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Kevin Kemble Emergency FundOrganized by riderassistance.chipin.com |
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October 3rd:
Yesterday my PT came to our home and started therapy on my knee and continued to give me new exercises. After working on my knee for a few minutes, my leg started to work by using my own strength. It is so great! I thought there would be striking pain. It feels more like pressure than anything else. Late in the night is when I felt the sting bounce around in my knee. Ouchie. This really now a full time job. And, gratefully accepted. We can hardly believe the progress, even though I have been professing it could happen. I know you folks are happy and champion my healing. This is a blessing! It has been 1 month since being back at home after our stay at the University of Louisville Hospital and Frazier Rehab Institute. Coming up on 2 months since the crash. I am very pleased with my progress. The current rehab of my hip and leg here at home is really a big challenge. Yes, there I said it. There was much injury and repairs to my left side. Many broken bones, pieces and cracks. I have to just take it one small movement at a time. It will be sometime before weight bearing can be put on my leg and hip. We are going to get pictures of my leg before and after just to show the extent of the great work put into my leg. It is very slow to get the movement. I can't imagine what it would have been to wait out several more months of being in the immobilizer. This is a help to Diane since the dressing changes and adjusting my brace around throughout the day are no longer. It occurred to me yesterday, that hard work to recover will also ease the care Diane provides me. More later. Kevin September 29:
Diane and I went to the Orthopaedics today. They....LET ME TAKE THE LEG BRACE OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What is going here????????????? Thoughts, prayers and hard work seem to be paying off. This is so great. I shook hands with three of my surgeons today. My hip, leg and knee are healing. I have a long way to go yet. There is an issue with my hip that will be watched for quite sometime. It is simply tremendous. It is very scary having my protection off from around my leg. My physical therapist will be here tomorrow. I cannot put any pressure on my leg, the healing has a way to go. It really is great though. I will let you know how the PT goes.
Heal On, Kevin from Diane: Sept 23, '08
I know I have been remiss in sending out the updates, but here I am. Kevin is still glad to be alive! All through the power outage we suffered through, he still maintained that positive attitude...he said all he had to do is figure out how to have his leg situated so it was most comfortable, do his exercises, eat, drink his fluids, take his meds and sleep. Yea...and try to walk through the house with his walker, by candlelight! The most challenging thing was trying to get ice, as he has to have ice on 20 minutes/off 20 minutes. Finally, I drove to the deli Kevin's sons work at and they gave me three 5 gallon buckets of ice. I borrowed a Styrofoam cooler from a neighbor, we had our Playmate and a smaller cooler and I filled a bag for the freezer. I tried so hard to keep it cool in there. All I ended up with was about 2" of water in the freezer and down under the drawers in the fridge. We lost everything in the fridge. What a mess I had to clean up! I was able to salvage margarine, cheese, milk and eggs in the cooler! Oh well, that's all over with. We'll eventually have to repurchase condiments and such, but all in good time. Kevin has had two appointments since my last update, I believe. He went to his Cardiologist, who believes the medication is working well, maintaining his heart rate, so he's keeping everything status quo. He goes back in six months. Yesterday, Monday, we went to the spine surgeon. We were very ready for this appointment. After a couple x-rays, the doc told Kevin he is amazed at his healing. He said his break is 90% healed. He wants us to find out from his Ortho Surgeon (we go there Monday, 9/29) when Kevin can begin therapy on his back, so they can start weaning him from the brace and work on strengthening those muscles in his back and abdomen again. The doc is hoping to begin this after we see him in a month. We were initially told he would be in the back brace for 8-12 months, so this is awesome news. Looks like it will be more like 3 months, if all goes well. I'm sure he'll have heavy duty restrictions, but to be free of the brace (while a scary thought for Kevin) will be great. The doc told him he could, after being seated on the shower chair, take the brace off for showers (YEA! That's been a tricky one!) and he can take it off while he's sleeping, since his leg keeps him from moving around. It was really weird for Kevin last night, but he slept really well. At first, he said it was very uncomfortable; actually hurt some. However after a short time, he was out like a light. So, two appointments with good news. Pretty awesome. The Spine Surgeon didn't let us bask in the great news for too long before he put reality back on the table. He responded to something Kevin said with, "Kevin, that spine injury is the very least of your concerns. You have a very badly injured hip and leg that is going to take a long time to heal, but you keep the good attitude and I'm sure things will work out fine." Dag. We know all that, but couldn't we just enjoy the "good news" for a change without having that reality slapped back at us? He had a disk of all Kevin's films. I guess he looked at more than the spine on the disk! He just shook his head and then shook Kevin's hand, wished him luck and said he'd see us in a month. It is good to get these positive reports from these two specialists. Kevin is so grateful that this heart condition was found. He's had it for years and until his heart was being monitored for a long period of time, no one