We were told this morning that Ron was moving to Progressive Care (step-down unit)sometime this afternoon. But, when ICU nurse went to give report to PCU nurse and check to make sure they had everything to handle him; it turns out even though he is no longer critically ill, he is too complex for a step-down unit. Until they can get rid of some of the tubes, or at least get them off of wall suction, he will remain in ICU.
He is scheduled to go back to Interventional Radiology on Thursday so it looks like there will be no changes before then. When Dr. Shires was in this morning he was telling us that he just discharged a patient who had severe pancreatitis who had been here 5 months...not sure if he was trying to encourage us or what! He continues to be pleased with Ron's progress though and it's good to know Ron's illness is one he treats on a regular basis.
Don't know anything else to report. Hope you have a good weekend!
Love,
Christie, Ron, Ryan, Aaron & Kristin
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope..." Romans 15:13 NIV
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Waiting pattern
Fairly quiet the last couple of days....we are pretty much in a waiting pattern. Waiting for the cavities in the belly to dry out; waiting for the fistulas in the colon to heal after the belly dries out; waiting to begin tube feeds; and waiting for one day, way down the road, to be able to reconnect intestines.
This evening, Ron went back down to Interventional Radiology where he was able to watch everything on the screen. He said it was pretty interesting! Nothing new, just checking to see that everything was still in place and working properly. Dr. Parikh was happy to see that the hematoma is slowing getting smaller and the other cavity (up by the colonic fistula) is also shrinking. He will go back to IR first part of next week.
His white blood count is consistently staying around 12,000; hemoglobin around 10; no fever in the last 2 weeks. Blood sugar, heart rate and blood pressure still bounce around some...blood sugar is hard to regulate due to TPN (IV nutrition).
Word is, they are looking to move Ron out of ICU; probably to a step-down unit. We're hoping it won't be until sometime next week, his drainage tubes are complex and we feel much more comfortable in ICU.
Today, he was able to walk to the window and back two times with the walker (break in between the two, but that's ok! He hasn't walked since Dec. 8th or 9th). He also sat up in a chair for about 30 minutes afterwards.
Continue to pray...all the doctors say he's doing well but he will probably have more setbacks along the way. I'm praying he will continue to go forward with no setbacks!
"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act."
Psalm 37:7 NLT
This evening, Ron went back down to Interventional Radiology where he was able to watch everything on the screen. He said it was pretty interesting! Nothing new, just checking to see that everything was still in place and working properly. Dr. Parikh was happy to see that the hematoma is slowing getting smaller and the other cavity (up by the colonic fistula) is also shrinking. He will go back to IR first part of next week.
His white blood count is consistently staying around 12,000; hemoglobin around 10; no fever in the last 2 weeks. Blood sugar, heart rate and blood pressure still bounce around some...blood sugar is hard to regulate due to TPN (IV nutrition).
Word is, they are looking to move Ron out of ICU; probably to a step-down unit. We're hoping it won't be until sometime next week, his drainage tubes are complex and we feel much more comfortable in ICU.
Today, he was able to walk to the window and back two times with the walker (break in between the two, but that's ok! He hasn't walked since Dec. 8th or 9th). He also sat up in a chair for about 30 minutes afterwards.
Continue to pray...all the doctors say he's doing well but he will probably have more setbacks along the way. I'm praying he will continue to go forward with no setbacks!
"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act."
Psalm 37:7 NLT
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas!!!
It's been a fairly quiet, restful Christmas Day, despite Ron's day starting at 8AM with PT and OT getting him up and going...no breaks here at Presby!
After spending the night at Debbie's and enjoying Christmas morning with all the family there, Ryan arrived mid-morning.
We had decided not to do presents this year, but Ryan surprised us with a couple. First, he had wrapped up his Bose CD player and our favorite Christmas CD so after opening these, we opened our presents (we each got a new "squishy" pillow, yeah!!!) while listening to our favorite Christmas song "You Gotta Get Up" by Rich Mullens, a traditional part of our Christmas mornings! Ron also received a gift basket from the Interventional Radiology department....that tells how much time he's spending with them!! His "new best friends" are very kind.
Ron and I spent a good part of the afternoon napping...pretty boring for Ryan, I'm sure. He returned to Deb's to have Christmas dinner late afternoon.
Aaron and Kristin have enjoyed the last couple of days celebrating Christmas with the Bailey's and their 10 new puppies!
As we celebrate our Saviour's birth, we also spend this day reflecting on the many miracles God has granted us this year, but especially in sparing Ron's life! As well as praising the Father for your faithfulness to minister to us in so many ways!
Blessings to you, dear family and friends!
Christie, Ron, Ryan, Aaron and Kristin
"... Lord...I am filled with awe by the amazing things you have done. In this time of our deep need, begin again to help us, as you did in years gone by. Show us your power..." Habakkuk 3:2 NLT
After spending the night at Debbie's and enjoying Christmas morning with all the family there, Ryan arrived mid-morning.
We had decided not to do presents this year, but Ryan surprised us with a couple. First, he had wrapped up his Bose CD player and our favorite Christmas CD so after opening these, we opened our presents (we each got a new "squishy" pillow, yeah!!!) while listening to our favorite Christmas song "You Gotta Get Up" by Rich Mullens, a traditional part of our Christmas mornings! Ron also received a gift basket from the Interventional Radiology department....that tells how much time he's spending with them!! His "new best friends" are very kind.
Ron and I spent a good part of the afternoon napping...pretty boring for Ryan, I'm sure. He returned to Deb's to have Christmas dinner late afternoon.
Aaron and Kristin have enjoyed the last couple of days celebrating Christmas with the Bailey's and their 10 new puppies!
As we celebrate our Saviour's birth, we also spend this day reflecting on the many miracles God has granted us this year, but especially in sparing Ron's life! As well as praising the Father for your faithfulness to minister to us in so many ways!
Blessings to you, dear family and friends!
Christie, Ron, Ryan, Aaron and Kristin
"... Lord...I am filled with awe by the amazing things you have done. In this time of our deep need, begin again to help us, as you did in years gone by. Show us your power..." Habakkuk 3:2 NLT
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve
Ron had his PICC line replaced this morning and while they had him down in IR they flushed out his belly. Drainage tubes seem to be in good place so nothing else was done there.
He had both OT and PT early this afternoon...OT is great about giving him a real hair washing! They can tell it's easier for him to move now that he's lost alot of that fluid. They had him do some leg exercises and stand by the bed then scooch himself higher up in the bed.
Nothing else to report for today!
Take some time these next couple of days, to reflect on God's grace in sending His one and only Son as a baby to grow up and experience this world that He might empathize with us, yet remain sinless, and provide us a bridge to the Father!
Glory to God in the highest...and peace on earth to all men...
Love, Christie, Ryan, Aaron and Kristin
"So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness." John 1:14
He had both OT and PT early this afternoon...OT is great about giving him a real hair washing! They can tell it's easier for him to move now that he's lost alot of that fluid. They had him do some leg exercises and stand by the bed then scooch himself higher up in the bed.
Nothing else to report for today!
Take some time these next couple of days, to reflect on God's grace in sending His one and only Son as a baby to grow up and experience this world that He might empathize with us, yet remain sinless, and provide us a bridge to the Father!
Glory to God in the highest...and peace on earth to all men...
Love, Christie, Ryan, Aaron and Kristin
"So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness." John 1:14
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Another restful Sunday
Ron was able to get in some much-needed napping today, and I was able to get caught up on some work! We also had a "group therapy" session...everyone did Ron's arm exercises together to encourage him! I'm sure the nurses thought we were crazy! Pretty funny, especially when we did one and turned it into "the wave"!
Sometime tomorrow he will go back to Interventional Radiology to have his PICC line replaced and they will probably flush out belly and make any adjustments needed with the drain tubes.
Aaron and Kristin left this evening to spend Christmas with her family in Tuscola (outside of Abilene). They will return Wednesday and he begins his new job Thursday.
Ryan and I will spend the day here with Ron. This will be a different Christmas for us, but that's ok...we've already received the best gift this year...Ron is here with us! And as we told Dr. Parikh when he sympathized that we would be spending Christmas in the hospital....we celebrate Christ every day....which is what Christmas is all about!!
Sometime tomorrow he will go back to Interventional Radiology to have his PICC line replaced and they will probably flush out belly and make any adjustments needed with the drain tubes.
Aaron and Kristin left this evening to spend Christmas with her family in Tuscola (outside of Abilene). They will return Wednesday and he begins his new job Thursday.
Ryan and I will spend the day here with Ron. This will be a different Christmas for us, but that's ok...we've already received the best gift this year...Ron is here with us! And as we told Dr. Parikh when he sympathized that we would be spending Christmas in the hospital....we celebrate Christ every day....which is what Christmas is all about!!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Complex Case? But, of course!
Yesterday (Friday) was rough...especially for Ron. He was very frustrated and disappointed. But he is in much better spirits today. This verse is reflective of thoughts and feeling from yesterday.
"My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me? Why do you remain so distant? Why do you ignore my cries for help? Every day I call to You, my God, but You do not answer. Every night You hear my voice, but I find no relief. YET YOU ARE HOLY!...Our ancestors trusted in You and You rescued theml You heard their cries for help and saved them. They put their trust in You and were never disappointed....You have been my God from the moment I was born...O Lord, do not stay away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid!...He has not ignored the suffering of the needy. He has not turned and walked away. He has listened to their cries for help...I will praise You among all the people...All who seek the Lord will praise Him...The whold earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to Him...Our children will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those yet unborn. They will hear about everything He has done."
Psalm 22:1-5, 10, 19, 24, 26-27, 30-31 NLT
We've all been pretty tired after a very, very late night waiting for Ron to be finished with CT scans and IR procedures. About an hour of that time was spent waiting for an available anesthesiologist. One of the drains was moved in order to help drain the stuff coming out of his incision site...the tissue can't fully heal until this area is dry; same thing with the leak in the colon (colonic fistula). When we spoke with Dr. Parikh (Interventional Radiologist) today he was disappointed to tell us that when they put the gastric tube into his stomach they had alot of trouble. He says he has done over 100 of these in the last year and he has never encountered one has complex as Ron's (surprise, surprise! this seems to be his style, doesn't it?) Evidently his stomach is higher and more to the left up underneath ribs than the average stomach anatomy and is surrounded by his colon. During the insertion of the gastric tube, they went through the colon...not a great thing, a little set back for healing but the hope is it will not cause too much trouble. Fortunately, there are already drainage tubes in place so the hope is they will also collect anything that comes from this new leak. Ron says he hates that that happened but getting the NG out of his nose was well worth the trouble this has caused. He is so much more comfortable and less restricted in movement because of this removal.
Our main concern remains getting all the different pockets of fluid to dry out so these cavities can collapse and healing can begin. Because of the leaks, tube feeding has been postponed indefinitely. Not a great thing, he's back to just the TPN (IV nutrition) which is not as good as being able to feed his gut thus allowing better healing. Sometime in the near future they will have to do a procedure, similar to a colonoscopy, to see if there are any more leaks anywhere in the colon before they will begin tube feeding again.
Good news is...they searched and searched and could not find any leaks in the duodenum which they have thought all along was one of the main problems. This is HUGE!!! Dr. Shires says this would have been a difficult problem to take care of whereas the colon leaks are much easier to treat.
So, for now; we are kind of back where we were a week ago (minus the NG tube discomfort! and thought of duodenum leak).
Thanks for your continued support and encouragement
"My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me? Why do you remain so distant? Why do you ignore my cries for help? Every day I call to You, my God, but You do not answer. Every night You hear my voice, but I find no relief. YET YOU ARE HOLY!...Our ancestors trusted in You and You rescued theml You heard their cries for help and saved them. They put their trust in You and were never disappointed....You have been my God from the moment I was born...O Lord, do not stay away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid!...He has not ignored the suffering of the needy. He has not turned and walked away. He has listened to their cries for help...I will praise You among all the people...All who seek the Lord will praise Him...The whold earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to Him...Our children will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those yet unborn. They will hear about everything He has done."
Psalm 22:1-5, 10, 19, 24, 26-27, 30-31 NLT
We've all been pretty tired after a very, very late night waiting for Ron to be finished with CT scans and IR procedures. About an hour of that time was spent waiting for an available anesthesiologist. One of the drains was moved in order to help drain the stuff coming out of his incision site...the tissue can't fully heal until this area is dry; same thing with the leak in the colon (colonic fistula). When we spoke with Dr. Parikh (Interventional Radiologist) today he was disappointed to tell us that when they put the gastric tube into his stomach they had alot of trouble. He says he has done over 100 of these in the last year and he has never encountered one has complex as Ron's (surprise, surprise! this seems to be his style, doesn't it?) Evidently his stomach is higher and more to the left up underneath ribs than the average stomach anatomy and is surrounded by his colon. During the insertion of the gastric tube, they went through the colon...not a great thing, a little set back for healing but the hope is it will not cause too much trouble. Fortunately, there are already drainage tubes in place so the hope is they will also collect anything that comes from this new leak. Ron says he hates that that happened but getting the NG out of his nose was well worth the trouble this has caused. He is so much more comfortable and less restricted in movement because of this removal.
Our main concern remains getting all the different pockets of fluid to dry out so these cavities can collapse and healing can begin. Because of the leaks, tube feeding has been postponed indefinitely. Not a great thing, he's back to just the TPN (IV nutrition) which is not as good as being able to feed his gut thus allowing better healing. Sometime in the near future they will have to do a procedure, similar to a colonoscopy, to see if there are any more leaks anywhere in the colon before they will begin tube feeding again.
Good news is...they searched and searched and could not find any leaks in the duodenum which they have thought all along was one of the main problems. This is HUGE!!! Dr. Shires says this would have been a difficult problem to take care of whereas the colon leaks are much easier to treat.
So, for now; we are kind of back where we were a week ago (minus the NG tube discomfort! and thought of duodenum leak).
Thanks for your continued support and encouragement
IR procedure results
It's been a very long wait but we finally were able to go see Ron. He went down for CT scan about 6:30 PM and got back to his room about 2 AM....long procedure (which most of the Interventional procedures are); they said after his CT scan they had to wait for an anesthesiologist to begin IR.
We have not spoken to a doctor but from what the nurses know, things went well and they were able to accomplish what needed to be done about the colonic fistula. They also adjusted some of the other drains AND, REMOVED THE NG TUBE...YEAH!!! They have another drain percutaneous (through skin) into stomach to drain instead. This will make him much more comfortable.
I'm sure we will all spend as much time possibe resting Saturday. I know he's pretty sore so will probably be on pain meds which will help him sleep, too.
Thanks for praying!
We have not spoken to a doctor but from what the nurses know, things went well and they were able to accomplish what needed to be done about the colonic fistula. They also adjusted some of the other drains AND, REMOVED THE NG TUBE...YEAH!!! They have another drain percutaneous (through skin) into stomach to drain instead. This will make him much more comfortable.
I'm sure we will all spend as much time possibe resting Saturday. I know he's pretty sore so will probably be on pain meds which will help him sleep, too.
Thanks for praying!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Still waiting...
Dr. Beecherl (Dr. Shires partner) came in and said Dr. Parikh will take Ron down early afternoon and see if he is able to contain the "colonic fistula" (leak in colon) through Interventional Radiology procedure. If not, Dr. Beecherel will talk to a gastroenterologist to see if they can go in and do something with a stent (never been done on this type of thing but routinely used for other similar problems) to buy some time and if they don't feel that can be done, then they will have to operate. This is definitely a last resort, no one wants to have to go in there but if needed....
