Monday April 5, 2004

Ken is admitted to UCLA Medical Center following a bike accident. Ken is in extremely critical condition.

Tuesday April 6, 2004

Kens condition remains extremely critical.

Wednesday April 7, 2004

Ken's condition remains extremely critical. Ken suffered a broken back, broken ribs, a broken sternum, a collapsed lung, a bruized heart, and has internal bleeding. He is currently on a respirator and has lost all feeling from the waist down. The doctors have realigned his spine and have pinned it back into place. Please pray for Ken this evening.

Thursday April 8, 2004

Ken had a rough night. On a positive note he was taken off of the respirator and is breathing on his own. He was able to sit up in bed today with a lot of help and watch some TV. He is in a good deal of pain as one would expect, but he is a very strong person. His doctors are trying to find the right combination of medicines with the least amount of side effects. Ken is having trouble sleeping and continues to need our prayers.

Friday April 9, 2004

Today was somewhat positive. Ken was able to sleep for about three hours straight. He remains in ICU and needs all the rest he can get. Please continue to pray for Ken and Shelley.

Saturday April 10, 2004

Today Ken underwent a procedure to implant a filter that prevents blood clots from traveling to the heart, lung, or brain. The procedure was successful and Ken was retruned back to the ICU. He spent some of the day listening to books on tape and watching some TV. Ken's medications and their side effects have stabilized. Physical therapy began working with Ken. He sat independently at the side of his bed for several minutes. Ken and Shelly are immensely touched by the outpouring of support and has read all your letters and cards.

Sunday April 11, 2004

The doctors were able to remove a tube that went from Ken's nose down to the stomach. All things considered, Ken had an OK day. Please continue to keep Ken and his family in your prayers. They very much appreciate it.

Monday April 12, 2004

What a wonderful day! Ken is out of ICU and in a room on the floor. He is on a liquid diet for now. Ken began physical therapy on his legs. Continue to pray that the paralysis goes away and that he regains feeling. All the lines and drains have been removed except for his chest tube which is letting air between his lungs and rib cage escape. The family is requesting that people still reframe from visiting Ken as he is spending all of his time in physical therapy and resting.

Tuesday April 13, 2004

Today Ken was able to see his 4 children for the first time so I imagine it was a very emotional day for the entire family. Ken's doctors were going to allow him some solid food today but I do not know how well that went. There is a possability that Ken will leave the hospital in 5 to 7 days and transfer to a rehabilitation facility where he may stay a month or two. The family is extremely over whelmed with the out-pouring of support and thanks everyone.

Wednesday April 14, 2004

Everyone's prayers and well wishes are starting to pay off. Ken was instrumental in providing some of today's update. Right now the tentative plan is to have Ken transferred in the very near future to a rehabilitation facility located in Northridge. This may happen as early as this coming Monday. There he will undergo 4-6 weeks of intense physical therapy and occupational therapy. I need to make it clear that this therapy is to strenghten Ken's upper body and teach him how to get himself out of a wheel chair and into a regular chair. The therapy is not focused on Ken's legs. There is still no feeling from Ken's waist down although Ken has a very positive attitude as far as getting better. Only the lord knows what he has instored for Ken. The rest of us can only lend our help and support. On another positive note, Ken will have his chest tube removed tomorrow. This has been draining excess air etc from his chest cavity.

Thursday April 15, 2004

Ken had his first combination of a good night and a good day. Praise the lord! His chest tube was removed and he also had 50 staples removed from his back. Ken is now eating solid meals. The transfer on Monday to a rehabilitation facility may still happen this coming Monday. Once Ken is there and has some time to adjust to his new (but temporary) surroundings he may be up for some visitors. Ken will let us know when the time is right. With Ken at this facility it will enable Ken, Shelley, and the 4 children to maybe have diner a couple of times each week. An article appeared concerning Ken in today's T.O. Acorn. Two things I need to clarify are that Ken is not self employed, and that Ken is not a Deacon at Monte Vista Church but is an Elder. Please call someone on the contact list to help in any area you can. Thank you.

