Alex slept Monday night until 4:30am Tuesday. I left for work at 7:30am and when I came home last night it was like seeing another person. Alex was feeling SO much better. He had half the amount of pain pills than he did the day before and was feeling 2 times better. Only things that were different from Monday was One- we weren't in Vegas anymore (sorry Vegas, he dose not like that city) and Two- he had a treatment from the Calmare machine from Dr. Chalmers. I got home last night and Dane and 2 other friends were over. They were watching a movie having a good time. Its so great to see Alex with friends.
Thanks for all the comments - I really appreciate them!!!! They get us through the day.
Alex had PT and OT today. He is doing so much better. Its at a snales pace though which is frustrating sometimes, but its a steady pace none the less. He hasn't used his wheel chair in a few days!! Wahoo! Today when we got to PT, he walked in, its such a great sight!
Oh and the smoke smell in our house only exists in Kiels room now (poor Kiel). Dave cut the burned carpet area out of his floor its small - we think we will just patch work some new carpet in (poor Kiel) lol. Have a good night - Kaleen aka Alex's mom
Welcome friends and family of Alex and Dane!
We sincerely Thank You for your concern and friendship. Alex and Dane will always remember the support of friends and family like you.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Recap of Christmas
Alex was treated by Dr Chalmers Christmas Eve prior to our Family Dinner of ham, turkey, cheesy potatoes, veggies and rolls followed by homemade brownies and ice cream. We had a great night visiting. At bed time we taped paper up across the stair well (tradition) so that no one could sneak down stairs and peak at what Santa might have brought. We went to bed and woke Christmas day to lots of stocking suffer gifts for all 5 boys. It was so nice to have all the boys home. We sat around and ate and ate, it was amazing, around noon Alex started to hurt a little but not too bad. By Christmas evening we were supposed to go to our friends Tim and Terry's house but Alex wasn't feeling up to it, so he stayed home with one of his friends. Then we all returned home and everyone but me Parker and Alex went to see Tron. They said it was good. Alex wasn't up to going (which is'nt like him, he loves to go to movies). I had fun being home with Parker and Alex. I had a great Christmas with my family. Sunday morning was rough, real rough, we didn't make it to church like we had planned on doing prior to us departing to Vegas, Alex had 2 doctor appointments in Vegas Monday am, so we were going to Vegas Sunday so my boys could see their dad for Christmas. Alex wasn't mentally ready to go back to Vegas. It brought out some panic in him. As the pain rose so did the panic they were feeding each other making him miserable. I was told he didn't sleep most of Sunday night and so Monday he was in constant pain his dad gave him pills every 2 hours to help, he was still in pain and very drugged up I was worried about him. I had had big plans of going back to UMC and the Ronald McDonald House to show Alex off - to show them that my boy could walk to show him where I slept and was safe. But that didn't get to happen, He was in so much pain by the time we left the 2nd apt we just needed to get back on the road. Teresa that fitted him for a Compression shirt was amazing though. Her father was burned over 40% of his body and due to his lifestyle change they started a family business helping others deal with their new limitations, She was so kind to Alex and could understand his claustrophobic feelings while wearing the vest but was still able to explain why it was so important to wear one. His scaring is getting so out of control. He has to wear these shirts. She gave him 2 shirts to take home, one he wore all the way from Vegas to STG. Its off now but he wore it about 4 hours, We came home to a smoke smelling home, but grateful to have a home to come home to. We got a call at 3am Vegas time from our one son that stayed at home saying he heard the smoke alarms going off, he went looking around the house and in Kiels room found flames 3 feet high and 4 feet wide. A lamp had somehow fallen oven onto some fabric I had just bought to make him curtains and it was all on fire, My son and his friend grabbed another blanket to put the flames out. So grateful they acted quickly and that no one was hurt. We will need to get new carpet in Kiels room, right now it is just airing out. The whole house is airing out. We unpacked the car then Amanda drove Alex over to Dr Chalmers office for a treatment. We were trying to figure out how many days he could go with out a treatment - its about 24 -36 hours max, Once Alex got home, he spent the next 2 hours crying in pain. I too cried for his pain. I don't know why he is having to go through this. I don't know why he had to be hurt so bad. I don't know why he must suffer the way he is. Its breaking my heart. I can't stand to watch my child cry like this, be in pain like this. Watch him not be able to use his hands, not walk unassisted. What are we to do??????????????????????