Please join us in praying that this will be able to be handled without going into surgery!!! Also, please pray against infection from all this leakage!
Please join us in praying that this will be able to be handled without going into surgery!!! Also, please pray against infection from all this leakage!
Trouble in Paradise
Sorry for the lack of update last night...I stayed extra late with Ron to help with dressing changes, bed change, etc. and to be able to visit with him as well as his night nurse, Ashley.
Ron enjoyed a great evening at Spa Presby...he received a pedicure from Kristin, manicure from Aaron, much-needed shave from Ryan and bath from yours truly! Has he got a great family, or what????
Despite all the pampering, I arrived this morning to find they had called in the resident surgeons early, early this morning because he has begun leaking bowel out of his incision site. Not a good thing. They also had to stop his tube feeding yesterday evening because it was coming out of two of his drains. So, we are waiting to hear from Dr. Shires (pancreatic specialist) and Dr. Parikh (Interventional Radiologist) to see if things are still on for the IR (interventional radiology) procedure today. Ron is quite discouraged...I know it's very frustrating to him when things seem to finally be headed in the right direction and then something else crops up. Please pray that he would lean hard on his Heavenly Father and allow Him to bring peace, comfort and renewed hope.
White Blood Cell (WBC) count is now down to 13,000 and he continues to remain fever free! Especially encouraging signs in spite of all the other things going on.
Please pray:
for wisdom and discernment for the doctors as they determine the next step (they may already know the plan, but we have not heard as yet).
for Ron's nurses, techs and all those who tend to him...we have been so blessed by their care, compassion, gentleness, skill...may we be a blessing to them as well
for Ryan, Aaron & Kristin as they try to settle into their new lives here in the DFW area and make the long trek over here each day
Thanks faithful prayer warriors!
Christie
"For the LORD comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones. "
Isaiah 56:13
Ron enjoyed a great evening at Spa Presby...he received a pedicure from Kristin, manicure from Aaron, much-needed shave from Ryan and bath from yours truly! Has he got a great family, or what????
Despite all the pampering, I arrived this morning to find they had called in the resident surgeons early, early this morning because he has begun leaking bowel out of his incision site. Not a good thing. They also had to stop his tube feeding yesterday evening because it was coming out of two of his drains. So, we are waiting to hear from Dr. Shires (pancreatic specialist) and Dr. Parikh (Interventional Radiologist) to see if things are still on for the IR (interventional radiology) procedure today. Ron is quite discouraged...I know it's very frustrating to him when things seem to finally be headed in the right direction and then something else crops up. Please pray that he would lean hard on his Heavenly Father and allow Him to bring peace, comfort and renewed hope.
White Blood Cell (WBC) count is now down to 13,000 and he continues to remain fever free! Especially encouraging signs in spite of all the other things going on.
Please pray:
for wisdom and discernment for the doctors as they determine the next step (they may already know the plan, but we have not heard as yet).
for Ron's nurses, techs and all those who tend to him...we have been so blessed by their care, compassion, gentleness, skill...may we be a blessing to them as well
for Ryan, Aaron & Kristin as they try to settle into their new lives here in the DFW area and make the long trek over here each day
Thanks faithful prayer warriors!
Christie
"For the LORD comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones. "
Isaiah 56:13
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Stats
I haven't posted stats in a couple of days, they are all very good! For those intersted in numbers:
Hemoglobin: 11.5 (this is fantastic! he's typically been running in the 8's which is borderline for need of transfusion!)
White blood cell count: 18,000 (continuing to trend down)
Creatnine: 0.9 (very good given that he only has one kidney and they have done 3 CT scans with contrast--dye--since last Friday)
Heart rate is no longer on the low side (they attribute the low heart rate to the amount of fluid he had on as well as the low blood levels he had for a few days)
His fluid continues to decrease: Monday he was up to 108.6 kg (about 239 lbs), today he's down to 90.6. (about 199 lbs). What a weight loss plan!
We think today should be a quiet day; as far as we know, nothing is on the schedule until tomorrow when they do the next Interventional Radiology procedure. Good day for me to get alot of work done!!!
Love, Christie
PS: To our friends in BISD....enjoy your Christmas break; you deserve a restful one!!! You can keep up with progress by checking our website http://www.ronnordell.com/. Go to news and updates and click on specific date or month!
Hemoglobin: 11.5 (this is fantastic! he's typically been running in the 8's which is borderline for need of transfusion!)
White blood cell count: 18,000 (continuing to trend down)
Creatnine: 0.9 (very good given that he only has one kidney and they have done 3 CT scans with contrast--dye--since last Friday)
Heart rate is no longer on the low side (they attribute the low heart rate to the amount of fluid he had on as well as the low blood levels he had for a few days)
His fluid continues to decrease: Monday he was up to 108.6 kg (about 239 lbs), today he's down to 90.6. (about 199 lbs). What a weight loss plan!
We think today should be a quiet day; as far as we know, nothing is on the schedule until tomorrow when they do the next Interventional Radiology procedure. Good day for me to get alot of work done!!!
Love, Christie
PS: To our friends in BISD....enjoy your Christmas break; you deserve a restful one!!! You can keep up with progress by checking our website http://www.ronnordell.com/. Go to news and updates and click on specific date or month!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Finally some rest!
Not alot to report today. Ron has been sleeping a good deal of the day; making up for all the activity yesterday! They did start him on a diuretic to try to get some of the fluid to decrease. So far, he's lost 11 liters of fluid today. He also had both PT and OT today; it's very hard for him to get up with all the weight in his legs (along with his overall weakness) but it feels good once he's sitting up on the side of the bed.
He will go back to Interventional Radiology on Friday for another procedure...hopefully they will be able to get rid of the NG tube and replace with one directly into stomach through torso.
I've been reminded of the story in 1 Kings of the widow woman that God sent Elijah to. She was down to her last bit of oil and flour when Elijah told her that God wanted her to use it to make him something to eat and promised He would continue to provide for her and her son if she would only trust and be obedient. And, as always, God was faithful to His promise!
"...Elijah said to her, 'Don't be afraid...for this is what the Lord, God of Israel, says: There will always be plenty'...So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her son continued to eat from her supply of flour and oil....For no matter how much they used, there was always enough left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah." I Kings 17:13-16 (selected) NLT
In Ron's Bible is this footnote: "A simple act of faith produced a miracle...Faith is the step between promise and assurance. Miracles seem so out of reach for our feeble faith. But every miracle, large or small, begins with an act of obedience. We may not see the solution until we take the first step of faith. Even when God has done a miracle in our lives, our troubles may not be over. ...God's provision is never given in order to let us rest upon it. We need to depend on Him as each new trial faces us."
I can't begin to tell you how God has blessed us in this same way...As I paid bills yesterday, for both business and personal, I was once again amazed at God's provision! We have not drawn a paycheck from the business since early October and yet not only is there money available to pay our bills but it never runs dry! As you have responded to God's prompting to sacrificially share our financial burden, we have been blessed with all our needs being met! We are humbled by your generosity.
Thank you does not seem adequate...our hope is that you will know God's favor as you respond in obedience to His call.
Good night!
He will go back to Interventional Radiology on Friday for another procedure...hopefully they will be able to get rid of the NG tube and replace with one directly into stomach through torso.
I've been reminded of the story in 1 Kings of the widow woman that God sent Elijah to. She was down to her last bit of oil and flour when Elijah told her that God wanted her to use it to make him something to eat and promised He would continue to provide for her and her son if she would only trust and be obedient. And, as always, God was faithful to His promise!
"...Elijah said to her, 'Don't be afraid...for this is what the Lord, God of Israel, says: There will always be plenty'...So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her son continued to eat from her supply of flour and oil....For no matter how much they used, there was always enough left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah." I Kings 17:13-16 (selected) NLT
In Ron's Bible is this footnote: "A simple act of faith produced a miracle...Faith is the step between promise and assurance. Miracles seem so out of reach for our feeble faith. But every miracle, large or small, begins with an act of obedience. We may not see the solution until we take the first step of faith. Even when God has done a miracle in our lives, our troubles may not be over. ...God's provision is never given in order to let us rest upon it. We need to depend on Him as each new trial faces us."
I can't begin to tell you how God has blessed us in this same way...As I paid bills yesterday, for both business and personal, I was once again amazed at God's provision! We have not drawn a paycheck from the business since early October and yet not only is there money available to pay our bills but it never runs dry! As you have responded to God's prompting to sacrificially share our financial burden, we have been blessed with all our needs being met! We are humbled by your generosity.
Thank you does not seem adequate...our hope is that you will know God's favor as you respond in obedience to His call.
Good night!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
More Interventional Radiology
Ron's CT scan turned into another long afternoon in Interventional Radiology! Dr. Parikh (Interventional Radiologist) found the spot in the colon that is leaking (this is called a fistula). The way these are treated and the reason he has so many drains in place is that fistulas will typically heal on their own given time and once drain tubes are able to dry the area out. His tissue is such it would be disastrous to go in surgically unless there is no other option. Praise God the feeding tube is inserted far enough down in intestines that it is past this point; they are able to continue the tube feeds! Very important!
So, this afternoon, they inserted another tube behind the liver that should help control the hematoma so he shouldn't leak through incision site, and placed another in place to drain where the fistula is in colon. They also have set up a system of saline solution going into one of the tubes to irrigate the belly cavity to help break up and clean out the hematoma and the others are on suction to pull it out.
Ron's making new friends in IR (Interventional Radiology); evidently he gets quite chatty while on the "happy juice". He even received a Christmas card from the nurse anesthetist and it was signed from "your new best friend". Pretty funny!!! She also enclosed several encouraging scripture verses.
Continue to pray...every tube that goes in increases chance of infection but the good it does outweighs the risk at this point. And as always for his vitals: blood pressure, heart rate, temp, hemoglobin, white cell count, creatnine (kidney function), etc. That they will remain stable throughout all of this!
Ryan returned home this evening, tired, but glad to have everything taken care of in Florida. He said he is officially a Texan again who vacations in Florida!
This was the devotional I read today from Streams in the Desert....very fitting.
"In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us" (Rom. 8:37).
The Gospel is so arranged and the gift of God so great that you may take the very enemies that fight you and the forces that are arrayed against you and make them steps up to the very gates of heaven and into the presence of God.
Like the eagle, who sits on a crag and watches the sky as it is filling with blackness, and the forked lightnings are playing up and down, and he is sitting perfectly still, turning one eye and then the other toward the storm. But he never moves until he begins to feel the burst of the breeze and knows that the hurricane has struck him; with a scream, he swings his breast to the storm, and uses the storm to go up to the sky; away he goes, borne upward upon it.
That is what God wants of every one of His children, to be more than conqueror, turning the storm-cloud into a chariot. You know when one army is more than conqueror it is likely to drive the other from the field, to get all the ammunition, the food and supplies, and to take possession of the whole. That is just what our text means. There are spoils to be taken!
Beloved, have you got them? When you went into that terrible valley of suffering did you come out of it with spoils? When that injury struck you and you thought everything was gone, did you so trust in God that you came out richer than you went in? To be more than conqueror is to take the spoils from the enemy and appropriate them to yourself. What he had arranged for your overthrow, take and appropriate for yourself.
May you take your spoils, as well!!!
So, this afternoon, they inserted another tube behind the liver that should help control the hematoma so he shouldn't leak through incision site, and placed another in place to drain where the fistula is in colon. They also have set up a system of saline solution going into one of the tubes to irrigate the belly cavity to help break up and clean out the hematoma and the others are on suction to pull it out.
Ron's making new friends in IR (Interventional Radiology); evidently he gets quite chatty while on the "happy juice". He even received a Christmas card from the nurse anesthetist and it was signed from "your new best friend". Pretty funny!!! She also enclosed several encouraging scripture verses.
Continue to pray...every tube that goes in increases chance of infection but the good it does outweighs the risk at this point. And as always for his vitals: blood pressure, heart rate, temp, hemoglobin, white cell count, creatnine (kidney function), etc. That they will remain stable throughout all of this!
Ryan returned home this evening, tired, but glad to have everything taken care of in Florida. He said he is officially a Texan again who vacations in Florida!
This was the devotional I read today from Streams in the Desert....very fitting.
"In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us" (Rom. 8:37).
The Gospel is so arranged and the gift of God so great that you may take the very enemies that fight you and the forces that are arrayed against you and make them steps up to the very gates of heaven and into the presence of God.
Like the eagle, who sits on a crag and watches the sky as it is filling with blackness, and the forked lightnings are playing up and down, and he is sitting perfectly still, turning one eye and then the other toward the storm. But he never moves until he begins to feel the burst of the breeze and knows that the hurricane has struck him; with a scream, he swings his breast to the storm, and uses the storm to go up to the sky; away he goes, borne upward upon it.
That is what God wants of every one of His children, to be more than conqueror, turning the storm-cloud into a chariot. You know when one army is more than conqueror it is likely to drive the other from the field, to get all the ammunition, the food and supplies, and to take possession of the whole. That is just what our text means. There are spoils to be taken!
Beloved, have you got them? When you went into that terrible valley of suffering did you come out of it with spoils? When that injury struck you and you thought everything was gone, did you so trust in God that you came out richer than you went in? To be more than conqueror is to take the spoils from the enemy and appropriate them to yourself. What he had arranged for your overthrow, take and appropriate for yourself.
May you take your spoils, as well!!!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Another busy day here at Presby!!
Ron has had a hematoma (basically an internal bruise or pocket of old blood) beneath his scar since his last surgery Dec 10. It has caused frequent oozing from his scar but we were told it would resolve on it's own over time. This morning (before 8AM) one of the surgeon's who works with Dr. Shires came in and immediately set about removing the staples; pressing on abdomen to get some of the dissolving hematoma to come out and then stitched it back up! Unfortunately, there was no warning for Ron and he didn't have much time to hit his pain button; they did numb it a little with lidocaine but it was still pretty painful. He's been sore all day! Getting rid of the extra fluid though has caused him to be able to breathe more easily.
Early afternoon both physical therapy and occupational therapy came in...they got Ron up on the side of the bed and even had him stand for a couple of minutes. He then sat on the side of the bed while he got a real hair washing!!! The whole experience was hard on him, very tiring but also felt good to be up some. (He hasn't been up since the day before last surgery, so Dec. 9). Since he had the little crash before his last surgery, they had to pump him up with lots of IV fluids; so again he is retaining alot and his legs are huge!!! This makes his legs so heavy and very difficult to move. Please pray that the swelling will decrease without the use of meds...they don't want him to be on any diuretics at this time and he's very uncomfortable! After all the activity, he slept quite a bit of the afternoon.
This evening they were changing out the dressings on both his PICC line and Central line. And preparing him for another CT scan early tomorrow morning. They will be doing CT scans and/or fistulograms every few days for a while.
His blood count has been good @9; white blood count staying in low 20,000's and creatnine was .09!!! Praise God!!!! Don't know I've ever heard his being this low! So many small things to be thankful for!
Blood pressure has been good but heart rate has been a little too low (although after PT and OT today it has remained more normal and steady). Please pray his heart rate will continue to stabilize; and blood pressure remain stable.
We've had phone calls checking on Ron from both Joy (our liason nurse with Harris HEB's ICU!) and Dr. Elieson...what a wonderfully caring group of people.
Thanks for your daily prayer support! We appreciate each of you!
