Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
as for a progress report, it's more of the same... but better. more movement, with less assistance. same goes for standing and walking. Kurt has a long way to go for full recovery, but his progress gives us confidence that he'll be 100% sooner rather than later.
our doctors and nurses in San Salvador have been wonderful. it's a blessing, in a way, that the accident happened here. the chain of events were perfectly orchestrated, so as to prohibit any further damage. Kurt was attended to more quickly than he may have been elsewhere. the doctors shared with us that in a matter of hours, the condition could've progressed to permanent paralysis. Kurt had plenty of angels that day in San Salvador. now we look forward to continued strength and full recovery in our hometown.
we ask for privacy during Kurt's initial stay in Scripps rehab. when he feels up to it, we'll let you know, as he very much looks forward to reuniting with friends. thank you for the prayers and support over the past couple of weeks. we look forward to seeing you at home, sweet home!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
we're still receiving well-wishes from friends in the States, so thank you for making sure this email reaches anyone interested. as mentioned, I don't have access to an address book here. I'm adding contacts as people send wishes, but please continue to forward these emails as necessary.
the latest news is all good. the past two days have been really positive. kurt is much more lucid, continuing to work hard at physical training, and keeping a positive attitude. he was awefully tired toward the end of last week, but the weekend was a real kick start for him. he still has a way to go in PT, but I can see big change in the past couple of days.
Kurt is spending most of the day sitting, instead of in bed, which is a big improvement. he stands (assisted) with much more ease. he walks (assisted) at a rhythmic pace. recovery will be gradual, so most of these updates are sounding similar -- no groundbreaking advancements -- but I hope my tone comes through. we are very pleased with rehab over the past couple of days, and we're confident it will continue in the States.
just a reminder: if you want to be a part of Kurt's welcome home/get well soon/prayers/warm wishes book, please email my wife Megan Filipovitch at meganfilipovitch@gmail.com. thank you to everyone who already has. i know my dad will be humbled by all the love and support around him.
p.s. a lot of you have suggested a website/Facebook page to correspond regarding Kurt's recovery. it's a great idea. we'll look into it when back in the States.
until next time,
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
remember, if you want to be a part of Kurt's welcome home/get well soon/prayers/warm wishes book, please email my wife Megan Filipovitch at meganfilipovitch@gmail.com. thank you to everyone who already has. i know my dad will be humbled by all the love and support around him.
until next time,
Friday, November 25, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
after speaking with the doctors last night, we've decided to continue rehab in San Salvador until early next week. the doctors suggest that Kurt fly commercially to the States on Tuesday. we have a plan in place to expedite his pre-boarding. thank you all for your research into medi-vac transportation. we appreciate it tremendously, and wanted to inform you of the change in plans ASAP.
as it stands, Kurt will fly into LAX on Tuesday. we'll need an ambulance standing by to transport him home or, more likely, an appropriate rehabilitation facility. the change in plans has given Kurt incentive to boost rehab therapy in hopes of regaining a desired range of motion for his trip home.
there is little to report on Kurt's status, as the morning is still young. signals to the right side of his body suffer most from the accident. he had feeling in all extremities after the accident, and still does. signals to the left side of his body are functioning appropriately. he's working at gaining full movement in his arm and leg, and they are probably 75%. he is working on retraining the right side of his body. again, he has full feeling on both sides. but signals from his brain to his right-side extremities are impaired. he's working on thinking the movement before making the
movement. he's operating his right arm at probably 40%. doctors say his leg will take longer, but are very pleased with the first week of recovery. I want to ensure you that there was never a doubt that Kurt would regain function, and that still holds true today.
we celebrated an American thanksgiving abroad last night thanks to friends in San Salvador. Kurt, Teddie and I received a full feast of turkey, stuffing, green beans, pie... even wine. what a way to make us feel at home. and, most importantly, it was our chance to give thanks for the many blessings over this past year and past week.
until next time,
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Kurt has been very tired today. but his recovery seems to be on track. breathing exercises were added to his daily dose of physical therapy. the pulmonary doctor doesn't see anything alarming, but wants to counteract any effects from water in Kurt's lungs. Kurt has worked hard at recovery, impressing the doctors and nurses. his assisted walk has been the talk of the hall. after only 5 days, he has proved to himself and the rest of us that he's well on his way to recovery. the doctors are happy to let him sleep today, storing up energy for further progress.
the plan is still to fly home as early as this weekend. he'll need medi-vac transportation. if anyone has recommendations regarding medical travel, please let us know. we'd ideally like to fly from San Salvador to Carlsbad. we're also looking for a rehabilitation center that specializes in spinal injuries upon arrival in the States.
the most important news to report is Kurt's optimism. his spirits are high, due in large part to the response from friends here and in the States. he understands the severity of the situation, and is thankful to be on the road to recovery.
we were able to watch some lions football today. although they lost, American football on thanksgiving made him feel very much at home -- even with commentary en espanol. we appreciate all the love and support, thoughts and prayers from you all. it's made this process much more manageable for Kurt and our entire family.
I'll continue sending updates as often as possible.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011

hi all,
thanks to you and all of our friends who have reached out during this unfortunate time. Kurt's accident occurred on Friday at midday. the events that followed were nothing short of miraculous. we were traveling as part of a large group for a friend's wedding. in that group were doctors, nurses and EMTs, all of whom proved invaluable for Kurt.
Kurt had neck surgery on Friday night, and has been recovering well ever since. he is regaining movement on his right side, and strength on his left. yesterday, he sat for the first time, and today he walked with assistance! the doctors are impressed and optimistic. we might return to the States as early as Saturday. Kurt is overwhelmed by the support from friends in el Salvador and the US. please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I'll send updates as often as possible.