Sunday, September 14, 2008

The SUITE Life






Hello friends-
Today we write you from Braden's new "suite". Ike affected condensation over our light fixture in our bay and was starting to drip on Braden, but it turned out in our favor, as a room off the bay's opened up: complete with a shower, sink, toilet, and a door. Braden is experiencing far less startle seizures in the quietness and comfort of his new diggs. His care team seems very excited for him to have this peace and quiet too.

Ike only passed over us with a few hurricane-strength bands, but it did cause a lot more power outages, and so many who finally had restored power, were once again in the dark. Of course, traffic lights were out, and many businesses and schools closed early Friday after the initial bands passed over. The Galveston and Houston area took the brunt of the storm. However, lots of flooding in nearby parishes, adds insult to injury for many here. Several families are still living in the dark here. We did lose power at the house again after Ike hit us, but we were blessed to have it back by the end of the next day.

Brad and I blew off some steam this weekend by helping the Heckerts begin demolition on their house. Damage left behind by Gustav is already growing poisonous black mold in their home. We helped them knock out the walls and ceiling of Jackson's room, and helped to start stripping the 40-year old wallpaper off the bathroom walls, since the ceiling and other portions will need to be redone too. It was disgusting, but also fun to blow off some steam, and of course, it was nice to get out of the hospital and help some friends who could also use a break.

Some good news, Braden was MRSA positive when he came into the hospital, which probably is what contributed to his respiratory condition surrounding the hurricane. That wasn't the good news... the good news, is that his second test came back negative for MRSA! On a side note, after talking to more special needs moms who have kids with respiratory conditions... a LOT of them suffered respiratory infections post-hurricane due to the barometric pressure changes having such an affect on them.

Tomorrow is a big day, Braden will get his first trach change, and then we get to train on his care and get him measured for a custom trach. It's a big week for mommy and daddy as we learn to take over caring for his trach. Then it's time to learn about the ventilator - pray for us to learn this hopefully final piece of equipment!! :-)

Love to all - the Wilson's

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you are all a bit more comfortable. baby B looks great. Cannot wait to see you all soon. Love and miss you tons. S & P

Anonymous said...

Hello Kodi, Brad, and Baby Braden!

Yesterday on Facebook, Nicki Renn asked me if I had kept up with your family in recent years and she sent me a link to your blog. She also mentioned that you all have been on quite a journey over the last couple of years. My goodness, she was correct. After reading your blog this morning, it is obvious to me that ALL three of you are incredibly patient, unbelievably strong, as well as resilient.

Anyway, I wanted to let you know that your entire family will be in our thoughts and prayers here in Cincinnati. Please let us know if/how we can be of additional support to you.

Grace and Peace,

Ashley (Reid), Kin, and Katie Cheung
acheung@cinci.rr.com

Doris Glass Heckert - Jackson's Mommy said...

We are so thankful for all of your family in our lives and so greatful for the help you gave us this weekend---and you enjoyed the wallpaper removal way too much I have pictures of you with that steamer and you never looked happier--LOL! Anyway, thanks for all the help and support and I hope we return the favor in the least little bit. Ya'll are in our thoughts and prayers and I know both you and Brad will be FABULOUS in learing the new equipment, you always are----

xo,

the heckerts

Anonymous said...

Brad, Kodi and Braden,
We are so happy that you have a more comfortable place to recover. Hospitals are never fun but at least you can nest and rest.

Give Braden a big kiss from his Maryville Family. You have a big prayer group up here in the 'Ville.

Love,
Aunt Jeannie, Uncle Dave and the Merrill Clan

Anonymous said...

Wow, Braden is just so precious and handsome may I add! I am glad that his new suite is having a positive affect on him. We are always praying for the little trooper! Love you all!

The Bagwell's