It is hard to believe that it has been over 4 years ago that Brett lost his arm. He turned 22 on May 6!
Brett continues to do well since his surgery in November, but we are still seeking help to releive his pain.
I came across this poem and it spoke volumes to me as it brought tears to my eyes.
What an awesome God we serve!
The Weaver
My life is but a weaving, between my God and me.
I do not choose the colors, he worketh steadily.
Oft times he weaveth sorrow, and I in foolish pride,
Forget he sees the upper, and I the underside.
Not till the looms are silent, and the shuttles cease to fly.
Will God unroll the canvas and explain the reasons why,
The dark threads are as needful in the skillful weavers hand,
As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern he has planned.
by benjamin malacia franklin
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Update
It has been over two months since the surgery. Brett has continued to show signs of improvement although the first few weeks were rough.
He recently told me that he is glad that he had the surgery and the pain is less than before.
However, Brett says the phantom pain remains in his missing thumb, wrist and in his fingers.
He still is taking pain medicine daily and some days are better than others.
We ask God daily for relief and pray for strength to get through each day.
He recently told me that he is glad that he had the surgery and the pain is less than before.
However, Brett says the phantom pain remains in his missing thumb, wrist and in his fingers.
He still is taking pain medicine daily and some days are better than others.
We ask God daily for relief and pray for strength to get through each day.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
phantom pain surgery
What a mighty God we serve!
The day before Bretts surgery the doctor told us that he may have to cut alot out of Brett including one of his ribs. He was not even sure that he would be able to find the right nerve to cut. We expected the surgery to take at least two hours - probably more. But because God is so merciful and does answer prayers, the surgery lasted only about an hour. The doctor was able to get right to the nerve and cut it.
When Brett woke up in the recovery room, he was in alot of pain. The pain has since seemed to come and go, but we are praying that God will remove all the pain permanantly.
Brett was able to come home the next day. He did not get much sleep while at the hospital (anyone suprised?), but now at home is sleeping rather peacefully.
We have follow-up appointment on Nov 22nd. We will let you know what is going on at that time.
Please join us in praying for Brett that God will remove all of his pain permanently!
Blessings,
Coleen
The day before Bretts surgery the doctor told us that he may have to cut alot out of Brett including one of his ribs. He was not even sure that he would be able to find the right nerve to cut. We expected the surgery to take at least two hours - probably more. But because God is so merciful and does answer prayers, the surgery lasted only about an hour. The doctor was able to get right to the nerve and cut it.
When Brett woke up in the recovery room, he was in alot of pain. The pain has since seemed to come and go, but we are praying that God will remove all the pain permanantly.
Brett was able to come home the next day. He did not get much sleep while at the hospital (anyone suprised?), but now at home is sleeping rather peacefully.
We have follow-up appointment on Nov 22nd. We will let you know what is going on at that time.
Please join us in praying for Brett that God will remove all of his pain permanently!
Blessings,
Coleen
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Please pray for Brett
After seeing Dr. Meyer and discussing options, Brett has decided to let Dr. Meyer cut the C8 nerve at the spinal column. Dr. Meyer beleives that this is the best option for Brett. We are all hopeful that this will take away the pain that Brett has suffered for almost four years now.
The surgery will take place on November 16, 2010. Please keep Brett, Dr. Meyer and the hospital staff in your prayers.
God Bless You!
Coleen
The surgery will take place on November 16, 2010. Please keep Brett, Dr. Meyer and the hospital staff in your prayers.
God Bless You!
Coleen
Saturday, August 7, 2010
August Update
Hello! We haven't posted in a while so I thought I would let you know the latest.
First, I have to tell you that between the hot weather and his lack of money, Brett just isn't racing very much this year.
It has now been over 3 1/2 years since Brett lost his arm (02/07/07). It has been a very challening time for all of us. Brett continues to keep his spirits up as much as possible, but the pain is not letting up.
Every month (sometimes more often) I go out to the internet to see if there is anything new to help with phantom pain. Brett's doctor only believed in pain medication and stellite ganglion blocks. Many times we asked her for an alternative means for pain relief because what she was doing was not helping but she had no answers.
Through my searches, I discovered many things that could help, but most did not. We tried accupuncture, the farabloc blanket, the mirror box (most help), hypnotherapy (this helped for a while), and out of desperation, we even tried a hologram sticker.
Finally, I found a doctor in Baltimore named Dr. Lee Dellon that said he could help my son. Needless to say, Brett and I went to Baltimore. Dr. Dellon was wonderful! He took his time in examining Brett and told us that with surgery Brett could be pain free! He seemed to be the only one who understood the pain that Brett suffers. He thinks that the nerve has somehow attached itself to the main artery that runs along the area where the collar bone would be. He understood that everytime Brett's heart beats, he feels pain. Of course, I cried - like a baby. Finally some help for my son!
Dr. Dellon told us that there is a doctor in B'ham named Dr. Richard Meyer that could do the surgery as well - but first, find out which nerve was the culpret.
So we went to see Dr. Meyer. He sent us to Dr. Lamar to get a block done on C8. It worked! We now know the nerve that is giving Brett soooo much trouble.
