Trach is out!!

When Wendy walked into Scott's room last night to her surprise greeted by Scott who had a bandage where his tracheotomy used to be!! I don't know if she was expecting that at this time but, it was a huge delight to their day! May the Blessings keep rolling in!!!

Wendy has a big meeting with some of the staff involved in the Rehab situation and their higher ups, 10 in all. This will take place on Monday. Wendy will need all of our prayer and strength as she goes into this meeting. Hopefully they will accomplish something great!

News from Wendy

Hey everyone!

The last few updates have been posted frequently so if you haven't checked in the past 24 hours scroll down and read from about 3 below and up!

This is the latest from Wendy!

Hi Everyone, Just a quick update. Scott was moved to a medical room yesterday. Although this is so disappointing that he is out of rehab, the care he was receiving there was horrible. I don't know what will happen from here, but I have to believe in my heart with all of your prayers and with God by my side, that this is what is meant to be. I will be fighting for what is best for him in the coming days, so please pray for me to be strong and level-headed. I love you all and appreciate everything!Wendy

Happy 10th Anniverary Scott and Wendy!

Today is Scott and Wendy's 10th Wedding Anniversary! I know many of you remember that day as well as I do! What a party!! They were so young and Scott had a lot more hair! It's so hard to think that they are spending this huge milestone in the hospital today. And while it's terribly sad to celebrate this way I know they are very HAPPY that they have each other to celebrate with.

I am including an email from our friend Pam who was with Wendy at the hospital yesterday. I hope this sheds light on some of what has been going on down at Kaiser in Fontana!

I don't know how to adequately describe the progress Scott has made in the last 2 months. But, if I had to choose one word, it would be"UNBELIEVABLE". Scott was moved today from the Rehabilitation area of the hospital to a standard room.The reason for the move was to provide better care for Scott. Apparently,the Rehab nurses were not properly caring for Scott's bed sore, or for his trach, or other issues. Wendy also spoke to the wound specialists who promised to take the necessary actions to help the wound to heal, and then will work with Scott on some plastic surgery. Wendy will know more over the next few days as to what steps will be taken next.But, as I sat in the room and listened to the hospital employees admit that the care was not up to par, I felt so sorry for Scott. What was amazing tome was that Scott was not feeling sorry for himself. What a great, positive attitude he has. During my entire visit, Scott had a smile on his face.Scott has good use of his arms and hands. Of course, he will still needmore therapy to develop more strength. He fed himself the chocolate covered apples I brought. He held the phone to talk to his kids. Talk to his kids- yes, he spoke on the phone. I was shocked. There is no problem with hisvoice, and I learned that Scott is quite a smart ass. He likes to joke and mess with the nurses.Anyway, a lot more that I could say, but I think that people just have to go see it for themselves...what amazing progress Scott has made. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Pam Reinoehl

Kaiser Rehab SUCKS!!

I have a note from Wendy...

Hello All of my beautiful friends, I am writing you now because I am in need of some serious prayer. You have all been so supportive of me and I love you all and appreciate all of you prayer, love and support you have given me the last 4 months. This week I have had some really big problems with Kaiser. They are threatening to send Scott to a Skilled Nursing Facility and releasing him from the acute rehab program. This would be a huge set back to Scott's recovery and for those who are not updated by me daily, Kaiser is hugely responsible for these set-backs. They are basically dropping the ball and just giving up on him. PLEASE pray for me to have the strength to stand up to this organization and to get Scott what he is entitled to. I know you guys can help me with this. I am so strong with all of you behind me and I love you all so much!!! Love,Wendy Oritz

I did just receive a call saying they moved Scott out of rehab and into a medical room. Let's pray this is a good move!

Thank you!

Scott's Breathing is Improved

I'm sorry to leave you all hanging for so long since that last update. The episode of labored breathing turned out to be a bit of anxiety. Scott was okay once Wendy got to the hospital and the staff gave Scott something to help relax him. The level of nursing care is a little different in rehab that what Scott was used to. While the staff are excellent, they allow him to be a bit more independent than he is comfortable with. Candy spoke with the staff and they worked out a plan that hopefully that will be better for Scott.

I don't have any news on the infection. I am hopeful that I will have an update on that soon.

Thanks and keep praying!

Tricia

Some ups and downs this weekend

Friday night I spoke with Scott and Wendy in rehab, they were having a fun night. Eating Arby's and laughing together. Scott had taken his first shower and had been outside in a wheelchair for the first time in 3 months. Dressed in his Steelers t-shirt & athletic shorts. They had super great day!

