January 31st – February 17, 2009
By Janna Determan
Well, since my last blog, not much exciting stuff has happened. Andy’s days are filled with Physical & Occupational Therapy and attending some educational classes for spinal cord injury people. Andy is doing really well in therapy and looks forward to each session except when they’re scheduled for early morning.
Emily is his physical therapist. She’s petite and pretty and has a good personality. She likes to push Andy to the limit with whatever the goal is for the session. Andy doesn’t miss a beat, though, as he thrives on competition.
Gary is his occupational therapist. He’s a really nice guy and loves to give Andy a hard time in a joking way. He’s usually the one that wants to schedule Andy’s sessions early.
When therapy isn’t happening, Andy spends a lot of time in the recreation room where he challenges Tom & me to wii. It took him a little while, but Andy finally got the hang of the movements needed to offset the wheelchair hindrance. Needless to say, he usually whoops our butts!
Andy gets periodic visits from Dr. Crabb, a clinical psychologist, due to the extent of his injury. She usually asks us to leave the room for her sessions, because she wants Andy to feel free to answer her probing questions honestly about how he feels about what’s happened to him. After her latest session with him, she emerged from the room & made the comment to Tom that she’s really concerned that he hasn’t exhibited signs of anger or depression yet. When I heard that later, I just smiled. Andy isn’t experiencing those things, because he’s resolved that God is going to fully restore him!
He/We don’t know when God’s healing will manifest in his body, but we’re confident that just as Jesus has already paid the price by the agony He suffered on the cross, Andy’s body has to line up with the Word (Isaiah 53:5 – But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.)!
Well, it’s been a long haul over the last 49 days, but Andy is going home today, Tuesday, 2/17th. It will be so nice to have us all under one roof again and to sleep in our own bed!
The Lord has been so faithful to us in supplying all the items we’re going to need at home. Various people at Highlands Lake Center, my employer, have contributed to supplying us with different items. Maya, the Assistant Administrator, arranged to get us an electric hospital bed and trapeze bar at no charge. The Maintenance guys, James & Fred, have built us a ramp and installed grab bars & a hand-held shower head in Andy’s bathroom. John, the Customer Ambassador, worked to get us a $500 donation from an organization he’s affiliated with that enabled us to purchase a special shower chair & transfer bench combo.
Here’s the clincher, though…Mary Kay, the Staff Development person, donated her handicap van to us with the instruction to gift it to someone else once Andy is walking again & it’s not needed. Let me expand on that a little. Mary Kay’s husband died last year after a long battle with ALS. She originally gifted the van to another lady whose husband also had ALS, but when he died the lady gave it back to Mary Kay. Mary Kay told us that the van had been sitting in her garage for the past few months while she prayed and asked the Lord what to do with it. Wow, what a God we serve!
Not only did Mary Kay bless us with the van, but she has continually given us ideas on how to rearrange things in the house to make it more accessible for Andy, given us little incidental items to use in caring for him, cleaned the house in preparation for his home-coming, and oh so many other things.
We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family who have continually blessed us with food, encouraging words, etc. Most of all, though, we’re so thankful for your continued prayers in our behalf for Andy’s full recovery and for strength for Tom & I as we begin our next phase of taking care of him at home.
We love all of you and ask for God’s richest blessings to flood you!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Hello Family & Friends! Tampa is Just a Hop & Skip Away... says Andy
January 24 – 30th
By: Janna & Tom Determan
We apologize for the lengthy delay (& for the lengthy post) in updating Andy’s miracle life journey blog. The pace of restoration taking place in Andy’s body has definitely slowed down quite-a-bit in the natural or visual realm. So, with that said, more than likely the postings will go from being done daily to once or twice a week until further notice.
Andy had a big day last Saturday (Jan.24th), as he was transferred to Tampa General Hospital’s (TGH) Rehab Center and finally got away from the LRMC fiasco. TGH is a little less than 40 miles away from home when traveling one way. The daily trek has a tendency to get old really fast, so we looked into staying at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH). Our first attempt or contact with RMH fell on deaf ears, only because Andy is 18 years old; however, when we mentioned this to one of the doctors, Doctor Lawrence Neufeld, he made a phone call for us and wha-la, we’re in. Can you say, “That was easy!?”
So anyway, as of Wednesday this week we started staying there, completely enjoying the benefits of being close by. What a blessing it is, not just due to not having to drive back & forth every day, but the RMH furnishes breakfast & lunch items including a full kitchen with every appliance you can practically imagine at our finger tips.
We can help ourselves to anything we want, AND every night the dinner meals are personally prepared & brought in by one of the many volunteer families or groups. All of this is provided to family members of young children/young adults for just $5 per night! What a blessing this has become to us in a very short time! Now, everyone reading this blog needs to go to McDonalds for lunch today and tell them thanks (plus, put your change in the RMH kitty) for the RMH in Tampa, FL. If you do go, we certainly hope you enjoy yourself... ;-)
Andy is in a semi-private room near the window. His view is overlooking the Hillsborough River and he can see the hotel where the Super Bowl teams are staying. The river is quite busy right now with big yachts docking across the way to eat at some swanky restaurant; the coast guard has quite a few gunner boats patrolling the area due to the proximity of the SB players, I’m sure.
Currently, Andy is receiving 1½ – 4 hours of therapy each day depending on his vital signs; more specifically, whether or not his blood pressure & heart rate are cooperating. He is presently on blood pressure medicine to help keep the BP up where it should be; however, the med’s don’t always work like they should and Andy can’t sit upright. Evidently, after having been lying down for extended periods of time, getting up for therapy is quite challenging… even for Mister Competitiveness himself.
So, when he is able, he is receiving both Occupational & Physical Therapy.
Occupational therapy helps him learn how to do all the Activities of Daily Living, better known as ADLs. This consists of dressing, bathing, grooming, plus the more personal side to life, things like self-cathing & bowel care. Physical therapy teaches him wheelchair mobility, transferring from bed to chair, balance, etc.
Needless to say, he’s working really hard each day trying to increase his endurance & after a tough workout, he spends a lot of time in between sessions napping.
His endurance is getting better, but right now after having been flat on his back for almost a month, it is really taking a lot of strength to do the “simple things”. Even though he stays pretty pooped from all the activity, he’s actually glad to be getting therapy which will enable him to push his physical restoration along.
Today (30th) Andy had to have his 2nd thoracentesis done; not sure if I spelled that right, but he had fluid in his left lung cavity which was restricting his lung from fully inflating. They removed another 600cc just like last time. This is usually a simple procedure, but I (Janna) was a little nervous on this one. The person doing the procedure looked quite young & acted like he wasn’t sure of himself, so I was sitting in the corner praying for the Lord’s direction…whether that meant getting someone else or helping him do it. My prayer was answered and all went well. We believe this will be his last experience on these lines since he spends more time out of bed now which supposedly helps this condition from re-appearing.
As mentioned before, we’re now moving at a seemingly slow pace as far as seeing improvements, (that’s seeing things with a natural eye, but the real power is at work ‘behind the scene’ doing a far greater work than what we can see). Obviously, since Andy has always been so active, the day to day grind he’s experiencing right now seems to be wearing on him a little more than before.
Nevertheless, we are asking for your prayers to continue. Please continue to lift Andy up before the Lord. Andy’s spirits are good for the most part, but since he’s not seeing the rapid improvements as before, we’ve noticed that he’s getting a little down lately. We’re going to keep speaking God’s Word over him, letting him know that His healing power is at work on the inside of his body.
Now, here’s the downside to the better care he’s receiving in Tampa.
Because we’re not in Lakeland any more, the visitors have all but vanished. So, from a mother's perspective, let me be a little BOLD here, bold enough right now to request for anyone who can possibly come visit… to please come visit!
Visiting hours are 4-8 p.m. Monday – Friday and 11am-8pm on weekends. Andy really needs your support right now more than ever, so don’t let a few miles keep you away!!! Come on over for a big ‘Andy smile,’ one that will light up your day and God will bless you for making the extra effort… I promise. (Thanks to Kristen, Megan, Johnny, Joel, Chuck, Lizzy, & Andrew who came to see Andy this week! We (Mom & Dad) appreciate your sacrifice & love.)