did anything about it. He believes this accident saved his life, as otherwise, he would not be treated for the heart condition. As for his back, even the thought of having the brace on for 8-12 months wasn't a big deal to Kevin...or I. Whatever it took to keep from having back surgery. He doesn't have back pain consistently. After being up for awhile or out in the car or if he's not positioned right, he would have some discomfort, but it was tolerable. Both of our primary concerns and his pain has been centered around his leg. There is still the unknown there, so that doesn't help. Hopefully, we'll get more information on Monday from his Orthopaedic Surgeon as to how he is healing, how long he'll really be in the immobilizer, what his current thoughts are on whether he will walk again, and so on. One day at a time. I know. We want all the answers now, but know that some of these answers will take time. For example, after his surgery, the surgeon told me it is likely Kevin will need a hip replacement, but that probably wouldn't be known for a year or longer. He also mentioned that if the knee didn't heal properly, there's a possibility of knee replacement. He broke the kneecap in two places and has a bad break just above and just under the knee, so it is very unstable. There is wire around his kneecap holding it together that will remain, unless the knee is replaced. I know these are common surgeries and know people that have had them. They would just be complicated by all the other injuries in the leg and the lack of muscle and circulation he is and continues to experience. Kevin continues to have Home Health Care...Physical Therapy and a nurse. Occupational Therapy has stopped coming for now to save visits, so there won't be any problem with Kevin running out of home visits before he's able to begin outpatient. Physical Therapy is only coming once this week, doing the same. He knows what he's supposed to be doing. They are just coming to check his progress and add new exercises for him to do. His blood levels (INR) is still unstable. He's taking Coumadin, a "very serious medication" (blood thinner) to help prevent blood clots. He has a special diet that really isn't far from his normal eating habits. Needs lots of Vitamin K, on a consistent basis. They keep changing his dosage to try to get his levels where they're supposed to be, so the nurse has to keep coming out to take blood and report it back to his family doctor. Hopefully that will get stabilized soon. Well, that about catches you up on things. We really enjoy the visits, so keep on comin' by! Thanks to all for the cards, phone calls, visits and everything else that you've done for us. You are so very special to us. You keep us going! Take care all and keep in touch. Always, Diane from Kevin: Sept 22, '08
Get ready for this.......We just came home from the spine doctors.......NO SURGERY ON MY BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 90% HEALED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is so so, one more time, so great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have so much going on with my hip and leg, that this is really wonderful news! I have done all that has been asked of me. I know that Diane is such a big part of no surgery on my back, since she has been with me through every move, or no movement. In thirty days I might be able to start back therapy if the Trauma and bone Docs give them the ok! I can sleep at night with the brace off. I have really a built in trust wearing the shell. It has been my buddy. Taking it off is going to be quite different. I have to do a body roll to take it off and on. My blood levels are still a little messed up, the doctors are getting that figured out. My hip and leg are really coming alive. New sensations and hurts here and there. I'll take it! It means things are getting blood and circulating well. Kevin From Diane: Sept 12, 2008
Once again, a long time has passed since I last sent an update..... We have had the Home Health Care Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Nurse and two very lengthy doctor appointments. Kevin has had a few bad days, particularly Monday, Tuesday and Thursday of this week. Monday and Tuesday he had appointments with the Orthopaedic Clinic, then the Trauma Clinic (Surgery). He goes to his Primary Care Physician Tuesday and is scheduled for the Spine Clinic on Friday..... He works very hard on his Physical Therapy, still determined to achieve the best possible results. He has his down times, as well. He gets frustrated that he can't just take off on his walker here in the house without me shadowing him, and holding onto his safety belt. We got to see x-rays of his hip and leg pre-op and post-op...well a few, anyway. He really messed up his kneecap and had some really bad breaks. It's amazing, with the assistance of the rods, screws, plate and numerous pins, as well as the wire around his kneecap, that everything could appear to be aligned so nicely. His hip lost some bone at the top of it, so it doesn't look just like the other, but with the rod from his hip to above his knee and the two very long screws in his hip, his hip seems to be in good shape. Although he had the bottom of his leg crushed, and multiple breaks in all bones in his leg, they said the ones that would take the longest to heal and would be "deal breakers" as to his "full recovery or not", are the knee and hip. They have told him he will keep his leg. What they won't/can't say is whether he will walk again. Kevin is determined that he will and I cannot think of anything other than that. He has such a long road ahead of him, yet tomorrow will be one month ago that he had the accident. So much has happened in that month. Our whole life changed. Kevin's life and leg was saved. They were able to identify the heart condition, so he can be treated with medication to keep it regulated. I sat down tonight and finally opened the plastic bag I've been sticking the bills in. I paid some, then got