Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Verse of the Day

Sunday, October 29, 2006

The Next Five Weeks



On October 24th Zechariah had a check-with his pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Maginot. She has been a God send for us. She is very personable with us and not just clinical as some doctors can be. As she has been explaining how Zak has been doing both pre and post surgery, she does a great job making sure we understand everything that is said.




So I am sure you have been wondering what she has said about Zak after surgery. Well, here are a some of the details she explained to us about how well he has come out of surgery and on the road to recovery. Note: Scroll down the blog to refresh yourself with the type of surgery Zak had done. You will find it under the Tuesday Oct. 10th, Day of Prayer and Fasting heading.




(Just a reminder, the following are great points to keep in your prayers as Zak continues his first phase of healing)




  • His new pulmonary valve has mild/moderate leakage - As of now there is no concern because there is less pressure on this valve.


  • His new aortic valve has trivial leakage - Again, right now no concern.


  • The next five weeks - The month or so are very crucial to Zak's health. As his little body recoups from surgery it is doing everything it can to get back to full working order. And that takes time and energy. So fighting of colds and flu's doing this time are very important.


Overall, the doctor was happy with his progress after surgery.



He is up moving around just as before (just slower). Each day he gets a bit faster and little more back to himself. The other day he just discovered how to put things in and out of a box or a bowl. That's huge! He is already picking up after himself after playing. What a genius. ha ha! I love my son.

Please continue to offer your prayers for Zechariah and our family and he recovers. Other areas to focus for prayer are...

Prayer Points

  • For his sternum to fully heal
  • No colds or flus w/in our family circle
  • Business needs to be met
  • Car needs to be met
  • Both Kathy & the baby's-to-come health
  • My, Scott, health

Thank you for your care and love for our family. Please send posts or emails to skindberg@gmail.com to share an encouraging word, poem, or just say hi.

Love,

The Kindberg's

Scott, Kat, Zak, & baby K









Wednesday, October 18, 2006

We Are Home!!!

Zechariah has made it home.



We left the hospital today around 2pm. Zak was waving good-bye as we drove away. It was very cute. We arrived home and Zechariah was a new boy. He knew he was home and ready to play. He was alot of healing and lots of recovery over the few weeks.



So, to celebrate our home coming I have included some pictures to share with everyone of Zechariah over the last year to present day.


PICTURES and VIDEO click here to watch (there is no sound, though!)





I hope you enjoy them as much as Kathy and I have.

Send comments or receive direct post via my email at skindberg@gmail.com





Love,



-The Kindbergs

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

One More Day

Our Cardiologist here at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee has said that it is best for Zechariah to stay one more night. He finished a series of tests today that took some energy out of him. One more day will help him regain that energy he needs once we go home.

This may be the last post until we return home to Madison. Thank you to everyone who prayed, fasted, and gaved however you could. It has been so very welcomed and received. We are so grateful to be a part of so many great people.

Until next time...

God Bless

- The Kindbergs

It Sounds Like Were Going Home

That's right!

Today they order for Zak to have one last echocardiogram. This is the last test they do before all heart patients hit the road. So they feel he his doing well. Yesterday we ordered his favorite foods; mac & cheese, peas & carrots, string cheese, yogurt, and a banana, but he just sat in the high chair just looking at the food.

Today, he is sitting up. He laughed at me for the first time since the surgery. And, he is more responsive to Kathy and I.

We are excited to be going home and watch Zak grow strong after such an invasive operation.

There is so much to learn over the next few weeks as he recovers. He is a strong kids, but now he comes with special instructions.

HANDLE WITH CARE

- Love-

The Kindergs

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Receive New Posts

Would you like to receive new posts as they are posted on the web. Then simply just do this.
  1. Send me an email at skindberg@gmail.com
  2. Include your Name in the Body
  3. In the Body write "Make me a Zak member" and I will add you to members list.
  4. You will begin to receive new posts as they are added to the email you send me.

Please send me a valid me address so I can respond to you honestly. Thank you for all of your support I hope these posts have been of good help to keeping you up to date on our son's progress.

God Bless,

- Scott Kindberg

The Fourth Floor



Today, we had a great day with Zechariah's progress. He has made good steps toward a full recovery in order to go home be able to go home from the hospital.

