Dehydrated

No room at the inn (Hotel Presby) last night so I went home late last night after getting Ron settled in. It was hard to be away. Since we were in the midst of major bill paying for personal as well as business and I was up to my eyeballs in work it was good that I went home and got everything squared away. Dr. Shires has been involved in a conference all week at another hospital but we were finally able to see him this evening and he said to settle in...we are here for the long haul.

Ron was definitely dehydrated and his creatnine (kidney function) is 2.0; much too high! The highest it's been since he was very critical back in November. They really need to get that down, as well as be able to watch him more closely and be able to tweak things much more quickly. They are putting him back on 24 hour a day TPN along with IV fluids which will be easier on his kidney. Being on TPN for so long isn't working well for him...he seems to have reached a plateau in gaining strength/energy and since he only has one kidney they really need to be proactive in protecting it, so Dr. Shires feel this is tipping their hand to move surgery up. It will take a a week or two to get him back on an even keel from this little set back but they will watch him closely and start looking at dates.

The increased IV fluids have already brought his heart rate down considerably. It was runnning consistently in the 100's (even while sleeping!) but is now down to 85 (resting rate).

It was disappointing to have to come back so quickly...we all had our crying spells throughout the day and as we were driving here last night, it began to rain. I told Ron, it was raining last time we came and much to our disappointment he ended up being admitted. And it seemed to me, that God was showing us His tears as He cried along with us in our moment of grief. That even though He is in control; His timing is perfect, and He knows this is for our ultimate good; it still breaks His heart when we hurt. What a compassionate Heavenly Father we have!

Don't get me wrong...we are so thankful we have great doctors who are really on top of things, who caught this before it became critical. But we are so ready for this season in our life to be over!

Late this afternoon, I was able to get settled into my room at Hotel Presby; Praise God for this wonderful service they offer...and of course, they still have me down on the frequent stay plan of $20 a night! They even apologized that my old room was not available but they were able to snag the one right next door to it for me and the people who have "my" room are leaving tomorrow or Friday and they would be happy to switch me if I want! Such sweet people!

Please pray:
that Ron's kidney will bounce back quickly and his creatnine levels will begin to decrease dramatically...ideally, below 1.4.

that his fluids will get back in check

that God would supernaturally return more strength, energy and stamina to his weakened body in preparation for upcoming surgery; and that Ron would really be motivated to fight to do his part to get stronger by pushing through his exercises and walking even when he doesn't feel like it

for Ryan as he travels to Florida to move Stacee here (supposed to leave Thursday evening but he is scheduled on one of the M80's that American Airlines has been cancelling all flights on!) They will be driving the 20 hours back here in one stretch.

business will run smoothly

for all of us: that we would keep our focus on Christ and allow Him to be our hope, strength, peace, comfort, sufficiency....our everything!

Thanks, faithful family & friends!

Much love,
Christie

"I am the Vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing." John 15:5