DownSyn Forum

Ibby · Prayers for my son, Kevin--UPDATED 5-29-08

My dear ones,

I would really appreciate your prayers for my oldest boy Kevin, 15. Kevin has a rare (of course) condition called thoracic outlet syndrome. The onset of his symptoms was exactly a month ago today. He started with arm pain, and by that evening his right arm turned ice cold. After a trip to the ER, by morning his arm had turned purple. We have been doctoring for the last month....lots of tests and therapy trying to avoid surgery.

Kevin's collar bone is riding too heavily on his first rib. This is causing the subclavian artery and vein to be compromised, along with the main nerve coming off the spinal cord at that area. The surgery will consist of removing his first rib at both the chest bone in front, and then at the spine in back. We are told the success rate for this surgery is less than 65%, which is not all that encouraging....but we don't have any other options. The average hospital stay for this surgery is 4-6 days, primarily because the post-operative pain is so extreme. Sad

So if you could remember Kevin in your prayers, please pray for a successful outcome and pain control. I would also appreciate prayers for things to go well at home while I am gone for the few days. I will have to leave AJ at home so I'm not very happy about that! Crying or Very sad

Kevin is a great kid....he's AJ's godfather. Here is a picture of Kevin and me at the Buddy Walk last fall.

Ibby

UPDATE: Kevin came through surgery just wonderfully!! He has full blood flow returned to his arm!! His strength has also returned and the pain in his arm is gone!! We are considering the surgery successful!! Thank you all so very much for your prayers. If you can, please continue your prayers for him. He has a long way to go in his recovery, but he is being so good about all of it....never complaining and being such a gentleman to all of his caregivers. I really am so proud of him!!

And it is really fun to be back on the pediatric floor here in Sioux Falls. Most of the nurses recognize me and are asking about AJ. Very Happy

We are getting wonderful care here!!

Ibby

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Ibby
Wife to Tim- 22 years. Mother to Maggie,21; Bridget,19; Kevin,17; Sean,15; Daniel,12; Catherine,11; Robert,8; Emily,7; Maria,5; Hope, 4, AJ (Ds) June 14, 2006

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Vinnie's Mom · Posted: May 27 2008, 11:55 AM Post subject:

Oh no! That sounds VERY painful! We will be praying for him here.

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Joanne, wife to Jayson, mom to Rudy (12/27/05) and Vinnie (2/6/08 Ds)

kris10z · Posted: May 27 2008, 12:13 PM Post subject:

Oh Ibby, I will definitely be praying for Kevin and the entire family! Keep us updated as you can.

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Kristen: Wife to Scott, Mama Bear to Ethan
(05/25/01, DS & ALL)
Taking the Step to a Healthier Self with Juice Plus+
www.fillthegap-juiceplus.com

momofrussell · Posted: May 27 2008, 12:21 PM Post subject:

Oh Ibby my dear... sending lots of hugs and prayers for Kevin and for all of you!!!!

A.

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Adrienne - mom to: Regan 17, Russell 12 DS, Autism, Visually Impaired, Reece 10.

DSAGSL 2009 Buddy Walk

mary c · Posted: May 27 2008, 12:23 PM Post subject:

We will be praying for Kevin. Please update us when you can. It sounds like a painful condition and surgery.

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Mary
Mom to Libby 6/92, Alex 9/93, Anna (DS)12/12/03

Please support the Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q284/maryc_010/a13-1.jpg[/img]

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lespring · Posted: May 27 2008, 1:05 PM Post subject:

Oohhh I've been wondering what's going on (you eluded to it in a previous post) We will be praying for Kevin, and all the doctors and nurses involved, and all your family members as well!

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~Leah~

My mom's blog
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And don't forget to visit MINE!
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mom to Rob 26, Noah 25, Tyler 23, Bryon 23, Angela 16 (DS), Axel 12 (DS, adopted from Serbia 12/2012, AAI w/fusion) Asher 7 (DS adopted from Serbia 12/2011, AAI non-fusion)

Carson's Mom · Posted: May 27 2008, 1:38 PM Post subject:

Yikes! I will be praying. I was hoping you could avoid it totally, but I will be praying for a successful outcome.

Kayla

_________________

,

Callan 7, Kenna 5, Carson 2
http://www.firstgiving.com/carsonglascock

Jeri · Posted: May 27 2008, 2:39 PM Post subject:

We will be praying for you. If you need a shoulder you know where to find me.

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kittycat3376 · Posted: May 27 2008, 9:23 PM Post subject:

I will be praying. PMing you.

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http://www.carepages.com/carepages/DavidLucas

erinsmom · Posted: May 27 2008, 9:32 PM Post subject:

Oh Ibby, we will absolutly be praying for Kevin and your whole family! Please keep up updated when you can. Kris

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Erin - 3/01/07

AMTJmom · Posted: May 27 2008, 10:58 PM Post subject:

Oh Ibby, lots of prayers sent for all of you. Please keep us updated.