Early this afternoon he moved to the fourth floor to a "normal" room. Kathy's father said he made it to the 'lower rent' level. I found that a bit amusing. In order for him to be able on the recovery floor he had all of his tubes out. He still has a few bells and whistles plugged in to monitor his heart rate and oxygen, but that is just standard.

We have been able to hold him all day. That has felt so good, since it was three days before we were able. Just to be feel him in our arm was a victory for Kathy and I. Each day his little eyes wake a bit more and more. And each time we say his name hoping to catch his attention, but he has lookeda little glassy eyed due to the meds the gave him. Then...

Around six o'clock in the evening he finally became fully aware where he was responding to our words. He is still very sleepy and resting a whole lot.
He will be in this room until we return home. Your prayers have payed off, but we ask you to continue to pray for us daily as their is more to come.
Until next time...
God Bless,
- The Kindergs

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Praise Report

Zechariah is doing well. Each day we look to see that he is progressing better than the day before. One day at a time. That is all we ask.

His temperature has decreased and no fever ever set in. Thank you for your prayers. Continue to pray.

Each morning the doctors do their rounds where they discuss the progress of each of the patients. Here is what one of the doctor mentioned to us at the of their round as they discussed Zechariah.

"Top Notch" - Dr. Tweddell

This meant that Zak is on the right road to recovery. He is still in the PICU where he is receiving incredible care from all of his nurses. Each of them have gone the extra mile to make him and us feel "at-home" while we are here. Today, the sensors that monitored his oxygen levels have been removed. The IV lines have been removed. The only lines that remain are his chest tubes, but those are planned to be remove tomorrow morning at the latest. Plus, he receives oxygen to help him breath, but he is breathing on his own very well.

Our nurse has told us about the possibility of him leaving the PICU on Sunday and going to a "normal" recovery room. We are still on track to be able to leave within 5 - 10 days of the surgery.

Send comments and emails to skindberg@gmail.com


On a personal note:

Our car has lost is power steering while traveling here. We are in the process of finding a mechanic to repair it. Please pray we find the best mechanic for the short time we are here. We believe it's the p.s. line that needs replacing, so we just want all things to go smooth in the repair so we can spend our time focusing on our son.
-Scott K.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Surgery Update

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you...
to everyone for praying for Zechariah.

Here is a quick update about Zechariah's progress. I will continue to add more detailed information as time allows.

Here is how things progressed throughout the day of the surgery . Periodically a nurse present at his surgery gave us updates of Zechariah's progress. Here is what she told us.

  • We gave Zechariah over to the doctors for surgery at 8:15 am
  • The doctors looked to see if repairing his aortic valve would be an option other than doing the Ross procedure.
  • The valve repair would not be possible. So, the Ross procedure would be done.
  • Around 12:00 pm the nurse returned to tell us that he was doing well. Thank God for nurses.
  • As part of the procedure his coronary arteries would be disconnected then reattached. Around 2:45 pm the nurse told us one of his arteries needs some attention. So the doctors spent more time to repair him.
  • We finally we able to see him around 6:30 pm after 10 hrs. surgery. But, all things considering went extremely well. PRAISE GOD!

He went into the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit [PICU] directly after surgery for monitoring. The nurse in the PICU are rated #5 in the nation for care with heart patients. All of the nurses have beeen very helpful, keeping us informed about what is happening with him. He is recovering good, but please continue to pray.

PRAY FOCUS

  • There is still a risk for fever to set in. Pray that his temp. will be stable throughout his stay in the PICU.
  • While in surgery he was on the heart & lung machine which runs a risk of stroke for all heart surgery patients. He is not out of the woods yet for risk of stroke. Please pray there will be no sogns of stroke. period!

Thank again for praying! We can not stress that enough. We know he has gotten this far because of your prayers. Continue to pray! One day at a time is what we focus on and one day at a time is what we do.

Until next time....

God Bless

The Kindbergs

EIGTH FIFTEEN AM Part 1

"The following post is an update about what took place leading up to the surgery. It is written in the form of an allegory." This is Part 1. Other parts will follow as the week continues enjoy. Please share your opinion about it by a comment or by email. Thank you. -Scott K.

