Update on Andrew-January 24, 2007

Andrew has now been moved to Walter Reed for physical therapy! They did find that he has lost 100 percent hearing in one hear so be praying for that.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2007 07:38 PM, EST

What a fun day we had today! I went along with Andrew to his Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy appointments today. Today was the first day he had true official therapy. The therapists are so nice and so great. The OT guys told Andrew that they will be able to help him get back into adventure activities like skiing or scuba diving, for example. The physical theray room has a lot of neat equipment that will be helpful to Andrew. Andrew was able to roll over onto his stomach and do a few modified push-ups. He spent a ton of time sitting up in his wheelchair today. All of that is good for his endurance and comfort level. I took some great pictures around the hospital today. I'll try to post them on this site sometime after I get home. I met his whole 'team' today- which included his head doctors, surgeons, therapists, prosthetists and nurses. I was impressed with how organized they all were in working together with a common goal. So, all in all, today was a very encouraging day! Thank you all for your prayers! They really mean so much! ~Katherine

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2007 07:04 PM, EST

I spent a lot of time at Walter Reed today with Andrew. Things are going fairly well there. Andrew had audiology and ENT appointments this morning. He was fitted for a hearing aid, which should hopefully help with his hearing as his eardrum heals. We visited the physical therapy room today. We saw lots of guys with similar injuries as Andrew. They were all working on various things- one was on an eliptical machine, a few were stretching, others were swimming...It was interesting to check it all out. I know this is going to be a very long process. Andrew's injuries are very extensive- actually, most likely the worse there. There are several double amputees there right now. Most of them have a good bit of leg left on either one or both sides. Andrew has a hip disarticulation on his left side, meaning there is no femur left on that side. And, his right side is amputated a good bit above the knee. These challenges are more than most have to face. I know that can be very discouraging. And, there are so many adjustments he is dealing with right now since he's moved to a new facility. Please pray for encouragement during this transitional time. Thank you! ~Katherine

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2007 08:18 PM, EST

It was so great to see Andrew today! He looks so good. I arrived at the hospital and there he was in his wheelchair waiting by the elevator for our arrival. He was very happy to see Caroline. It has been snowing here all day. Mom, Caroline and I had to leave the hospital pretty shortly after seeing Andrew because of the worsening weather. Actually, my dad is currently having a hard time getting back to Spartanburg (on a plane). If any of you are reading this tonight, please pray he can get back to Spartanburg shortly. I know he has a big day at work tomorrow. I'm hoping the weather will be better by tomorrow. Thank you all for your prayers! ~Katherine

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2007 07:10 PM, EST

I am so excited because Caroline and I will be leaving tomorrow morning to go visit Andrew again. This will be the first time that Andrew will be able to see Caroline (who is one year old) since his accident. He is very much looking forward to seeing her. She definitely takes after my brother- in looks and in personality. So, I'm hoping they'll be able to bond again tomorrow and be buddies for the week. :) My dad is up there right now. He is very pleased with the new facility and the direction they will be going in with Andrew's physical therapy. I'll be writing you guys tomorrow from DC! Have a great evening! ~Katherine

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2007 10:06 PM, EST

Andrew told me that he has had a very busy day. He's had meetings with nurses, doctors and phyical therapists. The physical therapists did their preliminary evaluations this morning and it looks like they'll be starting therapy tomorrow. I am excited for him in that he'll have something to concentrate on and something to work towards. I also know that physical therapy can be very painful. Please pray for him as he starts on this new road towards recovery. Thank you! ~Katherine THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2007 09:43 PM, EST I spoke with Andrew on the phone today and he is adjusting well to Walter Reed. He definitely misses NNMC and the staff there. He wanted me to write a thank you to all of the doctors and nurses who helped to take care of him during his time there. They were more than just caregivers to Andrew; they were friends. Now that Andrew is at a different hospital, I have a new address for mail to be sent to: Mary, Harry or Andrew Kinard 4515 Willard Avenue Apt. #5045 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Have a wonderful evening! ~Katherine WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2007 10:18 PM, EST Andrew woke up this morning and was told that he was going to Walter Reed today. So, he moved to Walter Reed sometime this afternoon, which is very exciting! He is comfortably settled in now. Please pray for his adjustment to the new facility, staff, physical therapy etc. I know it is now a further distance for my mom to travel as well. Truly it is an exciting move though, because it means that he is well enough for physical therapy. Thank you all for your prayers! ~Katherine http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewJournal.do?method=reload&scrollPage=1&ec=91