Scripture Verse for the Day is Ephesians 3:20: Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask OR think, (here’s the catch) according to the power that worketh in us.
For Christians, that power is the power of the Holy Spirit. He (God the Holy Spirit) is able to perform the impossible… Is He working in you? Does He have a small corner in your heart or have you given Him free access to all the chambers and passage ways of your life?
Jesus IS coming soon; now IS the time to receive Him. It’s easy. Just ask Him (Jesus) to forgive you from all your sins. By doing so, you’ll have a wonderful new-life-experience that you never, ever thought possible. He’ll make all things brand new and one way you’ll know the change has happened is because your desires will be different than they were before. And you’ll want to talk about Jesus more too! Come on in, the water is wonderful!
By: Janna & Tom Determan
We apologize for the lengthy delay (& for the lengthy post) in updating Andy’s miracle life journey blog. The pace of restoration taking place in Andy’s body has definitely slowed down quite-a-bit in the natural or visual realm. So, with that said, more than likely the postings will go from being done daily to once or twice a week until further notice.
Andy had a big day last Saturday (Jan.24th), as he was transferred to Tampa General Hospital’s (TGH) Rehab Center and finally got away from the LRMC fiasco. TGH is a little less than 40 miles away from home when traveling one way. The daily trek has a tendency to get old really fast, so we looked into staying at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH). Our first attempt or contact with RMH fell on deaf ears, only because Andy is 18 years old; however, when we mentioned this to one of the doctors, Doctor Lawrence Neufeld, he made a phone call for us and wha-la, we’re in. Can you say, “That was easy!?”
So anyway, as of Wednesday this week we started staying there, completely enjoying the benefits of being close by. What a blessing it is, not just due to not having to drive back & forth every day, but the RMH furnishes breakfast & lunch items including a full kitchen with every appliance you can practically imagine at our finger tips.
We can help ourselves to anything we want, AND every night the dinner meals are personally prepared & brought in by one of the many volunteer families or groups. All of this is provided to family members of young children/young adults for just $5 per night! What a blessing this has become to us in a very short time! Now, everyone reading this blog needs to go to McDonalds for lunch today and tell them thanks (plus, put your change in the RMH kitty) for the RMH in Tampa, FL. If you do go, we certainly hope you enjoy yourself... ;-)
Andy is in a semi-private room near the window. His view is overlooking the Hillsborough River and he can see the hotel where the Super Bowl teams are staying. The river is quite busy right now with big yachts docking across the way to eat at some swanky restaurant; the coast guard has quite a few gunner boats patrolling the area due to the proximity of the SB players, I’m sure.
Currently, Andy is receiving 1½ – 4 hours of therapy each day depending on his vital signs; more specifically, whether or not his blood pressure & heart rate are cooperating. He is presently on blood pressure medicine to help keep the BP up where it should be; however, the med’s don’t always work like they should and Andy can’t sit upright. Evidently, after having been lying down for extended periods of time, getting up for therapy is quite challenging… even for Mister Competitiveness himself.
So, when he is able, he is receiving both Occupational & Physical Therapy.
Occupational therapy helps him learn how to do all the Activities of Daily Living, better known as ADLs. This consists of dressing, bathing, grooming, plus the more personal side to life, things like self-cathing & bowel care. Physical therapy teaches him wheelchair mobility, transferring from bed to chair, balance, etc.
Needless to say, he’s working really hard each day trying to increase his endurance & after a tough workout, he spends a lot of time in between sessions napping.
His endurance is getting better, but right now after having been flat on his back for almost a month, it is really taking a lot of strength to do the “simple things”. Even though he stays pretty pooped from all the activity, he’s actually glad to be getting therapy which will enable him to push his physical restoration along.
Today (30th) Andy had to have his 2nd thoracentesis done; not sure if I spelled that right, but he had fluid in his left lung cavity which was restricting his lung from fully inflating. They removed another 600cc just like last time. This is usually a simple procedure, but I (Janna) was a little nervous on this one. The person doing the procedure looked quite young & acted like he wasn’t sure of himself, so I was sitting in the corner praying for the Lord’s direction…whether that meant getting someone else or helping him do it. My prayer was answered and all went well. We believe this will be his last experience on these lines since he spends more time out of bed now which supposedly helps this condition from re-appearing.
As mentioned before, we’re now moving at a seemingly slow pace as far as seeing improvements, (that’s seeing things with a natural eye, but the real power is at work ‘behind the scene’ doing a far greater work than what we can see). Obviously, since Andy has always been so active, the day to day grind he’s experiencing right now seems to be wearing on him a little more than before.
Nevertheless, we are asking for your prayers to continue. Please continue to lift Andy up before the Lord. Andy’s spirits are good for the most part, but since he’s not seeing the rapid improvements as before, we’ve noticed that he’s getting a little down lately. We’re going to keep speaking God’s Word over him, letting him know that His healing power is at work on the inside of his body.
Now, here’s the downside to the better care he’s receiving in Tampa.
Because we’re not in Lakeland any more, the visitors have all but vanished. So, from a mother's perspective, let me be a little BOLD here, bold enough right now to request for anyone who can possibly come visit… to please come visit!
Visiting hours are 4-8 p.m. Monday – Friday and 11am-8pm on weekends. Andy really needs your support right now more than ever, so don’t let a few miles keep you away!!! Come on over for a big ‘Andy smile,’ one that will light up your day and God will bless you for making the extra effort… I promise. (Thanks to Kristen, Megan, Johnny, Joel, Chuck, Lizzy, & Andrew who came to see Andy this week! We (Mom & Dad) appreciate your sacrifice & love.)
Scripture Verse for the Day is Ephesians 3:20: Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask OR think, (here’s the catch) according to the power that worketh in us.
For Christians, that power is the power of the Holy Spirit. He (God the Holy Spirit) is able to perform the impossible… Is He working in you? Does He have a small corner in your heart or have you given Him free access to all the chambers and passage ways of your life?
Jesus IS coming soon; now IS the time to receive Him. It’s easy. Just ask Him (Jesus) to forgive you from all your sins. By doing so, you’ll have a wonderful new-life-experience that you never, ever thought possible. He’ll make all things brand new and one way you’ll know the change has happened is because your desires will be different than they were before. And you’ll want to talk about Jesus more too! Come on in, the water is wonderful!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Good Days Are Here Again… PTL!
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
January 21, 22, 23, 2009
By: Tom Determan
This blog entry will include information for Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday.
Andy had a very good day on Wednesday; as a matter of fact, it was his best day so far in this particular trauma ward. Once the staff figured out that he indeed had a UTI and began treating him with antibiotics, the fevers pretty much have subsided; allowing him to catch up on his rest.
Thursday was a very successful day. After multiple attempts on multiple days, Andy finally made it back into the wheelchair for the first time in a week. The prior attempts were thwarted by the fevers and the therapists trying to move from lying down to sitting straight up in one step causing him to get light headed & seeing stars. Once the fevers stopped and we convinced the therapists to move him up in increments, he succeeded!
We knew Andy had lost some weight, but once he made it into the wheelchair yesterday, it really hit Janna how much weight he had lost. She said that he looked like he had spent time in a concentration camp! Of course, it’s only been in the last couple of days that his appetite has truly returned – returned to the point where he will actually finish an entire sandwich. Normally, you wouldn’t think that’s a big deal for teenagers, only because they are so active and love to eat sooo much. But now, we are seeing things in a very different light.
Friday has been a rather unusual day also. I’ve been at Andy’s bedside since 3:30PM and he’s been sleeping ever since. Right now it is 8:45PM and Andy hasn’t spoken hardly a word (except when the nurses have had to ask him something).
At 2:00PM today, I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Jim & Trish Feijo of [Daniel Chapter One.com]. Jim & Trish happened to be in Lakeland today doing a live radio broadcast at WWAB (Praise God!).
I first heard of Jim's program nearly 1 1/2 years ago and decided to get their natural products for nearly all our daily health needs. As a matter of fact, one of their products called, 7 Herb Formula, is what the Lord used to heal my body of Psoriasis... a semi-serious skin condition I battled for many years. Anyway, I was able to discuss Andy's condition with them and they were kind enough to give me a list of products that will help hasten Andy's healing & restoration.