The rooster was still sleeping for the sun had yet to show its face . The Kindberg trio woke up early for the "Champ's" big day. It had been many weeks for this day to come. But, this was his time to shine. The day had finally arrived. There was so much preparation that took place before this day came to be.

August twenty-fifth was the first sign for surgery to be mentioned. Dr. M of the City of Lakes consulted with the Kindbergs to deliver the news about their son. His heart was sick and it needed to be repaired soon! Dr. M proceeded to mention that the best hope for their little champion was an operation that has been tested for over a generation called "The Ross" . The doctor continued, mentioning Dr. De O. the head surgeon for the operation. A few weeks later a date was set. October twelfth!

Dr. M encouraged the Kindbergs to search for everything they could about "The Ross. The Kindbergs traveled backed to their homestead and looked up and down the world wide web to find out more about this up and coming operation. They were pleased with the plethora of information that was accessible at their fingertips for them to discover. After many days of investigation about "The Ross" and a meeting with Dr. De O they felt very confindent about moving forward with "The Ross".


All of the chariots were in place. The mighty horses were beginning to be groomed. Everything was starting to feel good. But, there was one more thing to take care of along the way. One more person was needed to be recognized for his involvement in making the Champs so strong throughout the entire affair. Our Father above from where all strength is drawn must truly be praised. It is His Name that stand true above every name.

This end Part 1. Please send your comments to the comment link below or to my email address here. skindberg@gmail.com Part 2 will follow shortly.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Prayer Updates

Thank you to everyone who has committed to praying and fasting tomorrow. Many of you have talked to Kathy and I praying Tuesday. We are continuing to hear of you telling your friends and asking them to pray as well. We are SO BLESSED to be a part of such wonderful friends and family.

As you are praying for Zechariah and our family please include the following:

Prayer Focus

  • HOUSING. We will be leaving early Weds. morning for a pre-op test. We found out today that the Ronald McDonald House still has a long waiting list ahead of us. The RMH lets families with children having surgeries stay for a donation at their facility. If we will not be able to stay at the RMH we will need to stay at a hotel. Please pray we can move to the top of the list and not have to stay a hotel. Deuteronomy 28:13
  • FINANCES. Please pray that our medical bills, personal finances, and our house cleaning expenses will be taken care of. Philippians 4:19
  • SURGERY. Zechariah's surgery begins Thurs. at 8am and will take a minimum of five hours. Please pray for the doctors, nurses, and complete healing for our son. Jehovah Rapha (video)
  • RELATIONSHIPS. As Kathy and I and both our families are going through this time, please pray for peace, strength, hope, love, faith, and complete reliance on Christ. Matthew 11:28-30

We look forward to hearing what the LORD will be saying to you as you are praying. Please email us at skindberg@gmail.com or kathykindberg@hotmail.com with a word encouragement or prayer update to let us know what the God is saying to you.

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING!

The Kindberg's

Scott, Kathy, Zechariah, & Baby K

Monday, October 02, 2006

Tuesday Oct. 10th, Day of Prayer and Fasting

In preparation for Zechariah's coming surgery I wanted to do more than just side by the sidelines and "hope for the best" as we would watch our son go through heart surgery. Then, one evening I asked God what more could be done. The idea for a day of prayer and fasting came to mind. Many of you may have asked if there was anything you could do to help us during this time. Plus, so many of you have told us you would be praying for us. So, OCTOBER 10th, 2006 has been dedicated as A DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING for ZECHARIAH KINDBERG.

Here are some ways you can focus your prayers this coming Tuesday, October 10th as you are praying & fasting. Thank you for praying.

Prayer Focus: Please pray for...


