Update - 4/5/06
This morning Matthew had one of the screws removed from the plate that is holding his collarbone in place. The screw had come loose and was making it difficult for the incision to heal. The hope is that the incision to put the plate in for his collarbone will fully heal shut now that the loose screw is gone.
Matthew continues to be very aggitated and because of it, he has been moved closer to the nurses' station so they can keep a close eye on him. Just remember that the aggitation is part of the process for the brain in its recovery.
In answer to a question in another comment made to the previous update, several scans were made of Matthew's brain earlier on right after the accident. These scans showed red tiny dots all over the brain. Those red dots were broken blood capillaries. As Matthew's head was jostled back and forth in the accident, neurons that were once connected are now broken. Those connections are permanently severed, but the brain has an amazing ability to make new pathways for messages to be transmitted. So, nothing is 100% certain in diagnosing what Matthew will be able to do in the future. So far the doctors are very pleased with Matthew's progress and because he was in tremendously good health before the accident - he didn't drink, didn't smoke, is young, was taking good Shaklee nutrition :) - he has a lot of plusses on his side for his body to heal and regain alot of his former abilities. As I've mentioned before, I'm definitely not a medical professional and am trying to explain this as best I can from a lay person's perspective and from what Brenda has communicated to me that she is told by the doctors. Let's applaud Matthew's successes and encourage the Kurz family when things are rough and try not to spend time figuring out the diagnosis and future which is very uncertain at this time. We'll leave that in God's almighty hands!
On the bright side, Matthew is now able to sip from a cup, rather than have liquids spoon-fed to him. He is also lifting one leg a bit and moves it in a position on the bed that has always been a natural way for him to lay. Matthew also has different pitches in his moans and sounds that he makes. He's progressing from the monotone sound to pitches and it sounds to Brenda like he's trying very hard to work toward talking again.
On Andrew's 16th birthday Matthew tried really hard to say something, but couldn't get it out. He squeezed Andrew's hand and finally gave him the "thumbs up" sign to wish Andrew "Happy Birthday". Speaking of Andrew's birthday, he had a WONDERFUL day. He was thrilled with all the birthday wishes, funny cards and fantastic celebration.
As I reported this weekend, Brenda's father, Norbert Kaiser fell several times and was taken to the V.A. hospital in Columbia. It was finally determined that Norbert had a light stroke. He was confused at times and was very much like his grandson - pulling out tubes! He's doing better and they will probably release him to return to the nursing home in Cole Camp where he will undergo therapy and work to regain strength and mobility.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Matthew and the Kurz family. And I personally thank you for the encouraging words that you express in comments of how you appreciate the updates in the blog. I'm glad to know that it is of great benefit to those who know and love the Kurz family. My husband and I are blessed to be able to help in this way.
Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother
Matthew continues to be very aggitated and because of it, he has been moved closer to the nurses' station so they can keep a close eye on him. Just remember that the aggitation is part of the process for the brain in its recovery.
In answer to a question in another comment made to the previous update, several scans were made of Matthew's brain earlier on right after the accident. These scans showed red tiny dots all over the brain. Those red dots were broken blood capillaries. As Matthew's head was jostled back and forth in the accident, neurons that were once connected are now broken. Those connections are permanently severed, but the brain has an amazing ability to make new pathways for messages to be transmitted. So, nothing is 100% certain in diagnosing what Matthew will be able to do in the future. So far the doctors are very pleased with Matthew's progress and because he was in tremendously good health before the accident - he didn't drink, didn't smoke, is young, was taking good Shaklee nutrition :) - he has a lot of plusses on his side for his body to heal and regain alot of his former abilities. As I've mentioned before, I'm definitely not a medical professional and am trying to explain this as best I can from a lay person's perspective and from what Brenda has communicated to me that she is told by the doctors. Let's applaud Matthew's successes and encourage the Kurz family when things are rough and try not to spend time figuring out the diagnosis and future which is very uncertain at this time. We'll leave that in God's almighty hands!
On the bright side, Matthew is now able to sip from a cup, rather than have liquids spoon-fed to him. He is also lifting one leg a bit and moves it in a position on the bed that has always been a natural way for him to lay. Matthew also has different pitches in his moans and sounds that he makes. He's progressing from the monotone sound to pitches and it sounds to Brenda like he's trying very hard to work toward talking again.
On Andrew's 16th birthday Matthew tried really hard to say something, but couldn't get it out. He squeezed Andrew's hand and finally gave him the "thumbs up" sign to wish Andrew "Happy Birthday". Speaking of Andrew's birthday, he had a WONDERFUL day. He was thrilled with all the birthday wishes, funny cards and fantastic celebration.
As I reported this weekend, Brenda's father, Norbert Kaiser fell several times and was taken to the V.A. hospital in Columbia. It was finally determined that Norbert had a light stroke. He was confused at times and was very much like his grandson - pulling out tubes! He's doing better and they will probably release him to return to the nursing home in Cole Camp where he will undergo therapy and work to regain strength and mobility.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Matthew and the Kurz family. And I personally thank you for the encouraging words that you express in comments of how you appreciate the updates in the blog. I'm glad to know that it is of great benefit to those who know and love the Kurz family. My husband and I are blessed to be able to help in this way.
Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother
posted by Randy Asburry @ 8:55 PM
1 Comments:
At 6:42 AM,
Anonymous said…
It is with great thankfulness that the insurance provided by Rev. Kurz’ congregations is covering most of the direct medical expenses for Matthew. The several love offerings from the community churches and matching funds from Thrivent have more than covered what is expected to be the direct out-of-pocket expenses required by the insurance policies. I am certain the additional funds are appreciated, and can help with the continuing expenses of travel to and from the center where Matthew is staying – and hopefully to assist with the family’s housing and transportation needs when Matthew comes home.
Our Lord is gracious and works wonders through His people – Thanks be to God!
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