Thank you Jim & Trish. Everyone reading this blog should visit their website at: http://dc1pages.com/danielchapterone and find whatever you need for healing in your body... no matter what traditional medical wisdom says.
Now back to our daily journal. The day nurse, Nicki, came into the room a few hours ago to tell me that Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has a bed opening tomorrow and they have accepted Andy & he’ll be transported there tomorrow (Saturday) AM. TGH has a higher accreditation for patients with a spinal cord injury, which simply means that the care they provide will be better than the care he has received here at LRMC. Plus, the fact he’ll begin his rehab there too.
We trust all is well with you and your families this wonderful New Year. God’s mercies are new every day and we are extremely grateful for all your prayers and for the time you’ve spent reading our blog about Andy’s life being spared and how the restoration process is giving us more time together here on earth. God Bless!
January 21, 22, 23, 2009
By: Tom Determan
This blog entry will include information for Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday.
Andy had a very good day on Wednesday; as a matter of fact, it was his best day so far in this particular trauma ward. Once the staff figured out that he indeed had a UTI and began treating him with antibiotics, the fevers pretty much have subsided; allowing him to catch up on his rest.
Thursday was a very successful day. After multiple attempts on multiple days, Andy finally made it back into the wheelchair for the first time in a week. The prior attempts were thwarted by the fevers and the therapists trying to move from lying down to sitting straight up in one step causing him to get light headed & seeing stars. Once the fevers stopped and we convinced the therapists to move him up in increments, he succeeded!
We knew Andy had lost some weight, but once he made it into the wheelchair yesterday, it really hit Janna how much weight he had lost. She said that he looked like he had spent time in a concentration camp! Of course, it’s only been in the last couple of days that his appetite has truly returned – returned to the point where he will actually finish an entire sandwich. Normally, you wouldn’t think that’s a big deal for teenagers, only because they are so active and love to eat sooo much. But now, we are seeing things in a very different light.
Friday has been a rather unusual day also. I’ve been at Andy’s bedside since 3:30PM and he’s been sleeping ever since. Right now it is 8:45PM and Andy hasn’t spoken hardly a word (except when the nurses have had to ask him something).
At 2:00PM today, I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Jim & Trish Feijo of [Daniel Chapter One.com]. Jim & Trish happened to be in Lakeland today doing a live radio broadcast at WWAB (Praise God!).
I first heard of Jim's program nearly 1 1/2 years ago and decided to get their natural products for nearly all our daily health needs. As a matter of fact, one of their products called, 7 Herb Formula, is what the Lord used to heal my body of Psoriasis... a semi-serious skin condition I battled for many years. Anyway, I was able to discuss Andy's condition with them and they were kind enough to give me a list of products that will help hasten Andy's healing & restoration.
Thank you Jim & Trish. Everyone reading this blog should visit their website at: http://dc1pages.com/danielchapterone and find whatever you need for healing in your body... no matter what traditional medical wisdom says.
Now back to our daily journal. The day nurse, Nicki, came into the room a few hours ago to tell me that Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has a bed opening tomorrow and they have accepted Andy & he’ll be transported there tomorrow (Saturday) AM. TGH has a higher accreditation for patients with a spinal cord injury, which simply means that the care they provide will be better than the care he has received here at LRMC. Plus, the fact he’ll begin his rehab there too.
We trust all is well with you and your families this wonderful New Year. God’s mercies are new every day and we are extremely grateful for all your prayers and for the time you’ve spent reading our blog about Andy’s life being spared and how the restoration process is giving us more time together here on earth. God Bless!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Andy's Update - Day 21
Tuesday: January 20, 2009
By: Tom Determan
We finally have figured out that Andy has a UTI and that, most likely is what has caused his multiple fevers that we’ve reported about in previous posts. We’ve been told that Andy will be “shipped out” to a rehab center in the next few days, most likely to Tampa General Hospital (TGH).
We are beginning to hear several good things about the TGH facility and another big plus about this place (besides it being the closest rehab facility to Lakeland), is there is a Ronald McDonald House for parents close by. If that proves to be accurate, then Mom & Dad will have a place to stay as often as needed, which will allow us to be there with Andy throughout a good portion of his physical therapy.
In the meantime, though, Andy had over 600cc's of fluid removed from the cavity around his left lung today. The chest tube that had been recently removed was taking fluid out of his right lung, which reportedly, has nothing to do with this fluid build-up.
Almost immediately, Andy felt the difference in his ability to breathe. The doctor said that this fluid was probably caused by the surgery, so hopefully he won’t have this same scenario happen again. He has this breathing exercise thing they call an I.S. that he’s supposed to use multiple times per hour to help keep the build-up to a minimum also, but it’s incredibly painful for Andy to do as it expands his lungs against his broken ribs. However, I think he’s finally realized that the pain is worth it if it helps his lungs get healthy.
Well, as you know, as of 12:00PM today, we will have a new president. President Obama has unbelievable challenges ahead of him and he definitely needs our prayers. Our nation needs our prayers. As a matter of fact, this is a day when our nation must come together and pray or else the consequences in the years to come will be worse than we can even imagine. Of course, God is able to protect His people in any circumstance; no matter what seemingly impossible situation will arise in our nation or in our lives.
That’s it for now and we humbly ask that you continue to lift Andy up in your prayers, especially during the next phase of his restoration. We sincerely thank you for your prayers & we’ll pray for God’s richest blessing to be upon you & your family.
By: Tom Determan
We finally have figured out that Andy has a UTI and that, most likely is what has caused his multiple fevers that we’ve reported about in previous posts. We’ve been told that Andy will be “shipped out” to a rehab center in the next few days, most likely to Tampa General Hospital (TGH).
We are beginning to hear several good things about the TGH facility and another big plus about this place (besides it being the closest rehab facility to Lakeland), is there is a Ronald McDonald House for parents close by. If that proves to be accurate, then Mom & Dad will have a place to stay as often as needed, which will allow us to be there with Andy throughout a good portion of his physical therapy.
In the meantime, though, Andy had over 600cc's of fluid removed from the cavity around his left lung today. The chest tube that had been recently removed was taking fluid out of his right lung, which reportedly, has nothing to do with this fluid build-up.
Almost immediately, Andy felt the difference in his ability to breathe. The doctor said that this fluid was probably caused by the surgery, so hopefully he won’t have this same scenario happen again. He has this breathing exercise thing they call an I.S. that he’s supposed to use multiple times per hour to help keep the build-up to a minimum also, but it’s incredibly painful for Andy to do as it expands his lungs against his broken ribs. However, I think he’s finally realized that the pain is worth it if it helps his lungs get healthy.
Well, as you know, as of 12:00PM today, we will have a new president. President Obama has unbelievable challenges ahead of him and he definitely needs our prayers. Our nation needs our prayers. As a matter of fact, this is a day when our nation must come together and pray or else the consequences in the years to come will be worse than we can even imagine. Of course, God is able to protect His people in any circumstance; no matter what seemingly impossible situation will arise in our nation or in our lives.
That’s it for now and we humbly ask that you continue to lift Andy up in your prayers, especially during the next phase of his restoration. We sincerely thank you for your prayers & we’ll pray for God’s richest blessing to be upon you & your family.
God's Miracle Working Power
Monday: January 19, 2009
By: Tom Determan
... Is at Work For Us & In Us
Praise God for a good report of His awesome working power on our behalf. This afternoon our family was gifted a handicap equipped van to help us get Andy around during his restoration period. What a wonderful gift of love given to us by one of Janna’s co-workers, whose name is Mary Kay M. Thank you Mary Kay & may God richly bless you for your generous gift of love towards our family.
Andy’s Daily Update
Today has been another trying day for Andy in battling fevers. Occasionally throughout the day, his temp would be 103 with a spike to 104. Last night at around 10:00PM, I mentioned to the charge nurse that we had noticed that the catheter hadn’t needed to be emptied since 2:00PM and there was hardly any fluid in the bag. Well, nearly 7 hrs later, 5:00AM this morning, they came in to change the Cath because they found out that there was a block in it after all.