Thoughts that come to me are "be grateful" "be smart" "be clean" "be true" "be humble" "be prayerful". So I hit my knees and stared trying to B the above B's. Alex has now fallen asleep. I pray he will be able to sleep through the night. I pray I can be smart and get good help for him. I pray I can clean my house and get the smoke smell out. I pray I can be humble and most importantly grateful for all that I have. For the wonderful holidays for the talented Doctors helping Alex. I know he will get through this. I know it. - Kaleen aka Alex's mom
Thoughts that come to me are "be grateful" "be smart" "be clean" "be true" "be humble" "be prayerful". So I hit my knees and stared trying to B the above B's. Alex has now fallen asleep. I pray he will be able to sleep through the night. I pray I can be smart and get good help for him. I pray I can clean my house and get the smoke smell out. I pray I can be humble and most importantly grateful for all that I have. For the wonderful holidays for the talented Doctors helping Alex. I know he will get through this. I know it. - Kaleen aka Alex's mom
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Sleep is Sweet
Click on link below then go to VIDEO- Teen hit by lightning trying out new device to deal with pain........
http://www.ksl.com/?sid=&nid=732&tPage=news
Thursday December 23rd
If you live in UT, watch KSL tonight at 10:00pm. A story will be aired about the nerve machine Alex has been receiving treatments with. If you don't live in UT, it will probably be posted on their website after the News at 10. www.KSL.com
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Rain Rain go Away
Our St. George Rainbow returns and gives us hope 12-22-2010 |
Alex's grandpa is back in town and has been taking Alex to his appointments the past 2 days. Alex has been doing so much better and his pain level has gone down a lot, mostly due to the nerve pain treatments he's been receiving from Spero. How can I be sure of this??? Because if he misses a day or two his pain is intense, more intense than "normal". Alex didn't get treatment Saturday or Sunday and we didn't sleep much Sunday night. KSL sent their Health and Science Reporter Ed Yates to St. George yesterday to do a story on the Calmare MC-5A machine, Alex was present during the interview. I'm looking forward to seeing it (not sure when it will air,but will post it when it does).
I'm really looking forward to Christmas. A reader of this blog sent Alex an AMX Gift Card, very very kind and unexpected. (Thank YOU!!) We went to the mall Friday night - Alex was a little hesitant to go in his wheel chair, but once we were inside he did great. He decided that he wanted to use his gift card to buy his siblings and dad presents. I was very impressed with his thoughtfulness. Someone gave to him and he in return gave to others. I hope that this is the first of many giving experience Alex will have in his life. I hope that through all of this misery he will learn to be of good cheer.
Alex saw one of his friends at the mall he yelled out his name - the guy turned around and looked at me and said who called me? Alex said "look down here" (Alex was sitting in his wheel chair) the guy looked down and said "ALEX, you're Alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" He was so happy to see him. We are all happy to see Alex and that he is alive.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday December 15th
Last night I walked in the house from work to the most beautiful site. Alex, Dane and 3 other friends were sitting at our kitchen table eating Taco Bell. It made my day, made me smile and I even told the 5 teenagers what a beautiful site it was (I got some strange looks - lol)
Alex has had a busy week again. He has 3-4 doctors appointments everyday and is continuing to improving everyday, so grateful for the care he is receiving . This morning was Alex's VNG test. He wore "goggles" for about an hour testing his balance and inner ear. The tests came back positive. His balance issues aren't inner ear, which I guess is good. Alex spent PT outside on the IHC Health & Performance "course" it was amazing to see Alex doing this. The course has all kinds of terrain that people might encounter out in the community. Alex walked the entire way from the building and back with out taking a break. He went down a slope on a sidewalk, went up and down stairs, walked on asphalt, gravel, a stone walkway, bark, and sand. He did great! I followed them with his wheelchair, watching him brought all kinds of emotions out in me. Seeing his burned/healed legs and his awkward movements brought sorrow yet joy for his life and improvements . His PT was impressed, and told us afterwards he had thought Alex would have had to stop at least 3 times, thats why he had me follow. But that wasn't the case. Alex went to Dr. Chalmers twice this week and thankfully we have gotten sleep the past 2 nights. Lets hope tonight is good.