Friday April 16, 2004

Today Ken was feeling good, and happy now that the last tube that was remaining, his chest tube, was removed yesterday. Also today Ken was helped out of his bed and into a wheel chair for the first time. His occupational and physical therapists said he did a good job and has a great attitude. He only spent a few minutes in it. Keep your eye out for tomorrows (Saturday) Ventura County Star and Ken's picture.

Saturday April 17, 2004

Today I spoke to Ken for the first time on the phone and he delivered today's update to me. First let me start by saying that he sounded great and very upbeat. He is glad to be no longer hooked up to any tubes, machines, or any other type of apparatus. He is very greatful for all the support, well wishes, and out pouring of love everyone has showed so far. The occupational therapy continues and Ken sat in a wheel chair for a longer period of time today. No he is not tearing up and down the halls in his wheel chair, not yet at least! Ken said that he is only taking pain medication at night and only Tylenol during the day so that he is alert when he is awake. Some of the various aches and pains are subsiding and he is getting less dizzy when he sits up.

Sunday April 18, 2004

It is official! Ken will leave UCLA Medical Center tomorrow and be transported to Northridge Rehabilitation. I will post the address when I receive it. This is a big mile stone in Ken's journey. He will be able to have dinner once or twice a week with his family and they will be able to see him in clothes, not a hospital gown and sitting up in a wheel chair not laying in a hospital bed. PRAISE THE LORD!

Monday April 19, 2004

Today Ken was transported to a rehabilitation facility in Northridge. Here he will go through 4 to 6 weeks of pretty intense physical and occupational therapy to strengthen his upper body. He is in pretty good spirits but it was a very tiring day. I will post the address as soon as it is available and also when he thinks he will feel strong enough for some visitors. Shelley will be bringing the 4 children down on Wednesday evening to have a family dinner together.

Wednesday April 21, 2004

I missed last nights update and there were some people who talked to Shelley and actually wanted to know where the update was and what else was up. I am glad to see that so many people are visiting this site and offering support to the Coscareelli family, and look forward to these daily updates. The first two weeks were real critical and the improvements were coming one after another. Everyones prayers were answered that Ken was able to pull through this whole ordeal. Now, after two weeks, things are slowing down. The broken bones are slowly healing, the punctured lung is much better etc. Now comes the hard part of returning to himself again. Ken is working extremely hard at it, in rehabilitation with the physical and occupational therapists. He is really becoming exhausted but this is Ken's own doing. When they ask him to do some sort of exercise 10 times in a row, he gives them 12. Ken is trying to adjust his body that got use to being on its back, to one that is sitting up more each day. Shelley is in a support group with Ken and others people who are in similiar situations. The family was suppose to have dinner together this evening but Noah, their oldest son, came down with a temperature so the family dinner will be put off for a few days. When Shelley called Ken to inform him around 4:00PM of the situation, Ken replied that they will reschedule it for a few days and then told her that he was so exhausted (in a good way) that he was calling it an evening and was going to try and get some well needed sleep. Speaking of well needed sleep goodnight everyone!

Thursday April 22, 2004

Today Ken took a slight change for the worse. The upper part of the incision on his back has become infected. The name of the infection is called "MRSA" but I do not know what it stands for. I do think it occurrs in hospital environments from time to time. It is a bacteria that is very resistant towards treatments and Ken has been placed in isolation. His is being intravenously feed a potent antibiotic and will most likely remain this way for the next 7 - 10 days. The doctors also discovered fluid in both plural cavities located beneath the lungs. At this point they are holding off on inserting any kind of drain tube for now. We all know Ken is a strong guy and he will pull through this. He is alittle down but is still working with his physical therapist. Hope to bring a little better update tomorrow. I want to give everyone a big THANK YOU who has so far donated time, money, items, and well wishes. The Coscarelli family truly appreciates everything that everyone is doing. Thank you again . Signed Steve Pellnitz

Friday April 23, 2004

I talked to Shelley today and she said Ken had a much better day today. He is excepting the fact that he will be in isolation for the next 10 days or so. Today during Shelley's visit she was able to wash Ken's hair and gave him a shave so he felt a lot better and more comfortable. He even ate better today. Shelly and the four children plan on going to see Ken on Sunday after church and hopefully stay and have dinner with him.