Love,
Christie, Ryan, Aaron and Kristin
"So if you are suffering according to God's will, keep on doing what is right, and trust yourself to the God who made you, for He will never fail you." I Peter 4:19 NLT
Early afternoon both physical therapy and occupational therapy came in...they got Ron up on the side of the bed and even had him stand for a couple of minutes. He then sat on the side of the bed while he got a real hair washing!!! The whole experience was hard on him, very tiring but also felt good to be up some. (He hasn't been up since the day before last surgery, so Dec. 9). Since he had the little crash before his last surgery, they had to pump him up with lots of IV fluids; so again he is retaining alot and his legs are huge!!! This makes his legs so heavy and very difficult to move. Please pray that the swelling will decrease without the use of meds...they don't want him to be on any diuretics at this time and he's very uncomfortable! After all the activity, he slept quite a bit of the afternoon.
This evening they were changing out the dressings on both his PICC line and Central line. And preparing him for another CT scan early tomorrow morning. They will be doing CT scans and/or fistulograms every few days for a while.
His blood count has been good @9; white blood count staying in low 20,000's and creatnine was .09!!! Praise God!!!! Don't know I've ever heard his being this low! So many small things to be thankful for!
Blood pressure has been good but heart rate has been a little too low (although after PT and OT today it has remained more normal and steady). Please pray his heart rate will continue to stabilize; and blood pressure remain stable.
We've had phone calls checking on Ron from both Joy (our liason nurse with Harris HEB's ICU!) and Dr. Elieson...what a wonderfully caring group of people.
Thanks for your daily prayer support! We appreciate each of you!
Love,
Christie, Ryan, Aaron and Kristin
"So if you are suffering according to God's will, keep on doing what is right, and trust yourself to the God who made you, for He will never fail you." I Peter 4:19 NLT
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Day of Rest
Ahhhh....Sunday! A day to relax, catnap while watching football...makes life seem somewhat normal! After a busy couple of days, Ron is especially glad to have a slow one.
Dr. Shires was in around lunchtime and said he's please with how everything looks. Ron's white blood cell count has gone down from 32,000 yesterday to 20,000 today. He's had no fever the entire time here and his hemoglobin is holding steady at 8.4. They were having to monitor his blood sugar every hour; it dropped to 44 this morning so they had to give him glucose and are now able to monitor every 2 hours. On the whole he's been feeling pretty good. Dr. Shires is pleased enough to try to begin feeding him through the new tube they placed way down in his lower intestine, they started that tonight.
Next step is to get the NG tube out. They will do another Interventional Radiology procedure to place a tube exterior from skin into stomach, to drain gastric fluids from stomach...prolonged NG tubes can cause problems with sinus cavity, ears, and can be a source of infection and his has been in almost 2 months now.
Mom and Dad Nordell were able to come up today; it's been about 10 days since they've been able to see Ron so they were very happy to be here. It's been very difficult on them since they've been so used to his being at their house multiple times a week. Mom said "I always think of you on rubbish day!" Oh so nice to be loved and missed! haha!!
Ryan is getting all loose ends tied up in Florida..bittersweet time for him....anxious to get it behind him and back here to family but also will miss being in Florida and working with Beachside.
It's been wonderful to have a room here for me; I got a great night's sleep and actually took a nap in the room this afternoon while Aaron and Ron watched football. And it's especially nice to have a place to spread out all my stuff! While Ron is down having procedures done, I'll have a place to go and work where it's quiet! Fortunately, I'm flexible enough to be able to work wherever, but it's much more relaxing when it's quiet!
Nothing else to report. Hope you had an enjoyable, relaxing weekend!
Love,
Christie, Ryan, Aaron & Kristin
"Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you, he will not permit the godly to slip and fall." Psalm 55:22
Dr. Shires was in around lunchtime and said he's please with how everything looks. Ron's white blood cell count has gone down from 32,000 yesterday to 20,000 today. He's had no fever the entire time here and his hemoglobin is holding steady at 8.4. They were having to monitor his blood sugar every hour; it dropped to 44 this morning so they had to give him glucose and are now able to monitor every 2 hours. On the whole he's been feeling pretty good. Dr. Shires is pleased enough to try to begin feeding him through the new tube they placed way down in his lower intestine, they started that tonight.
Next step is to get the NG tube out. They will do another Interventional Radiology procedure to place a tube exterior from skin into stomach, to drain gastric fluids from stomach...prolonged NG tubes can cause problems with sinus cavity, ears, and can be a source of infection and his has been in almost 2 months now.
Mom and Dad Nordell were able to come up today; it's been about 10 days since they've been able to see Ron so they were very happy to be here. It's been very difficult on them since they've been so used to his being at their house multiple times a week. Mom said "I always think of you on rubbish day!" Oh so nice to be loved and missed! haha!!
Ryan is getting all loose ends tied up in Florida..bittersweet time for him....anxious to get it behind him and back here to family but also will miss being in Florida and working with Beachside.
It's been wonderful to have a room here for me; I got a great night's sleep and actually took a nap in the room this afternoon while Aaron and Ron watched football. And it's especially nice to have a place to spread out all my stuff! While Ron is down having procedures done, I'll have a place to go and work where it's quiet! Fortunately, I'm flexible enough to be able to work wherever, but it's much more relaxing when it's quiet!
Nothing else to report. Hope you had an enjoyable, relaxing weekend!
Love,
Christie, Ryan, Aaron & Kristin
"Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you, he will not permit the godly to slip and fall." Psalm 55:22
Saturday, December 15, 2007
WOW....
They really mean what they say that weekends are no different than weekdays around here! Today, Ron was in Interventional Radiology for about 5 hours. Docs feel everything went well!They downsized a couple of drainage tubes, took one out and moved the location of a couple plus added a new one; basically a tube within a tube. In the lower tube leading to intestines they placed a smaller tube in and threaded it way down into intestines with the plan to begin feeding again in the near future; anything that might leak out would be pulled out through the larger tube this is in. The main organs of the body can be fed with TPN but the intestines get their nourishment directly from food...so to keep the intestines healthy it's very important they be able to be fed. All of this was accomplished through watching on xray/CT and then inserting through skin to specific area...no opening him up.... it's amazing to me!
We feel very good about the way things are going. They are very proactive and it's good to know they deal with this kind of thing often. Don't get me wrong, we were in no way dissatisfied with Dr. Elieson, HEB or any of the care received. He made the right call in sending us to a bigger facility with more specialized doctors and departments. Dr. Shires reminded me today that they can't work magic; this disease will still take a very long time to get over. Ron will most likely have many other setbacks but they have the facilities and experience to handle them.
It's been rough on me and the fam as the waiting facilities are not great. But, they have a hotel on the 9th floor of Presbyterian so I decided to get a room there for a couple of nights. Problem is; they stay booked almost year round! I was put on the waiting list and a room became available starting tonight! YEAH!!! It will be well worth the cost to get a good night's sleep without being away from the hospital...not ready to do that as yet And it will be wonderful to not be dragging my bags all over the place with me!
I know you will join us in continued prayer for Ron and his complete helaing.
Love you all!
Christie, Ryan, Aaron and Kristin
"Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May He be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages." Eph 3:20-21 NLT
We feel very good about the way things are going. They are very proactive and it's good to know they deal with this kind of thing often. Don't get me wrong, we were in no way dissatisfied with Dr. Elieson, HEB or any of the care received. He made the right call in sending us to a bigger facility with more specialized doctors and departments. Dr. Shires reminded me today that they can't work magic; this disease will still take a very long time to get over. Ron will most likely have many other setbacks but they have the facilities and experience to handle them.
It's been rough on me and the fam as the waiting facilities are not great. But, they have a hotel on the 9th floor of Presbyterian so I decided to get a room there for a couple of nights. Problem is; they stay booked almost year round! I was put on the waiting list and a room became available starting tonight! YEAH!!! It will be well worth the cost to get a good night's sleep without being away from the hospital...not ready to do that as yet And it will be wonderful to not be dragging my bags all over the place with me!
I know you will join us in continued prayer for Ron and his complete helaing.
Love you all!
Christie, Ryan, Aaron and Kristin
"Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May He be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages." Eph 3:20-21 NLT
Friday, December 14, 2007
Transfer update
Sorry I haven't been able to update sooner.....it's been a busy day, not alot of down-time!
Since we got to "bed" @ 2AM, we're all pretty tired!!! The transfer went very smoothly...we fretted a little over moving in the middle of the night with only one day left in the week but as always, God had gone before us and prepared the way!!! I can't begin to tell how at peace we were and are. Change is always difficult; and it's hard getting out of our comfort zone. We hated to leave the doctor's, nurses, techs, and other staff members we've built relationships with as well as being further from home and our support system, but sometimes we have to give up the good in order to receive God's best!
The drive was great, no traffic due to the time. Harris HEB had one of our favorite night nurse's (Joy) ride in the the ambulance with Ron as part of the transport team. It was very comforting for us and she loved it!! We were imagining the bragging rights she'll have over this (similar to Grey's Anatomy??). And since it was the middle of the night, when we arrived at Presbyterian's ICU there were no other people around so many of the nurses' were able to pitch in to get him settled in. He was immediately seen by one of the resident doctor's, too.
The waiting room is definitely lacking....about a 10x10 room as opposed to the huge waiting area at HEB. Ryan and I slept on the floor there last night but it was difficult and definitely no place for us to keep all our belongings, so we'll see how all that plays out. Tonight, they are allowing me to sleep in Ron's room.
Dr. Shires was in @9 this morn. He was very pleased to see Ron is not on a ventilator or dialysis; his lungs and heart are in good shape, so other than what's going on in his belly he's a pretty healthy guy! He ordered a CT scan today which didn't show anything different than what he already knew. (Since Presby and Harris are both part of Texas Health Resources---THR--he's already been able to access all of Ron's information, tests, x-rays, etc., through their computerized medical records system and will be able to compare new tests to previous.) He also had an x-ray today and will have another test (fistul-o-gram? I think) that is something part of Interventional Radiology tomorrow. Dr. Shires says there really is no difference between weekends and weekdays here; as far as testing, treatments, procedures, etc. they are all equal. It was very reassuring to talk to him and see/hear first hand that this is something very routine for him. He exudes confidence but cautions it will take a long time before Ron is better, the nature of the beast---Pancreatitis!
Aaron & Kristin finished up at HSU yesterday; packed their U-haul and moved to Fort Worth. Aaron also accepted the position as Sports Director for the Airport-area YMCA, this is a very good fit for him. Please pray for them as they unpack and get settled in. And as they help me out during this time, too.
Ryan flies to Florida early this Saturday morn. He will spend Sat and Sun finishing out paperwork at Beachside Physical Therapy, meet with the director's Monday morning; get a hitch (to pull U-haul) on his car; pack up all his belongings and return Tuesday. Please pray that he will be at peace so he can be productive without distractions. And especially that there will be no need for any emergency phone calls from here telling him to get on the next flight! We've had too many of those!!! He has also accepted the job of Therapy Director at the facility on the Southwest side of Ft. Worth and is very excited about it.
We ask for NO VISITORS right now, Ron will be very busy with tests, etc and in between will need to get as much rest as possible!
Thanks so much for your support!
Love you all!
Since we got to "bed" @ 2AM, we're all pretty tired!!! The transfer went very smoothly...we fretted a little over moving in the middle of the night with only one day left in the week but as always, God had gone before us and prepared the way!!! I can't begin to tell how at peace we were and are. Change is always difficult; and it's hard getting out of our comfort zone. We hated to leave the doctor's, nurses, techs, and other staff members we've built relationships with as well as being further from home and our support system, but sometimes we have to give up the good in order to receive God's best!
The drive was great, no traffic due to the time. Harris HEB had one of our favorite night nurse's (Joy) ride in the the ambulance with Ron as part of the transport team. It was very comforting for us and she loved it!! We were imagining the bragging rights she'll have over this (similar to Grey's Anatomy??). And since it was the middle of the night, when we arrived at Presbyterian's ICU there were no other people around so many of the nurses' were able to pitch in to get him settled in. He was immediately seen by one of the resident doctor's, too.
The waiting room is definitely lacking....about a 10x10 room as opposed to the huge waiting area at HEB. Ryan and I slept on the floor there last night but it was difficult and definitely no place for us to keep all our belongings, so we'll see how all that plays out. Tonight, they are allowing me to sleep in Ron's room.
Dr. Shires was in @9 this morn. He was very pleased to see Ron is not on a ventilator or dialysis; his lungs and heart are in good shape, so other than what's going on in his belly he's a pretty healthy guy! He ordered a CT scan today which didn't show anything different than what he already knew. (Since Presby and Harris are both part of Texas Health Resources---THR--he's already been able to access all of Ron's information, tests, x-rays, etc., through their computerized medical records system and will be able to compare new tests to previous.) He also had an x-ray today and will have another test (fistul-o-gram? I think) that is something part of Interventional Radiology tomorrow. Dr. Shires says there really is no difference between weekends and weekdays here; as far as testing, treatments, procedures, etc. they are all equal. It was very reassuring to talk to him and see/hear first hand that this is something very routine for him. He exudes confidence but cautions it will take a long time before Ron is better, the nature of the beast---Pancreatitis!
Aaron & Kristin finished up at HSU yesterday; packed their U-haul and moved to Fort Worth. Aaron also accepted the position as Sports Director for the Airport-area YMCA, this is a very good fit for him. Please pray for them as they unpack and get settled in. And as they help me out during this time, too.
Ryan flies to Florida early this Saturday morn. He will spend Sat and Sun finishing out paperwork at Beachside Physical Therapy, meet with the director's Monday morning; get a hitch (to pull U-haul) on his car; pack up all his belongings and return Tuesday. Please pray that he will be at peace so he can be productive without distractions. And especially that there will be no need for any emergency phone calls from here telling him to get on the next flight! We've had too many of those!!! He has also accepted the job of Therapy Director at the facility on the Southwest side of Ft. Worth and is very excited about it.
We ask for NO VISITORS right now, Ron will be very busy with tests, etc and in between will need to get as much rest as possible!
Thanks so much for your support!
Love you all!
Presbyterian Hospital
It looks like we're not in Kansas, I mean, Harris HEB, any more!
We've moved to Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas (arrived here at 12:30 this morning!!!).
I'll update later when we've had a little rest and get settled in!
Please pray for an easy transition, as we "get the lay of the (new) land" and as Dr. Shires takes over the case!
We've moved to Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas (arrived here at 12:30 this morning!!!).
I'll update later when we've had a little rest and get settled in!
Please pray for an easy transition, as we "get the lay of the (new) land" and as Dr. Shires takes over the case!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Trust in all things
Quick update, since we're all tired tonight!
Ron is doing well all things considered. His spirits are good and he is not experiencing much pain. He is still "oozing" blood internally so they continue to give him blood products (pack cells and plasma). This is from the incision site; and is a reminder that things are still very fragile internally. He does have a hematoma (pocket of blood) just underneath the incision site which is too thick to drain yet but will break down over the next couple of days and drain out through one of the existing drains. CT scan shows there is no pocket of fluid that needs to be dealt with at this point; it looks like everything is being handled well with the drains that are in place. And once again, because of the amount of fluids they are putting in him, he is swelling up.
He is still on meds (vasopressors) to keep his blood pressure in check but his heart rate looks great! They continue to monitor his blood sugar level...it's still bouncing around a bit. They will resume TPN (IV nutrition) tonight.
We've had this verse on Ron's wall (in whichever room he is in at the time!)
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." James 1:2-3 The MessageAnd all night long God kept bringing to mind this particular part of the verse "So don't try to get out of anything prematurely". A reminder that He is not finished with us yet...we are to be faithful and continue to trust Him in all things!
Please pray for Aaron & Kristin...they traveled back to Abilene tonight (profs graciously allowed them to move tests) and will be taking their finals tomorrow and Thursday. Please pray their minds will be focused and God will allow them to recall all the information they've learned this semester. That He will remove all distractions from their hearts and minds as they are away.
