meantime, Kris and Ashley, April and tomorrow night, Steve Willett, have been helping out with the overnights. But MaryAnn and Joe still need to get up at various points throughout the night.

Steve also still needs a respiratory therapist. He has to get regular breathing treatments which have to be administered by a RT and so far, they haven't found one.

Sunday was not a good day for Steve, at least the early part of the day. He had some pain and a fever--he was just so uncomfortable. Thankfully, he slept really well last night and was feeling better today.

I apologize for the lag in my posts--I was on LI getting my mom online today. I made this blog her homepage as she requested and she started to cry with excitement.

Please show her what an amazing family of hope you have been for Steve and send your love his way. Oh and don't forget to pray for a nurse, a respitory therapist and some much, much needed rest for MaryAnn and Joe. Thanks everyone!

7.19.08

Steve was feeling better as of a little while ago when I talked to Mare. He was having serious pain earlier today, but he's more comfortable now. Thank you to John Rice for loaning Steve your manual wheelchair, which has allowed him to move about his living space. I had the pleasure of meeting John and his wife Becky in the hospital in Huntsville. John had been to Shepherd after his own spinal cord injury. He had heard about Steven through Becky Hubert and his visit to the hospital was so reassuring and informative. I know that he's since been in touch and offering advice to Joe along the way. Anyway, thank you John.

Steve was able to sit in front of his massive new TV with lot of friends yesterday. Apparently, they have named the space, "The Man Cave." He was spent after the long day socializing and he slept the whole night.

Unfortunately, the nurse service that was supposed to come yesterday backed out. Hopefully, something will come through soon. Both day and night shifts are really tough on MaryAnn and Joe.

7.18.08

As of last night around 10 PM, Steve was feeling good. He had friends visiting throughout the day, the support is wonderful. The family doctor came by yesterday and said that he would be willing to make house calls, run tests as needed, etc. That provided a tremendous peace of mind. Today, a prospective nursing agency is due to come by the house, so we're really hopeful that they will be a solid fit. in the meanwhile, MaryAnn and Joe continue to be extremely grateful for Donald's guidance.

Unfortunately, the loaner chair that they were given is too narrow for Steven, so he remains unable to get around the house. Hopefully his chair will get to them quickly.

I'll try and get some new photos up soon. Ohhhh KKKKrrrrrriiiissss? Can you help a sista out? Or, an aunt as the case may be? xo

1st day home

Yesterday was hectic with unloading and unpacking everything. Steve had a lot of visitors too.

The ambulance was very warm--so Steve was uncomfortable for the ride. He had a fever of 101 last night and this morning his temp is still slightly elevated. Joe's cousin Donald, who is a doctor, is going to be with them for a few days, helping them go over things. MaryAnn and Joe are still trying to find a nurse which is vital since Steve needs around-the-clock attention.

Steve's chair hasn't arrived yet, so he isn't be able to see the rest of his living space, including the deluxe, flat screen TV that Kris got him. That's probably okay. One day at a time. The move was a massive change and so some bed rest might be just perfect for right now.

Steve's on his way home...

After 105 days, Steven and MaryAnn have left the Center. As of 11:15 eastern time, MaryAnn was 40 miles from Chattanooga, and then they have another hour and a half from there. April drove over to Atlanta with Joe and Steve Willet last night. Steven was totally surprised! So April is driving back in the truck with MaryAnn and Joe is in the ambulance cab (he's not allowed to ride in back--it's a liability.)

If I were a better techie, I would post the photo of Steve's empty room at the Center that April had texted to me. It made me cry. It's overwhelming.

I just talked to Kris who was up and at the house at 6:30 this morning. He was setting things up, mopping the floor, going to the supermarket, getting Steve another TV, taking Skippy for a bath, getting a haircut himself, etc, etc. He said that the crew essentially built another house in three weeks. It's about 1,600 square feet. I am sure, detailed photos will follow.

