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