For Ryan: He postponed going to shadow at the site on Monday so will go Wednesday afternoon instead.
And continue to pray for the young man we are trying to minister to. He's getting a lot of flack at work for missing during this tragic time and will spend the night here tonight but leave around 2AM to go work til visiting hours at 8:30 AM. They think she may either go to a floor or home tomorrow.
We are blessed because of each of you!
Ron is doing well all things considered. His spirits are good and he is not experiencing much pain. He is still "oozing" blood internally so they continue to give him blood products (pack cells and plasma). This is from the incision site; and is a reminder that things are still very fragile internally. He does have a hematoma (pocket of blood) just underneath the incision site which is too thick to drain yet but will break down over the next couple of days and drain out through one of the existing drains. CT scan shows there is no pocket of fluid that needs to be dealt with at this point; it looks like everything is being handled well with the drains that are in place. And once again, because of the amount of fluids they are putting in him, he is swelling up.
He is still on meds (vasopressors) to keep his blood pressure in check but his heart rate looks great! They continue to monitor his blood sugar level...it's still bouncing around a bit. They will resume TPN (IV nutrition) tonight.
We've had this verse on Ron's wall (in whichever room he is in at the time!)
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." James 1:2-3 The MessageAnd all night long God kept bringing to mind this particular part of the verse "So don't try to get out of anything prematurely". A reminder that He is not finished with us yet...we are to be faithful and continue to trust Him in all things!
Please pray for Aaron & Kristin...they traveled back to Abilene tonight (profs graciously allowed them to move tests) and will be taking their finals tomorrow and Thursday. Please pray their minds will be focused and God will allow them to recall all the information they've learned this semester. That He will remove all distractions from their hearts and minds as they are away.
For Ryan: He postponed going to shadow at the site on Monday so will go Wednesday afternoon instead.
And continue to pray for the young man we are trying to minister to. He's getting a lot of flack at work for missing during this tragic time and will spend the night here tonight but leave around 2AM to go work til visiting hours at 8:30 AM. They think she may either go to a floor or home tomorrow.
We are blessed because of each of you!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Surgery report
Quite a day we've had! Ron's blood pressure continued to drop and heart rate continued to rise so the decision was made to take him back to Critical Care Unit (CCU), around 1PM, before the surgery, to stabilize him. They gave him a bunch of fluids plus Albumin to help boost his blood pressure. He also had 2 episodes where his blood sugar got extremely low so they had to inject glucose (sugar).
They took him to surgery at about 3:15 but it actually started late (about 4:40). Dr. Elieson spoke with us afterwards (about 7:00) and confirmed they really had a hostile environment to deal with. They basically did "damage control" ...cleaned out a pocket of fluid in upper midsection and some fluid in the upper left quadrant but didn't want to do any digging into the "angry" inflamed tissue to search out any of the leaks, or try to get a look at the pancreas; they felt this would cause more harm. They believe there is perforation in the colon (as well as the leak in the duodenum). They did put in another drainage tube to help control the pocket of fluid. Basically, he again has sepsis (infection throughout bloodstream).
He will have a CT scan tomorrow to determine if there are any other pockets of fluid that need to be addressed. If there are, the plan is to handle it with Interventional Radiology (the procedure where they place a drainage tube guided by CT scan/x-ray). Please pray if there are other pockets of fluid they will be in areas where they could safely place tubes in this way.
Tonight, his blood pressure is still low and heart rate is still high and they are working to adjust meds to stabilize; as well as IV fluids and pain meds. Good news is, he was able to come off the ventilator in the OR right after surgery!
What does all of this mean? - we are still playing the waiting game. We do still have some pancreatitis issues to deal with but this continues to be more of a surgical situation. He will still require surgery sometime down the road but the further we can get away from previous surgeries the more his belly heals; the better. We are still praying the perforations/leaks will heal on their own and when the time is right they will only have to deal with reconnecting the intestines at that time. He will not have any more of the tube feedings and is back on the TPN (IV fluids only). Dr. Elieson has said that he is in a minimal septic shock state right now secondary to all the bad fluids leaking into his abdominal cavity.
Dr. Elieson is in contact with another doctor who specializes in pancreatic surgeries at Presbyterian in Dallas to see if there is anything he would do differently or if a larger hospital with more resources and a larger number of these types of cases would be a better place for Ron. We have mixed emotions...obviously we want the best care possible for Ron. However, it is very comforting to be close to home, family and friends; as well as having the intimate knowledge Doctor's Elieson and Pollard have of Ron's insides. Nothing would happen quickly; and obviously, the main thing right now is to stabilize him and let him recover from this surgery. The next 24-48 hours are critical. Please pray for wisdom and discernment in this area.
Also, please pray for a young man here in the waiting area with us tonight. His girlfriend is in CCU following a drug overdose. Don't know either name, but have been able to offer comfort by trying to meet some of his needs tonight: buying him a soft drink, sharing our pillows, blankets and "tricks of the trade" of staying the night in CCU waiting area.
Many prayer requests tonight! Thanks for continually holding us up and bringing our requests to the Father!
"My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the Lord. "and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT
They took him to surgery at about 3:15 but it actually started late (about 4:40). Dr. Elieson spoke with us afterwards (about 7:00) and confirmed they really had a hostile environment to deal with. They basically did "damage control" ...cleaned out a pocket of fluid in upper midsection and some fluid in the upper left quadrant but didn't want to do any digging into the "angry" inflamed tissue to search out any of the leaks, or try to get a look at the pancreas; they felt this would cause more harm. They believe there is perforation in the colon (as well as the leak in the duodenum). They did put in another drainage tube to help control the pocket of fluid. Basically, he again has sepsis (infection throughout bloodstream).
He will have a CT scan tomorrow to determine if there are any other pockets of fluid that need to be addressed. If there are, the plan is to handle it with Interventional Radiology (the procedure where they place a drainage tube guided by CT scan/x-ray). Please pray if there are other pockets of fluid they will be in areas where they could safely place tubes in this way.
Tonight, his blood pressure is still low and heart rate is still high and they are working to adjust meds to stabilize; as well as IV fluids and pain meds. Good news is, he was able to come off the ventilator in the OR right after surgery!
What does all of this mean? - we are still playing the waiting game. We do still have some pancreatitis issues to deal with but this continues to be more of a surgical situation. He will still require surgery sometime down the road but the further we can get away from previous surgeries the more his belly heals; the better. We are still praying the perforations/leaks will heal on their own and when the time is right they will only have to deal with reconnecting the intestines at that time. He will not have any more of the tube feedings and is back on the TPN (IV fluids only). Dr. Elieson has said that he is in a minimal septic shock state right now secondary to all the bad fluids leaking into his abdominal cavity.
Dr. Elieson is in contact with another doctor who specializes in pancreatic surgeries at Presbyterian in Dallas to see if there is anything he would do differently or if a larger hospital with more resources and a larger number of these types of cases would be a better place for Ron. We have mixed emotions...obviously we want the best care possible for Ron. However, it is very comforting to be close to home, family and friends; as well as having the intimate knowledge Doctor's Elieson and Pollard have of Ron's insides. Nothing would happen quickly; and obviously, the main thing right now is to stabilize him and let him recover from this surgery. The next 24-48 hours are critical. Please pray for wisdom and discernment in this area.
Also, please pray for a young man here in the waiting area with us tonight. His girlfriend is in CCU following a drug overdose. Don't know either name, but have been able to offer comfort by trying to meet some of his needs tonight: buying him a soft drink, sharing our pillows, blankets and "tricks of the trade" of staying the night in CCU waiting area.
Many prayer requests tonight! Thanks for continually holding us up and bringing our requests to the Father!
"My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the Lord. "and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT
More surgery
Well another road bump today and we're asking that you all pray fervently!! Not that you've ever stopped! Ron has been running a fever (up to 102.3) all night and this morning when his surgeon Dr. Elieson came in and says there is evidence that there is a leak in his lower intestines, small bowel area. He is leaking bowel and intestinal fluids into his abdominal cavity and after consulting with the rest of the team, Dr. Elieson feels that it is necessary to go back in surgically. He is scheduled for 3pm this afternoon.
The major goal will be to clean out the abdominal cavity. They would love to be able to find the leak in his intestines and fix that while they are in there and they may look at other areas ie: pancreas, small intestine. But, the only thing they are sure of, is cleaning out the belly....all the rest will be dependent on how fragile things are at this point.... how hostile the environment is...they don't want to fix one thing and create two more.
We have been praying for the last couple of weeks James 1:5-6 "if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all generously and without reproach. But he must ask in faith without any doubting". We've prayed specifically that God would give his Doctors wisdom on the right time to go back in surgically, and obviously God has answered that prayer! Psalm 46:1 says "God is our refuge and our strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear!!"
We will be moving back down to the CCU after his surgery
The major goal will be to clean out the abdominal cavity. They would love to be able to find the leak in his intestines and fix that while they are in there and they may look at other areas ie: pancreas, small intestine. But, the only thing they are sure of, is cleaning out the belly....all the rest will be dependent on how fragile things are at this point.... how hostile the environment is...they don't want to fix one thing and create two more.
We have been praying for the last couple of weeks James 1:5-6 "if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all generously and without reproach. But he must ask in faith without any doubting". We've prayed specifically that God would give his Doctors wisdom on the right time to go back in surgically, and obviously God has answered that prayer! Psalm 46:1 says "God is our refuge and our strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear!!"
We will be moving back down to the CCU after his surgery
Busy, busy
Yeah! My night to spend the night with Ron...and it's been a busy one! I understand why he doesn't get much sleep! The nurse and tech have been in and out changing dressing; replacing binder & gown since tube feed leaked all over his other one; taking stats; changing out antibiotics; taking temp again (his temp has gotten up to 102.2 tonight and they finally gave me a thermometer so I could take his temp more often so they wouldn't keep disturbing him...I guess he handles it better when I wake him up to take the temp??) I confess, I've been tempted to be anxious but REFUSE to allow Satan any foothold here!!!!!
Sunday was busy as well...they've been keeping a close eye on him since his blood pressure has been a little low and heart rate has been increased over the last 24 hours. His temp has been up and down since Saturday night as well. So, they ran a couple of x-rays (chest and belly); did blood cultures and also did a urinalysis and stool culture. Stool culture shows some blood (not sure if it's old or new) and urinalysis shows infection. They are also considering changing out his PICC line, again. They are always an open port for infection and change sites often (this one has been in since Nov 25). Haven't heard results on x-rays.
He says he doesn't really feel any worse; other than a little weaker than usual.
Please pray for all of the above issues. And also:
Aaron and Kristin as they travel back to Abilene and finish up their semester with finals on Tues, Wed & Thurs. They will then pack up their apartment Thursday afternoon and move here Friday. For Aaron as he seeks employment; that God would firmly close those doors He does not want him to take and open those he is to walk through. And Kristin as she seeks to get school issues handled and looks for a part-time job, too.
Ryan--is going back to one of the locations (Southwest side of Ft. Worth in Cityview area) where he interviewed and shadow one of the employees for a couple of hours and meet with management...he has been offered a job and thinks he will probably take it (unless things are not what he is expecting after tomorrow). He will then kind of scope out the area to see where he might possibly want to live. (He will continue to live at home for the next few months, though). And as he goes back to Florida on Saturday (15th) through Tuesday (18th) to finish up paperwork at his old clinic and get all his stuff ready to be moved. (My sister Tami's husband, Ron, will fly to Florida and drive Ryan's car and pull U-haul with all his belongings so Ryan doesn't have to be away those 2 extra days driving...Thanks so much, Ron!!!!).
That we would each seek God's guidance as big changes come about!!!
Much love, faithful ones!!! Good night and Sweet dreams!
"I have created you and have cared for you since before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime--until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you." Isaiah 46:3-4 NLT
Sunday was busy as well...they've been keeping a close eye on him since his blood pressure has been a little low and heart rate has been increased over the last 24 hours. His temp has been up and down since Saturday night as well. So, they ran a couple of x-rays (chest and belly); did blood cultures and also did a urinalysis and stool culture. Stool culture shows some blood (not sure if it's old or new) and urinalysis shows infection. They are also considering changing out his PICC line, again. They are always an open port for infection and change sites often (this one has been in since Nov 25). Haven't heard results on x-rays.
He says he doesn't really feel any worse; other than a little weaker than usual.
Please pray for all of the above issues. And also:
Aaron and Kristin as they travel back to Abilene and finish up their semester with finals on Tues, Wed & Thurs. They will then pack up their apartment Thursday afternoon and move here Friday. For Aaron as he seeks employment; that God would firmly close those doors He does not want him to take and open those he is to walk through. And Kristin as she seeks to get school issues handled and looks for a part-time job, too.
Ryan--is going back to one of the locations (Southwest side of Ft. Worth in Cityview area) where he interviewed and shadow one of the employees for a couple of hours and meet with management...he has been offered a job and thinks he will probably take it (unless things are not what he is expecting after tomorrow). He will then kind of scope out the area to see where he might possibly want to live. (He will continue to live at home for the next few months, though). And as he goes back to Florida on Saturday (15th) through Tuesday (18th) to finish up paperwork at his old clinic and get all his stuff ready to be moved. (My sister Tami's husband, Ron, will fly to Florida and drive Ryan's car and pull U-haul with all his belongings so Ryan doesn't have to be away those 2 extra days driving...Thanks so much, Ron!!!!).
That we would each seek God's guidance as big changes come about!!!
Much love, faithful ones!!! Good night and Sweet dreams!
"I have created you and have cared for you since before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime--until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you." Isaiah 46:3-4 NLT
Friday, December 7, 2007
I love Fridays!
Yeah!!! It's Friday!!! And it's been a good one around here!
Ron has done well over the last 36 hours with his tube feed so they have increased the amount. He started with 10 cc per hour (24 hours a day) and they have now doubled it to 20 cc per hour.
Last night was a rough night...different nurse who was a little unorganized so didn't get much sleep; he was able to sleep in a little this morning but is pretty tired this evening. He was able to walk about 20 feet today with his physical therapist; sat up in the chair while I bathed him and washed his hair and then stayed there about an hour. He was definitely ready for a nap afterwards, but could only catnap as they came in and out.
God continues to bless! White blood count is still trickling down (17,000 today); hemoglobin has stayed at 8.7, creatnine (kidney function) is down to 1.1 (I don't think it has ever been that low throughout his entire hospital stay), he's had no fever in over a week, and his blood sugar is only needing to be checked every 6 hours!
AND when Dr. Elieson came in this evening he was pleased there has been no output in over a week from the drain behind the kidney, so he was able to remove the tube that we think is the culprit of the groin pain!!! WOO HOO!!!!!
Aaron brought his XBox and hooked it up to the TV in Ron's room so we have enjoyed a family movie night (watched a Christmas movie, Elf) and now the guys are playing Tiger Woods Golf while Ron caddies! Watch out Cronies!!!!
We cannot begin to thank you for your prayer support, emotional and physical support and your financial support as well! Don't know why it surprises us (God is always faithful to fulfill His promises!) but we are continually amazed and humbled at how God provides for our needs through you, our faithful family and friends! You all are incredible!
Enjoy your weekend!
"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Philippians 4:19-20
Ron has done well over the last 36 hours with his tube feed so they have increased the amount. He started with 10 cc per hour (24 hours a day) and they have now doubled it to 20 cc per hour.
Last night was a rough night...different nurse who was a little unorganized so didn't get much sleep; he was able to sleep in a little this morning but is pretty tired this evening. He was able to walk about 20 feet today with his physical therapist; sat up in the chair while I bathed him and washed his hair and then stayed there about an hour. He was definitely ready for a nap afterwards, but could only catnap as they came in and out.