very overwhelmed and had to stop. Reality hits me so hard that there is no income coming in this house (other than my SSD) and Kevin has no career any longer. I don't mean to whine or be gloom and doom, but it is so very frightening. There are so many wonderful people out there that have pitched in to try to help us in a variety of ways...which is appreciated more than I can express. However the worry of tomorrow and trying to clean up the yesterdays lost while he recovered from his kidney stone then hernia surgery, weighs so very heavy. When Kevin was in the hospital, I would go without eating, unless there was something on his tray that he didn't eat, trying to save money. There are some great people out there, as the little guy that delivered Kevin's meals everyday started bringing me a tray once or twice a day. I will repeat what I have said before...every single day, I find there is someone out there that goes above and beyond to reach out and help us in this challenging time. Thank you, to all the angels out there that have taken Kevin and I into your hearts and continue to pray, send healing thoughts, cards, call, support, visit and all the other things you have done. We are blessed. I know that. That just doesn't make all this any less scary. I try to focus on Kevin and his progress, or if he's having a bad day or night, focusing on that. It helps. So do all of you. We opened up the web site to our new scooter club on September 11 (www.kentuckianascooterclub.com). That was something that helps us both. We also had Kynlee today (our beautiful granddaughter). This had been the longest I'd ever gone without seeing her. I thought not seeing her for a week was bad. It had been since August 12th, the day before Kevin's accident...other than a brief (but wonderful) visit when Kevin was in University Hospital. She's crawling now...and pulls herself up and walks. It worked out pretty well, but I'm wiped out. It didn't help that she got here before 6:00 am, with all the interrupted sleep we have, due to Kevin's meds or discomfort. We'll figure it out a day at a time. Well, thanks to all for tolerating my rambling. Especially thank you for being there for us. Take care...Diane From Kevin: Sept 10, 2008
Hello All,
Monday and Tuesday where two long days. Down to see the specialist. Lots of looking my injuries over and more ex-rays. I start to get the creeps after the technicians tell me they have reached the limit for today when taking ex-rays. When I was over at the trauma center for 10 days, I would ask for a lead blanket if mobile ex-ray machines were within my space of safety, when other unfortunate accident patients were in my room. I know I was in a room early on that would signify the severity of my injuries and my condition by what the room number was, as explained to me by a friend in the medical profession in Louisville. Glad I didn't know that at the time. I think with how positive I am about being alive and thankful my leg is still here, I want to fess up to the difficult time I have had and fear, sadness and pain that is natural to have. I'll own it. I am in the stage of(thinking) if only that morning I didn't leave our home, that Wednesday morning 9am the 13th of August. More later, your friend Kevin From Diane, Sept. 7, 2008
From Diane Sunday afternoon, September 7, '08: I apologize for not getting back with an update before now, but it's been a bit hectic since Kevin came home. He was released from Frazier Rehab on Wednesday, September 3. He has a nurse that comes 2-3xweek, Occupational Therapy (checking out and making suggestions on how to improve his mobility here in the house and to see what he can do on his own) and Physical Therapy. The OT nor PT have contacted us to set up his schedule, so we have to get on them (or maybe the nurse will, Monday). He has a doctor's appt. with the Ortho Clinic at University Hospital Monday morning at 8:15am. (oh joy!) His wheelchair, being a reclining and extra long one is very, very heavy. I don't know how I'm going to get it in and out of the car, but we'll see. He says he can just use one at the office we're going to, but there's no guarantee they'll have one...and certainly not a reclining one. I have to be able to get this thing in and out or what use is it? He's out on a walk right now with a friend...they went far beyond Kevin's perimeters, so I hope he doesn't pay for it later. I know it must just feel awesome to him to be outside in the fresh air. He still has a lot of pain and hasn't been sleeping well. He did sleep better last night. He's still maintaining the positive attitude, while having emotional or fear creep in occasionally. That's only normal. He has another doc appt. Tuesday at 9:15am at the Trauma Unit at the hospital. We were supposed to begin taking care of Kynlee (our granddaughter; 7-1/2 mos. old) Monday, but changed it to Tuesday because of his early appointment. I think I'm going to have to change it to Thursday, since Mom is home on Wednesdays, as I just don't see how I can take her and him to the doctor. Aside from that, I've somehow re-injured my left ankle and it's been killing me being on my feet all day. I'm really questioning whether I can handle taking care of her, yet have been assured it will be good for both of us, including forcing Kevin to do more things independently. He is much less independent than he was when he had constant therapy sessions and nurse interaction. I know all that is to be expected, but when the decision was made, we felt it could be managed. Now, I question it everyday. We'll have to see. Thank you to everyone for the continued prayers, support, cards, gifts, calls...they all mean so much. I'll keep you posted as I can, after his doctor's appointments. Love to all...diane The Kemble's Contact Info