After it was changed, Andy immediately released 500cc’s of fluid, then they had to stop the flow for nearly an hour to prevent bladder spasms. Once the flow resumed, he release another 500cc’s… for anyone who doesn’t know how much fluid that actually equates to, it amounts to a total of 32 oz that had been retained in his bladder all night. Wow, that’s a lot of fluid for any person to have in their bladder at any one time, especially for one who has no feeling in that area.
Now regarding spiritual things here is what I perceive in the spirit realm.
In the book of Romans chapter 7, Paul writes about a certain type of warfare that the believer is engaged in. He says, (beginning in verse 22) For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into the captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Now, what I am going to write in the next few lines may not line up exactly with what your pastor has preached regarding these passages of scripture, but since you’re not paying to read this blog, I figured I’d give it a shot anyway.
In verse 22, Paul says that he delights in the law of God after the inward man. Here is what I see at this time. The law of God is freedom, peace, love, wealth, health & pure victory in the spirit; something that is to be delighted in for sure. The law of God is certainly this and much, much more.
Now, the other law that is trying to bring us into captivity is the law of sin & death. This law wants to keep us subdued, held captive and under its authority… much like what is currently going on in Andy’s body. Paul’s cry in verse 24 is the same cry I have for my son… who shall deliver him from the body of this death (lifeless immobility)?
The answer is in the next verse that Paul writes. He states it this way; I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus Christ the anointed one, the One who is Lord over any and all situations. That’s who! He is the One who will deliver my son from this ordeal that was orchestrated by the enemy of God’s elect.
Praise God from whom all blessing flow! We will receive our victory in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen? Amen!
By: Tom Determan
... Is at Work For Us & In Us
Praise God for a good report of His awesome working power on our behalf. This afternoon our family was gifted a handicap equipped van to help us get Andy around during his restoration period. What a wonderful gift of love given to us by one of Janna’s co-workers, whose name is Mary Kay M. Thank you Mary Kay & may God richly bless you for your generous gift of love towards our family.
Andy’s Daily Update
Today has been another trying day for Andy in battling fevers. Occasionally throughout the day, his temp would be 103 with a spike to 104. Last night at around 10:00PM, I mentioned to the charge nurse that we had noticed that the catheter hadn’t needed to be emptied since 2:00PM and there was hardly any fluid in the bag. Well, nearly 7 hrs later, 5:00AM this morning, they came in to change the Cath because they found out that there was a block in it after all.
After it was changed, Andy immediately released 500cc’s of fluid, then they had to stop the flow for nearly an hour to prevent bladder spasms. Once the flow resumed, he release another 500cc’s… for anyone who doesn’t know how much fluid that actually equates to, it amounts to a total of 32 oz that had been retained in his bladder all night. Wow, that’s a lot of fluid for any person to have in their bladder at any one time, especially for one who has no feeling in that area.
Now regarding spiritual things here is what I perceive in the spirit realm.
In the book of Romans chapter 7, Paul writes about a certain type of warfare that the believer is engaged in. He says, (beginning in verse 22) For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into the captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Now, what I am going to write in the next few lines may not line up exactly with what your pastor has preached regarding these passages of scripture, but since you’re not paying to read this blog, I figured I’d give it a shot anyway.
In verse 22, Paul says that he delights in the law of God after the inward man. Here is what I see at this time. The law of God is freedom, peace, love, wealth, health & pure victory in the spirit; something that is to be delighted in for sure. The law of God is certainly this and much, much more.
Now, the other law that is trying to bring us into captivity is the law of sin & death. This law wants to keep us subdued, held captive and under its authority… much like what is currently going on in Andy’s body. Paul’s cry in verse 24 is the same cry I have for my son… who shall deliver him from the body of this death (lifeless immobility)?
The answer is in the next verse that Paul writes. He states it this way; I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus Christ the anointed one, the One who is Lord over any and all situations. That’s who! He is the One who will deliver my son from this ordeal that was orchestrated by the enemy of God’s elect.
Praise God from whom all blessing flow! We will receive our victory in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen? Amen!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Hospital Challenges – This Too Shall Pass
Saturday/Sunday: January 17-18, 2009
By: Tom Determan
The last two days have proven to be rather challenging for Andy (& us) to say the least. Saturday was a somewhat difficult day because while trying to get him into his wheelchair, he was rushed into a sitting position after having put his back brace on.
This led to a significant drop in blood pressure (something like 68/38) and seeing him while he was sitting in the wheelchair at that moment, simply was not very enjoyable at all. With that being said, he wanted to get out of the chair and back into bed, thinking Sunday would be a better day to try again.
On Sunday morning, Janna & I got to go to the 9:00AM service at Family Worship Center along with Myranda & Meridyth (they’re Andy’s friends from Florence, SC who he met while at summer church camp nearly three years ago & who drove to Lakeland to visit with Andy). As nice as it was going to church together, it was a seemingly costly move for Andy for the following reason.
After service, Janna decided instead of eating a quick Sunday lunch, she felt prompted to go immediately to the hospital after changing clothes. When she got to Andy’s room, the thermostat was set to a frigid 55 degrees and Andy’s teeth were chattering because he was so cold. I guess someone was trying to battle a fever by adjusting the room temperature.
Later that afternoon when I arrived, he was under the cover of five blankets and said he still felt cold. Now tonight, he had a temperature of 102.6, but the medications are starting to kick in and his temp is finally going down. Much of this is due to the difficulty he is currently experiencing with his lung injury.
Please agree with us that he will have completely healthy lungs in Jesus’ name (along with the rest of his healing). Now, Janna & I are nearly resolved to be here 24/7 until this phase of the restoration is fully behind us. Typically, as it stands, I spend evenings & nights with Andy and Janna comes in around 9:30AM to spend days and afternoons with him.
But the good news is this… According to God’s Word in the book of Hebrews 13:5, Jesus is here all the time! He says He will never leave us or forsake us.
Hallelujah! Praise be to God for completing the work He has already begun in Andy’s life. Amen.
By: Tom Determan
The last two days have proven to be rather challenging for Andy (& us) to say the least. Saturday was a somewhat difficult day because while trying to get him into his wheelchair, he was rushed into a sitting position after having put his back brace on.
This led to a significant drop in blood pressure (something like 68/38) and seeing him while he was sitting in the wheelchair at that moment, simply was not very enjoyable at all. With that being said, he wanted to get out of the chair and back into bed, thinking Sunday would be a better day to try again.
On Sunday morning, Janna & I got to go to the 9:00AM service at Family Worship Center along with Myranda & Meridyth (they’re Andy’s friends from Florence, SC who he met while at summer church camp nearly three years ago & who drove to Lakeland to visit with Andy). As nice as it was going to church together, it was a seemingly costly move for Andy for the following reason.
After service, Janna decided instead of eating a quick Sunday lunch, she felt prompted to go immediately to the hospital after changing clothes. When she got to Andy’s room, the thermostat was set to a frigid 55 degrees and Andy’s teeth were chattering because he was so cold. I guess someone was trying to battle a fever by adjusting the room temperature.
Later that afternoon when I arrived, he was under the cover of five blankets and said he still felt cold. Now tonight, he had a temperature of 102.6, but the medications are starting to kick in and his temp is finally going down. Much of this is due to the difficulty he is currently experiencing with his lung injury.
Please agree with us that he will have completely healthy lungs in Jesus’ name (along with the rest of his healing). Now, Janna & I are nearly resolved to be here 24/7 until this phase of the restoration is fully behind us. Typically, as it stands, I spend evenings & nights with Andy and Janna comes in around 9:30AM to spend days and afternoons with him.
But the good news is this… According to God’s Word in the book of Hebrews 13:5, Jesus is here all the time! He says He will never leave us or forsake us.
Hallelujah! Praise be to God for completing the work He has already begun in Andy’s life. Amen.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Day Seventeen
Friday: January 16, 2009
By: Tom Determan
Friday’s entry will be rather sparse only because it seems like the day came and went with nothing out of the ordinary happening in the natural realm. Andy spent much of the day in bed resting up from the busy day he had on Thursday with his Grandparents.