Yesterday Alex applied for an academic scholarship to Dixie State College with the help of his school counselor, Mrs. N. She has been such a huge help to Alex keeping him on track since his Sophomore year. If Alex hadn't done so well the past 3 years, he would be in big trouble right now trying to finish packets in order to Graduate on time with his Senior class.He only needs 2 more credits. After he applied for his scholarship he spent some time with his Debate class. He has missed school. Thanks to all the students for the awesome banners and to the Admin and Teachers for their love and support. An Administrator from the Washington County School District came to our house today to help Alex set up a program on his computer that will allow him to speak into a mic and the computer will type the words. That will give him some independence with writing his Senior papers. Have a great day. Kaleen - Oh and I'm freaking out that Christmas is 10 days away - where are Santa's elves when you need them??!!!
Alex has had a busy week again. He has 3-4 doctors appointments everyday and is continuing to improving everyday, so grateful for the care he is receiving . This morning was Alex's VNG test. He wore "goggles" for about an hour testing his balance and inner ear. The tests came back positive. His balance issues aren't inner ear, which I guess is good. Alex spent PT outside on the IHC Health & Performance "course" it was amazing to see Alex doing this. The course has all kinds of terrain that people might encounter out in the community. Alex walked the entire way from the building and back with out taking a break. He went down a slope on a sidewalk, went up and down stairs, walked on asphalt, gravel, a stone walkway, bark, and sand. He did great! I followed them with his wheelchair, watching him brought all kinds of emotions out in me. Seeing his burned/healed legs and his awkward movements brought sorrow yet joy for his life and improvements . His PT was impressed, and told us afterwards he had thought Alex would have had to stop at least 3 times, thats why he had me follow. But that wasn't the case. Alex went to Dr. Chalmers twice this week and thankfully we have gotten sleep the past 2 nights. Lets hope tonight is good.
Yesterday Alex applied for an academic scholarship to Dixie State College with the help of his school counselor, Mrs. N. She has been such a huge help to Alex keeping him on track since his Sophomore year. If Alex hadn't done so well the past 3 years, he would be in big trouble right now trying to finish packets in order to Graduate on time with his Senior class.He only needs 2 more credits. After he applied for his scholarship he spent some time with his Debate class. He has missed school. Thanks to all the students for the awesome banners and to the Admin and Teachers for their love and support. An Administrator from the Washington County School District came to our house today to help Alex set up a program on his computer that will allow him to speak into a mic and the computer will type the words. That will give him some independence with writing his Senior papers. Have a great day. Kaleen - Oh and I'm freaking out that Christmas is 10 days away - where are Santa's elves when you need them??!!!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Eve of 10 weeks since Strike
Since December 2nd Alex has been receiving electrical pain therapy. There is a company called Spero (http://www.sperotherapy.com/) that specializes in solving pain by using a Calmare MC-5A machine. The machine is used for people with severe nerve pain, which Alex has, but the machine hadn't been used on a Lightning Strike victim, so none of us were sure if it would work. Alex went for 9 days straight then skipped this past Saturday and Sunday to see if he would notice an increase in pain. We didn't make any changes with his pain meds, Saturday went ok, but Sunday night was rough. (I'm actually on my way to bed, I'm so tired). Alex didn't have the "stabbing" pain, but he had the constant tingling/throbbing pain in his arms and hands ALL night long last night. Dave and I were up every hour rubbing Alex's hands to help with the pain. We feel that the only thing that was different from the previous nights is that he didn't have his "pain treatment" for 2 days. The machine that Alex gets hooked up to sends electrical impulses through his nerves delivering a "non pain" signal to the brain. I want to thank Dr. Chalmers and Scott Miller for taking a chance on Alex, they weren't sure if it would help him, but after being up all night with Alex, I'm pretty sure the treatments ARE working. He went and had one today, lets hope we all sleep tonight. I hear that nerve pain is the worst type of pain. So sad that Alex has to endure it. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes. Everyday he's getting stronger and more stable. Kaleen aka Alex's mom http://www.sperotherapy.com
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Saturday IS a Special Day
Its the day we Don't have to get ready for Doctor appointments.