I told MaryAnn that I wouldn't call tonight (I had also told her that I wouldn't call today-but I couldn't help myself, I just needed to know that she was on the road). But this time I mean it. Tonight is their night to settle back in at home as a family. A family who I know have inspired us all.

One more day...

Due to logistical matters that I'm not going to get into, MaryAnn and Steve will be leaving the Shepherd Center on Wednesday morning instead of today. They were both pretty bummed, but I'm sure seeing the large number of comments from you guys yesterday will be just the pick-me-up they need, thanks guys!

I hear the house is amazing--I can't wait to see it. Thanks again to everyone who worked endlessly to pull it all together. It's incredible.

As of this morning, Steve felt pretty good. I know he is so excited to see all his pals again. Joe and Steve Willett will be driving over to Altanta later this afternoon. Joe will ride in the ambulance tomorrow and MaryAnn will follow in her truck. I know I've said this before, but really, it's not long now!

7.14.08

Steve slept most of yesterday--he was not feeling good. Today is going to be a hectic day for MaryAnn as she tries to make sure they have everything needed for home.

MaryAnn would like to thank the principal and teachers from her school for their ongoing support and prayers. They have organized preparing meals for eight consecutive nights once MaryAnn returns home. This generosity of heart and time has helped the family, and especially MaryAnn, greatly. Thank you.

A while ago someone asked whether I would be continuing this blog once Steven is home. And all I can say is as long as you keep reading, I'll keep writing. Once Steve and MaryAnn are settled in, we will figure out what kind of frequency makes the most sense.

The next 48 hours are going to be a time of intense emotion and transition. Please pray for peace for MaryAnn, Joe and Steven as they make their way home.

7.12.08

Just one more day...Steve's return date home has now been moved to Tuesday. That's because a pulmonologist in Huntsville insisted that there is no way that Steve should return home without having a second, backup vent. He has one, but he needs another in case of emergency. The additional day will allow time for them to acquire the second vent.

On an extremely uplifting note, I want to share a story about a little girl named Kelsey, the daughter of MaryAnn and Joe's friends from Birmingham. Kelsey had been following Steve's progress and told her mom that she wanted to sell lemonade on the 4th of July to raise money for Steve. So Kelsey and her little brother Chance sat at their stand from early in the morning until late afternoon, and raised over $500 pedaling lemonade! People were dropping off checks until the very last minute. Steve and his family are so grateful to you Kelsey and Chance! And the rest of us are so inspired by your efforts.

Steve continues to deal with a lot of discomfort. There is tingling in his hands and legs. I don't know the exact reason for this, but I believe it's due to nerve ending still responding to the injury, it doesn't mean that he's regaining feeling. I don't want to give anyone false hope. Although of course, we maintain massive hope every single second of the day. Yesterday, when Steve's physical therapist did a check to see if he felt pressure when she applied it to different parts of his body--he responded at one point saying something like, oh, that's sharp! She got excited and said, you felt that? He replied no, I'm just kidding. We are blown away by Steve's sense of humor.

Let's all pray that his day today is painfree.

7.11.08

MaryAnn stayed overnight on Wednesday night to make sure that the portable ventilator that they will be taking home was working well. And while the vent was fine, Steve didn't feel good. He has pain in his legs--and his spasms only increase the discomfort. It sucks. On Wednesday he did two miles on the bike, and this kind of movement is supposed to help with the spasms. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case for Steve. Yesterday was just a really uncomfortable day too.

April is coming to spend Steve's last weekend at the center with him. Hopefully, he's feeling better today. Let's send our collective prayers and wishes toward that thought.

7.9.08

I just got to tell Steve over the phone all about my birthday shenanigans yesterday--bottomline avoid the gelatinous pork when in Chinatown. We had to wrap up the call because Alison, the recreational therapist was coming in for some time with Steve. He was in his chair and ready to go. Aunt Karen was able to help MaryAnn get him out of bed today. They got him up without help from any nurses, which is good practice for when they are at home.

Steve had some of his favorite people for the center at his graduation yesterday--Carol and Briana (his old physical therapists), Mike (his ICU nurse), Erica (one of the charge nurses on his floor now), and Lex. MaryAnn said it was really nice. Only five more days now until Steve's home!