Frankly, I seem to be a little more tired than usual and that has had an adverse effect on my praying & praising. But I trust the Holy Spirit to call upon other faithful prayer warriors to help us bridge the gap for Andy’s healing when needed... Are you one of the faithful? Please say yes.
Brother Wiley, from Family Worship Center stopped by late Thursday afternoon to pray & he also dropped off a couple of CD’s and a few books for Andy (and me) to read. One of the CD’s is the “Healing Scriptures” narrated by Kenneth Hagin Sr., which for me is a special blessing getting to hear Bro. Hagin’s voice again.
You see, I had gotten saved when I was eighteen years old and I used to love listening to Kenneth Hagin’s radio program, “Faith Seminar of the Air.” Every day, while hard at work driving my dump truck on Hwy 60, I looked forward with great anticipation to tuning my AM radio to hear Bro. Hagin’s program.
Also included in the healing gift package, was a book called “Understanding the Healing Power of God” written by Doug Jones. Doug graduated from Rhema in 1975 and has been a full-time minister for over 30 years, including 9 years as the Director of the School of Healing at Rhema.
So in another words, the information that Doug talks about in his book, is based on the Word of God, but also on Holy Ghost revelation knowledge. Plus, Doug's writings include many direct experiences in praying for many hundreds of people as well. As I read each chapter, I am beginning to see a new dimension of God’s goodness and faithfulness to us, His people.
James 5:16 says, “Confess your faults one to another, AND PRAY ONE FOR ANOTHER, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. KJV – capitalization added to emphasize our need for your prayers on Andy's behalf.
By: Tom Determan
Friday’s entry will be rather sparse only because it seems like the day came and went with nothing out of the ordinary happening in the natural realm. Andy spent much of the day in bed resting up from the busy day he had on Thursday with his Grandparents.
Frankly, I seem to be a little more tired than usual and that has had an adverse effect on my praying & praising. But I trust the Holy Spirit to call upon other faithful prayer warriors to help us bridge the gap for Andy’s healing when needed... Are you one of the faithful? Please say yes.
Brother Wiley, from Family Worship Center stopped by late Thursday afternoon to pray & he also dropped off a couple of CD’s and a few books for Andy (and me) to read. One of the CD’s is the “Healing Scriptures” narrated by Kenneth Hagin Sr., which for me is a special blessing getting to hear Bro. Hagin’s voice again.
You see, I had gotten saved when I was eighteen years old and I used to love listening to Kenneth Hagin’s radio program, “Faith Seminar of the Air.” Every day, while hard at work driving my dump truck on Hwy 60, I looked forward with great anticipation to tuning my AM radio to hear Bro. Hagin’s program.
Also included in the healing gift package, was a book called “Understanding the Healing Power of God” written by Doug Jones. Doug graduated from Rhema in 1975 and has been a full-time minister for over 30 years, including 9 years as the Director of the School of Healing at Rhema.
So in another words, the information that Doug talks about in his book, is based on the Word of God, but also on Holy Ghost revelation knowledge. Plus, Doug's writings include many direct experiences in praying for many hundreds of people as well. As I read each chapter, I am beginning to see a new dimension of God’s goodness and faithfulness to us, His people.
James 5:16 says, “Confess your faults one to another, AND PRAY ONE FOR ANOTHER, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. KJV – capitalization added to emphasize our need for your prayers on Andy's behalf.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Family Times
Thursday: January 16, 2009
By: Tom Determan
Today, Andy got a special visit from Grandma & Grandpa C. They were very excited to see the progress Andy has made since the day they were here last -- January 1st; the day of his operation. Andy was also excited about seeing them because today was the day for him to get into the wheelchair for the very first time.
When his Grandparents arrived, Andy had already worked his way into the wheelchair was ready to get out of his room. Eventually, they made their way down to the cafeteria to get some lunch. While there, we were told that Andy’s aunt and uncle have filed for a divorce. Divorce is always sad, but especially when 3 very precious teenagers are involved who are just a few years younger than Andy.
We (& Andy) ask you to say a special prayer for them (Marla & Darrell), asking God to heal their marriage and deliver this family from the works of the enemy. The healing needed in this marriage is in no way any less than the healing Andy needs in his body.
All I know is that God is able to set the captives free in all types of situations. Jesus is the Great Physician and His healing power is able to reach into the natural realm to heal broken bodies just as it is able to go into the spiritual realm and heal broken marriages. People need both. Our family needs both. Praise God from whom all mercy flows and from Whom the anointing flows that destroys every yoke.
Psalms 112:1-3 says, Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
By: Tom Determan
Today, Andy got a special visit from Grandma & Grandpa C. They were very excited to see the progress Andy has made since the day they were here last -- January 1st; the day of his operation. Andy was also excited about seeing them because today was the day for him to get into the wheelchair for the very first time.
When his Grandparents arrived, Andy had already worked his way into the wheelchair was ready to get out of his room. Eventually, they made their way down to the cafeteria to get some lunch. While there, we were told that Andy’s aunt and uncle have filed for a divorce. Divorce is always sad, but especially when 3 very precious teenagers are involved who are just a few years younger than Andy.
We (& Andy) ask you to say a special prayer for them (Marla & Darrell), asking God to heal their marriage and deliver this family from the works of the enemy. The healing needed in this marriage is in no way any less than the healing Andy needs in his body.
All I know is that God is able to set the captives free in all types of situations. Jesus is the Great Physician and His healing power is able to reach into the natural realm to heal broken bodies just as it is able to go into the spiritual realm and heal broken marriages. People need both. Our family needs both. Praise God from whom all mercy flows and from Whom the anointing flows that destroys every yoke.
Psalms 112:1-3 says, Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
When Does an Inch Seem Like a Mile
Wednesday: January 14, 2009
By: Tom Determan
Andy was suppose to get into a wheelchair today, but the nurses mistakenly left his back brace on all night, which we found out, is something that shouldn’t ever happen.
Instead, Andy got to do some balancing exercises when sitting upright, and the nurse told him that most people don’t get to that level until the third day of working on these maneuvers… hearing this, made Andy very happy knowing that he was ahead of schedule.
The good news today is that the demarcation line of feeling has dropped nearly an inch and a half down his chest. We estimate this is nearly two vertebrae farther down his spinal column than yesterday. Praise God!
As you can imagine, we are grateful for the healing power at work in Andy and we are standing on God’s Word that he will continue to regain more & more feeling every day until the healing is 100% complete.
Thank you for standing strong with us in believing God & praising Him for Andy’s full recovery in Jesus name.
By: Tom Determan
Andy was suppose to get into a wheelchair today, but the nurses mistakenly left his back brace on all night, which we found out, is something that shouldn’t ever happen.
Instead, Andy got to do some balancing exercises when sitting upright, and the nurse told him that most people don’t get to that level until the third day of working on these maneuvers… hearing this, made Andy very happy knowing that he was ahead of schedule.
The good news today is that the demarcation line of feeling has dropped nearly an inch and a half down his chest. We estimate this is nearly two vertebrae farther down his spinal column than yesterday. Praise God!
As you can imagine, we are grateful for the healing power at work in Andy and we are standing on God’s Word that he will continue to regain more & more feeling every day until the healing is 100% complete.
Thank you for standing strong with us in believing God & praising Him for Andy’s full recovery in Jesus name.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
A Day of New Beginnings
Tuesday: January 13, 2009
By: Tom Determan
Andy has been doing so well lately that the doctors have agreed to remove his chest tube today. This is very good news! Once that tube is out of the way, the body brace will get fitted and Andy will be able to sit up in bed to feed himself again. Mom & Dad were doing a pretty good job, but needless to say, that was kinda tough on him.
Daily Update…
Okay, the chest tube was removed shortly after noon and the brace is now on. They had to make some adjustments on the brace because it was riding too high on his chest. This is another very big step in the progression of healing that we are seeing in his body. Andy still doesn’t have any feeling in his legs or actually below his chest, but that too will change in Jesus’ name.
Viva Room Change
Now that Andy is off of the majority of the medications, and the chest tube has been removed, it’s time to get out of TICU (Trauma Intensive Care Unit). Andy’s new room is W475 at LRMC. So, when you come to visit, (you know he wants you too) it’s best to park in the A parking lot and come in through the south entrance. Once inside, make your way to the “A” elevators, then go to the fourth floor and navigate to room 475 via the black phone.