This week Alex went to SEVENTEEN doctors appointments. (Makes me tired just thinking about it, can't imagine how Alex feels). He starts his mornings off with 8 pills and a Protein shake (thanks TwinLabs for the powder mix). I haven't been able to attend his PT or OT appointments this week but I heard that he is continuing to make progress. Remember the test he did last week (sit on a bench, stand up, walk to a line, turn around, walk back and sit down)? Well, he cut his time in half this week he did it 20.8 sec's. Wahoo!!! Alex and his Grandpa have been going to appointments and even went out for a few lunches this week.
Alex walks by sight. If he closes his eyes, he falls, so in order to walk he has to watch every step. He can walk pretty much unassisted now, but prior to him walking anywhere we have to make sure that lights are on & everything is off the floor etc.. He woke up at 3am the other night and needed to use the restroom, Normally that wouldn't be a big deal, BUT... We had to turn all the lights on from his room to the bathroom, in order to make it there, by that time I was wide awake.
Alex can go up the stairs really well, coming down is getting a lot smoother, he still goes down the stairs backwards. He feels the step with his foot and places one foot down at a time, takes about a min to get down. He's getting faster everyday.
Alex saw his Neurologist Friday and was supposed to have an EMG test (An electromyogram (EMG) is a test that is used to record the electrical activity of muscles. When muscles are active, they produce an electrical current. This current is usually proportional to the level of the muscle activity. An EMG is also referred to as a myogram.) After his Dr. visited with him for a while he decided not to do the test, because of a few reasons. #1 its VERY painful #2 after looking at his MRI's and observing Alex's movements he believes the nerves aren't dead. We've always believed this and now are very hopeful that this is correct.
Now, no offense to any Doctors that might be reading this...but you know when you go to have a test or shot and the Doctor says "don't worry it wont hurt" and then it does hurt. Or the Doctor says "now this might hurt a little bit" and then it totally kills!!??!! Well, with this EMG test, every Doctor that has talked to us about it has told us its Very Painful! So, if a Doctor tells you its painful I cant even imagine how bad it must hurt. Alex's pain Doctor prescribed him an extra dose of pain meds specific for this test, his Neurologist asked what he gave him, I told him, he says "If we do this test in a week or two, double that dose of pain meds". Yikes!!!
I'm glad for Alex that the test wasn't done, because he had such a long and tiring week. The test will only help with his prognosis, its a test for info, nothing else (it won't help him get better). So if he keeps improving he wont have to get the test. (Keep the prayers coming).
Have a great weekend - Thanks, Kaleen aka Alex's mom
This week Alex went to SEVENTEEN doctors appointments. (Makes me tired just thinking about it, can't imagine how Alex feels). He starts his mornings off with 8 pills and a Protein shake (thanks TwinLabs for the powder mix). I haven't been able to attend his PT or OT appointments this week but I heard that he is continuing to make progress. Remember the test he did last week (sit on a bench, stand up, walk to a line, turn around, walk back and sit down)? Well, he cut his time in half this week he did it 20.8 sec's. Wahoo!!! Alex and his Grandpa have been going to appointments and even went out for a few lunches this week.
Alex walks by sight. If he closes his eyes, he falls, so in order to walk he has to watch every step. He can walk pretty much unassisted now, but prior to him walking anywhere we have to make sure that lights are on & everything is off the floor etc.. He woke up at 3am the other night and needed to use the restroom, Normally that wouldn't be a big deal, BUT... We had to turn all the lights on from his room to the bathroom, in order to make it there, by that time I was wide awake.
Alex can go up the stairs really well, coming down is getting a lot smoother, he still goes down the stairs backwards. He feels the step with his foot and places one foot down at a time, takes about a min to get down. He's getting faster everyday.