By Monday, things were slightly on a down slide. Remember that bed sore that was an issue a while back? Well, it is still being dealt with. It seemed as if it was slowly getting better although it was quite infected (E. Coli) and had for sometime caused Scott to be in isolation. With the move to rehab I thought they had gotten over that hurdle. Not so! The infection may have gotten into his bone and this will make for many complications. I won't get into all of that until Wendy knows for sure.

There is an IMMEDIATE PRAYER NEED regarding these matters. Scott hasn't felt so great yesterday or today and Wendy is on her way back to the hospital tonight to make sure he is okay and comfortable for the night. Scott is having some stomach pain and labored breathing. He's come so far from the ventilator that of course this is a concern. Please just stop everything and PRAY! I will update you as soon as there is some change or confirmation on the situation.

Tricia

Scott has moved to a Rehab facility!

Scott was moved yesterday from the hospital into the rehab building at Kaiser. This is a very exciting move. This is a new beginning with a lot of work ahead. But, we all know Scott can do it!

Wendy feels that the staff is good here. She feels very comfortable with them. They keep him very busy. They are working with him daily until 1:30 pm. Scott was sitting up for 9 mins. today.

Scott is back on solid food. No more puree'!!!

Visitors are still very welcome between the hours of 4:00 - 8:00 pm and on weekends.

Scott's New Trach!

Scott received a new trach yesterday. This is a talking trach, so Scott is able to speak all the time now. This is music to everyone's ears. Wendy is so happy to have conversations and hear his voice. Scott has a phone in his room he can use. If you'd like to talk to him just let Wendy know and she will make sure he calls you. Visitor's are still very welcome. Scott is BORED!! He has his very own version of Grey's Anatomy going on there. He has learned all the in's and out's of the hospital staff... I think he needs some company; don't you?

Scott's feeding tube has been removed. He is eating so well. Scott's still on a "soft" diet but that isn't stopping him. There isn't anything you can't throw in a blender.

Also, Wendy prints off the guest book notes and reads them to Scott regularly. He loves to hear them, so if you want to send a hello that way he will definitely get it soon!

Things are really looking up! The Prayers are being answered...keep them going!

I Just Talked to Scott on the Phone!

My cell phone rang just now. Wendy was on the phone. She said, "I have someone who wants to talk to you." Then Scott got on the phone and said, "Hey Paul." I was blown away. I told him he sounded great. He asked if I was at work. I said I was and that there were several guys that happened to be right near me; I named them off. He said, "Tell them to get back to work." After the laughter died down we spoke a very little more and then he needed to rest. How awesome is that??

Paul

Scott's Diet Changes

Hi everyone! Scott's diet has changed a little bit. They have put him on only soft and pureed food for now. Please still feel free to bring him something if you'd like. He enjoys milkshakes, peach Juice-it-Ups, pudding or applesauce--things like that. Having the chance to "break bread" with his friends will encourage him to eat more than he might by himself. Thank you so much!

Scott is eating food and sitting up some!

EATING!! Over the past few days Scott has been able to eat "real" food. He can't eat too much yet and his taste buds aren't working too well right now due to the trachea blocking the airway to his mouth. There for, nothing tastes good to him. Not even the In & Out burger Candy brought him (go figure!). He is enjoying pudding with whipped cream and part of a Juice it up that Wendy brought in. Until Scott is able to eat up to 75% of the meals he is given he will have to stay on the feeding tube. Unfortunately, the feeding tube helps keep him full so he isn't hungry enough to eat what he needs to. It's a vicious cycle that he has to balance out. But, he's on the right track and Scott likes food so he will make it work. I know Scott has been dreaming about PIZZA and I hope he can enjoy a slice soon! For those of you who get to visit Scott, if you want to bring him a treat to eat it's okay as long as the nurses know what and how much he gets.

SITTING UP!! Scott has also been sitting up over the past few days. He has the assistance of a brace while he builds his strength up. He is able to stay up for 4 to 6 mins. so far. After spending the past 12 weeks lying flat it is difficult to sit up for too long. His blood pressure drops after a few minutes (this is a normal reaction for anyone in this situation) but like everything else, it is PROGRESS! Please continue to pray for the Ortiz Family. Thank you!

Tricia

Bowling Fundraiser a Huge Success

I would like to thank all those who participated in the bowling fundraiser Saturday night. Thanks most of all to Carl Del Duca for organizing it. Thanks also to all those who contributed to Scott & Wendy, even if they didn't bowl. It was great to see Wendy and the boys, Candy, Jerry, Stacey, Danny and several other family members there. Click on the fundraiser link to the right for some pictures from the event. --Paul