Katy was stable all day, today. Her numbers looked good, and she was kept comfortable and resting all day. As I wrote earlier (and reminded of by Dr. Purdue), Katy is scheduled to go in to the OR tomorrow morning. They plan on closing her arms and legs and take a look at her 2 areas to see if they will debriede or have to cut off the necrotic areas. Also, from what I her, they believe that the surgery yesterday did remove the trouble area in her stomach. Let’s all hope so! I am hopeful that, if she continues on this path, Katy will be on the track towards accute care after these procedures.
I met, briefly, with a member of the rehab team. She told me about what rehab they would be starting with, and how the process works. The shoulders will be a primary focus since the shoulder kuscles will be the keep to her mobility. The rehab will start by moving the limbs in their range of motion, and then getting Katy to repeat the range of motion on her own. She will be weak, and not have stamina for a while, but through repitition will get stronger.
I look forward to the slew of visitors that will coming this week. It will be good to see some friends, and to have them be able to visit with Katy. It was also great to hear from my long-lost buddy, Scott today. I look forward to that cold beer we talked about.
Many of you have been e-mailing me about taking care of myself. I am trying. I try to sleep, I walk a lot at the hospital, and believe me I am eating. I will try to even work out again soon. Thank you for your concern. Therapeutically, I play my guitar. It is amazing how much that can soothe my mind and heart.
From what I hear, Tug is giving the doctors hell. He wants to be released so that he can be at training on Tuesday. Give them hell big man! For those of you who don’t know Tug, he is a hell of a fighter. Despite his massive size and strength, he is always willing to open the gym for anyone wanting to work out. He has provided a place for the wrestlers to ply their trade for a long time, and I will always be grateful for the lessons he taught me (including how to pop someone’s elbow out of socket if they don’t cooperate). It was source of great laughter every time Tug would crawl in the ring with some upstart. In a matter of seconds Tug would be telling averyone around him what he was doing, how to apply pressure, etc, all while the new wrestler was frantically screaming and trying to get away from Tug’s 450 pound onslaught. Good times. As I mentioned earlier, Katy trained for a while. Most places treated the girls differently than the guys. Tug treated Katy as a lady out of the ring, but would expect the same from her as anyone else in the ring. She really appreciated that about him.
I will be at the hospital all day tomorrow, as Katy will be in surgery, but will write more tomorrow night.
Love to all,
Al
So happy to hear that Katy had a good day!!!! Relief for all of us that love her/and you too. Continued prayers by all for all of you. Will be back to my second home at the end of this month. Missing my new family….remember, you adopted me! Love and hugs and a walk with you too.
Like you’ve been saying all along: little victories. That’s all we can ask for, little victories.
Happy to hear any and all good news!
Two thoughts – (a) perhaps writing all this down is also therapeutic for you and (b) it will serve as a ‘diary’ in the future so that you can again share what happened – and when (the timing of everything) – with Katy in the future.
My husband is also a musician and I know how it is his de-stressor. Playing is great like that – also therapeutic.
Best wishes for continued healing for Katy and strength to you.
Leigh
So glad to hear today was a fairly stable day. Our hearts are with Katy tomorrow in her surgery. Another stage of her recovery we pray goes smoothly. Wishing you peace of mind, rest, and hope, Al.
Love,
Laura
Praying and excited about her progress.
Dear Al & Katy,
I don’t know you but have been praying for you all along the way through your process…I just spent the last hour or more reading every word written by Al through this process…when words are sometimes all you have to get outside your head you have chosen them with such honesty. You have given those of us praying,your family, friends and supporters a window into know what your world is looking like…although we all know it is just a window…your world…your reality is probably more than we could ever imagine…so i pray for Katy’s healing and progress, for each of you to grow in faith and love and provision. That the Lord will hold your family in the palm of His hand and shower you with His peace and strength….that your kids will be surrounded with love and provided for in every way.
In Christ, Leah
Dear Al,
Even though you don’t know me, I feel the need to comment on your blog to let you know how many are praying for Katy and your family.
I heard about Katy on KU, (kingwoodunderground). I have a few friends on there that know you guys.
There are so many holding your family in their thoughts and prayers, more than you can imagine.
Katy’s story has touched many of us, and your devotion and words inspire us.
It floods back the memories of when I was caring for my husband during his illness.
While his does not compare to Katy’s his was a long recovery and there were moments that were dire, and things were minute by minute.
I remember the strength I pulled by the love and support I received from our community.
I read KU every day, and posted an update. People I knew, and some I didn’t helped.
Many of those have become good close friends.
I remember driving home daily from downtown Houston, exhausted and wishing more than anything, I could just pop in Target, or one of the many stores I passed, just to feel “normal”.
Silly things, that we take for granted I craved to be able to do, after so many weeks, months in the hospital.
I felt far to guilty to do that though.
It was time I could be spending with my husband or with my son at home, or even sleeping.
Let me tell you, to take the time YOU need albeit and hour or two, to feel Al.
I am so glad you have your music, (I guess shopping is my thing, lol).
I also remember how much reading KU helped, and hope your blog acts much same for you.
Reading the outpouring of support and knowing the power in so many people prayers, and how therapeutic it was for me.
Kingwood is an amazing community, we had just moved here when my husband got ill, and I was amazed (we are from NJ).
My husband overcame his illness, and all the complications, and life is good.
There was never a moment when I doubted it.
I do read your blog everyday, I read FB and KU as do many.
You truly are an inspiration, and THE most important thing Katy has, an advocate, which everyone needs when in a situation like this.
My heart breaks for those that dont have someone in ICU, being their advocate, I saw many during the days I spent in ICU. I got to know other families that came and went and we all grew strength from each other as well.
From what I read in your words, yours and Katy’s relationship is awesome, and your mindset is admirable.
My continued prayers for you all,