God continues to bless! White blood count is still trickling down (17,000 today); hemoglobin has stayed at 8.7, creatnine (kidney function) is down to 1.1 (I don't think it has ever been that low throughout his entire hospital stay), he's had no fever in over a week, and his blood sugar is only needing to be checked every 6 hours!
AND when Dr. Elieson came in this evening he was pleased there has been no output in over a week from the drain behind the kidney, so he was able to remove the tube that we think is the culprit of the groin pain!!! WOO HOO!!!!!
Aaron brought his XBox and hooked it up to the TV in Ron's room so we have enjoyed a family movie night (watched a Christmas movie, Elf) and now the guys are playing Tiger Woods Golf while Ron caddies! Watch out Cronies!!!!
We cannot begin to thank you for your prayer support, emotional and physical support and your financial support as well! Don't know why it surprises us (God is always faithful to fulfill His promises!) but we are continually amazed and humbled at how God provides for our needs through you, our faithful family and friends! You all are incredible!
Enjoy your weekend!
"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Philippians 4:19-20
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Good stuff to report!
Ron has been feeling pretty good for several days now...no fevers, and white cell count hovering around 20,000-22,000. Good enough that the docs have decided to only draw blood every other day! Yeah!!! He's only requiring one or two little catnaps...even after Physical Therapy, which is exhausting for him. Results from test yesterday show there is still a leak (in the duodenum area, not where the tube joins intestine which is where they originally thought) so they still cannot remove drain. Even though they know there is a leak, they are pleased that they are being able to control it with the drains. Continue to pray that this leak will heal on it's own, they do not want to do surgery unless absolutely necessary. I would love for you to join us in asking God to knit back together those intricate parts of his body just as He knit Ron together in his mother's womb. He is our Great Physician!
Dr. Elieson feels since the lower portion of the intestines show no signs of problems, they will try to begin feeding him in his "gut" tomorrow (feed directly into the tube in the lower intestine). This is a huge step forward so PLEASE PRAY FERVENTLY that his intestines will "wake up" and tolerate the feeding.
All in all, he's doing pretty well for a guy with 3 drain tubes coming out of his belly, 1 drain tube out of his back, 2 tubes connected to his intestines, NG tube, PICC line and catheter; who's been in the hospital 7 weeks (2nd stay); hasn't had food by mouth in all this time (TPN..IV nutrition... just doesn't cut it), and shouldn't even be alive! Our God is an awesome God!!!
And, please continue to pray for Ron's doctors: Elieson (surgeon), Hall (gastro), Chakraborty (internist), Bell (kidney), P (infectious disease...no one knows how to pronounce or spell his name), as well as their partners who treat Ron at times...foremost, that they may see Jesus in us and secondly, that they may have wisdom and discernment as to how best to treat him.
Thanks for your continued support! We can feel God answering your prayers on our behalf!
Love, Christie, Ryan, Aaron & Kristin
"Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him" Psalm 37:7
Dr. Elieson feels since the lower portion of the intestines show no signs of problems, they will try to begin feeding him in his "gut" tomorrow (feed directly into the tube in the lower intestine). This is a huge step forward so PLEASE PRAY FERVENTLY that his intestines will "wake up" and tolerate the feeding.
All in all, he's doing pretty well for a guy with 3 drain tubes coming out of his belly, 1 drain tube out of his back, 2 tubes connected to his intestines, NG tube, PICC line and catheter; who's been in the hospital 7 weeks (2nd stay); hasn't had food by mouth in all this time (TPN..IV nutrition... just doesn't cut it), and shouldn't even be alive! Our God is an awesome God!!!
And, please continue to pray for Ron's doctors: Elieson (surgeon), Hall (gastro), Chakraborty (internist), Bell (kidney), P (infectious disease...no one knows how to pronounce or spell his name), as well as their partners who treat Ron at times...foremost, that they may see Jesus in us and secondly, that they may have wisdom and discernment as to how best to treat him.
Thanks for your continued support! We can feel God answering your prayers on our behalf!
Love, Christie, Ryan, Aaron & Kristin
"Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him" Psalm 37:7
Monday, December 3, 2007
Keeping busy!
Sorry it's been a couple of days since we've updated! Now that Ron is out of CCU we are keeping busy doing a lot of his care. Weekend was pretty quiet as we got settled in to new room and nursing routines. We're taking turns sleeping up here at night and I stay with him all day as well. It's been awful trying to get any sleep at night, they've been coming in every hour on the hour. Ryan finally pulled the nurses aside and asked them to please do as much as possible at the same time instead of little things so often through the night. The nurse Ron's had the last couple of days has been great to let him sleep in (usually 'til 9-9:30) so he's finally getting some rest!
Positive point of being out of CCU is I'm able to get alot of work done, which is great! I have been trying to cram as much in nights and weekends but this should help the pace. It's also good I can work from Ron's room since Ryan and I are sharing one vehicle (until he gets his here from Florida). We decided to sell mine for several reasons...we need to get rid of as many extra expenses as possible...this will relieve us of a car payment and added insurance; and it was beginning to show signs of a problem that would have been very costly to repair.
Yesterday was a long day.....we always try to be here when docs come around and they came starting at 10 AM and last one arrived at 9:30 PM! Good to hear his hemoglobin is staying stable; white cell count is slightly down, he's had no fever in several days and his creatnine (kidney function) has stayed around 1.2. He resumed physical therapy Sat and has now progressed to taking a couple of steps with the walker. He was even able to help me work on some business issues on the computer yesterday evening.
Please pray for:
Ron has another test this afternoon (Tuesday) to see if they can remove the drainage tube that is causing pain to his groin; please pray this cavity has resolved itself. They are also looking to see if they can begin feeding him in his "gut" through the tube that leads to his lower intestines...this would be a huge step forward! It would really help in the healing process to get better nutrition in a more normal way!!!
Ryan as he begins interviewing this week. And still tries to decide the best time to return to Florida.
Aaron & Kristin...last week of their semester and then finals next week. Aaron has decided not to walk at graduation. He thinks it would just be too emotional for him to not have his Daddy there. He also doesn't want us to be away from Ron any more than absolutely necessary. He spoke to the University and, due to the extenuating circumstances, they have agreed to make an exception and allow him to walk in May when, hopefully, Ron will be able to be there. He also has an interview this week.
I'll try to do better at keep everyone updated, but no promises!
Love, Christie & gang
"The Lord surrounds and protects His people, both now and forever." Psalm 125:2b NLT
Positive point of being out of CCU is I'm able to get alot of work done, which is great! I have been trying to cram as much in nights and weekends but this should help the pace. It's also good I can work from Ron's room since Ryan and I are sharing one vehicle (until he gets his here from Florida). We decided to sell mine for several reasons...we need to get rid of as many extra expenses as possible...this will relieve us of a car payment and added insurance; and it was beginning to show signs of a problem that would have been very costly to repair.
Yesterday was a long day.....we always try to be here when docs come around and they came starting at 10 AM and last one arrived at 9:30 PM! Good to hear his hemoglobin is staying stable; white cell count is slightly down, he's had no fever in several days and his creatnine (kidney function) has stayed around 1.2. He resumed physical therapy Sat and has now progressed to taking a couple of steps with the walker. He was even able to help me work on some business issues on the computer yesterday evening.
Please pray for:
Ron has another test this afternoon (Tuesday) to see if they can remove the drainage tube that is causing pain to his groin; please pray this cavity has resolved itself. They are also looking to see if they can begin feeding him in his "gut" through the tube that leads to his lower intestines...this would be a huge step forward! It would really help in the healing process to get better nutrition in a more normal way!!!
Ryan as he begins interviewing this week. And still tries to decide the best time to return to Florida.
Aaron & Kristin...last week of their semester and then finals next week. Aaron has decided not to walk at graduation. He thinks it would just be too emotional for him to not have his Daddy there. He also doesn't want us to be away from Ron any more than absolutely necessary. He spoke to the University and, due to the extenuating circumstances, they have agreed to make an exception and allow him to walk in May when, hopefully, Ron will be able to be there. He also has an interview this week.
I'll try to do better at keep everyone updated, but no promises!
Love, Christie & gang
"The Lord surrounds and protects His people, both now and forever." Psalm 125:2b NLT
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Settling in
Not much to report today, just trying to get settled in to our new surroundings! It's hard to go from having a 1:1 or 2:1 patient to nurse ratio to now being 6:1. And especially makes us a little more anxious since the 3 nurses we've had thus far have never dealt with some of the types of drains he has! Now that he's out of CCU; they no longer have the monitors we can watch so it's hard not being able to keep an eye on his heart rate, blood pressure and respiration ourselves. But we're trying to remember that moving him here means he's not as critical, which is a good thing. They still have him on a heart monitor but one that displays at the nurse's station.
It is nice that we are able to have one of us here in the room with him at all times. It's comforting to know we can keep an eye on things and help the nurse's figure out all his complicated issues.
Ron is now able to work with PT again. They had him sitting up on the side of the bed for a while and then actually had him stand and do some side steps!!! WOO HOO!!! They are hoping to get him walking a couple of feet tomorrow.
Thanks for holding us up! Your intercession and God's grace is the only reason we're able to deal with this crazy ride we're on!
Love, Christie & gang
"When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."
Psalm 94:19 NLT
It is nice that we are able to have one of us here in the room with him at all times. It's comforting to know we can keep an eye on things and help the nurse's figure out all his complicated issues.
Ron is now able to work with PT again. They had him sitting up on the side of the bed for a while and then actually had him stand and do some side steps!!! WOO HOO!!! They are hoping to get him walking a couple of feet tomorrow.
Thanks for holding us up! Your intercession and God's grace is the only reason we're able to deal with this crazy ride we're on!
Love, Christie & gang
"When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."
Psalm 94:19 NLT
Friday, November 30, 2007
Back to floor
Busy day! Ron had his abscess-o-gram this afternoon. It showed no fluid but the "cavity" still has not collapsed and fluid could still form so they felt it was best to leave the drain in.
Surprised to find at 4:30 visitation they were getting ready to move him. At 6PM he was moved back out of CCU and onto a regular floor. I confess we are a little anxious about this...we know they've been talking about moving him out all week; his care really doesn't fit the requirements of being in CCU; but we were hoping they would keep him longer. Such a huge comfort level in knowing the staff to patient ratio is lower and they are so accustomed to Ron's needs for care. Please pray for adjustment for all of us. And that the nurses will be especially attentive to his needs; he has alot of unusually complicated things going on. Good news is, one of us can stay with him 24/7! Aaron wanted to take the first shift and is staying the night with Ron.
Thanks for joining us in prayer! Sorry this is short, and I'm sure there is more to report but I'm very tired tonight!
Love to all!
Christie, Ryan, Aaron & Kristin
PS: WE REALLY NEED TO MAKE SURE RON IS ABLE TO GET SOME GOOD REST; SO WE CONTINUE TO ASK FOR NO VISITORS!!!
THANKS!!!
Surprised to find at 4:30 visitation they were getting ready to move him. At 6PM he was moved back out of CCU and onto a regular floor. I confess we are a little anxious about this...we know they've been talking about moving him out all week; his care really doesn't fit the requirements of being in CCU; but we were hoping they would keep him longer. Such a huge comfort level in knowing the staff to patient ratio is lower and they are so accustomed to Ron's needs for care. Please pray for adjustment for all of us. And that the nurses will be especially attentive to his needs; he has alot of unusually complicated things going on. Good news is, one of us can stay with him 24/7! Aaron wanted to take the first shift and is staying the night with Ron.
Thanks for joining us in prayer! Sorry this is short, and I'm sure there is more to report but I'm very tired tonight!
Love to all!
Christie, Ryan, Aaron & Kristin
PS: WE REALLY NEED TO MAKE SURE RON IS ABLE TO GET SOME GOOD REST; SO WE CONTINUE TO ASK FOR NO VISITORS!!!
THANKS!!!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thrown for a loop
We all had a good time spending the evening with Ron watching the Cowboys win against Green Bay!! Well, the guys and Kristin watched the game....I'm not much of a football fan but enjoyed being with my family!
Today was kind of crazy. Ryan and I both overslept this morning. He made it up to the hospital about 9:15; I didn't go until 11ish. The nephrologist threw us into a bit of a tailspin when he mentioned that there is always the option to transfer to another hospital, maybe a teaching hospital (like Baylor) that might have more experience with such a complicated case of pancreatitis such as Ron's. Internist (Dr. Chakraborty) was in later and when Ryan mentioned it to her, she said yes, that could be an option. Then Gastroenterologist (Dr. Firney) was in around 1 and said it could be an option but not sure he had an opinion as to whether or not this would be a good idea, it could very well be if we were to transfer; they would do nothing different. But he said he would discuss it with Ron's surgeon (Dr. Elieson) and let him know we would like to get his opinion. A couple of the Doctor's believe it could be necessary to go in surgically to remove infection. However, his surgeon feels that the only reason to open him up again would be if that was absoutely the only option. In other words he feels it is highly risky to go in again. If they were to go in now, they may fix one problem but create two more! And for now, they are able to manage all the drainage with the drainage tubes.
We feel very confident that Dr. Elieson has a good grasp on the situation. The problem is that this is way more than just pancreatitis...it's a very touchy surgical situation. This is a highly complicated case and no one knows Ron's insides better than Dr's Elieson and Pollard. To send Ron to someone someplace else, would basically be starting him over with someone who doesn't have the intimate knowledge, visual image, of what his belly looks like or what kind of condition his tissue, intestines, etc are really in. We've known all along that the further away from the previous surgeries we can go, without having to go back in, the much better the outcome will be.
Dr. Elieson came in this evening and it seems he thought WE were asking for a transfer; but we are not asking for a transfer! Once we got that straight, it was a very good conversation. We talked about the merits of seeking outside help and he has no problem (if we give him permission) to contact others in the area to see if there is any one reputable that would have different thoughts.
We believe Dr. Elieson is following the right path even though another specialist may see things differently, they have not experienced going into the hostile environment of Ron's belly. And seen firsthand what things look like as well as the fragile nature of the tissue.
Please pray for wisdom, discernment and unity for the doctors (as well as us). That we would have very clear, definitive answers to what is the best course of action.
And, as always, pray
Today was kind of crazy. Ryan and I both overslept this morning. He made it up to the hospital about 9:15; I didn't go until 11ish. The nephrologist threw us into a bit of a tailspin when he mentioned that there is always the option to transfer to another hospital, maybe a teaching hospital (like Baylor) that might have more experience with such a complicated case of pancreatitis such as Ron's. Internist (Dr. Chakraborty) was in later and when Ryan mentioned it to her, she said yes, that could be an option. Then Gastroenterologist (Dr. Firney) was in around 1 and said it could be an option but not sure he had an opinion as to whether or not this would be a good idea, it could very well be if we were to transfer; they would do nothing different. But he said he would discuss it with Ron's surgeon (Dr. Elieson) and let him know we would like to get his opinion. A couple of the Doctor's believe it could be necessary to go in surgically to remove infection. However, his surgeon feels that the only reason to open him up again would be if that was absoutely the only option. In other words he feels it is highly risky to go in again. If they were to go in now, they may fix one problem but create two more! And for now, they are able to manage all the drainage with the drainage tubes.
We feel very confident that Dr. Elieson has a good grasp on the situation. The problem is that this is way more than just pancreatitis...it's a very touchy surgical situation. This is a highly complicated case and no one knows Ron's insides better than Dr's Elieson and Pollard. To send Ron to someone someplace else, would basically be starting him over with someone who doesn't have the intimate knowledge, visual image, of what his belly looks like or what kind of condition his tissue, intestines, etc are really in. We've known all along that the further away from the previous surgeries we can go, without having to go back in, the much better the outcome will be.