Saturday April 24, 2004

Both Ken and Shelley took the day off today to rest. No visits today and no physical therapy. Shelley stayed around the house to get caught up on a few things and Ken got lots of well needed rest. He is tired, but things are going well and his spirits are up. I know they are all looking forward to tomorrows family day / get together.

Sunday April 25, 2004

Ken was treated to a McDonalds lunch with Shelley and their 4 children. This was only the second time Ken has seen the kids since the accident happened so I imagine it was pretty emotional. Instead of all the kids gowning up to get into the isolation room, Ken was gowned and was able to leave the room since he was all covered up. Vicky sat on his lap a few times. The nurses tell Ken that the infected wound looks somewhat better so that is great news.

Monday April 26, 2004

Shelley tells me that Ken was in much better spirits today. The surgery site infection is still being fought, but is improving some what. The bright red around the infected area is now turning a shade of pink and there has been minimal tunneling from the infection. Even though Shelley has to fully gown, were a surgical mask, and also gloves while in the isolation room, she still managed to lay next to Ken and they both napped together.

Tuesday April 27, 2004

Ken viewed the web site for the first time today thanks to his Occupational Therapist. He spent around 10 minutes working on his balancing. He was in a chair and had to lean over the keyboard and balance himself while working the mouse and key board. I was given a note from Shelley which was hand written by Ken. It states the following:

" I'm sorry I haven't checked the site sooner. The responce has left no doubt in my mind that there are a lot of beautiful people "out there". I'll try to read all the entries as soon as possible. I'm healing steadily and working hard in therapy. You've all touched me and my family's lives in many ways. Please keep us in your prayers. Love Ken"

Ken's occupational therapist will have him on the site each Thursday and work that into his therapy routine.


Wednesday April 28, 2004

Not much to report today other than Ken spent a good part of the day working with his physical and occupational therapists. Can you imagine how tiring that must be? Overall he had a good day and is feeling better as far as the infection and his spirits go.

Thursday April 29, thru Saturday May 1, 2004

Sorry that I have not provided an update in a few days. Over the last few days Ken and Shelley attended a spinal injury support group meeting at the rehabilitation center. There were was a big group of people in similair situations with similar injuries. Kens injury was the most recent and one attendee has been paralyzed for the last 40 years.

The infection area has been making rapid improvement. The reddened area is hardly even pink now. Shelley expects that Ken will be able to leave the isolation area as early as Monday and go back to a regular room. He is allowed to leave the isolation area now for short periods of time but must be fully gowned and covered.

Spirit wise Ken is doing better. He is gaining strength in his upper body and is able to sit himself up by grabbing the back of his legs and pulling himself into a sitting position. He continues to work extremely hard with his physical and occupational therapists. Just sitting in a wheel chair is a work out because of balance issues that must be overcome.

Ken should be up for some more visitors real soon, but I would suggest that you wait till he is out of isolation which will hopefully be the early part of this coming week.

Sunday May 2, 2004

Ken was moved from his isolation room to another isolation room. His new room is in a location where there is not as much noise and hallway traffic so this is a good thing. They needed his original room for a new patient. He will most likely be in this new room until they need it for someone else and at that time Ken will go back into a regular room. Pastor Jeannie from Ken and Shelley's church visited again, and Ken told her that he wants everyone to know that he is deeply appreciative of all the support and well wishes he has received.