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Julie - wife to Allan (5-90),mom to Andrew (6-93), Madelyn (3-96), Tyler (11-98 ), Jackson (ds 10-27-06), and Dashlyn! (ds 3-21-08 )

[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]

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grammy to Aleena · Posted: May 28 2008, 7:25 AM Post subject:

We will be praying for Kevin.

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Shirley

dect · Posted: May 28 2008, 7:52 AM Post subject:

Prayers and good wishes for Kevin's surgery.

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Deryck
Dad to Xena 2 Aug 97, Lucas 28 Jun 99, Persephone 12 Jan 2004 (DS & AVSD repaired, artificial mitral valve)

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind - Theodore Geisel (Dr Seuss)

http://www.picklesnet.co.uk

Abigail'sMom · Posted: May 28 2008, 8:47 AM Post subject:

Kevin and Ibby... you both have my thoughts and prayers as surgery comes tomorrow and the healing that will soon begin thereafter. I pray that the success rate is higher than what they say, I pray that he has the strength to get through that first week, and I pray for you as you take on the burden of worry over your child. Many many hugs to you both

P.S. I thought it was very very nice to read that Kevin is AJ's Godfather. I never thought about a sibling being so... but what an honor to have!

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Eli
Mom to Abby (DS 10/21/03), James Thomas (01/31/06), Katie (08/12/08.)

Tigger · Posted: May 28 2008, 8:57 AM Post subject:

Praying for Kevin.

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Karyn
Mum to Nikki (Jul 89), Stefanie (Sep 96), Joel [June 98] and Talitha (DS) (Nov 05) AVSD/PDA repaired 23 March 06

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." Psalm 139:14

ellenstumbo · Posted: May 28 2008, 9:26 AM Post subject:

Very serius surgery indeed! Where is he having surgery?
Will be praying for him and all the doctors.
How is he taking all this?

_________________
Ellen, honored to be married to Andy since Feb 2003 and mom to Ellie (08/21/05) Nina (05/01/06 CP) and Nichole (10/02/07 DS)
www.elliestumbo.blogspot.com

"For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14
God does not make mistakes

ginnym · Posted: May 28 2008, 7:50 PM Post subject:

Many prayers coming your way. Please take care!

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GinnyM - 34
SeanM - 37
Maeve - 25 August 2006

Maeve's CaringBridge site: www.caringbridge.org/visit/maevemannion

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"I can do all things through him that strengthens me" - Phillipians 4:13

Maysonsmama · Posted: May 28 2008, 10:51 PM Post subject:

Ibby i will say a prayer for him. please keep us posted!

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Amy mama to:
Jayden-7/94
Rylee-10/97
Mayson-2/06 DS
www.theflegefarm.blogspot.com

Joel's Mom · Posted: May 29 2008, 12:22 AM Post subject:

Praying for Kevin and your family.

Loving Father, please be with Kevin and his family. Guide with wisdom and skill the minds and hands of the surgeons who minister in your Name, bringing full healing and a speedy recovery to Kevin.
Amen

_________________
Kimberly
Wife to Steve
Mommy to Joel 5/11/06

ajbest · Posted: May 29 2008, 5:38 AM Post subject:

praying for Kevin today as he faces this surgery. may it work and help him and may God provide much strength to him and all of you during this time away from home, aj

_________________
Momma to Janna Macie (CAVCanal/Mitral Valve Repair-T21-02/02/05)
Wife to Joseph (TOF & still thriving)

"Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance." St. Francis of Assisi

"God has not always answered my prayers. If He had, I would have married the wrong man several times." Ruth Bell Graham

erinsmom · Posted: May 29 2008, 10:55 AM Post subject:

Ibby...we are praying! We are waiting to hear how Kevin is doing. Also, I spoke with Diane this morning. She is without internet service right now, but wanted me to be sure you knew they were praying!! I'm sure she'll be anxious to hear an update soon as well. God bless, Kris

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Erin - 3/01/07

karlismom · Posted: May 29 2008, 11:54 AM Post subject:

Many prayers for Kevin!

_________________
Shylo
Mom to Karli Leanne 4/29/05~AV Canal repaired 8/30/05

Angelbaby · Posted: May 29 2008, 1:31 PM Post subject:

Just saw this...praying

_________________
Kristy
Wife to John
Mommy to Emily Ann 08/20/03 Zachary John 05/23/05 and Ryan Michael 01/04/08

mary c · Posted: May 29 2008, 2:22 PM Post subject:

Thinking about and praying for Kevin. Please update when you can.

