Positive Steps 07/31/2009
 
Thursday, July 30th Colton went in for surgery to partially close his right leg. He currently has drains in this right leg to drain the remaining adema. He was started on a liquid diet without his feeding tube and drank half of a banana strawberry smoothie, some milk shake, and 3 cups of water. Today is Friday and Colton started eating solid food today! He ate half a piece of french toast this morning and some juice. For lunch, he asked for a Chick-fil-a chicken sandwhich and fries. He had about 3 big bites of his sandwhich and 3 french fries! We as a family are so excited about his progress. He is still suffering from a low grade fever and an acclerated heart rate. The doctors found a small absess in his psoas muscle. Turns out, it's some dried blood left from the initial surgery when his aorta was punctured and blood filled the cavity of his body. The dried blood should disappear over time but they are going to keep an eye on it just to make sure it doesn't cause infection. Colton could be transferred to San Antonio as soon as the end of next week, depending on his recovery rate.

Thanks to everyone who has been sending cards, letters, and comments on the blog. These are all going to be helpful for Colton and our family in the weeks and months to come when we all need a little encouragement and reminder of how many people love and care about our family. Thank you to all those who have donated through his benefit fund through Frost Bank and at Beale AFB. Again, we would like to express our gratitude to the Beale AFB and the Beale Community for all they have done. We receive hot meals almost every day and that is VERY appreciated. I would have never expected the out pour of support that we as a family have recieved. Thank you all so much.

Jessica Read
 


Comments

Richaard Longview, Texas

07/31/2009 23:13:20

Dear Colton and family,

I am praying for you daily. I too got
messed up by botched surgery from a Army surgeon. I had 12 years in the AF and now have to fight for my Va benefits. God Bless you . I hope they allow you to stay in the Af. god BLESS

 

R.M. Reynolds

08/01/2009 02:12:26

God does answer prayers.

It is very good to read that Colton is craving and eating solid food. From what I read the doctors now have gotten a handle on what has been giving him problems and are working to make the situation better.

Even better, it looks like y'all might be heading to San Antonio for treatment. Between Wilford Hall and BAMC Colton should receive some of the best care available.

Please give me a yell once ya get to San Antonio. I have a big truck and lots of prayer warriors lined up to help.

 

Carrie Turner

08/01/2009 09:19:31

Yeah! Making good progress. I read this everyday, thanks so much for keeping it updated. Jessica, you and Colton will make it through this. Sounds like he will be moving back to TX soon, but if you need a place to sleep anytime in CA, give me a call I have a guest room. And friends all over town with couches to crash on. Take Care..

 

DC

08/01/2009 09:37:10

Good to hear you are eating real food now. My wife had this same type surgery error at Wilford Hall about 8 months ago. Go to BAMC and the Center for the Intrepid. They do outstanding work there for amputees. My wife has gotten great care since her injury but the resident physician that made the mistake had no consequences from her action since my wife is active duty. It's frustrating but focus on getting better for yourself and your family who loves you.

 

Nathan Green

08/01/2009 11:29:07

It is good to hear that Colton is improving and hopefully be moving to San Antonio. This may be looking a little ahead, but might I suggest the following website to "get a jump" on the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB)/Physical Evaluation Board (PEB)---when you're ready to do so. That way you'll have the facts to fight for what Colton deserves....either return to duty or decent medical benefits for the rest of his life. There are several people in the know on the board including a former AF JAG who worked medical cases. If you need some more info, drop me a message off line.

http://www.pebforum.com/

Nathan E. Green, Capt, USAF

 

OD

08/01/2009 11:34:11

Dear Colton & Family,

I am glad to hear you are doing better. My prayers are with you and your family. It appears that you are truly a fighter and with your spirit and determination you will get through this. There are people everywhere praying for you, people such as myself, that you don't even know. Thank you for sharing your story with us and for keeping us updated.