Helpful Prayer & Fasting Tips

Prayer

  1. Breath Prayers - Useful when working or busy during the day. (Ex. "Thank you for healing Zak., Lord, be with the doctors as they perform the surgery)
  2. Prayer Closet - Spend a special time away from the cares of the day with only you and the Lord. Primarily focus your prayers toward Zechariah during this time.
  3. Praise & Thanksgiving - The heart of the matter is the matter of the heart

Fasting

  1. What & How - Click here to read a great article to introduce you to the power of fasting
  2. Releasing God's Power - Click here to read a great article on this subject by Dr. Bill Bright
  3. True Fasting - Click here to read Isaiah 58 about true fasting

Please continue to pray and fast after the sun goes down on TUESDAY OCTOBER 10th A DAY of PRAYER and FASTING for ZECHARIAH KINDBERG. Continue to post your comments, send me emails of anything God may speak to you concerning his surgery or this time for our family. Maybe the Lord has a scripture to reveal to you.

Thank you for your heart felt dedication and blood, sweat, and tears that have gone into the well being of our son of and our family. May God richly reward you for your generous heart.

Love,

The Kindberg's

Scott, Kat, Zak, & Baby K

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Help Us Collect Aluminum Can Pop Tabs

Why is important to help us collect pop tabs? Good question!

During the week of Zechariah's surgery Kathy and I will be looking to stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee. The Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee is located across the street from the Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin. The Ronald McDonald House Charities is a non-profit charity that provides a place to stay free of charge for families with children who are facing surgery. We stayed there during Zechariah's first visit to Milwaukee. Currently, they have a waiting list.
They have on going fundraising events happening throughout the year. One of the events is collecting pop tabs. The RMH in Milwaukee is collecting pop tabs all year round. They recycle the tabs and use the proceeds to fund the House. Here are some fun facts about pop tabs. Enjoy
*Note* Saving pop tabs does not give us better chance at being able to stay at the RHM. But, we want to be able to support the RMH however we are able.

Fun Facts
1 pound = 1,267 tabs
1 ton = 2,534,000 tabs
1 yard = 36 tabs
1,000,000 tabs = 16.75 miles

How can you get involved? Here are just a few ways to help. POP TABS IDEAS
  • Find a container to put them in. [a gallon ice bucket or vase]
  • Put on your desk at the office or tell your co-workers
  • Take your pop tabs to the local recyle center Madison Area
  • Send the check to: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin, Inc. Attn: Carol Bulgrin 8948 Watertown Plank Rd.Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Thank you for your consideration in helping the Ronald McDonald House of Milwaukee. They have helped us out in the past and hope to help us out in the October. Please pray that we will be able to stay at the RMH.

And remember to post a comment by clicking on the comment word below. We would love to hear from you as we journey through this season together. God Bless!




target="_top">name="EXim" border="0" height="38" width="41"
alt="eXTReMe Tracker">

Monday, September 18, 2006

Zechariah's Prognosis

For some of you reading this blog you may not be aware of what has taken place with our son Zak. Read on to find out a brief snippet of has happened in his little life reguarding this medical condition.

11/09/05 10:02 am Zechariah Allen Kindberg is born

11/10/05 4:oo pm Doctors find a murmur in Zak's heart and tell us of the condition of Zak's heart.

11/10/05 9:00 pm Zak is Med-Flighted to the Childrens Hospital of WI in Milwaukee (CHW)

11/11/o5 8:30 am Zak is diagnosed with aortic stenosis He undergoes the 1st Cardiac Catheterization with great recovery.

For the next few months he visited the pediatric cardiologist for routine check-ups on his tiny heart. During each visit he received an echocardiogram giving the doctors a picture of Zak's heart.

to be continued...

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Hello, This is Zechariah

Hello,

This is Zechariah, Welcome to my blog and thank you for finding out how I am doing. This blog is created to keep you up to date with all the stuff that will happen to make my heart healthy again.

Mom, dad, and I have a lot of friends and family. So, I want to let everyone know what is going on at one central location. Please visit my blog again and again as I go into the hospital for surgery and spend some time at home recovering.

Thank you for all of your prayers and support. I can't wait to say "thanks" personally to everyone you.

Until then,

Zechariah "Zak" Allen Kindberg

Welcome to Zechariah's Progress

This is a blog that I created to give the friends and family of Zechariah A. Kindberg recent updates of his health. Please visit this blog frequently to find out the latest updates of Zechariah. This blog is the best for of communication to our many friends and family. You will see pictures, scriptures, maybe a video, and other things to keep you informed and up to date of his health. Thank you for you prayers and support during this trying time for Zak, Kathy, and I.