Ken is also up for some visitors and tomorrow I will update you with his schedule and what the best time to visit would be. We do not want to interrupt his therapy sessions.

Tuesday May 4, 2004

Although the time has come for Ken to start receiving more visitors, he still remains in isolation and visitors must gown up and wear gloves and a mask to enter the room. We are hoping that he is out of isolation and into a private room within the next few days. The infection has improved greatly but the wound has not closed completely as of yet. There is a concern that Ken will be swamped with visitors now and I am not sure how to handle this concern. All I can ask is that if you do pay a visit, please make it short because Ken remains very tired from therapy sessions all day. Please you your own judgement.

Visiting hours are from 4:00 - 8:00 PM on weekdays, Noon till 8:00 PM on Saturdays and all day Sunday. Hours that are not listed are Kens therapy hours and are not a good time to visit. I would ask that people reframe from visiting on Wednesday's becuase that is their family day and they try to have dinner together.

The address is as follows:


Northridge Hospital
Center For Rehabilitation
18300 Roscoe Blvd.
Northridge, CA 91328

It is located on the corner of Reseda Blvd. & Roscoe. He is on floor number 3 in the building tothe right of the main entrance. i believe the tower is called the Carol Pump Womens Center.

Wednesday May 5, 2004

Ken continues to improve as far as the infection goes. He is still in isolation, but again can be moved to a private room any day now. It was suppose to be family dinner night this evening. I called the house and no one was home. Since I live 4 doors up from the Coscarelli's I swing by every night to check on things but tonight no one was there so I imagine that they were able to spend the evening together over dinner. I will find out tomorrow.

Friday May 7, 2004

Ken's Occupational therapist visited their house today to make recommendations on changes that will need to be done to accommodate Ken once he returns home. Ken's return home is still some weeks away but planning ahead is always best. Ken continues to work hard at physical therapy strengthening his upper body.

Monday May 10, 2004

I was able to see Ken yesterday for the first time.  He looked really good considering all he ahs been through.  When I walked into the room he was sitting in a wheel chair reading the Bible.  What we all need to do is to keep remembering Ken in our Prayers.  He asks that you especially pray that he remains strong and optimistic about his recovery.  He has a really great attitude and remains strong.  Ken is still in isolation even though his surgical wound is pretty much closed up now.  He will remain in this room until they need it for a new patient.  Ken likes the visits he is getting and thanks all who have been able to get in to see him.  We hope to see Ken return home in 4 to 5 weeks if all goes well.

Wednesday May 12, 2004

Ken continues to do well. He is working hard at both physical and occupational therapy. He is enjoying all the visitors. This evening was family dinner night again. Ken is looking forward to seeing everyone real soon.

Thursday May 13, 2004

Ken continues to do well. He is building up his upper body strength and can lift himself into the air while sitting in his wheel chair. He is for the most part getting himself out of the bed and into the wheel chair with little to no help. If all goes well he should be out of isolation on Monday and into a private room. They are targeting a date of June 10th for releasing him to come back home to Newbury Park.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS AND NEED THEM SOON!

In case you did not catch the new need on the home page, there is a need for handy people to donate some time real soon. There is prep work to be done around the house prior to Kens return home and time is going quickly. We need to pull up some carpet and flooring to make some renovations. Can you help with time, materials etc? If so contact Tess Hoff who is coordinating this project. She can be reached at 805-376-0240. Give her a call to see hwat you can help with. June 10th is right around the corner.

Saturday May 15, 2004

I joined Shelley today and went down to see Ken after learning that he was getting a one day pass to leave the hospital and go home for the day tomorrow. Shelley and I were trained by members of the physical therapy and occupational therapy units. We were shown things like getting Ken out of his wheel chair and onto a bed and into a shower. We also were shown the proper techniques for getting up stairs and up and over curbs with out injuring ourselves. Later in the morning we all went out side and practiced getting Ken into and out of his mini van. He now has a new light weight titanium wheel chair that he will start to use.