I promise you that Andy will greet you with a big smile that will make your day & light up the room when you visit. Tonight Andy’s nurse is Lori who is from Missouri. She is very nice and enjoys talking to Andy about various topics.
Good News – by Andy’s Standards
Now that Andy is in a private room & out of the TICU ward, he can use his cell phone to text messages to his friends. I imagine the key pads will be worn thin in no time. For those of you who have been avid texters with Andy in the past, get ready because I perceive a high volume of text messages coming your way.
We serve an awesome God!
PS. I am still debating on whether or not I should release some of the accident photos... would you like to see some of the pictures I took of the vehicle to see how God spared Andy's life?
By: Tom Determan
Andy has been doing so well lately that the doctors have agreed to remove his chest tube today. This is very good news! Once that tube is out of the way, the body brace will get fitted and Andy will be able to sit up in bed to feed himself again. Mom & Dad were doing a pretty good job, but needless to say, that was kinda tough on him.
Daily Update…
Okay, the chest tube was removed shortly after noon and the brace is now on. They had to make some adjustments on the brace because it was riding too high on his chest. This is another very big step in the progression of healing that we are seeing in his body. Andy still doesn’t have any feeling in his legs or actually below his chest, but that too will change in Jesus’ name.
Viva Room Change
Now that Andy is off of the majority of the medications, and the chest tube has been removed, it’s time to get out of TICU (Trauma Intensive Care Unit). Andy’s new room is W475 at LRMC. So, when you come to visit, (you know he wants you too) it’s best to park in the A parking lot and come in through the south entrance. Once inside, make your way to the “A” elevators, then go to the fourth floor and navigate to room 475 via the black phone.
I promise you that Andy will greet you with a big smile that will make your day & light up the room when you visit. Tonight Andy’s nurse is Lori who is from Missouri. She is very nice and enjoys talking to Andy about various topics.
Good News – by Andy’s Standards
Now that Andy is in a private room & out of the TICU ward, he can use his cell phone to text messages to his friends. I imagine the key pads will be worn thin in no time. For those of you who have been avid texters with Andy in the past, get ready because I perceive a high volume of text messages coming your way.
We serve an awesome God!
PS. I am still debating on whether or not I should release some of the accident photos... would you like to see some of the pictures I took of the vehicle to see how God spared Andy's life?
A Good Day for Rest
Monday – January 12, 2009
By: Tom Determan
Not much happened today medically or otherwise with the exception of one very exciting thing, but I’ll get to that in a moment. Andy is steadily doing better and those of us who are fortunate enough to witness the healing power of a wonderful God are certainly blessed.
Many nurses are truly amazed at the speed of his recovery and have commented about Andy’s continued progress. Of course, we attribute that to much prayer, praise & worship to our mighty God. For example, there are a number of CD’s from which we have the choice to play softly in the room, but the one that gets played with automated repetition is a worship CD by Phillips, Craig & Dean. It has a way of permeating the hospital room with an awesome holy presence, especially during the nighttime hours.
Now regarding prayers being answered, here is something that I trust will richly bless you. Tonight a special visitor stopped by Andy’s room to give us a praise report. Can you guess who that might be? Yep, it was Sheree, Andy’s nurse from a few nights ago. She made a special trip to let us know that her husband has already agreed to go to a drug rehabilitation center and get free from drugs. Hopefully, he’ll find a good Christian rehab center that will emphasize the spoken Word.
Do you know of a Christian rehab in the Lakeland/Tampa Bay area? If so, please make a post to let us know where it is and we’ll pass the information on to Sheree.
Immediately after she left the room, I asked Andy one question, “How did that make you feel being used by God to touch her life?” He thought it was pretty neat.
Well, I believe more people are coming and when they do, I pray we’ll be ready to speak a perfect word in season into their life in Jesus name.
By: Tom Determan
Not much happened today medically or otherwise with the exception of one very exciting thing, but I’ll get to that in a moment. Andy is steadily doing better and those of us who are fortunate enough to witness the healing power of a wonderful God are certainly blessed.
Many nurses are truly amazed at the speed of his recovery and have commented about Andy’s continued progress. Of course, we attribute that to much prayer, praise & worship to our mighty God. For example, there are a number of CD’s from which we have the choice to play softly in the room, but the one that gets played with automated repetition is a worship CD by Phillips, Craig & Dean. It has a way of permeating the hospital room with an awesome holy presence, especially during the nighttime hours.
Now regarding prayers being answered, here is something that I trust will richly bless you. Tonight a special visitor stopped by Andy’s room to give us a praise report. Can you guess who that might be? Yep, it was Sheree, Andy’s nurse from a few nights ago. She made a special trip to let us know that her husband has already agreed to go to a drug rehabilitation center and get free from drugs. Hopefully, he’ll find a good Christian rehab center that will emphasize the spoken Word.
Do you know of a Christian rehab in the Lakeland/Tampa Bay area? If so, please make a post to let us know where it is and we’ll pass the information on to Sheree.
Immediately after she left the room, I asked Andy one question, “How did that make you feel being used by God to touch her life?” He thought it was pretty neat.
Well, I believe more people are coming and when they do, I pray we’ll be ready to speak a perfect word in season into their life in Jesus name.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Week-end or Strong-end... (we prefer the latter)
Saturday/Sunday: January 10th-11th, 2009
By: Tom Determan
A Time for Friends & Pictures
Saturday and Sunday were really good days for Andy, mostly because friends were finally able to visit, which ultimately helped lift his spirits quite a bit. Praise God for faithful and good Christian friends who will take up one another’s burdens according to Galatians 6:1. God is so GOOD!
Janna & I are very blessed to see the hand of God at work in Andy, and as mentioned in previous posts, we are very grateful to everyone who has lifted us up during this amazing time of remarkable grace.
Also, we want to thank everyone who has prepared & brought food (dinner) to us. Every night the meals continue to get better & better. A special thank you to Elizabeth May & Carrie Henry for orchestrating this endeavor enabling us to stay focus on Andy's needs.
Now back to the photos... we decided to create a photo journal for Andy as a powerful way to help remind us how good our God is. As new visitors came on Saturday & Sunday, I took photos of them and Andy together, with Andy doing his best to be photogenic.
Hopefully, someday we’ll get to share them with you, but for now we are going to stay focused on our faith, until Andy gets the connection he needs. We will tarry until our faith becomes sight, and our faith speaks that Andy will walk, run and play sports better than ever, but with renewed purpose.
A Time to Minister -- A Higher Purpose
Something very cool happened the other night that I forgot to mention earlier. On Thursday evening /Friday morning, a couple of nurses came into Andy’s room. One of them is a singer at our church named Sarah. She just stopped by to check on Andy’s progress and to say hi to Sheree, a fellow co-worker.
Well, Sheree just happened to pick up a shift that night and was assigned to Andy. Shortly after Sarah had left, Sheree opened up her heart and spoke to us about her husband who was on drugs and needed to be set free. We all held hands & prayed together believing God for His conviction power to touch her husband and ultimately set him free from the power of sin & death.
Afterward, Andy told me that he saw people lined up and ready to come for the same thing. Good & I believe it! Because time is short and people need to be set free from the powers of darkness in the name of Jesus! The enemy overplayed his hand on this family unit (the Determan's & Family Worship Center) and now as a result, I believe we will see the fruit of many souls come into the kingdom of God.
My son, who is lying in a Trauma Intensive Care Unit (TICU) bed, has ministered to a wonderful nurse who has a real need. After we prayed, Andy spoke into her life and her response was, “I know the words you are speaking are from God,” …Wow, Glory to God!!
Those were the most beautiful words I've every heard someone speak over Andy, of course that is from a parents perspective!
As you know, this tragedy is one the enemy meant for evil, but God is already using for His glory.
So, even while standing at my sons’ bedside, I am praising & worshiping my God, believing Him for His miracle working power to manifest and the entire time it is already at work... getting ready to move like we have never seen before.
By: Tom Determan
A Time for Friends & Pictures
Saturday and Sunday were really good days for Andy, mostly because friends were finally able to visit, which ultimately helped lift his spirits quite a bit. Praise God for faithful and good Christian friends who will take up one another’s burdens according to Galatians 6:1. God is so GOOD!