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Mary
Mom to Libby 6/92, Alex 9/93, Anna (DS)12/12/03

Please support the Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q284/maryc_010/a13-1.jpg[/img]

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Alicia · Posted: May 29 2008, 3:26 PM Post subject:

Just saw your post, Ibby. I pray things went well for Kevin and his recovery is as pain-free as possible.

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Alicia
Mom to: Christopher - 25 years old
Dex - 24 years old
Lierin - 23 years old
Kayla - 9/6/05 (DS)
Braden- 9/11/07

Hannah's mom · Posted: May 29 2008, 3:46 PM Post subject:

My goodness, your family certainly does not do things the easy way ! Many prayers for your whole family and especially Kevin.

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Mom to Hannah(11)DS and Logan (7)

kayzac · Posted: May 29 2008, 5:06 PM Post subject:

Prayers for Kevin.

_________________
Nancy
Mom to Zach 20
and Katie(Ds and Autistic)5

pookeymom · Posted: May 29 2008, 6:09 PM Post subject:

I have lifted up Kevin in prayer, hope today went well!!

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Stacy, Mom to Tristin 12, Camille 8, Elijah 6, Caleb and Isaac 4

Googsmom · Posted: May 29 2008, 6:58 PM Post subject:

Prayers!!

shea01 · Posted: May 29 2008, 9:47 PM Post subject:

Yes, Ibby, I will be praying for your sweet boy.

elizasmom · Posted: May 30 2008, 1:02 PM Post subject:

Ibby, just saw this! I know all about TOS and will send you a PM about things that may help after surgery and things like ergonomic keyboards and mice will be really important for him. Regular acupuncture and massage too. So glad surgery went well for him!

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Liz - Mom to Walker (3/24/02), Eliza (Ds) (5/6/05), Alden Jane and Noah Henry (5/2/08 )

ajbest · Posted: May 30 2008, 1:31 PM Post subject:

PRAISE THE LORD!!!

so happy to see the good news about Kevin - wonderful! continued prayers that the recovery goes well and fast. thanks for updating Ibby, aj

_________________
Momma to Janna Macie (CAVCanal/Mitral Valve Repair-T21-02/02/05)
Wife to Joseph (TOF & still thriving)

"Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance." St. Francis of Assisi

"God has not always answered my prayers. If He had, I would have married the wrong man several times." Ruth Bell Graham

Josiesmom · Posted: May 30 2008, 1:40 PM Post subject:

I am so glad he came through surgery well. Continued prayers for his recovery!!

_________________
http://www.vannicefamilyjourney.blogspot.com

Wife to Wonderful Husband -- Joe
Mommy to Josie (DS) 10/27/04, Katie 11/30/05, Owen 06/19/07 & Jacob (DS) 07/30/07 (Our Ukrainian Prince)

Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders & says... 'Oh crap....she's awake!!'

"Most People Only Dream of Angels..... I Get to Hold All Four of Mine!"

erinsmom · Posted: May 30 2008, 2:16 PM Post subject:

Thanks for the update, Ibby! Great news. We will continue to keep Kevin in our prayers for a speedy recovery. I'm glad you're having such wonderful care there! Kris

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Erin - 3/01/07

Cameron · Posted: May 30 2008, 8:25 PM Post subject:

I'm so glad Kevin's surgery went well. I hope he continues recovering well!

_________________
Rae

Brooke 4/1/03 and Cameron (ds) 4/8/05

LinMac · Posted: June 02 2008, 7:33 AM Post subject:

Ibby

I'm late to this request.
Glad it all went well for Kevin.
I will still keep praying for the GODFATHER!

_________________
Linda & John
mom to Hannah Kate (Age 14 ), Robert (Aged 8 - DS)

First day at school

Adens mummy · Posted: June 02 2008, 7:42 AM Post subject:

Oh Ibby I only just seen this
So glad everything went so well,
Ugh how scary for you all, you helped me so much with my daughter I wish I could do the same. Know I will continue to pray for him. He sounds like a lovely young man

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PJ's Mommy · Posted: June 02 2008, 11:29 AM Post subject:

me too, just saw this. Was gone a few days. I'm so glad he's doing well and the surgery was successful. I hope the pain is minimal as he recuperates.

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Kathy, wife of Daniel since 2001, and mother of Danyse 4/85, Rebecca 9/96, and PJ (DS) 9/12/07
(seems I have a baby every 11 years)

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Katrina · Posted: June 03 2008, 2:38 PM Post subject:

Great news !!

Hugs Katrina and Peyton

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Peyton and Paige

jooniper · Posted: June 03 2008, 7:17 PM Post subject:

I, too, just say this. Thank God the surgery was successful. Kevin sounds like a wonderful guy. Continued prayers...

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Gillian
wife to Sergei and mom to Elaina ( Cool

, Zoya (6) and Polina (2 1/2 DS)
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