 

Amy K

08/01/2009 16:48:31

Dearest Jessica and Colton and all of your extended family,
I learned of your case while standing in line at the PX at Fort Drum, NY. I came home and jumped online and was immediately brought to tears for what you are going through. My heart goes out to you and I wish you all the best. My prayers are with you everyday and may our Lord walk with you down the path you are now on. Rely on the strength, support and love of one another. Educate yourself on all of Colton's military options before making ANY decisions. Just because someone in uniform says one way is best or the only option, doesn't mean they are correct! There are amputees serving in the military services. Look at the Army's Goldern Knights...there is an amputee jumping out of airplanes for the parachute team. Proof that anything is possible! God bless you and keep you in his loving arms!

 

Diedra Hader

08/01/2009 18:56:24

Colton,

I am so proud of you. You have shown what a fighter you are, and continue to amaze and inspire people around the world every single day. You have so many people pulling for you, and standing at the ready to do whatever they can to help you and your family. Please do not hesitate to reach out to others for help, or to accept offers of help...accepting help is never a sign of weakness, it's actually a sign of strength. And you are nothing if not strong.

-Ms. H.

 

Mary, NYC

08/01/2009 22:22:12

Chick-Fil-A! Well now we KNOW Colton is going to be okay. :) Thank you for the update, hope Colton has a peaceful night.

 

Akesha Lowry

08/01/2009 23:31:05

Colton, Jessica, and the entire Read family

I thank God that Colton is improving each day. I read about this story on Friday and tears came to my eyes. Colton's bravery and determination shows what it truly means to be an Airman. My family and I are praying everyday for Colton's recovery. It is so good to hear that he is starting to eat solid foods again. Hopefully your family will get to San Antonio soon so Colton can begin his rehabilitation.

And Jessica, THANK YOU for keeping us updated on Colton. STAY STRONG. God is right by your side and he is watching over you and your family.

Akesha Lowry, SrA, USAF

 

Ashley, McChord AFB

08/02/2009 02:50:00

As I read in another comment, I heard of Coltons story when I read it on the front cover while waiting in line at the BX. I came home and searched his name and found your site. My heart goes out to your family. Im glad to hear he is improving, and that a Senator spoke on his behalf. I hope you recieve justice and that the USAF takes care of their Airman. Nothing is impossible, and I would like to hope that soon he will walk again despite the odds against him! I hope good fortune shines on your family from here on out and wish you only the best. You all are so very strong!

 

Justin and Brandi Walker

08/02/2009 08:34:15

Justin attended Intel school with Colton. I am also in the military. We are saddened to read this story we I know everyone else is as well. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you! I am still shocked by this story! I have contacted my church and requested him be placed on there prayer line. We will continue to follow your story.

 

Nancy Drew

08/02/2009 10:48:31

Colton and Jessica,
This is such good news! I'm sory I can't be there, but I know there are so many people celebrating with you and continue their support. My best to you both. God Bless and keep up the great work Binky--You're so strong!

 

Rick Costolo

08/02/2009 12:53:38

Colton and Jessica,
I saw your story today on the front of the AF Times at the shoppette and I came right to work and read more about your situation. My heart goes out to both of you. My wife and I recently had to be medivac'd due to medical problems with our infant son, and I know how scary it can be. You and your family are in my prayers and I hope that they allow you to continue to serve if that's what you want to do. You are truely an inspiration and make me proud to be an Airman.

 

Cindy and Mac McNallly

08/02/2009 13:08:32

Dear Colton
Mac and I have followed your progress since the day it happened. Mac works in ACC in A-8 and believe me all of your ACC U2 folks think of you all the time. Your strength has inspired us two retired CMSgt's and is an example for everyone. Nothing is impossible in the USAF and in this life. We are behind you 100%. And to the family--THANK YOU for keeping all of us informed as Colton is part of the Air Force family and we are all cheering him on.

