TYSON MATTHEW KOTTELENBERG

This blog is about our 14 year old son Tyson. Tyson was born with serious complex congenital heart defects, (Hypoplastic Right Ventricle, Tricuspid Atresia, Coarctation of Aorta, Transposed Great Arteries, with VSD and ASD.) In short, the right side of his heart is completely under-developed (he has half a heart,) his main arteries are mixed up, and his aorta is narrow. He has undergone 3 open-heart surgeries and 5 heart catheterization procedures to try to 'repair' his heart. Tyson also has severe narrowing in his pulmonary veins which are causing higher venous pressures. He's still doing AMAZINGLY well all things considered. We entrust our dear son into the hands of God, knowing that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him!

Day Three Post-Norwood - Sunday, December 7, 2008

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
2 Corinthians 4: 16-18
This morning before we left for church we took a quick peek at our little bambino. We witnessed one of his first milestones: Tyson was awake and alert for the first time since his surgery on Thursday. Overnight they slowly weaned him off of all the muscle relaxers (which are actually more like paralyzers so that he cannot move even if he wanted to.) He was awake and alert when we saw him and he even focused right at Mom's face!
We attended Toronto church for their morning service and the sermon text was from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (quoted above.) What a comforting sermon about how our trials and troubles here on earth serve to make us stronger and help us see God's glory. Isn't it amazing how God works through His servants and gives a message that so easily applies to our individual situations at a time when we need it most! Rev. DenHollander also took a moment in his prayer to pray for Tyson and for us. It was encouraging to experience the communion of saints even in a church where we were not well-known. Later we went to the home of Rev. and Mrs. DenHollander for coffee and lunch. It was very "gezelig."
When we arrived back at the hospital, we saw Tyson again and there wasn't much change since this morning. He is still on sedatives to make him drowsy and comfortable but overall he is still making good progress. Some of his drains will be coming out tomorrow as they are not needed anymore.
Yesterday the nurses started giving him small amounts (3 cc's) of breast milk directly into his feeding tubes, to get his digestive system working again. Today he has been getting 12 cc's about every three hours. He seems to be tolerating it well and he is digesting it and excreting it well.
So far so good!
We had some more company again today. Robert came by for a visit in between church. Then Gary and Lori, Scott and Tanya, and Carl came for the evening. It is nice to see family and friends again.
We were able to go through a stack of cards from fellow church members. It is encouraging to know that many of you are praying for us. We definitely can feel these prayers lifted up on our behalf, as we would not be able to get through this stressful time without the help of our God and Father. Thank you all for your prayers and words of encouragement. Thanks also to those of you who have helped out in the way of financial aid, bringing up meals and other groceries, and cards, but most importantly, thank you for your prayers! Tyson needs them and we need them! We are so thankful that we belong to a church family that helps us carry the load!
For the week ahead, Monday and Wednesday will be busy days as far as company goes. Provided that everything goes well with Tyson's recovery, Brian hopes to head back to Orangeville on Wednesday night and begin working again for Thursday and Friday. Melissa will be here by herself (with Tyson) on Thursday and Friday so if anyone wants to come down for company to visit, those would be a good days.
Till next time,
Brian, Mel and Tyson

11 comments:

Jeff and Karen said...

Hi Guys
We are thankful to see that Tyson's recovery seems to be coming along. We hope and pray that things continue to go well this week.
Keeping you in our prayers.
Love
Jeff and Karen
Joel, Aaron, Jonah, Hanna

Anonymous said...

Hello!
Well Tyson seems to be coming around real well - very encouraging for yous i'm sure! And taking milk! Melissa you'll soon be strapped to him every 2-3 hours for feedings and that is awesome!! You must be missing the snuggle time with him :) You are constantly in our prayers! God bless,

Gerry, Margaret
Logan, Jasmine, Curits

Anonymous said...

Hey fellow 7th liners !

So happy to be following Ty's progress through your blog. Praying for you all, and thanking God for providing for your daily needs. " They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength..."
Teresa Ed David Michael

Anonymous said...

Wow sounds like he is doing well! That is wonderful to hear! Keeping you in our prayers as always! Jay, Mel, Jaidynn and Tyson's little buddy

Anonymous said...

Hi Brian and Melissa,
Praying for continued strength for you all and for blessing on the recovery of little Tyson.
Grant, Shelley & family

Anonymous said...

So great to hear of Tysons surgery and how he is doing. Hope everything continues to go well for you guys! Praying continually for you and little tyson.
Andrea Hopman

Garth and Alida said...

Hey Brian and Mel,
Our prayers for you continue to be constant, as are our tears. Wishing you much strength and all our love,
Garth and Alida,
Sara, Noah, Julia, Nadia

Char Overbeek said...

Hey you guy's we just thought we would let you know that we are keeping you in our prayer's. It "hit" us to hear thet you guys were at Sick Kids with your little guy, we know all to well what that is like. Remember to trust in the Lord, and turn to Him always. The pictures you have are precious hold on to them, I'm sure he would love to see them when he gets older. Again we are holding you up in our prayers, and when you are feeling down or scared LOOK UP!, He is there watching you, loving you and giving you strength.
Yours in Christ: Jerome Char and Shyann.

Anonymous said...

Hey guys!
So exciting to hear that he is progressing well. Your heart must have jumped for joy when he looked at you Mel!!
Can't wait to see you guys this week. As always you are all in our prayers. Sierra's grade 1 class prays for you all every day as well!
Take care.
Lea, Derek, Sierra, Hannah and Isaac & Jr.

Johnand Hilda Spanninga said...

Hi Guys: So happy to read about the progress.Remember Ps. 139 how God is busy at work. This is evident in the way things are moving forward. Praise God for His faithfulness. Thinking of you constantly and praying for you often. Loootts of LOVE Dad and Mom. Mandy,Braden,Merrick,and Kenya.

Anonymous said...

Hi sweeties! We're so happy to hear that Tyson is becoming more alert and could focus somewhat on Mummy!! Great to hear also, that he is tolerating breast milk, the best for him. We can't wait to hear that he is nursing again in your arms Melissa! All in due time! This is our prayer, this is our hope, and we all have faith that this will come too, in time, and in the Lords time. Often we want answers sooner...or in a different manner than what is before us. But He knows all your wants and needs before you even ask Him. As long as we cast all anxieties to Him, He will see you through, because he cares and loves us so much.
Thanks for the blog idea!!! Wonderful! Looking forward to the next post. (Nice that we can all "breathe" a little easier now with this great news of yours)
Love, Aunt Rita