Dr. Elieson came in this evening and it seems he thought WE were asking for a transfer; but we are not asking for a transfer! Once we got that straight, it was a very good conversation. We talked about the merits of seeking outside help and he has no problem (if we give him permission) to contact others in the area to see if there is any one reputable that would have different thoughts.
We believe Dr. Elieson is following the right path even though another specialist may see things differently, they have not experienced going into the hostile environment of Ron's belly. And seen firsthand what things look like as well as the fragile nature of the tissue.
Please pray for wisdom, discernment and unity for the doctors (as well as us). That we would have very clear, definitive answers to what is the best course of action.
And, as always, pray
- for white cell count to decrease
- leak to heal
- against infection
- blood pressure and heart rate (slightly up the last few days) to stabilize
- kidney function will remain stable (has been 1.4 last few days...very good for him)
- strength, esp. for Ron...obvisously he's very weak and tired
- *** COMPLETE HEALING....GOD IS ABLE...HE IS OUR GREAT PHYSICIAN ***
- that we would glorify God; that His light would shine brightly through us
Tomorrow, Ron will have an abcess-o-gram to see if the cavity (behind his kidney) where there was a pocket of fluid, has cleared up; if it has he may be able to get one of the drainage tubes out (the one that we think is causing him to have the groin pain).
God has reminded us constantly today that His word says "If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God who gives to all generously and without reproach, and he must ask in faith without any doubting..." James 1:5-6.
And God instructs us to "rejoice in hope, persevere in tribulation, and be devoted to prayer" Romans 12:12.
Thank you all for rejoicing with us over the small victories and for continuing to be devoted to prayer!! We know in this time of tribulation that God gives us strength enough to handle today! Tomorrow is a new day and no matter what happens, He'll give us the strength we need!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
and the beat goes on...
Pretty good day, even though white cell count is now up to 23,000. Hemoglobin stayed at 8.7 and kidney function at 1.4. So far all blood cultures have come back negative.
Wound care specialist came in today to check on areas around drainage tubes (coming from and going into intestines) and is pleased with the way things look. They are watching these areas closely since this is where the leak is and it's bile so could be very caustic both internally and/or externally to the skin. She also checked his backside to make sure there are no bedsores forming...she said "Your's is the best-looking tushee I've seen all day!" I figured the "Cronies" in particular would get a kick out of that!!!
They also had a vascular surgeon come by and check on his blood clots to see if there was anything they could or should do but it was determined until they can get him on a blood thinner, there really isn't. He still has only been allowed to sit on side of bed dangling his legs a couple of times a day and once a day he's able to get in a chair for a short period of time.
We're hoping he'll have a very restful night. Ryan and I gave him a bath, washed his hair and Ryan even did some PT techniques on his back and shoulders (massage-type stuff) before we left (about 10 PM).
I can't begin to express how much we appreciate the blogs on our website! So encouraging and uplifting! I wish I had the time to write or call each of you to tell you how much you mean to us and how God is using you to bring encouragement! Please know, you are much appreciated and loved! Thank you, all!!!
Please continue to pray:
Wound care specialist came in today to check on areas around drainage tubes (coming from and going into intestines) and is pleased with the way things look. They are watching these areas closely since this is where the leak is and it's bile so could be very caustic both internally and/or externally to the skin. She also checked his backside to make sure there are no bedsores forming...she said "Your's is the best-looking tushee I've seen all day!" I figured the "Cronies" in particular would get a kick out of that!!!
They also had a vascular surgeon come by and check on his blood clots to see if there was anything they could or should do but it was determined until they can get him on a blood thinner, there really isn't. He still has only been allowed to sit on side of bed dangling his legs a couple of times a day and once a day he's able to get in a chair for a short period of time.
We're hoping he'll have a very restful night. Ryan and I gave him a bath, washed his hair and Ryan even did some PT techniques on his back and shoulders (massage-type stuff) before we left (about 10 PM).
I can't begin to express how much we appreciate the blogs on our website! So encouraging and uplifting! I wish I had the time to write or call each of you to tell you how much you mean to us and how God is using you to bring encouragement! Please know, you are much appreciated and loved! Thank you, all!!!
Please continue to pray:
- for pancreas inflammation to continue to decrease...that God has slain this enemy!!!
- for leakage to heal completely on it's own (with no medical intervention)
- for intestinal system to "wake up" and begin to function more normally
- for body to continue to produce healthy blood cells; and decrease white cell count
- for pain in groin to go away
- for pain in right leg (from blood clot) to go away
- for strength to return; Thurs it will be 6 weeks that he's been in hospital (7 weeks if you count original surgery...was in Oct 8-15, then returned again Oct 18 until ???
- for Aaron as he has a couple of upcoming job interviews; and for he and Kristin as they finish out their semester while travelling back and forth from Abilene each weekend
- for Ryan as he gets his license to practice PT transferred from Florida...lengthy and costly process
- for peace, comfort and rest...second night in a row none of us have slept in Critical Care Unit waiting area at hospital!
- that we would stay healthy as we continue with this crazy schedule
- that God would continue to bless the business and give Ron's employee (Larry) a sense of peace, as well as discernment, as he strives to do alot of things that are out of his comfort zone; that he would not be overwhelmed or frustrated
- and always that blood sugar, heart rate and blood pressure will continue to be stable
Much love,
Christie, Ryan, Aaron & Kristin
"He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge...O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him?" Psalm 144:2-3
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Any day that's not a bad day.....
Not much to report today, hemoglobin is 8.7 (good to see back up from 8.4 yesterday), White blood cell count 20,000 (not so good that it's been climbing back up since a low of 12,000 last week) and low grade temp off and on throughout the day, not concerning. Overall, he's been feeling good; able to enjoy a bit of reading, sat up in the chair for about 30 minutes and even looked at some paperwork on the computer this evening. He did have a small problem with a stitch attaching one of his drains to skin pulling slightly out, but Dr. Elieson was able to stitch it back on there in the room.
So, as Dr. Elieson says any day that's not a bad day is a good day!
It was a busy day in Critical Care Unit...they received 10 new patients today. Please pray for the nurses, techs and doctors as they seek to care for them. And for those of us who have been here long-term; that we will be able to minister to and encourage their family members and friends. And please continue to pray for Don Calhoun (one of the other patients) and his family. His complicated surgery did not go as well as they had hoped but he's hanging in there. This is a family of strong believers; may they anchor deep in their faith right now!
Much love.
Christie, Ryan, Aaron & Kristin
"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." 2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT
So, as Dr. Elieson says any day that's not a bad day is a good day!
It was a busy day in Critical Care Unit...they received 10 new patients today. Please pray for the nurses, techs and doctors as they seek to care for them. And for those of us who have been here long-term; that we will be able to minister to and encourage their family members and friends. And please continue to pray for Don Calhoun (one of the other patients) and his family. His complicated surgery did not go as well as they had hoped but he's hanging in there. This is a family of strong believers; may they anchor deep in their faith right now!
Much love.
Christie, Ryan, Aaron & Kristin
"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." 2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT
Monday, November 26, 2007
Waiting.....
Today was a long day of waiting...for CT Scan and then for doctor to come with results! Finally, about 4:30 Dr. Elieson came in. He's pleased with the results from the scan...the inflammation of the pancreas has decreased; the overall inflammation in his belly has decreased; the pocket of fluid behind his kidney has decreased. They still believe the pain in his groin is because of one of the drainage tubes pressing on a nerve...the pain can be managed with Morphine, but the drain is more important at this point. There is still a leak in the upper intestine but it is a small leak; as opposed to that of a soaker hose as shown on the last CT scan.
Ron's having trouble sleeping again...the Morphine makes him drowsy throughout the day; but it's difficult to sleep at night. He looks very tired and feels pretty weak. Because of the two blood clots, his legs feel like lead which makes him feel even weaker. The only physical activity he can do is sit with his legs dangling off the side of the bed for very short period of time when PT is there (for the next 48+ hours).
Please continue to pray
against discouragement for Ron; he's pleased with the news but is so very tired and Satan is trying to get him down! As well as for his total healing.
For Aaron and Kristin as they are back at school; that they will not be distracted but able to concentrate on everything that needs to be taken care of this last couple of weeks at school.
for the doctors, nurses, techs and everyone else who cares for Ron
for the other families we have formed relationships with in the Critical Care Unit; especially Don as he had a complicated surgery today
as well as all our previously stated issues
Know that you are much appreciated!
Love, Christie, Ryan, Aaron and Kristin.
I was reminded today of Psalm 139 for Dad. Verse 13" For you formed my inward parts; you wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are your works and my soul knows it well....in your book were all written the days that were ordained for me....how precious are your thoughts of me oh God, how vast is the sum of them."
Just a reminder of how God is all knowing, all powerful and how He loves us so much!!
Ryan
Ron's having trouble sleeping again...the Morphine makes him drowsy throughout the day; but it's difficult to sleep at night. He looks very tired and feels pretty weak. Because of the two blood clots, his legs feel like lead which makes him feel even weaker. The only physical activity he can do is sit with his legs dangling off the side of the bed for very short period of time when PT is there (for the next 48+ hours).
Please continue to pray
against discouragement for Ron; he's pleased with the news but is so very tired and Satan is trying to get him down! As well as for his total healing.
For Aaron and Kristin as they are back at school; that they will not be distracted but able to concentrate on everything that needs to be taken care of this last couple of weeks at school.
for the doctors, nurses, techs and everyone else who cares for Ron
for the other families we have formed relationships with in the Critical Care Unit; especially Don as he had a complicated surgery today
as well as all our previously stated issues
Know that you are much appreciated!
Love, Christie, Ryan, Aaron and Kristin.
I was reminded today of Psalm 139 for Dad. Verse 13" For you formed my inward parts; you wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are your works and my soul knows it well....in your book were all written the days that were ordained for me....how precious are your thoughts of me oh God, how vast is the sum of them."
Just a reminder of how God is all knowing, all powerful and how He loves us so much!!
Ryan
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Be anxious for nothing
Restless night for all of us. Trying to "be anxious for nothing" but still had trouble sleeping. When I arrived this morning, Ron's nurse informed me he'd had a rough night with a spike in his temp, 102.2, as well as another decrease in his hemoglobin (now 9.0) and increase in white blood cell count (17,000). It was good to see doctor in early. He is not overly concerned with any of this. They've been debating changing his PICC line thinking this could become a source of infection so have decided today is the day...he believes this could attribute to the fever and increase in white cell count. The fact that his hemoglobin is slowly going down does not alarm him...they draw blood multiple times a day so that in itself will decrease the hemoglobin count some. It was encouraging to hear him and see his demeanor. We were reminded that he is recovering but still has a long road ahead of him and these "bumps" are to be expected; so the blood clot, as well as these other issues, don't surprise him. We're still on track to have the CT scan tomorrow.
Thank you so much for lifting us up....we have definitely felt your prayers bring us peace, comfort, strength and hope. It's amazing how we could feel the calm, soothing Spirit as we gathered in his room this morning. We know God is in control even though things aren't going the way we think they should go...His plan is perfect!
Ryan reminded us of when Aaron was in the hospital we had such a difficult time understanding why he had to go through the many weeks of infection and surgeries to contain the infection. It was after all was said and done we could see how God had used that time to keep him in a coma as He brought healing to his brain. What we saw as harm, God had used for His good!
Last night, as I was reading my devotional (Unto the Hills by Billy Graham) the scripture reference was James 1:2 -3. It talked about how we ARE going to face trials and we should strive to be like Paul who learned to be content no matter what his circumstances. We are to REFUSE to allow our circumstances to determine our joy (or lack thereof). We are not to live in defeat but to know "the joy of the Lord is my strength".
New Living Translation: "when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. "
The Message: "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."
This morning, Ryan received an e-mail to encourage him and it was quoting a book that was teaching on James 1:2-3! Isn't God amazing, how He brings everything together just when you need it???
....If you are at a place in your life where you feel like you can't take one step without the Lord's help, be glad. He has you where He wants you. If you're wondering, "Have I done something wrong?," the answer is most likely, "No, you have done something right" God has you on this path, no matter how difficult and impossible it may seem right now, because you are willing to follow Him. He wants to accomplish great things through you that can only come out of a life of faith. He wants your undivided attention because you can't do these things on your own. The path is not a punishment; it's a privilege. It's not a restriction; It's a reward.
"......count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience" James 1:2-3
(Thanks, Stacee for sharing this!)
Our God is still on His throne and our hope is still in tact!
Praise:
blood pressure and heart rate are more stable today
Prayer:
for things to go smoothly as they put in a new PICC line today
for Kristin as she travels back to Abilene this afternoon and as she prepares for 3 tests over the next 3 days
for Aaron as he travels back to Abilene tomorrow morning; as he prepares for finals and as he searches for a job here in the DFW area (if you know of anyone who is hiring he would love any help he can get; his degree is in Exercise Science with minor in Psychology but is willing to look at anything; he enjoys the business field as well)
for Ryan and all the changes taking place as he prepares for the Texas law portion of exam to move his license to practice Physical Therapy here and looks for a job
for me as I try to balance getting work done each week, dealing with Ron's business and home stuff (the world still goes on...bills have to be paid, etc. etc)
Huge thanks to all of you....you have gone way above and beyond to see that our needs are being met! This is what life is all about, family, friends and a wonderful church family to rely on for support and encouragement!
Much love to each of you!
Thank you so much for lifting us up....we have definitely felt your prayers bring us peace, comfort, strength and hope. It's amazing how we could feel the calm, soothing Spirit as we gathered in his room this morning. We know God is in control even though things aren't going the way we think they should go...His plan is perfect!
Ryan reminded us of when Aaron was in the hospital we had such a difficult time understanding why he had to go through the many weeks of infection and surgeries to contain the infection. It was after all was said and done we could see how God had used that time to keep him in a coma as He brought healing to his brain. What we saw as harm, God had used for His good!
Last night, as I was reading my devotional (Unto the Hills by Billy Graham) the scripture reference was James 1:2 -3. It talked about how we ARE going to face trials and we should strive to be like Paul who learned to be content no matter what his circumstances. We are to REFUSE to allow our circumstances to determine our joy (or lack thereof). We are not to live in defeat but to know "the joy of the Lord is my strength".
New Living Translation: "when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. "
The Message: "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."
This morning, Ryan received an e-mail to encourage him and it was quoting a book that was teaching on James 1:2-3! Isn't God amazing, how He brings everything together just when you need it???
....If you are at a place in your life where you feel like you can't take one step without the Lord's help, be glad. He has you where He wants you. If you're wondering, "Have I done something wrong?," the answer is most likely, "No, you have done something right" God has you on this path, no matter how difficult and impossible it may seem right now, because you are willing to follow Him. He wants to accomplish great things through you that can only come out of a life of faith. He wants your undivided attention because you can't do these things on your own. The path is not a punishment; it's a privilege. It's not a restriction; It's a reward.
"......count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience" James 1:2-3
(Thanks, Stacee for sharing this!)
Our God is still on His throne and our hope is still in tact!