 

Angela

08/02/2009 15:45:40

Hi Jessica and Colton,

My hearts go out to you both. I am an RN, and I have a son who is an A1C. Ironically, he joined AF on July 17, 2007, and is stationed at Dyess in SF. We created a facebook, and am trying to spread the word for help either in cards or donations. I hope you both don't mind. Thanks

 

barbaralee & jerzy g. sass

08/02/2009 17:25:31

colton, jessica and family, our prayers are with you....jerzy is retired navy and our son is in the army serving in iraq.....may you have an excellent recovery and be allowed to continue to serve in the air force if you choose to....serenity, barbaralee and jerzy

 

Cavan Harris

08/02/2009 20:04:15

Dear Steve, Irene, Jessica, and Colton: Janet and I have been following what has happened so far and are waiting our turn to be there for you. Though we have not been able to travel to Sacramento please know that we love you all very much and think about you every day. Should you have Colton moved here to San Antonio we will be happy to have you any time you would like to stay with us.
We love you all,
Cavan and Janet

 

Amanda Chappell

08/03/2009 01:10:07

Colton,
I have been praying for you since day one and I am so glad to see that you are hanging in there and keeping strong. I will continue to pray for you and I know you will have a speedy recovery once they get you to San Antonio and get you closer to family. Keep up your strength and know that I love you very much.

Love,
Your Aunt Amanda

 

Wesley Gregory

08/03/2009 04:20:34

Hey Bud,
Glad to see you are makin improvements. Must have been nice to eat some chick fil a. Havent had that in at least 6 months. Im glad to see you are doin better Colton I truely am. I try to get on at least once a day to see the updates on you and my parents and wife are keepin updated with your situation as well. I know you are gonna pull through it and over succeed everyones expectations. Let me know anyway I can help you and Jessica out.

Wes

 

Tambra Littlejohn

08/03/2009 07:07:41

Hi Colton, Jessica and family,
Just wanted to let you know that your family here in Hanford is keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. We love you guys!

Aunt Barbara, Cody and Tambra

 

Shannon Castro

08/03/2009 09:41:24

Colton and Jessica,
You both and your family are in my prayers. I wanted to let you know that I was active A.F. (11 yrs) and am disgusted that no news has been out regarding the consequences that the incompetent, un-trained, useless "doctor" faced as the result of their "human error", truly pathetic. This “doctor” needs to be gone/out and Now!; Before a fatality occurs by their hands through their “human error” to another trusting Airman or a member of their family. I will be writing to the Senators and will aid in any way to support Congressional change in laws that will allow for such egregious medical mal-practice suits to get justice they deserve! May God Bless your and your family and Keep You Strong!

 

Jeff, Patti, Layne, and Liam Atkinson

08/03/2009 10:32:45

Jess,
We have all been praying and thinking of Colton, you and the family since this tragedy. We have been staying in touch with the through e-mails with Nancy and Lisa.

We may be far away, but are near in spirit. We can only believe that Colton will make the best of this ordeal. We will be glad to help in any way.

We Love You and God Bless,

Cousin Jeff, Patti, Layne, and Liam.

 

Lorisa Young

08/03/2009 11:00:14

I'm so glad to hear positive progress! Keeping you in my prayers..hope Colton had a good weekend. Thank you for keeping us updated on his progress. Hang in there Colton - you've got a lot of prayer warriors out here for you and Jessica too!

 

Mark T and family

08/03/2009 14:55:48

Luke 18:27 - Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

Never give up and always know that God is great!

You're in our prayers.

 

Woodland DeMolay

08/03/2009 20:45:05

Hello Colton,
We your brothers of Woodland DeMolay would like to wish you a speedy recovery and will keep you in our prayers. If you or your family need anything we will gladly help just let us know. Your Brothers of Woodland California DeMolay !!! God Bless Mother God Bless Father God Bless the Purposes of DeMolay God Bless you Colton and your Family!

 

Cindy

08/04/2009 08:46:33

This is great progress!!! God is in control..There is no doubt in my mind that God will pull Colton through this!! Keep up the good work Colton!!! You are in our prayers!!!!

 

Patrick Edwards

08/06/2009 20:44:27

We pray for your strength and courage in the face of this tragedy. As a teacher at Lone Tree School on Beale, I felt the blow when I read of your story in the paper. Words being inadequate, I'll just say that we never know what life will throw at us, and I know you are up to the challenge. God bless you both.

 



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