Saturday March 19

Hi Friends,
Sorry it has been a while.  Keith is continuing to recover at a steady pace.  Yesterday I spoke with the Neuropsychologist and he was smiling when he said "Im so impressed with how he is coming along."  He said that Keith will continue to progress rapidly in the next 3-6 months  Stroke victims do continue to improve as the years go on. Keith has been given an extension and will not be coming home on the 24th.  He is doing so well with the Therapy they want to continue.   The biggest issue right now is that Mr. Keith is getting quite confident with his wheelchair transfers and thinking he can just move around all the time.  This is really dangerous for him right now, his risk of falling is high.  They had to move his room right across from the nurses station to keep close tabs on him.  I am going to need more help starting next week.  As much as Keith doesn't want visitors his safety is the most important thing. I am there until about 3 each day, but I will need a single person to come around 4 or 5(M-F) and just stay maybe an hour.  This is his down time and he may sleep but if not he needs a walk( in the wheelchair) outside or just a change of scenery.  He is bored with the food choices so if you could bring him something healthy or homemade as a snack that would be great.  No fried or spicy food please.   I will put Pat Gabler back in charge of making a schedule.   Thank you for your continued prayers.  God is an awesome healer!!
Love,
Julie

Wed. March 9th

Hi Everyone,
Today was another step in the right direction.  Keith worked so hard in PT from 7am on.  His Physical Therapist is so motivated and said he can barely keep up with him.  He created a sling out of rubber bands to assist him in walking down the hall with a walker.  We also saw some right side movement in the fingers and wrist.  Keith continues to improve daily with the speech,  however this will be his biggest challenge.  The therapist explained his situation as if his brain is a library and a tornado came and spread all the books around.  They are all in there but it will take time to get them all organized again.  He is in good spirits and is eating well.  Today he wanted to go outside and enjoy the fresh air.  We are working toward more time up than in bed and today seemed like a turning point in that direction.  If his mood continues to improve he may welcome a few visitors this weekend.  I will keep you posted on that.  Im trying to keep video's coming on Facebook so you can all see his improvement first hand.  Thank you for praying for us everyday. We feel the love and support and thank God for all he is showing us in this experience.
Julie

Sunday March 6

Here is a quick update for today.  Keith was upgraded to a regular diet today which is good news, however he is being kept on a healthy diet low in saturated fat and sugar.  The doctors explained that he is going to have to make lifestyle changes to lower his risk for another stroke.  He had PT around 11:15 and speech therapy as well.  His speech therapist does feel that his memory and intelligence is intact but he is still unable to speak(aphasia).  She explained it to me as if he is in a foreign country and doesn't speak the language.  He may know what he wants to say, but those words don't come out.  He is following most conversations that we have but cannot really respond appropriately. We are communicating with gestures and a few words.   This is SO Frustrating for everyone involved, especially Keith.   My Aunt Marsha cut his hair and we sat and watched Eat, Pray, Love.  He has indicated that he doesn't want visitors.  I know he doesn't want to be seen in this state. I will ask him again tomorrow.   I still continue to see improvement every day and ask for your continued prayers for his 100% recovery...Thank you all for loving us.
Julie

Visitors

I started to feel bad about my last post.  I don't want to seem like I am not happy to see all of you.  We have so much love from RFD, family and friends.  I am so thankful for that.  Just visit when you feel the time is right.  God is in charge of the timing.

Saturday March 6

Its a new day.  Keith had a busy first week in rehab and yesterday was really intense.  I saw a glimmer of life in that arm and leg and that was very exciting.  They had him standing quite a bit and doing exercises that force those muscles that are sleeping to respond.  He wanted to go for a stroll through the halls and spent a few minutes looking at himself in the mirror.  He seemed pleased with how he looked.  We had a lot of visitors and I finally realized that Keith might be fine with that but it is exhausting to ME.  I have to be his voice and spending an additional hour talking for him and explaining his situation is really a big job. So I think from now on if visitors come I will go.  I cant keep a schedule of who is coming it is just one more thing to do.  I have to save my energy for Keith.  Thank you for continued prayers for 100% recovery.  I Love you all.
Julie