Janna & I are very blessed to see the hand of God at work in Andy, and as mentioned in previous posts, we are very grateful to everyone who has lifted us up during this amazing time of remarkable grace.
Also, we want to thank everyone who has prepared & brought food (dinner) to us. Every night the meals continue to get better & better. A special thank you to Elizabeth May & Carrie Henry for orchestrating this endeavor enabling us to stay focus on Andy's needs.
Now back to the photos... we decided to create a photo journal for Andy as a powerful way to help remind us how good our God is. As new visitors came on Saturday & Sunday, I took photos of them and Andy together, with Andy doing his best to be photogenic.
Hopefully, someday we’ll get to share them with you, but for now we are going to stay focused on our faith, until Andy gets the connection he needs. We will tarry until our faith becomes sight, and our faith speaks that Andy will walk, run and play sports better than ever, but with renewed purpose.
A Time to Minister -- A Higher Purpose
Something very cool happened the other night that I forgot to mention earlier. On Thursday evening /Friday morning, a couple of nurses came into Andy’s room. One of them is a singer at our church named Sarah. She just stopped by to check on Andy’s progress and to say hi to Sheree, a fellow co-worker.
Well, Sheree just happened to pick up a shift that night and was assigned to Andy. Shortly after Sarah had left, Sheree opened up her heart and spoke to us about her husband who was on drugs and needed to be set free. We all held hands & prayed together believing God for His conviction power to touch her husband and ultimately set him free from the power of sin & death.
Afterward, Andy told me that he saw people lined up and ready to come for the same thing. Good & I believe it! Because time is short and people need to be set free from the powers of darkness in the name of Jesus! The enemy overplayed his hand on this family unit (the Determan's & Family Worship Center) and now as a result, I believe we will see the fruit of many souls come into the kingdom of God.
My son, who is lying in a Trauma Intensive Care Unit (TICU) bed, has ministered to a wonderful nurse who has a real need. After we prayed, Andy spoke into her life and her response was, “I know the words you are speaking are from God,” …Wow, Glory to God!!
Those were the most beautiful words I've every heard someone speak over Andy, of course that is from a parents perspective!
As you know, this tragedy is one the enemy meant for evil, but God is already using for His glory.
So, even while standing at my sons’ bedside, I am praising & worshiping my God, believing Him for His miracle working power to manifest and the entire time it is already at work... getting ready to move like we have never seen before.
Friday was the First Day for Real Food… Finally!
Friday: January 9, 2009
By: Tom Determan
Once again, before I go any further, I want to give a big thank you to everyone who has been praying and standing strong with us believing that Andy would be well enough to get to breathe on his own without a trach. Every day we have seen the hand of God move mightily, strengthening Andy’s body in various ways.
After having been off the ventilator for a full day, Andy is ready to eat some real food. It has been nearly eleven days since his last meal of solid food. On Friday afternoon, the nurses brought in hospital food for the first time, but needless to say, it didn’t pass the taste test -- whatsoever. This was most likely due to the vast amount of med’s he’s been on throughout this incredible ordeal.
Dinner time was quickly approaching and per Andy’s request, Mom & Dad went to a new restaurant in town called Five Guys Burgers & Fries. Of course, this way he knew he could get a really good “ole fashioned” hamburger & fries meal.
By: Tom Determan
Once again, before I go any further, I want to give a big thank you to everyone who has been praying and standing strong with us believing that Andy would be well enough to get to breathe on his own without a trach. Every day we have seen the hand of God move mightily, strengthening Andy’s body in various ways.
After having been off the ventilator for a full day, Andy is ready to eat some real food. It has been nearly eleven days since his last meal of solid food. On Friday afternoon, the nurses brought in hospital food for the first time, but needless to say, it didn’t pass the taste test -- whatsoever. This was most likely due to the vast amount of med’s he’s been on throughout this incredible ordeal.
Dinner time was quickly approaching and per Andy’s request, Mom & Dad went to a new restaurant in town called Five Guys Burgers & Fries. Of course, this way he knew he could get a really good “ole fashioned” hamburger & fries meal.
Burger & Fries – The Hospital Room Delivery
As soon as we returned to the room with food, it took all of 30 seconds for Andy to begin eating & as you can imagine, it was hard to put the hamburger down. Unfortunately for his taste buds, he was only able to take a few bites and then, was too full to eat any more. Actually, Andy said the “leftover” portion tasted better than the first. Mom & Dad are just thankful for his renewed appetite for real food, seeing day by day the miracle of restoration.
Andy’s Special Request
Now, after having regained his cognitive abilities once again, Andy has requested $5.00 – $10.00 gift cards to various local eating establishments. So, if you want to do something extra special for Andy and help lift his spirits, this would be kinda cool.
God Bless all of our family members, church family members and of course all of Andy’s friends who are taking time to read this truly amazing Miracle Life Journey blog. Please reflect with us (his Mom & Dad) on God’s goodness for sparing Andy’s life; allowing for many more days of blessing & life to occur.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
UPDATED!!!!!!
The Ventilator is OUT!!!!!! Praise God!!! The doctors came in this morning around 530 and lowered the pressure on the ventilator to see how his body responded. But 1230pm mom was calling me to say that the doctors were in the process of removing it!!!! YEAH!!!!
Andy was so excited that he talked and talked and talked, even though he was hoarse! He talked so much that he felt dizzy after a while! But that's Andy for you!!! Thank you everyone for praying!
Today's verse is Matthew 9:2-7 with an emphasis on 7. Daddy asks if everyone could read these verses and then pray them over Andy! We've been doing daily scripture and I'm going to begin to put them on here as well!
Andy was so excited that he talked and talked and talked, even though he was hoarse! He talked so much that he felt dizzy after a while! But that's Andy for you!!! Thank you everyone for praying!
Today's verse is Matthew 9:2-7 with an emphasis on 7. Daddy asks if everyone could read these verses and then pray them over Andy! We've been doing daily scripture and I'm going to begin to put them on here as well!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Calling all prayer warriors!!!
I just got off the phone with mom with an update on Andy. She said that the doctors are going to try getting him off the ventilator tomorrow morning. IF that does not work, then they are going to place a Trach in him along with a Peg Tube (feeding tube). He won't be on either of those for very long, but the point is we don't want him on either of them AT ALL!!! So guys we need to pray! Pray that his body and levels respond appropraitely and that they doctors won't have to put anything more in him! Tubes are just plain nasty! So tonight we all need to pray! Please Pass this along to everyone!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The last few days (1/3 - 1/6)
The last few days (and the next few days) we've been taking everything step by step, one thing at a time. The doctors have been testing him every so often to see how strong his lungs are in order to come off the ventilator. Every time he gets better and better. so keep praying that his body will respond appropriately and will be strong enough to come off of it!
As of Sunday, he has been on a different sedation medication. so he has been more alert and has begun to understand where he is and why. He has also been able to have his arm restraints untied when family is in there with him!! Now he can actually scratch his own face!
Beginning yesterday (Monday), Physical Therapy will be working with him 3x a week. Last night Mom was massaging his forearms and dad was working on his calves. Mom stepped out for a moment and when she did, he looked up at me and held his hand out to do some exercises. he did all of his upper body exercises he was supposed to without any assistance (besides me holding his hand for support). after he finished every time we would give me a thumbs up saying he did it! He's so smart and such a fighter! I'm so proud of him!
Today, he's begun to write. It's sloppy but it's able to be read. It has been so frustrating to try and figure out what he's trying to say with a 26 letter alphabet! his fingers don't always land on the letter he's meaning and pictures don't help a bit!
That's it for now. Stay tuned!
P.S. Thank you to EVERYONE who have been praying! A miracle has been taking place in a young man's life and every single person who has lifted him up in prayer has been apart of it! So keep praying! There's something on the inside working on the outside, oh what a change in His life!!!!
P.S.S. Please feel free to leave comments! My family and I will be printing these out and reading any comments left for Andy or about him! It will be very uplifting and help with his recovery!!!
