February 16, 2011

Wednesday February 16, 2011 10:00am

We had another good night. The doctor's main goal right now is to get Garren out of ICU and into rehab. I know - when you hear "rehab" you probably think walking, talking, and exercising. So it's a little strange for me to think about what it will be like when we get there. I am told that they will wear us and Garren out, about 7 hours a day of hard work.

Before Garren can go to rehab, he will need to get a tracheostomy. This is a normal procedure for patients in situtations similar to Garren's. Right now Garren has a breathing tube. It goes through his mouth and into his airway. It is connected to a ventilator, which helps manage his breathing. He has been consistently breathing over the ventilator for several days now.

A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening in the neck leading directly to his breathing tube. This procedure will allow Garren to remove the breathing tube from his mouth and throat, and will help speed up his recovery.

Once he has this procedure, we will have to wait up to 7 days, depending on the surgeon and how Garren is doing otherwise, before they will let him go to rehab. We are supposed to meet with the surgeon today, and they are looking at Friday to insert his trach.

Garren had a good night. His eye openings seem to last a little longer each time. He is also starting to respond to pain a little bit more.

Thank for your continued prayer support.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

We're so thankful you all are continuing to see these responses from Garren. We'll continue to pray for the upcoming procedure, rehab, and complete restoration for Garren...and strength to endure for you, Nancy, the girls, and the support team around you. IFTLH, IHL, TSF

Anonymous said...

The news just gets better each day. God is good! We are so proud of Garren's progress. We think of you all each day and keep you in our prayers.
Love,
Cathy, Meagan, and Aunt Juanita

Unknown said...

What an awesome God we serve! Our prayers will continue we will not cease lifting Garren and your family up in our prayers! We love you all!

Chris Hogan said...

So good to hear the good news of Garren's progress. All praises to God! Continuing to pray for complete healing and restoration. The Hogans

Anonymous said...

We are so encouraged to hear of Garren's progress daily; what an answer to the prayers from all over! We will continue to pray for strength for each of you, and for Garren's spirit and mind as he becomes more and more alert. Your family is an inspiration to us daily, a strong testament of God's might.

Love, the Randolphs

Kristi said...

We are still here praying for you all.

KLP

Anonymous said...

Every time I have a conversation with God, Garren's name is mentioned. Thank you for all the updates as we continue to pray for his recovery.
-Rick

Lisa said...

Praise God for what He has done and is continuing to do for Garren and you.

We are still praying morning, noon, and night!

Blessings,

The Parnells

Kelly Tyler said...

I am o glad to hear about Garren's continued progress. I pray for more and for continued strength for your whole family.

Diann Harvey said...

Good News!...thinking of all of you today and praying for your continued strength and understanding along with Garren's continued healing.

Anonymous said...

Every time we check the blog, the news keeps getting sweeter! We will be praying for Garren's upcoming surgery & for continued strength for you, Nancy, Kara& Kelsey. I know the days will seem so long& trying, but I also know that you will be given strength& endurance that only the Lord can provide to see you through those long days of rehab.

Also wanted to let you know that while in bible study yesterday some of the ladies were sharing with me about reading the blog. They said it has become their daily devotion. They are so thankful for the information that you guys have so freely given the public concerning Garren. The witness, the scriptures, and your thoughts shared through Garren's story is touching hearts& lives of so many people @ all times throughout the day...the Lord works in mysterious ways to claim many hearts& souls....and he knew that could be done through Garren& your family.

We love ya'll& we'll keep praying...constantly!

Ritchie, Donna, Racheal, Katherine, Luke, Madelyn& Brady

Anonymous said...

Every detail that you notice about Garren's progress is encouraging. As you share how you interact with Garren, I get the picture of how God holds us in his hands, protecting us, comforting us and reassuring us against all of our fears, troubles and concerns...while God Himself is demonstrating this with your family. Thank you for this example to the body of Christ. The Kearney family remains involved for the long haul!

Anonymous said...

It is amazing how many people are praying for Garren. At work yesterday, Keith was sharing about Garren's progress and another employee stopped him and told him that her church is praying, too. Laine was in school and one of her teachers started sharing Garren's story in class! God sure is able to make our world seem smaller! We love you and continue to pray for his healing and your health. Keith and Carman

Anonymous said...

We are all praying at Green Valley Baptist Church for all of you. It is good to hear Garren is progressing forword. We will continue to check your posts and pray.

wendypoovey said...

Such a wonderful answer to prayer. We continue to pray for Garren and your family. We are praying for healing for Garren and strength for you, Nancy, Kara, and Kelsey. The Pooveys

Anonymous said...

Another adventure in your lives!! Praying for you all...strength, peace, and comfort for the path ahead...you can do! You have God, in you, for you, and ahead of you...love, Russ & Sandy

Michelle Singleton said...

Praise God for this movement! As we knelt down on our knees to pray for Garren today, we specifically asked God for movement. God is good and He is able!