Sunday May 16, 2004

Today was a great day and a lot of good things happened. Ken is officially out of isolation now and his infection is gone and the surgical site wound has heeled.

Shelley and I picked up Ken at 8:00 AM this morning for his day trip home. First stop was church where we made the 9:00 AM service. After church Ken went home and was able to take a nap in his own bed. He spent the day with his family and had some family members over for lunch. Ken's Mom and Shelley's Mom, three of his Sisters, along with some of his families cousins were present. (I hope I did not leave anyone out). This is a major mile stone and Ken has worked very hard to get to this day. After dinner with Shelley and the kids Ken was taken back down to Northridge Rehabilitation since his day pass expired at 9:00 PM. He is hoping to get a weekend pass for Memeorial Day Weekend and the plan is to have him home permanently around June 10th.

Friday May 21, 2004

Well the week went by very fast and there was not too much happening. Ican report that Ken is completely out of isolation now and in a new room on the same floor. He has a room mate now so there is someone to talk with between therapy sessions.

Shelley is at the hospital now getting more specialized training in anticipation of Ken being allowed to go home for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend. It would be a three day pass home.

Tomorrow Ken hopes to leave the facility for half the day and take Shelley and the four kids to see the movie Shrek II.

Work starts tomorrow on the Coscarelli home to renovate the first floor. Carpets are being pulled up as is some sub flooring. Pergo hardwood laminate willbe installed throughout the entire first floor to make getting around the house more wheel chair friendly. Home Depot has donated ALL the materials and ALL the labor to do the flooring install. All this is possable due to the hard work of Tess Hoff. She is coordinating the home projects and has worked many many hours contacting companies and contractors looking for help and her hard work has paid off. Also today we have a landscaping crew coming over to move a flower bed into pots for the time being so that a sitting porch can be added to the front of the house. The flower bed will then be replanted at a later time. There are other individuals/volunteers coming to the house today to help out as well and I hope to post a list of all volunteers names so that you can later talk to them and find out how rewarding tomorrow will be.

Thursday May 27, 2004

Well a week has almost passed since my last update. Basically from here on out Ken is taking it one day at a time. He continues with both physical and occupational therapy. Wednesday was family dinner night so the kids and Shelley were down at the rehabilitaion facility to have dinner with Ken. Family friends from Sacramento (I believe) are down visiting so they were able to join them for dinner.

Ken hopes to get his weekend pass for this coming holiday weekend so that he can be with his family the whole three day weekend. The plan is still for him to be released to go home for good towards the middle of June.

There is really not much more to update you on right now. Continue to keep Ken and the family in your prayers. They appreciate it very very much.

Tuesday June 1, 2004

Ken made it home this past weekend for a visit and to spend time with his family. He came home Saturday and then went to a family get together down South (Arcadia) with Shelley's parents and other family and friends. Sunday he spent at home resting and being with his family.

A front porch and ramp has been added to the front of the house and is almost complete. The down stairs Pergo type floor install has begun and should be complete in a few days. I mention this because Ken is still on track to be home for good on June 10th which is right around the corner. I hope to post a few pictures of the house work over the next few days so check back soon.

Tuesday June 8, 2004

Ken was home this past weekend on a weekend pass. He made it to church and everyone was so glad to see him there. The plan is still for him to be released to go home for good around the middle of this month. The front porch and ramp is completed and those that live close by should drive by to see it. The contractor who donated all his time on this project did a great job.

Friday June 11, 2004

GREAT NEWS

Ken was released from Nothridge rehab yetserday and is now home.  He's very much enjoying being home with his wife and children and very much appreciative of all those who put in so much work and effort to make his house handicap convenient.
Today, he and Shelley are going to Anaheim Convention Center -  they're
having an expo on handicap apparatus and they want to learn of any other
items that would help make Ken's life more convenient.  Stop by and pay him a short visit when you have time.