As of Sunday, he has been on a different sedation medication. so he has been more alert and has begun to understand where he is and why. He has also been able to have his arm restraints untied when family is in there with him!! Now he can actually scratch his own face!
Beginning yesterday (Monday), Physical Therapy will be working with him 3x a week. Last night Mom was massaging his forearms and dad was working on his calves. Mom stepped out for a moment and when she did, he looked up at me and held his hand out to do some exercises. he did all of his upper body exercises he was supposed to without any assistance (besides me holding his hand for support). after he finished every time we would give me a thumbs up saying he did it! He's so smart and such a fighter! I'm so proud of him!
Today, he's begun to write. It's sloppy but it's able to be read. It has been so frustrating to try and figure out what he's trying to say with a 26 letter alphabet! his fingers don't always land on the letter he's meaning and pictures don't help a bit!
That's it for now. Stay tuned!
P.S. Thank you to EVERYONE who have been praying! A miracle has been taking place in a young man's life and every single person who has lifted him up in prayer has been apart of it! So keep praying! There's something on the inside working on the outside, oh what a change in His life!!!!
P.S.S. Please feel free to leave comments! My family and I will be printing these out and reading any comments left for Andy or about him! It will be very uplifting and help with his recovery!!!
The Miracle Itself (1/2/09)
Dad went to the accident scene with my brother, uncle and a close friend to see what they could figure out what happened.
First of all, this was purely an Accident!! No one was at fault! From what they could tell by looking at the car and the scene, he was going the speed limit initially but then his foot got stuck (he wears HUGE tennis shoes) and he accelerated to roughly 70-80 mph. He lost control of the car, jumped the median and hit a tree. Somehow during all of this the car turned so that the passenger side was facing the tree. So where the tree hit the car it saved his life because it ended up hitting the back passenger door, spun around the tree about 270 degrees and just stopped.
The thing is, there are a million different things that could have happened, but didn't! This entire time God truly had his hand on my little brother. A few inches to the left and the car would have flipped. A few inches to the right and his head would have taken the blow of the tree. A few feet either way would have sent him into ongoing traffic. So you see, it's a miracle it happened the way it happened. God truly saved his life! And by seeing all of these things unfold, we all can see how strong of a calling he really has on his life. Satan is NOT going to win this battle!
First of all, this was purely an Accident!! No one was at fault! From what they could tell by looking at the car and the scene, he was going the speed limit initially but then his foot got stuck (he wears HUGE tennis shoes) and he accelerated to roughly 70-80 mph. He lost control of the car, jumped the median and hit a tree. Somehow during all of this the car turned so that the passenger side was facing the tree. So where the tree hit the car it saved his life because it ended up hitting the back passenger door, spun around the tree about 270 degrees and just stopped.
The thing is, there are a million different things that could have happened, but didn't! This entire time God truly had his hand on my little brother. A few inches to the left and the car would have flipped. A few inches to the right and his head would have taken the blow of the tree. A few feet either way would have sent him into ongoing traffic. So you see, it's a miracle it happened the way it happened. God truly saved his life! And by seeing all of these things unfold, we all can see how strong of a calling he really has on his life. Satan is NOT going to win this battle!
The Surgery (1/1/09)
Happy New Year everyone! Today was Andy’s surgery. Dr. Camponelli told us it would last about 3-4 hours. They were supposed to go in clean out whatever debris and fix whatever they could. Because the results from the MRI were inconclusive, they didn’t know (and were probably expecting) if his spinal cord was in severed. Well, after 5 hours of waiting, Dr. Camponelli finally came out and gave us the news.
After opening him up, they discovered that his spinal cord was NOT severed!!! Praise God!!!! He said that it was only damaged on the right side!!! He also said that they were able to go in and fix his 6th and 7th vertebrae, clean up the area where bones may have chipped and place steel rods and screws to help him heal. So he’s all sewn up and tubed up for now but he’s healing quickly!
After opening him up, they discovered that his spinal cord was NOT severed!!! Praise God!!!! He said that it was only damaged on the right side!!! He also said that they were able to go in and fix his 6th and 7th vertebrae, clean up the area where bones may have chipped and place steel rods and screws to help him heal. So he’s all sewn up and tubed up for now but he’s healing quickly!
Family and friends (and lots of them)
This New Years Eve I will never forget. Along with everyone else, I had plans. But as soon as I heard the news I had to come back home and forget everything. One thing though I was reminded of was Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Who reminded me of that was Nathan. He and Krista were Andy’s first visitors. Nathan shed some light into an area of Andy’s life that we, his family did not know anything about. A few months ago a really good friend of Andy’s was involved in a car accident died. Ever since then he has been struggling on the inside about his relationship with God and where he stood. Nathan said that Andy came to him a few weeks before to talk to him about his relationship with God and for prayer. Another lady from the youth group, Mrs. Kim, who is a really close mentor to Andy, said that he has been speaking to her about getting back on the right track. So this boy has been making an effort. His heart is trying to get back to the right path. We, his family had no idea any of this was taking place. However, my parents have said that they have noticed a slight change in Andy recently.
Our prayers have been working! Many, many prayers have been offered up for this boy for many moths now. To the natural eye, no changes have happened. However, in the spiritual realm a major war has been taking place and the evidence of that war is starting to show. There is and has always been a divine calling on Andy’s life. I was talking to my dad a few weeks ago and he asked me if I knew why they named him Timothy Andrew. I said no. Dad said that he was named Timothy Andrew because he was going to be the preacher in the family. With everything that has taken place, Satan is working over time to destroy this man of God. However, the harder Satan works, the more powerful his testimony will be!
The Accident (12-30 – 12-31)
It was around 11:30 pm. Andy was gathering a few of his things to spend the night at his friend’s (Pat) house. He said goodbye to my parents and then headed out. It seemed as soon as Andy had walked out the door there was a knock on that door. It was Pat’s dad telling my parents to get to the hospital and that Andy had been in a car accident. On their way to the hospital, they saw the car. It was no more than 2 miles from the house. At that point in time, just by seeing the car and how damaged it was they didn’t know what to expect. They called Johnny and I telling us to start praying and to get our friends to start praying.
Around 3 in the morning, the ER doctor came to tell my parents the news. From what they knew at the time, Andy’s hope of ever walking again looked very bleak. The x-rays were so terrible that the doctor could not even bare to tell my parents. She said that it was something she has never seen before. His spinal cord looked severed, but the results were inconclusive. His 6th and 7th vertebrae were literally side-by-side instead of vertical, he had 3 fractured ribs on his right side, his heart and lungs were bruised, his noise was broken, fractured cheeks bones, and many, many scratches on his face and neck. However, Andy did not have any neurological damage or fractures in his skull – that is amazing!
Before receiving this horrific news from the doctor, the paramedics who took came to the scene found my parents and gave them their report. They said that on their way to the hospital Andy was talking, like he usually does, but he did not remembered what happened. The first thing he asked about was the car and if it were ok or else dad would be upset with him (the reason behind this was that we had just had the bumper repaired 2 weeks before). After that they kept talking to him until about a block away from the hospital when he said that his chest really began to hurt. One thing that my parents remembered, after the doctor gave them her report, was that the paramedics said that he was moving ALL of his limbs! That’s including his legs! So after the doctor mentioned that the results of his spinal cord was inconclusive, they remembered what the paramedics said and believed from that point on that he was going to be walking out of the hospital, and refused to believe anything less!
It was about 6:45 am that Andy was transferred to TICU (Trauma Intensive Care Unit). After the staff helped to settle Andy into his room, Dr. Camponelli came to speak to the family in depth on his injuries. He, just like the ER doctor, was disturbed at the results from the MRI taken of Andy’s spinal cord. He said it was like nothing he has ever seen before. He also said that they were going to wait to do surgery on his spinal cord until the next day because it wasn’t “urgent”. Without saying anything, he implied that Andy being able to walk again was a very, very slim chance.
He took my parents back to see the MRI, not 2 minutes went by and they were right back in the waiting room bursting into tears. Watching both on my parents sob like that was the hardest thing in the world. In that moment we stood right in the middle of was our midnight hour. There was nothing in the world that could have been done to make that moment any darker.
The next few hours consisted of crying, praying, and mediating along with making many, MANY phone calls.
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