Alex saw his Neurologist Friday and was supposed to have an EMG test (An electromyogram (EMG) is a test that is used to record the electrical activity of muscles. When muscles are active, they produce an electrical current. This current is usually proportional to the level of the muscle activity. An EMG is also referred to as a myogram.) After his Dr. visited with him for a while he decided not to do the test, because of a few reasons. #1 its VERY painful #2 after looking at his MRI's and observing Alex's movements he believes the nerves aren't dead. We've always believed this and now are very hopeful that this is correct.
Now, no offense to any Doctors that might be reading this...but you know when you go to have a test or shot and the Doctor says "don't worry it wont hurt" and then it does hurt. Or the Doctor says "now this might hurt a little bit" and then it totally kills!!??!! Well, with this EMG test, every Doctor that has talked to us about it has told us its Very Painful! So, if a Doctor tells you its painful I cant even imagine how bad it must hurt. Alex's pain Doctor prescribed him an extra dose of pain meds specific for this test, his Neurologist asked what he gave him, I told him, he says "If we do this test in a week or two, double that dose of pain meds". Yikes!!!
I'm glad for Alex that the test wasn't done, because he had such a long and tiring week. The test will only help with his prognosis, its a test for info, nothing else (it won't help him get better). So if he keeps improving he wont have to get the test. (Keep the prayers coming).
Have a great weekend - Thanks, Kaleen aka Alex's mom
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
A long way in 9 weeks
Alex spent Monday and Tuesday at 7 different doctors. Just getting him dressed and out the door is a major accomplishment and task. He is very tired each day but getting around pretty well. We found out yesterday that Alex has Eustachian Tube Disfunction and significant hearing loss in his left ear- He will have an VNG test done next week.
Eustachian Tube Problems At A Glance The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear space to the back of the nose. Normally, the Eustachian tube is closed. Partial or complete blockage of the Eustachian tube can cause sensations of popping, clicking, and ear fullness. The Eustachian tube can become blocked from common colds or allergies (I AM GOING TO ADD BEING STRUCK BY LIGHTNING TO THIS-LOL). Altitude changes can cause symptoms in persons with Eustachian tube problems. Several maneuvers can be done to improve Eustachian tube function.
http://www.medicinenet.com
Alex's skin grafts have healed well but he is starting to get Keloid Scaring -
What is a keloid? Keloids can be considered to be "scars that don't know when to stop." A keloid, sometimes referred to as a keloid scar, is a tough heaped-up scar that rises quite abruptly above the rest of the skin. It usually has a smooth top and a pink or purple color. Keloids are irregularly shaped and tend to enlarge progressively. Unlike scars, keloids do not subside over time. http://www.medicinenet.com
Alex will be fitted for Compression Shirts tomorrow to help control the keloids from growing. He will see his burn doctor at the end of the month.
I'm grateful he's doing better but its still an uphill battle. ~ Kaleen aka Alex's mom
Eustachian Tube Problems At A Glance The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear space to the back of the nose. Normally, the Eustachian tube is closed. Partial or complete blockage of the Eustachian tube can cause sensations of popping, clicking, and ear fullness. The Eustachian tube can become blocked from common colds or allergies (I AM GOING TO ADD BEING STRUCK BY LIGHTNING TO THIS-LOL). Altitude changes can cause symptoms in persons with Eustachian tube problems. Several maneuvers can be done to improve Eustachian tube function.
http://www.medicinenet.com
Alex's skin grafts have healed well but he is starting to get Keloid Scaring -
What is a keloid? Keloids can be considered to be "scars that don't know when to stop." A keloid, sometimes referred to as a keloid scar, is a tough heaped-up scar that rises quite abruptly above the rest of the skin. It usually has a smooth top and a pink or purple color. Keloids are irregularly shaped and tend to enlarge progressively. Unlike scars, keloids do not subside over time. http://www.medicinenet.com
Alex will be fitted for Compression Shirts tomorrow to help control the keloids from growing. He will see his burn doctor at the end of the month.