7.8.08

Steve was rightfully upset yesterday morning because his call button was not put on him by a member of the staff, and so he had no way to contact the nurses station to let them know he needed his mouth suctioned. His call button is on a headband that allows him to be able to call the nurse by raising his eyebrow. It needs to be on him anytime that he is in the room alone.

A little longer and he'll be home. Steve's now going home on Monday, July 14, in order to allow a little more time for the house to be ready. So although not tomorrow, less than a week!

Today is Steve's graduation ceremony at Shepherd. They have a little ceremony in the gym for all patients before they leave the center. Steve's ceremony is at 2 PM today. Hopefully, some of his old nurses from ICU will be able to make it and maybe Lex too. Whoo HOOOO--Steve, you're almost home! Congrats on the graduation! Go on and soak up all the Lex-isms that you can before you go, it's not long now. I hope the next bunch of days FLY by. Love you! Have a great day!

7.6.08

Steve had a good weekend. He was able to watch the fireworks with April, MaryAnn, Aunt Karen and Nana. It was long day for Steve; he was in the chair for about 12 hours. He didn't get back to his room until after 10. His Saturday was solid too. April spent the weekend nights with him.

Steve's chair was delivered to his house. They will now be able to use it to equip the van with the necessary locks, so he will be all set once he's home.

Thanks for checking back on Steve's progress. He's been having a good spell. Please leave him tons of comments for the new week. Let him know what you were up to this weekend. Thanks everyone!

7.4.08

Steve's temp is a little low right now, so they have a pile of blankets on him, a few fresh from the dryer so hopefully, that will warm him right up. April just arrived, so we know that she will at least have him smiling. Amanda, your post about some fireworks shenanigans had him laughing as he was trying to explain what had happened. MaryAnn said he was laughing quite a bit about it, so thanks for that!

They are all still supposed to go to the seventh floor to watch the fireworks tonight. And Lex said that he was going to come back to watch with Steve, which would be really cool.

The search continues for a nurse, so please keep your ears open if you know of anyone who might be a good fit. Thanks.

OK, here's hoping that Steve's temp returns to normal and he has a good rest of the holiday. Lots of love to you today Steve!

We're all thinking about you and hoping you have a good night. xoxo

7.3.08

Steve had another good day today. His increase in spasms continue to be a discomfort, but other than that, no major complaints. We are so thankful for this. MaryAnn was trying to get access to the atrium on the seventh floor tomorrow night so that they could watch fireworks together. I bet Atlanta does a pretty solid show...Happy 4th Everyone!

7.2.08

Steve had another pretty good day today. Just think, this time next week he'll be home! I can't help but think about how much Lex is going to miss Steve! And of course the nurses there. Two nurses have offered to use their vacation time to come to Alabama and help MaryAnn, which is so kind and generous and phenomenal.

OK, here's hoping that Steve sleeps well and has another good day tomorrow.

7.1.08

Steve will be leaving the Shepherd Center on July 9th, next Wednesday. Thankfully, this allows a little more time for the house.
Not long now and Steve will be home sweet home.

MaryAnn and Steve picked out a van today. It's the same color blue that Joe's Dad's plumbing truck was, so we're all taking that as a good omen. It will be at their house when they arrive home.

Steve was in the chair about nine hours today. He was feeling good today and he had a smooth night last night.

Courtney placed the final order for T-shirts today. Thanks to everyone for your contributions and making the Steve-O shirts the IN thing to be wearing. Courtney still has some shirts from the second order which need to be picked up. Once again Courtney's contact info is cjlburrough20@gmail.com or 256-828-9325 or 256-755-7585. Thank you Courtney!

**Please note, Joe and MaryAnn are looking for a home healthcare nurse or a private duty nurse. If you know of anyone who might be a great fit for them, please email Joe at Stevecj5@mchsi.com. Joe is currently having discussions with agencies, but any additional recommendations would be greatly appreciated.