Praise:
blood pressure and heart rate are more stable today
Prayer:
for things to go smoothly as they put in a new PICC line today
for Kristin as she travels back to Abilene this afternoon and as she prepares for 3 tests over the next 3 days
for Aaron as he travels back to Abilene tomorrow morning; as he prepares for finals and as he searches for a job here in the DFW area (if you know of anyone who is hiring he would love any help he can get; his degree is in Exercise Science with minor in Psychology but is willing to look at anything; he enjoys the business field as well)
for Ryan and all the changes taking place as he prepares for the Texas law portion of exam to move his license to practice Physical Therapy here and looks for a job
for me as I try to balance getting work done each week, dealing with Ron's business and home stuff (the world still goes on...bills have to be paid, etc. etc)
Huge thanks to all of you....you have gone way above and beyond to see that our needs are being met! This is what life is all about, family, friends and a wonderful church family to rely on for support and encouragement!
Much love to each of you!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Enough for Today
We feel that we've had a little bit of the wind knocked out of our sails today! Ron's heart rate was elevated and blood pressure low a good part of the day and when he was up in the chair this morning he was having some blurred vision and dizziness. He is slightly "dry" (dehydrated) so they've been giving him more IV fluid as well as Albumin which helps with the balance of fluid between body tissue and vascular (veins). Ron's blood sugar took a little dip earlier, too, but they were able to get that adjusted quickly. He has also had a slight drop in his hemoglobin (9.6 as compared to 10.4 yesterday).
Most discouraging is, they found another blood clot...this one is in his right thigh. He was beginning to feel some pain and weakness in his right thigh yesterday and today when they did physical therapy he said it kept trying to buckle on him and was painful. They did a doppler (sonogram) this afternoon and found the blood clot. It's very important that this clot not dislodge. He has the filter in which will prevent any damage to the heart or lungs if it were to dislodge but it could also cause the filter to clog and cause loss of blood supply to cause damage to the rest of the body! And, obviously, they cannot use any blood thinners to help dissolve it. Not sure how this will affect progress; we think they will want to try to continue physical therapy but not sure how much.
Our hearts are a little bruised. It seems just when we feel we're beginning to make some headway, something else pops up! We're trying not to feel anxious but we're all ready to get off this roller coaster! We want to move forward with no backward slips!
Please pray:
against discouragement & anxiety
for the blood clot not to dislodge and cause other problems
for our spirit's to be at peace
for his blood sugar, heart rate and blood pressure to stabilize and remain stable!
for his blood to continue to produce well and keep hemoglobin steady
for Aaron & Kristin as they go back to school this week...3 weeks from today is Aaron's graduation and they both have a lot to get done before the end of the semester. I know it's so hard for them to go back; especially when it seems we've taken a step backwards. And as they have so many decisions to make about new school situation for Kristin and job for Aaron
for Ryan as he looks for a job here and tries to figure out the best time to go back to Florida to finish up some paperwork and get things moved
for Ron....that God would wrap him in His arms; whisper words of encouragement, peace and healing and that He would continue to knit back together all those intricate parts of his body that He has created. That He would continue to bless him and bring healing; knowing we will be faithful to give Him all the glory.
for me....I am more than ready for all this to be over...It's so hard to see my sweet husband going through so much and knowing there is absolutely nothing I can do for him. I want our mundane, routine life back! At times, I feel I'm on edge, wondering what the next bit of news might be and so very much wanting it to only be good news! Oh, how I long for the day for Ron to be well and at home again.
Ron's constantly reminding us "One day at a time" and I know God gives us enough (of whatever we need) for each day! Thanks for letting me vent....I'm not losing faith, just in need of the reminder that faith "is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see." Hebrews 11:1 NLT
I know we can count on you to keep praying!
Most discouraging is, they found another blood clot...this one is in his right thigh. He was beginning to feel some pain and weakness in his right thigh yesterday and today when they did physical therapy he said it kept trying to buckle on him and was painful. They did a doppler (sonogram) this afternoon and found the blood clot. It's very important that this clot not dislodge. He has the filter in which will prevent any damage to the heart or lungs if it were to dislodge but it could also cause the filter to clog and cause loss of blood supply to cause damage to the rest of the body! And, obviously, they cannot use any blood thinners to help dissolve it. Not sure how this will affect progress; we think they will want to try to continue physical therapy but not sure how much.
Our hearts are a little bruised. It seems just when we feel we're beginning to make some headway, something else pops up! We're trying not to feel anxious but we're all ready to get off this roller coaster! We want to move forward with no backward slips!
Please pray:
against discouragement & anxiety
for the blood clot not to dislodge and cause other problems
for our spirit's to be at peace
for his blood sugar, heart rate and blood pressure to stabilize and remain stable!
for his blood to continue to produce well and keep hemoglobin steady
for Aaron & Kristin as they go back to school this week...3 weeks from today is Aaron's graduation and they both have a lot to get done before the end of the semester. I know it's so hard for them to go back; especially when it seems we've taken a step backwards. And as they have so many decisions to make about new school situation for Kristin and job for Aaron
for Ryan as he looks for a job here and tries to figure out the best time to go back to Florida to finish up some paperwork and get things moved
for Ron....that God would wrap him in His arms; whisper words of encouragement, peace and healing and that He would continue to knit back together all those intricate parts of his body that He has created. That He would continue to bless him and bring healing; knowing we will be faithful to give Him all the glory.
for me....I am more than ready for all this to be over...It's so hard to see my sweet husband going through so much and knowing there is absolutely nothing I can do for him. I want our mundane, routine life back! At times, I feel I'm on edge, wondering what the next bit of news might be and so very much wanting it to only be good news! Oh, how I long for the day for Ron to be well and at home again.
Ron's constantly reminding us "One day at a time" and I know God gives us enough (of whatever we need) for each day! Thanks for letting me vent....I'm not losing faith, just in need of the reminder that faith "is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see." Hebrews 11:1 NLT
I know we can count on you to keep praying!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Watch & Wait
Today was another good day for Ron. Dr. Elieson came in the early afternoon and is in no rush to do anything at this point since Ron has stabilized. He opted not to do a CT scan for now but continue to wait and watch.
Praises:
Praises:
- hemoglobin levels: His hemoglobin has remained steady for the last 12-18 hours @ 9 (as opposed to 6 when he was rushed back to CCU on Sat).
- heart rate and blood pressure continue to be stable
- signs of intestines awakening
- kidney still remains strong
Prayer requests:
- SLEEP FOR RON...he's not been able to get good sleep in a VERY LONG TIME...his body needs to sleep in order to heal
- blood sugar levels to stabilize (been up and down all day so they've been constantly adjusting his insulin levels)
- bleeding will stop on it's own with no intervention needed!!!
- Still so many things to battle: infection, side effects of pancreatitis, discouragement, etc
Late night, and we're extremely tired....I'll try to update earlier tomorrow when my mind is more clear!
Love,
Christie, Ryan, Aaron & Kristin
"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety" Psalm 4:8
Sunday, November 18, 2007
He hears and answers
Today has been a fairly quiet day. Ron has remained stable and decision was made to wait until tomorrow when Dr. Elieson is back to do anything. They also felt it would be better to wait for the regular radiologist who has read his other CT scans to be on duty, since he will be able to make a better comparison. They did give him more blood as well as fresh-frozen plasma. He says he's been feeling good all day! I took this opportunity to go home and get some much needed rest. I actually slept several hours this afternoon in my own bed; it was wonderful!!!!
Thanks for your continued prayer support! Major prayer needs are:
Thanks for your continued prayer support! Major prayer needs are:
- that the source of bleeding will seal off on it's own...quickly!
- heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar levels will continue to be stable
as well as all the other continued issues
The next couple of days will be busy ones for Ryan, Aaron, Kristin & me...personal and business issues to deal with. Please pray for discernment and best possible solutions; ones much better than we would have ever expected! We serve a BIG, BIG God; He knows our every need and has already provided for them!
Much love!
Christie, Ryan, Aaron & Kristin
"I love the Lord because He hears and answers my prayers. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath! ....How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours!" Psalm 116:1-2 & 5
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Roller Coaster.....
What a roller coaster ride today has been! This morning I awoke around 6AM to a slew of nurses rushing into Ron's room where I was sleeping. They could see on their monitors that Ron's heart rate had skyrocketed and his blood pressure was extremely low, he was very lethargic, too. Within the next few minutes we were rushing back to the Critical Care Unit. It was a frenzy of activity for the next hour and a half, and I confess, my hope was wavering! Ron's blood level had dropped to 6.2 (average should be around 10 or above) a sign that he had more internal bleeding, and his belly and back pain had returned. They immediately started him on meds to stabilize blood pressure and heart rate, extra IV fluids, and replaced 4 units of pack cells (the "good" part of blood product). He stabilized fairly quickly after that. Dr. Eaton (Dr. Elieson's partner) came in, as well as Dr. Elieson...even though it was his weekend off. Decision was made to watch and see how he does, we've known he has a leak and thought the existing drains were taking care of it and the hope is it will seal up on it's own. It would be "very hostile to go into an even more hostile situation at this point, unless there is no other choice." Basically, it would be extremely risky to go into any abdominal surgery at this point, secondary to the already present inflammation from previous 2 surgeries. So, they put a couple of the drains on suction which pulled quite a bit of bloody fluid (most looked like old blood) out of his belly, which tremendously reduced the belly & back pain. And actually since late afternoon, he's been saying "I know it sounds crazy since my heart almost gave out this morning, but I really feel good!"
This is all a result of that crazy pancreatitis. They keep telling us he'll have bad times until this finally runs it's course, but we certainly weren't expecting this!
We feel like we've been hit by a mack truck and run through the ringer all at the same time!
Poor Ryan, he had another call to Florida to "get here, QUICK!" Aaron & Kristin, fortunately, were at our house so were here within 10 minutes. Our hearts, minds and emotions were going crazy! We couldn't imagine that God would bring Ron this far just to drop him!
God continues to be gracious! Our hearts are at peace knowing He is Sovereign!!! Satan may have won a skirmish but we refuse to give up, God has won the battle and victory belongs to Him! "Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world."
And we know God goes before us and evidence of that came this morning as we were talking to his nurse. When she arrived at work this morning, she had no patients! Since they were over-staffed, they were going to have her doing tech work instead. So, when Ron was rushed over here...Susan was available to take him on, one-on-one, as her only patient for the entire day!
I know you will continue to join me in praying for a complete recovery...we would like it to come quickly!
Please pray specifically:
that the pancreatitis will "settle down" for good!
that his blood pressure, blood sugar level and heart rate will remain stable
that the source of bleeding will stop!
for conclusive answers when they do CT scan tomorrow
Thank you dear prayer warriors! You are much loved and appreciated!
Christie, Ryan, Aaron and Kristin
Psalm 62: 5-8 "I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me....trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge."
This is all a result of that crazy pancreatitis. They keep telling us he'll have bad times until this finally runs it's course, but we certainly weren't expecting this!
We feel like we've been hit by a mack truck and run through the ringer all at the same time!
Poor Ryan, he had another call to Florida to "get here, QUICK!" Aaron & Kristin, fortunately, were at our house so were here within 10 minutes. Our hearts, minds and emotions were going crazy! We couldn't imagine that God would bring Ron this far just to drop him!
God continues to be gracious! Our hearts are at peace knowing He is Sovereign!!! Satan may have won a skirmish but we refuse to give up, God has won the battle and victory belongs to Him! "Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world."
And we know God goes before us and evidence of that came this morning as we were talking to his nurse. When she arrived at work this morning, she had no patients! Since they were over-staffed, they were going to have her doing tech work instead. So, when Ron was rushed over here...Susan was available to take him on, one-on-one, as her only patient for the entire day!
I know you will continue to join me in praying for a complete recovery...we would like it to come quickly!
Please pray specifically:
that the pancreatitis will "settle down" for good!
that his blood pressure, blood sugar level and heart rate will remain stable
that the source of bleeding will stop!
for conclusive answers when they do CT scan tomorrow
Thank you dear prayer warriors! You are much loved and appreciated!
Christie, Ryan, Aaron and Kristin
Psalm 62: 5-8 "I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me....trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge."
Urgent prayer needed!
Ron has been moved back to the ICU. He is losing blood internally and his heart rate had gone up. He has now stablized after receiving pack cell (sp?--thicker blood) because his hemoglobin was down to 6.2. They are going to do a cat scan later to see if they can determine where blood is coming from. As for now they are watching him as they do not want to do any surgery unless absolutely necessary.
Please continue to pray for Ron, Christie, Aaron, Kristen and Ryan (he is on a flight back from Florida and should arrive around 12:30 today).
Thank you all for your support.
Debbie (Christie's sister)
Please continue to pray for Ron, Christie, Aaron, Kristen and Ryan (he is on a flight back from Florida and should arrive around 12:30 today).
Thank you all for your support.
Debbie (Christie's sister)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
CT results
We've been praying for definitive answers from the CT scan and we just got the results from Dr. Elieson:
There's fluid (pancreatic juices) behind Ron's kidney, not uncommon for someone with severe pancreatitis; but his is increasing in size. So, this afternoon he will have a procedure performed that will place a "percutaneous" (I think this means through the skin?) drain in to help get rid of this fluid. It will also help drain any fluid the pancreas continues to produce. This procedure will be done by the radiologist using ultrasound to guide where to best place the drain.
The CT scan also revealed that he has a bowel perforation (basically his upper intestine is leaking into his abdominal cavity), most likely at the place in the intestine where the upper drain was placed. During the surgery they had tried to remove as much of the dead intestine as possible but evidently the integrity of the intestine made it hard to determine how far to go. This leak should be controllable with the existing drains and should hopefully heal itself and could better be dealt with later if needed.
The consensus is this is most likely the cause of both the elevated white blood cell count and temperature. He will continue to be on heavy-duty antibiotics and obviously they will monitor this condition very carefully.
Please join us in praying:
There's fluid (pancreatic juices) behind Ron's kidney, not uncommon for someone with severe pancreatitis; but his is increasing in size. So, this afternoon he will have a procedure performed that will place a "percutaneous" (I think this means through the skin?) drain in to help get rid of this fluid. It will also help drain any fluid the pancreas continues to produce. This procedure will be done by the radiologist using ultrasound to guide where to best place the drain.
The CT scan also revealed that he has a bowel perforation (basically his upper intestine is leaking into his abdominal cavity), most likely at the place in the intestine where the upper drain was placed. During the surgery they had tried to remove as much of the dead intestine as possible but evidently the integrity of the intestine made it hard to determine how far to go. This leak should be controllable with the existing drains and should hopefully heal itself and could better be dealt with later if needed.
The consensus is this is most likely the cause of both the elevated white blood cell count and temperature. He will continue to be on heavy-duty antibiotics and obviously they will monitor this condition very carefully.
Please join us in praying:
- that the procedure to place the drain will go without any problems
- that the bowel perforation will heal itself (quickly!!)
- that God would heal him of any/all infection;
- .....actually, complete healing is what we are praying for!
On a better note: Ron rested better last night than he has in a long time. He's gotten a bit tired today from all the running around they've done to CT and Xray; but overall is having a pretty good day!
I know people really want to visit; but at this point Ron is NOT READY FOR VISITORS. You can best minister to us by your continued prayers.
"If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand." Psalm 27: 23-24
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Sleepover!
Yeah!!! My night to spend the night with my hubby!
Today has been a decent day...Ron had a rough night last night without much sleep so he's tried to catch up some today. I was able to catch 5 out of 6 of his docs today which made me feel good. There is still concern that he has infection somewhere since his temp and white blood cell count are back up (wbc now at 37,000). They did an Xray of his sinuses today to see if maybe he had a sinus infection but everything there was clear and his chest Xray looks good, too. So....tomorrow they will do a CT scan of his belly; this is the most prevalent area of concern for infection since, as the doctor put it, when they did surgery the second time it was basically for "damage control"...get in; get bleeding stopped and get out without causing further trauma. They've told us all along they were not able to get all the dead tissue in his belly. This type of infection is almost expected in someone who has severe pancreatitis, regardless of whether or not they have any kind of surgery.