Dennis DenHartog - 9/05/05 Kevin called yesterday from home. He had a very positive attitude and expressed concern for others that find themselves in similar circumstances to his, and what we could do to make sure they're not forgotten. It was a short conversation because his insurance man came over, but he wanted me to post his address so folks who had been writing him at the hospital and rehab center could write him at home. The Kemble's address is: Kevin and Diane Kemble 3423 Bryan Way Louisville, KY 40220-1929 Keep those cards and letters coming... they carry in them more strength and hope than you might ever imagine. The Kemble's are going to need all the support we can give, for many months to come! Thanks, Dennis DenHartog - RiderAssistance Home! But far from Over! 9/3/08
I brought Kevin home from Rehab today. They've taught him everything he needs to know...he just has to keep doing it. He did remarkably well in all forms of therapy. He will have Home Health Care. A nurse will be out 2-3 times a week, an Occuptional Therapist here for the first 2-3 weeks, 2-3 times a week and a Physical Therapist will be out 3 times a week. He has exercises to do on the days he doesn't have PT. We had a lot of equipment delivered. He has to have a reclining wheelchair, so that was delivered. They also delivered his walker to the hospital, then his bedside toilet and shower bench with a back. It's very difficult for one person to change his bandages, but I managed it tonight. I have helped the nurses, as he has a long incision under his knee and up the inside of his knee. I must open up his immobilizer, hold up his leg without allowing any bend at all in the knee, while removing the old bandage, applying the antibiotic ointment and replace the bandage, then gently lay his leg back down without allowing the slightest bend. Try that one! I've been holding his leg for the nurses...with both hands, or sometimes they would hold it while I did the other stuff. No one has done it alone until I did tonight. He was very nervous, but I got him to just close his eyes and I kept reassuring him there was no bend. It is very difficult to get way back under there, especially to apply the ointment with all those staples. It was successful, though. It takes quite a long time to do all this, as he has some really bad incisions...some very long, deep and jagged, some stapled, some sewn with a wire like thread. Then getting the immobilizer velcro'd back up just right is another challenge. He has 15 incisions on the left leg, including 2 on his left hip. My first count was off a bit. Today was so hectic. Helping him get comfortable on the couch was a challenge, and remains so. If he lays on the couch, or gets too low, he has a very difficult time getting up. He cannot twist or use his back at all. He's in the brace, but he still cannot put any stress on it. That makes it difficult. He's been used to those bars on the hospital bed. He got quite emotional when he laid in our bed for the first time today. He's thrilled to be home. I am too, however I miss having someone cook for us (the Floor Manager arranged for me to get a lunch and dinner tray, which was really nice), someone to be responsible for making sure he gets the right medication at the right time, making up the bed, giving him his bath, changing the bedding...you know, all those things we take for granted when in a hospital. Now it's just us. I still haven't unpacked, gone through the mail...although did start...or even begin to catch up on all the dust, etc. in the house. All in it's own time, I guess. Backing up a little, Kevin had a rough day yesterday..... it's great that he has people in the scooter world to call and talk to, helping him get through it or just someone to listen to him during those difficult times. He's having pain tonight, which I told him was likely natural. Not only the transfer from the Rehab Center to home in the car, but also acclimating to completely new environment...no hospital bed...being on our bed or trying to get comfortable on the couch...getting up and down is different...even using the bathroom is different. He's had a big day, filled with challenge, change, emotions and some fear. He has such an admirable attitude. The Director talked with him, indicating that his Physical Therapist and she both recommended him to be a Patient Advocate when he's ready. They believe he can be of tremendous service to individuals injured through motorcycle or scooter accidents. He is very excited to do this. Well, it's very late and I'm beat, so I'm going to end this volume. I thank everyone, from the bottom of my heart, for the cards, calls, visits, prayers and healing thoughts. You have no idea how it affects Kevin. We are both blessed to have such wonderful, caring people in our lives. We both believe, although it will be a very long time from now that Kevin will walk again. Getting through the affects of his not being able to work, thus no income, is a daily weight. To answer many of the questions that have come our way, Kevin is not entitled to any form of Social Security Disability or even SSI, as the doctor has to indicate he is disabled for a minimum of one year. Even though they told us he cannot go back to his profession and it could be 8-12 months before they will be able to remove the back brace, as well as all the uncertainty with his leg, the "Case Worker" told us he isn't eligible. He is going to go ahead and apply and we're going to talk with his doctors to see if they will at least indicate that this is indeed a possibility. However, at this point, we have to get a Handicap thing for the car and can apply for food stamps. That's the extent of state assistance we've been told he can get. I cannot believe it! We appreciate all that has been done and is being done to assist us. Every single day, even through the darkness, I've been touched by just one more person that did something special or nice for me/us. I constantly say, "There are some really great people out there" and that applies to each of you that have kept us close to your hearts and in your thoughts and prayers. Again, thank you. Most sincerely, Diane |
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