Wednesday March 2nd

Hi Everyone.  Today is a quiet day at the Rehab center.  Keith has finished 2 sessions of PT and OT and Speech Therapy.  He ate a big lunch and even enjoyed one of Chief Esparza's wife's fabulous cookies.  He is resting watching TV.  His demeanor has changed a bit today.  He is acting a little childish and smiling a lot which is nice to see.  He loved seeing our dog yesterday and I really think animals have such a gentle healing nature.  They have told us he will probably be here another 3 weeks before being released into outpatient rehab.  I am feeling so blessed to have him alive and looking like the man I married. Thank you to everyone that is helping our family through this difficult time.  I am amazed at how everyone has just been there at the right time.  I am going to try to have visitors (poss 2 per day) start coming during the down time after his therapy is completed. Visiting during the peak hours of his therapy is too tiring for him.  Each day we receive the schedule in the morning so once I know it we can post the best time for visitors. Pat Gabler is going to help me organize visitors (760)220-1024. I am looking forward to seeing all of you and so is Keith...Thank you for your prayers for 100% recovery.
Julie

Tuesday March 1

Feeling refreshed and ready for another day. Keith keeps getting stronger each day.  The Physical Therapist wants to add another session per day just for stretching.  Lets face it he never got around to that in the gym..The flexibility will help him regain control of his upper body while standing.  He is working so hard and that is why rest is so important.  The visiting is helpful too.  It boosts his spirits but it has to be timed just right.  Each day he gets a schedule and if varies.  If you want to see him you have to check with Dennis, myself or someone before just showing up. There is a lounge in the facility which is a nice meeting place.  You are always welcome to come there and hang out and wait for an appropriate time to see Keith.  He does respond so well to seeing familiar faces but sometimes it gets overwhelming Im sure. Thank you for your continued prayers..We love you all...
Julie

Monday February 28th

Good Morning everyone.  Keith is continuing to make progress and he is starting to get a routine.  Today he begins the serious physical work.  3-4 hours a day of training/occupational therapy/speech therapy and I know its going to be hard.  I am seeing the the physical work helps him stay calm.    Because of the type of brain injury he has he is very hypersensitive to sound/and light for what I can tell.  He gets upset very easy.   Yesterday was awesome we had family and a few close friends come by and the kids really hung out most of the day.  He seems to enjoy just watching them interact.  It is good for them too because they all really want to help him.  Dennis shaved him up because he was really getting quite the beard.  Too bad it isnt stachtober...He was happy being smooth again.  I cleaned his teeth and finally put his braces back in and that was a relief to him.  Thank you for your continued prayers and help and support.  Now I am off to visit with my guy.

A Story for History

what I have learned from this experience is that Gods hand is on every motion that we make in life. From the littlest things like the cat that moves your heart at the shelter to the pictures that are stored in your phone.  He brings people to your life that will guide you to where you need to be.  Many times you don't feel him.  But He is there.  When you need him the most you are so week yet you still find the strength to fall to your knees and pray.  At those times Jesus takes over your body and begins to tell you exactly what to do.  Who to call, what to say, what to do, who to fix, how to heal, who needs to be saved how to save them.  Sometimes you get very tired and you need to rest. You close your eyes for what feels like hours but in only a few moments you wake up with incredible power to go on.  If you cant find the energy something wakes you up, if you can't see something He helps you find what you need.  That something is the Lord Jesus Christ brought into your body by the Holy Spirit through the prayers of the  people and animals that have been placed there before the event that brought you to your knees. In the beginning I was scared, not for me but for you.  I knew that you would not recognize me and that some of you would be worried.  That was the time for believers to come together to show the non believers the way.  How we connect, how we love so openly. How we pray and share and let down the walls so that support can come down from the Lord. I know that Keith's journey is different but I look forward to the day when he and I can walk again together hand in hand speaking clearly so that I may tell him this story.  Thank you God for this experience and for Placing all of these wonderful special specific people in my life to guide me on this path.  Thank you for their prayers that were so specific in nature that they could be delivered to me by the Holy Spirit.  Thank you for the animals that provide comfort and healing and support with their gentle mysterious ways. My Gratitude is immense because you are an AWESOME GOD.