I'm grateful he's doing better but its still an uphill battle. ~ Kaleen aka Alex's mom
Monday, December 6, 2010
Tens Unit $795 - Tub Transfer Bench $79 - Having Alex Home Priceless
When Alex got to PT on Friday who did he see?? Dane! Dane has been going to PT since October and today their appointments were at the same time. As they were going into the gym an older lady saw them (who was also a patient) and said "These must be our Lightning Boys". Yes, I believe thats what they have become, St. George's very own Lightning Boys. They both work really hard during their PT visits and are exhausted when their time is up . I'm so grateful for all the people that have and continue to help Alex. We have met so many talented, smart and caring people. Thanks to the Acute Rehab Unit here, the skills they taught Alex for 4 weeks are what are getting him through his days. He's doing amazing. We had a great weekend. Managed to get through the 4 appointments Friday so well, that we are going to 4 again today. Happy Monday everyone.
Friday, December 3, 2010
We slept last night
Much better night - we all got sleep last night. Alex had a great day yesterday we were able to manage his pain a lot better and he did great. He had 2 Doctors appointments one was his first out patient PT. One of the things they had him do was sit on a bench, stand up, walk to a line on the floor, turn around, walk back to the bench and sit down. He was able to accomplish this task and did it in 41 seconds. It was great to see!!! I'm so proud of his improvement (since a month ago he wasn't able to sit on his own). We were told that a "normal" time is 8 seconds, so it will be great to see his progress over the next month(s).
Today is Friday -YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm ready for the weekend. Alex has 4, yes 4, Doctors appointments today. Good thing Grandma and Grandpa are here to help.
I was so happy last night to have everyone home. Thanks for all the neighbors that visited, we live in a great place! Theres no place like home (thats for all my KC friends)!
Today is Friday -YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm ready for the weekend. Alex has 4, yes 4, Doctors appointments today. Good thing Grandma and Grandpa are here to help.
I was so happy last night to have everyone home. Thanks for all the neighbors that visited, we live in a great place! Theres no place like home (thats for all my KC friends)!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Home is Sweet
Alex was discharged from the hospital and as we pulled into our driveway so did Dane and Alex's 4 other close friends. It was SO awesome to have Dane and Alex back in the "Man Cave". It was almost surreal, like a time warp, to see them both upstairs laughing just like they had been doing 2 months ago. They both have accomplishment SO much in the past 8 weeks- I'm SO proud of both of them. The past 2 months haven't been easy.
At 2:30 yesterday we went to the SCHS for all the Students to welcome Alex home. THANKS SCHS!!! It was a great event for Alex, I haven't seen him smile that much. It was good to see "Alex" again (not my child in pain).
http://www.thespectrum.com/ Thanks Tiffany from the Spectrum.
http://interceder.net/list/Alex-Lambson Thanks SUN News
The Early Show and Good Morning America sent crews out to film this great event too. The boys will be going to New York to do appearances on both shows with in the next month.
Alex and his friends enjoyed hanging out at home reading cards, eating pizza and just laughing. His first day home was good, his first night home was rough. He was in a LOT of pain. Its so difficult as a mom to watch your child cry in pain. Alex's Grandpa sat up with him all night and rubbed his hands when he woke (about every hour). Hope that tonight will bring more rest for him (and grandpa)
At 2:30 yesterday we went to the SCHS for all the Students to welcome Alex home. THANKS SCHS!!! It was a great event for Alex, I haven't seen him smile that much. It was good to see "Alex" again (not my child in pain).
http://www.thespectrum.com/ Thanks Tiffany from the Spectrum.
http://interceder.net/list/Alex-Lambson Thanks SUN News
The Early Show and Good Morning America sent crews out to film this great event too. The boys will be going to New York to do appearances on both shows with in the next month.
Alex and his friends enjoyed hanging out at home reading cards, eating pizza and just laughing. His first day home was good, his first night home was rough. He was in a LOT of pain. Its so difficult as a mom to watch your child cry in pain. Alex's Grandpa sat up with him all night and rubbed his hands when he woke (about every hour). Hope that tonight will bring more rest for him (and grandpa)
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