8/15/2021 Update

This week was one of high highs and low lows.

Kevin’s spasms worsened and came alongside other difficulties with blood pressure and pain. These complications made it so he was not able to leave bed for a few days.

Kevin’s catheter surgery was scheduled for last Friday, but the doctor had a family emergency so it was not preformed. However, this gave Kevin and Mom the chance to ask for his Baclofen  pump surgery (to reduce spasms) to be moved up. Now, the Baclofen pump surgery will be this Thursday! We are all glad for this as he can’t complete his physical rehab work until his spasms are more manageable. We are also hoping Kevin will be able to get his trach out a few days after surgery! His catheter surgery will now be in three weeks, but as most patients don’t even get this procedure until they are out of the hospital this is not an issue.

When the family met with all his team last month, one of my questions was if patients with spinal cord injuries have reduced immune system function. His doctor informed me that there is ongoing research on this question but that it is not yet clear. Because of this, we were all excited to hear Kevin agreed to be part of a Craig research study on the effect of spinal cord injuries to the immune system! The study required an extra draw of blood and for Kevin to answer a questionnaire. I am proud of Kevin for participating and grateful for Craig for conducting the research so that families in our place may have answers in the future.

On Friday, even though his spasms were bad, Kevin was determined to get out of bed. He attended a full day of classes and spent most of the day in his chair. One of the classes he attended involved trying a beach powerchair. They took the chair to the grass to test it out and it seemed like it could work well for when Kevin moves to New Smyrna Beach!

Mom went and looked at a few modified vans this week that would work for Kevin. If she finds one soon that would work, then Craig would schedule us for classes on learning to use it. The family is using funds from Kevin’s donation site to make this vital purchase, so thank you again to everyone who has been so generous.

Visitors

Early in the week, Kevin had a hard time staying motivated to get into his chair as his spasms were so severe. I think there is no better proof for what seeing his friends do for him than the amount of time he is up and about when he has visitors.

Nick Sproles came and visited Kevin on Monday! They spent time visiting and catching up outside.

This weekend, Kevin’s longtime friends Jack Lerner, Buck and Cale Watkins came to visit. They have been amazing friends and I know it has been a comfort and joy for Kevin to see them.

Karen Wilson, a dear friend of Mom’s and the mother of one of my closest friends, bought pizza for everyone! The boys also spent time in the rec room playing games and ended the night with Dairy Queen and football on TV.

Thank you to everyone that visits and offers him these precious hours of normalcy, support and friendship.

Much thanks and love,

Katie and the Cavanaughs

Kevin’s Donation Fund:

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/t4f

*Be sure to choose his name from the dropdown menu