Prayer and fellowship...

Good evening RFD,
 
Today Keith was moved out of Loma Linda Hospital and into the rehabilitation center that was mentioned in yesterday's e-mail.  The rehabilitation center is located at 25333 Barton Rd. Loma Linda, CA. Visitation is still suspended until the rehabilitation doctors assess Keith and his current situation. This excludes our overnighters: Jeff Larson, Ron Rondero, Tom Kleveno, and Pat Gabler. Special thanks to the previously mentioned individuals for helping Hallgren and me with the Anderson situation. Additionally, the Grove Community Church is hosting a prayer/fellowship gathering tomorrow at 3:00pm in the chapel with a 5:00pm service to follow. All are welcome to attend.
 
Fraternally,
Firefighter Vanderhorst

Continued progress...

Hello All,

Today was a step in the right direction. Keith has been moved out of ICU. Last night the big guy even chowed down a plate of food. I guess he could only take that puréed stuff for so long. He was evaluated by two doctors today and was selected as a candidate for a special rehabilitation center. Apparently, Keith meets certain criteria and shows good promise for a strong recovery. Doctors want him to begin as soon as possible. We are still unsure of visitation at this time. Thanks to all for continuing to step up and help out our brother.

Respectfully,
Firefighter Vanderhorst

Updated diagnosis

Good evening RFD,
 
The official terminology for what caused Keith's stroke is: carotid artery disection. Keith is continuing to make progress and should be moving out of ICU soon. He had his first session of physical therapy today and was really strong. The doctors are going to place him in neurology at Loma Linda to begin rehab. Once he is there, we will figure out the visitation hours and establish a list if visitation is allowable. Anthony Frausto will be the visitation coordinator. Anthony can be reached @ 714-606-5358 or Fire Station #2 @ 951-351-6102. It is my understanding that Odie has established a blog at http://prayforkeith.blogspot.com/  Feel free to post comments and show your support! Keith's facebook is also being updated. Thanks again for all your prayers and continued support!
 
Sincerely,
Firefighter Tim Vanderhorst

Sorry for the late update!

Latest update...

Good evening RFD,

Keith is continuing to make slow progress. He spoke a few words this morning. He looks much better and is looking around more. This afternoon he had a cerebral angiogram to see if a bypass type surgery might be an option. With injuries of this nature, the plan for care is constantly changing. If Keith does have surgery, he will remain in ICU longer. The family is aware that people really want to visit Keith and show support. Unfortunately, as long as he remains in ICU, visitation will not be an option. I know not being able to visit our brother is very difficult, but please respect the doctors' and family's wishes. As soon as Keith is more stable, a visitation list will be established, and RFD personnel will be  notified. Additionally, please direct all phone calls to either Steve Hallgren or me. The family is very overwhelmed. I have passed along all your kind words and offers. As many families have experienced, the Andersons are truly moved by our department's outpouring of support!

Thanks again,

Firefighter Vanderhorst 

Good evening,

The tear in Keith's carotid artery caused a blockage, resulting in a significant stroke on the left side of his brain. Doctors have recently discovered that there is partial flow in the area of the blocked artery. Surgery is not in the cards right now due to the location of the blockage. Keith is making progress. He is eating puréed foods, moving his left side, and reacting with emotion to loved ones. Doctors believe if Keith continues this type of progress, he could be released from ICU within the next day or two. We are still asking that visitation be suspended, as Keith is still in a fragile state and requires rest. The family thanks all of you for your continued prayers and support.

Again we anticipate there will be staffing issues in the near future. Any FF/PM willing to assist Keith Anderson with shift coverage, please call or e-mail Steve Hallgren directly. shallgren@riversideca.gov We will be establishing a list of those individuals willing to assist.

Lets hope Keith continues to make strong progress!

Respectfully,
Firefighter Tim Vanderhorst

Keith's progress...

We all continue to pray for Keith and his family.