When Dr. Meyer gets a chance to look at the results, he will set up another appointment for Brett and we will hopefully discuss all the options we have available.
We covet your prayers as we face the future concerning Brett's pain and we thank God for his care throughout this difficult time.
Thank you for your time, your prayers, and your concern.
God Bless!
Coleen
First, I have to tell you that between the hot weather and his lack of money, Brett just isn't racing very much this year.
It has now been over 3 1/2 years since Brett lost his arm (02/07/07). It has been a very challening time for all of us. Brett continues to keep his spirits up as much as possible, but the pain is not letting up.
Every month (sometimes more often) I go out to the internet to see if there is anything new to help with phantom pain. Brett's doctor only believed in pain medication and stellite ganglion blocks. Many times we asked her for an alternative means for pain relief because what she was doing was not helping but she had no answers.
Through my searches, I discovered many things that could help, but most did not. We tried accupuncture, the farabloc blanket, the mirror box (most help), hypnotherapy (this helped for a while), and out of desperation, we even tried a hologram sticker.
Finally, I found a doctor in Baltimore named Dr. Lee Dellon that said he could help my son. Needless to say, Brett and I went to Baltimore. Dr. Dellon was wonderful! He took his time in examining Brett and told us that with surgery Brett could be pain free! He seemed to be the only one who understood the pain that Brett suffers. He thinks that the nerve has somehow attached itself to the main artery that runs along the area where the collar bone would be. He understood that everytime Brett's heart beats, he feels pain. Of course, I cried - like a baby. Finally some help for my son!
Dr. Dellon told us that there is a doctor in B'ham named Dr. Richard Meyer that could do the surgery as well - but first, find out which nerve was the culpret.
So we went to see Dr. Meyer. He sent us to Dr. Lamar to get a block done on C8. It worked! We now know the nerve that is giving Brett soooo much trouble.
When Dr. Meyer gets a chance to look at the results, he will set up another appointment for Brett and we will hopefully discuss all the options we have available.
We covet your prayers as we face the future concerning Brett's pain and we thank God for his care throughout this difficult time.
Thank you for your time, your prayers, and your concern.
God Bless!
Coleen
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Highlights
It has been awhile since I posted and this is intended to be a highlight of several past blog entries. We continue to pray for relief from pain. Brett has suffered three long years. We beg God to heal Brett’s phantom pain.
Video interview of Brett. How he rides with only one arm. My favorite.
On board camera video. Get a glimpse of track speed.
Fox6 news video
Article on Brett
Riding a dirt bike
One of my favorite pictures among over 1000 we have….
Enjoy the rest of the blog and thanks for sharing any thoughts or comments.
Video interview of Brett. How he rides with only one arm. My favorite.
On board camera video. Get a glimpse of track speed.
Fox6 news video
Article on Brett
Riding a dirt bike
One of my favorite pictures among over 1000 we have….
Enjoy the rest of the blog and thanks for sharing any thoughts or comments.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
2009 GNF
Hello Everyone!
We made it through the 2009 season and the GNF!
Brett had some real tough competition. For the Clubman race, he came in 8th place and for D-Superstock he came in 5th place.
He did not get to ride in the C-Superstock because he crashed at Barber during the practice for the Michelin Nationals and he could not get his R6 repaired in time for the GNF. (He is still ordering parts and working on it. He hopes to get at least one track day in before the 2010 race season starts in Feb.)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you again for keeping up with Brett and for praying for him.
Feb 7, 2010 will be the 3 year anniversary of his getting hit by the woman in the SUV causing him to lose his right arm, collar bone, and shoulder blade. He continues to take Lyrica, Loritab, and Valium for the phantom pain. Please pray for us that we can find a cure for his pain so that he does not have to take the drugs.
Our family is all doing well. David and I continue to trust in the Lord for supplying all of our needs.
May God bless each and everyone of you.
In Christ,
Coleen
Click on the link below to see photos from the Grand National Finals (GNF) at Road Atlanta.
http://picasaweb.google.com/Coleen0959/GNF2009#
We made it through the 2009 season and the GNF!
Brett had some real tough competition. For the Clubman race, he came in 8th place and for D-Superstock he came in 5th place.
He did not get to ride in the C-Superstock because he crashed at Barber during the practice for the Michelin Nationals and he could not get his R6 repaired in time for the GNF. (He is still ordering parts and working on it. He hopes to get at least one track day in before the 2010 race season starts in Feb.)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you again for keeping up with Brett and for praying for him.
Feb 7, 2010 will be the 3 year anniversary of his getting hit by the woman in the SUV causing him to lose his right arm, collar bone, and shoulder blade. He continues to take Lyrica, Loritab, and Valium for the phantom pain. Please pray for us that we can find a cure for his pain so that he does not have to take the drugs.
Our family is all doing well. David and I continue to trust in the Lord for supplying all of our needs.
May God bless each and everyone of you.
In Christ,
Coleen
Click on the link below to see photos from the Grand National Finals (GNF) at Road Atlanta.
http://picasaweb.google.com/Coleen0959/GNF2009#
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