If they don't find anything on CT scan; they will take out the PICC line to see if this is the source of infection, and find another site for a new one.
We were also reminded that although everyone is thrilled with how well Ron is doing (considering prognosis 10 days ago); he still has a severe case of pancreatitis to deal with along with all the other issues. In other words, he is still one sick puppy!!! He is in the hospital to rest and heal; thus the reason for NO VISITORS!
I was also able to be here during his Physical Therapy. It was so great to see him taking about 10 steps with the walker. It was exhausting for him but what an accomplishment!
He's feeling somewhat better this evening and is thrilled to have a much quieter room that even has windows, instead of those obnoxiously bright lights night and day. Now he can see the sunshine and how the leaves are changing color. We are especially thankful one of us can be with him most of the time and even stay the night...much better than in CCU.
Please continue to join us in praying:
against infections!!!
for decrease in temp and white blood count
for definitive answers from CT scan
that God would remove all issues with pancreas
for rest
for **** Complete healing!!! ****
for Ryan as he travels to Florida to finish out some paperwork at his clinic there and prepares for moving back to Texas end of November (he leaves 6AM tomorrow morn; returns 8:30ish Saturday night; then will go back in a couple of weeks to have stuff moved here)
for Aaron & Kristin as they are back at school and travelling here as often as possible
for all of us as we seek to get into some kind of routine now that Ron is in the step down unit with different restrictions...peace about returning to our jobs, school, etc and how to work all of this around having time to spend with Ron
He still has a VERY long ways to go; docs are talking about at least another month in hospital then transferring to an acute care/rehab unit (not sure how long he would need to be there at this point). We know you join us in rejoiceing over each victory; no matter how small!
Much love!
Christie, Ryan, Aaron & Kristin
"I said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing.'" Psalm 16:2
Today has been a decent day...Ron had a rough night last night without much sleep so he's tried to catch up some today. I was able to catch 5 out of 6 of his docs today which made me feel good. There is still concern that he has infection somewhere since his temp and white blood cell count are back up (wbc now at 37,000). They did an Xray of his sinuses today to see if maybe he had a sinus infection but everything there was clear and his chest Xray looks good, too. So....tomorrow they will do a CT scan of his belly; this is the most prevalent area of concern for infection since, as the doctor put it, when they did surgery the second time it was basically for "damage control"...get in; get bleeding stopped and get out without causing further trauma. They've told us all along they were not able to get all the dead tissue in his belly. This type of infection is almost expected in someone who has severe pancreatitis, regardless of whether or not they have any kind of surgery.
If they don't find anything on CT scan; they will take out the PICC line to see if this is the source of infection, and find another site for a new one.
We were also reminded that although everyone is thrilled with how well Ron is doing (considering prognosis 10 days ago); he still has a severe case of pancreatitis to deal with along with all the other issues. In other words, he is still one sick puppy!!! He is in the hospital to rest and heal; thus the reason for NO VISITORS!
I was also able to be here during his Physical Therapy. It was so great to see him taking about 10 steps with the walker. It was exhausting for him but what an accomplishment!
He's feeling somewhat better this evening and is thrilled to have a much quieter room that even has windows, instead of those obnoxiously bright lights night and day. Now he can see the sunshine and how the leaves are changing color. We are especially thankful one of us can be with him most of the time and even stay the night...much better than in CCU.
Please continue to join us in praying:
against infections!!!
for decrease in temp and white blood count
for definitive answers from CT scan
that God would remove all issues with pancreas
for rest
for **** Complete healing!!! ****
for Ryan as he travels to Florida to finish out some paperwork at his clinic there and prepares for moving back to Texas end of November (he leaves 6AM tomorrow morn; returns 8:30ish Saturday night; then will go back in a couple of weeks to have stuff moved here)
for Aaron & Kristin as they are back at school and travelling here as often as possible
for all of us as we seek to get into some kind of routine now that Ron is in the step down unit with different restrictions...peace about returning to our jobs, school, etc and how to work all of this around having time to spend with Ron
He still has a VERY long ways to go; docs are talking about at least another month in hospital then transferring to an acute care/rehab unit (not sure how long he would need to be there at this point). We know you join us in rejoiceing over each victory; no matter how small!
Much love!
Christie, Ryan, Aaron & Kristin
"I said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing.'" Psalm 16:2
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Another good day!
Ron has finally made the move off of the Critical Care Unit and over to a transitional care room. Not quite a regular hospital room but not as busy as the full on CCU room. Hopefully, this will allow for quieter nights and more rest. He still has strict visitation hours and we are reminding everyone PLEASE, NO VISITORS UNTIL WE SAY DIFFERENTLY. Until he has a few days to get acclimated, even family visits are limited to only Christie, Ryan, Aaron & Kristin!!! He needs to get as much rest as possible and this is becoming increasingly difficult the longer he stays in the hospital! I am staying with him tonight in his new room and we will most likely take shifts. There is one pull out chair! Comfy!
Weight has dropped some more as he is beginning to be able to void fluids on his own. The Doctors decided to run a small amount of saline (less than 10cc's over 4 hours) through the tube connected to his small intestine. This will help to progress towards tube feeding (still many weeks away). Currently he is still on TPN (IV nutrition).
He was able to be assisted to sit in a chair today for @ two hours! This is a huge praise the Lord because mobility will help return functioning of his intestines and will continue to allow his body to get rid of fluid retention.
He's been running a slight fever today (101.9) and his white cell count went back up to 31,000. His Doctors said this could be indicative of infection and will keep a very close eye on this. He is to see an infectious disease specialist again tomorrow. With old blood and bile in his abdominal cavity, along with all the external tubes and lines he has had, he is at a very high risk for infection. Please continue to pray that there will be no infections anywhere in his body!
He has started physical therapy and is able to stand with assistance of a PT and a walker. He has not been able to walk yet but today he did a few repetitions of marching in place and some mini squats. This wore him out and he seems to be sleeping well after all this new activity.
Thanks for praying!
Love,
Ryan (for Christie, Aaron & Kristin, too)
Weight has dropped some more as he is beginning to be able to void fluids on his own. The Doctors decided to run a small amount of saline (less than 10cc's over 4 hours) through the tube connected to his small intestine. This will help to progress towards tube feeding (still many weeks away). Currently he is still on TPN (IV nutrition).
He was able to be assisted to sit in a chair today for @ two hours! This is a huge praise the Lord because mobility will help return functioning of his intestines and will continue to allow his body to get rid of fluid retention.
He's been running a slight fever today (101.9) and his white cell count went back up to 31,000. His Doctors said this could be indicative of infection and will keep a very close eye on this. He is to see an infectious disease specialist again tomorrow. With old blood and bile in his abdominal cavity, along with all the external tubes and lines he has had, he is at a very high risk for infection. Please continue to pray that there will be no infections anywhere in his body!
He has started physical therapy and is able to stand with assistance of a PT and a walker. He has not been able to walk yet but today he did a few repetitions of marching in place and some mini squats. This wore him out and he seems to be sleeping well after all this new activity.
Thanks for praying!
Love,
Ryan (for Christie, Aaron & Kristin, too)
Monday, November 12, 2007
God continues to bless!
Dr. Elieson returned today and is very pleased with how well Ron is recovering. He ordered a PT evaluation so Ron was seen this afternoon (with Dr. Ryan Nordell in attendance!). It was very enlightening for Ron to see just how far he has to go. He is extremely weak and has lost alot of muscle strength but they did have him sit up on the edge of the bed and even stand a couple of times (for about 30 seconds). It was an exhausting session but he did not have pain afterwards which is very good. In fact, he has not used his pain meds at all today.
As long as he has another good night, he will be moving to a new room tomorrow. He will move to the Cardiac Step-down Unit (less intensive than the Critical Care Unit; but more supervision than a regular floor). We will still have limited visitation hours but I think one of us will be able to stay the night with him in his room once he's there. Hopefully, it will be quieter than CCU so he'll rest more.
Dr. Elieson has also confirmed that Ron will most likely be in hospital another month or so and then transfer to an acute care/rehabilitation facility for a while.
Some big decisions have been made within our family. After much prayer and confirmation from God, Ryan has decided to move back to Texas. He's been saying he wanted to move back after a couple of years of PT under his belt but this has made him reevaluate his priorities and has come to the conclusion family is most important to him. Please pray for him as he flies back to Florida Thursday to wrap up some paperwork and prepare his belongings to be moved. He will return home Saturday and then go back to Florida the end of Nov to actually move.
Aaron and Kristin have also decided to move back home. They have always said, too, they eventually wanted to end up back here but determined now is the time! Aaron will graduate December 15 and end their lease the end of December. Please pray for Aaron and Kristin as they seek to finish out this semester strong (I know it's very hard on them to be away.)
Praise:
As long as he has another good night, he will be moving to a new room tomorrow. He will move to the Cardiac Step-down Unit (less intensive than the Critical Care Unit; but more supervision than a regular floor). We will still have limited visitation hours but I think one of us will be able to stay the night with him in his room once he's there. Hopefully, it will be quieter than CCU so he'll rest more.
Dr. Elieson has also confirmed that Ron will most likely be in hospital another month or so and then transfer to an acute care/rehabilitation facility for a while.
Some big decisions have been made within our family. After much prayer and confirmation from God, Ryan has decided to move back to Texas. He's been saying he wanted to move back after a couple of years of PT under his belt but this has made him reevaluate his priorities and has come to the conclusion family is most important to him. Please pray for him as he flies back to Florida Thursday to wrap up some paperwork and prepare his belongings to be moved. He will return home Saturday and then go back to Florida the end of Nov to actually move.
Aaron and Kristin have also decided to move back home. They have always said, too, they eventually wanted to end up back here but determined now is the time! Aaron will graduate December 15 and end their lease the end of December. Please pray for Aaron and Kristin as they seek to finish out this semester strong (I know it's very hard on them to be away.)
Praise:
- White cell count down to 28,000!! WOO HOO! Still needs to continue to go down but first time in a very long time that it has been under 30,000.
Prayer requests:
- wound care for those areas that are blisters/sores from tape; these will clear up quickly...against infection
- heart rate, blood pressure, etc. will continue to be stable
- white cell count continue to trend downward
- Ron's "gut" will begin to "wake up". Doc says they are thinking about put some saline in his lower intestine to see if they can get things working
- strength for Ron as they begin to get him up more
- for peace as we adjust to change to new room and staff
- Ryan
- Aaron & Kristin
- Huge step for us today is that we decided we need to sleep at home tonight. Hard to do, but know it's time
- Business issues
Thank you for blessing us with your prayer support!
Love, Christie, Ryan, Aaron and Kristin.
"...In all our troubles my joy knows no bounds." 2 Corinthians 7:4b
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Hallucinating
Last night was a rough one for Ron. He did not sleep at all. He would drift off and have bizarre dreams/hallucinations and wake with a start. This same thing happened once before and they found when he has the continuous drip of morphine (or any other pain med) it causes these side effects so they have removed the continuous drip and have him on morphine as needed.
Praises:
Praises:
- they removed his nasal cannula (oxygen thing in his nose; NOT the NG tube that drains his stomach) so he is now breathing 100% on his own
- creatnine (kidney function) is down to 1.5 (normal for him) so they gave him a dose of diuretic to help get the swelling down by voiding more fluid
- White blood count is down to 31,000
Please pray for:
- restful sleep (especially for Ron)
- white blood count to continue on a downward trend
- against nausea
- against pancreatitis problems
- blood sugar management;
- against infection of any kind; sepsis (go back to normal!)
- Aaron & Kristin as they are back in Abilene (at least for a few days to talk with profs and get graduation stuff handled for Aaron); this was VERY HARD for them to do
- Ryan as he makes decisions with his work, etc.
- Ron's business as we try to keep it up and running (my family is doing a fabulous job of stepping in to help in this regard!!! Thanks so much!!!!!)
- and all the other issues we still must deal with
We're anxious to see Dr. Elieson (surgeon) tomorrow. He's been out of town so we have not seen him since Wed. evening.
Most of our family has gone back to their respective homes in Mexico, Georgia, and various parts of Texas. We are going to miss them a great deal...their support has been invaluable; but we know it's time to settle into our new "normal" for a while. Not sure what that looks like as yet but I know we have a huge support system in place and are so thankful for each of you!
Good night! Thanks for your intercession on our behalf!
Christie
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this; He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him...If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall; for the Lord upholds him with His hand."
Psalm 37:4-7; 23-24
What a mighty God we serve!!!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Joy in the journey
We started our day on a wonderful note with Ron asking Ryan to lead us as a family in a time of prayer and reading in Psalms. God especially spoke to Ron through Psalm 5:11-12
"But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. For surely, O Lord, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield"
Praises today:
"But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. For surely, O Lord, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield"
Praises today:
- other Central Line removed
- blood sugar has somewhat stabilized
- Ryan and Aaron were able to give him some much-needed grooming (mustache & goatee were looking pretty shabby!)
- pain management has improved a great deal...as the nurse was changing his dressing on his belly early this morning she noticed he was very raw and red and asked him if he was allergic to adhesives...something we had totally forgotten to mention in the whirlwind of the week...he was blistered pretty badly which evidently was causing alot of the pain he was experiencing; they treated it with a cream and have called in a wound care specialist; after putting on fresh gauze they also put a corset-type binding on him awhich is much more comfortable
- sat in cardio chair (bed) for @ 3 hours
- He lost 12 lbs of fluid in the last 24 hours
Please continue to pray for everything listed previously; and especially for:
- fluid to continue to decrease
- for all his body to adjust to this new "normal" body system (diabetic issues, etc)
- for healing of the blistering on belly
- good rest for all of us but especially Ron
- Ryan, Aaron, Kristin & me as we try to make decisions about work, school, etc
Things are looking better day by day...but we have a LONG journey ahead!
As always, we appreciate your prayer support!
Blessed
Hope I didn't cause anyone alarm by not sending out an update last night but we had a late night business meeting and afterwards I was exhausted!
God continues to bless!!! Yesterday, they took out Ron's arterial line and one of his Central Lines....the more tubes they can remove the less entryways for infections. His White Blood Count is still around 35,000.
Please pray specifically for:
- Pancreatitis to completely resolve and give no more problems
- White cell count to come down
- Fluids to be voided w/o assistance of meds (he's retaining about 80 lbs of fluid! He says he feels like a huge watermelon)
- Doc says one of our main areas of focus is on keeping him healthy by avoiding infection from being in the hospital...way too many germs here!
- Pain management...between his belly pain and back pain from being laid up, it's sometimes hard to keep on top of. He really does not want to be groggy. He has been at a 7 (of 10) level of pain most of the day yesterday.
**** blood sugar levels **** last night we had a little bit of a scare, he was seeming a little lethargic and we were attributing it to the morphine and late night; when they took his blood sugar level it had dropped to 36!! NOT GOOD! When asked how he was feeling he said foggy, shaky, dizzy...but attributing them to the morphine...as soon as they infused him with some sugar, he immediately started feeling better. He's under strict instructions to tell the nurses of anything he feels that is different and let them figure out the source! Our nurse last night (Joy) told him he is not a nurse; to quit trying to do her job! Blood sugar level is huge issue; at this point a balancing act with amount of insulin level to give.
When we went in for our last visit of the night, they had the bed in a sitting position! It was so good to see him "upright"!!!
God promises to "open the floodgates of heaven" and we are definitely the recepients! Praise God for His mercy, grace and favor!!!!
TO HIM BE ALL GLORY!!!
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