I just realized that it has been over a year since we posted anything. It is only 2 day until Christmas and Brett is sick. We really thought that this would be the best Christmas ever. About a month ago, Brett had 6 days without pain. We were so excited! We thought that surely God had healed him! But on the 7th day - BAM! - the pain came back. And along with it heartache untold! We were all so broken. I can not imagine how that made Brett feel. To have no pain after almost 6 years. The relief he must have felt and then the physical and emotional pain when the phantom pain returned. How do other people do it? Do other amputees just not have daily phantom pain? Dr. Doleys has done all he can, but there is just not alot that anyone can do. He does not think that ketamine treatments are worth the risk for someone his age and I trust that he knows what he is talking about. We looked up the risk on the internet and Brett is not ready to go that route. Brett did not do much racing or riding this past year. He did get a job at a golf course close to home and he loves working there. The owner is a Christian and really seems to like Brett. It seems that all the people there like him. He is a hard worker and will do whatever is asked of him. He is looking forward to the spring when the work load picks up again. We have not given up the faith. We know that God has a plan and that He will work things out in His way and in His time. Meanwhile, we pray. Please continue to pray for Brett. Merry Christmas to you all and God Bless You! Coleen

Brett's progress

Wow! Ok, I researched ketamine on the internet. I found a Dr. Daniel Carr that had written an article on it. I emailed him and asked him if he knew of anyone in Alabama that could help us, and he emailed me back and sent me names of doctors in several states but none in Alabama. (Later, I found out that Dr. Carr is known and sought out world wide.)

The closest doctor was a Dr. Sitzman in Mississippi. So off we went. He did a great diagnosis on Brett and refered us to a Dr. Doleys in Birmingham. (If you live in MS, I would recommend him.)

We went to Dr. Doleys yesterday and I was very impressed with him. He asked several pointed questions and I truly believe that he is the doctor that can help us. He is concerned with the whole person and not just the phantom pain.

I would really like to thank the person again that told us about ketamine. Without you, we would not have found Dr. Doleys.

We will try to keep this blogspot up to date on Brett's progress.

God bless you all and thank you for your prayers and concern.

Sincerely,
Coleen

ketamine

Someone sent us a comment about trying ketamine as a comment to my last post. We have not tried it and it is amazing that none of the doctors in Birmingham have even mentioned it to us. I did some research on it and it seems to be something worth trying.

We have tried so many things that have not worked. As a mom, it has been heartbreaking for me. I recently heard a song by the Perry's called "The Potter Knows the Clay" and it seems as if the song was written for us. I just look forward to the day when we are on the other side of all this pain.

I have to admit that sometimes my faith just hangs on by a thread but then I remember that God is still in control and it is in His timing that Brett will be healed.

I would like very much to thank the person that sent us the post on the ketamine.
I fully intend to try to contact the doctor in Boston who wrote about it to see if he can recommened someone in Birmingham that can do this treatment on Brett.

Thank you for your prayers and comments.

God bless you.

Coleen

May 15, 2011

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

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.

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

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