Saturday, October 31, 2009

BOO....

HOO!!! Yes, those are tears...tears of sadness, frustration and joy all rolled in one.

Ron decided why ruin a good tradition? We've spent most holidays over the last two years at Presby and it is Halloween (not sure that technically qualifies as a holiday, though) so, being my sweet pumpkin...he decided to give everyone a good scare. (Like the play on word nod to Halloween?)

Let me back up...It's been a bit of a rough week. Ron's had some major upper back pain the last few nights...in front of and behind left shoulder referring down back...which has caused him to not get any sleep due to discomfort. Pain typically goes away during the day...we're thinking odd, but who knows; could just be he needs a new pillow, right? Although pain has been enough to need prescription pain meds.

Last night (pain free at this point), he noticed within 30 minutes of hooking up to TPN, the pain began. So we started going back over the week, trying to piece things together...In retrospect we remember: on Monday when nurse did PICC dressing change, she had trouble getting sticky tape off PICC line and arm and ended up having to work quite a while on him. That night was first night of pain, Tuesday was a rough day since he slept so terribly...but thinking he just had a crick in his neck. Same scenario each night since.

Up to last night, when it dawned on him the pain seems to start each night after TPN has been hooked up. We unhooked him from the TPN and he seemed to sleep ok and woke up this morning with no pain.

Hmmm, we may be on to something here....

Could this all be just a bizarre coincidence that a strained muscle is exacerbated by pressure of something running through vein pushing on a common nerve or something; or is it possible PICC is out of place putting pressure on something when TPN runs through; or could TPN be leaching into some place it shouldn't?

Also, Ron's not positive, but as he examines PICC site, he thinks PICC looks a little longer than usual.

You know me and my "unlicensed medical degree"; just enough knowledge to be dangerous, but extremely cautious. So, we make a call to Interventional Radiology and are told to come in. As he's getting dressed we notice the small blood vessesls on his chest are predominant, which is odd; haven't seen that up to this point.

When we arrive at Presby they are waiting for us...we again relate the story and proceed to show Dr. D his chest, and now we notice his carotid is looking lumpy. They immediately take him in and find he has multiple clots in his carotid (along with several others in smaller vessels) and his PICC is definitely out of place.

Thank God, he noticed the TPN relation or this could have been a life threatening situation!

Right now, he is having a catheter directed thrombolysis.

This will better explain:
Catheter directed thrombolysis is a minimally invasive treatment that dissolves abnormal blood clots in blood vessels to help improve blood flow and prevent damage to tissues and organs.

When blood does not flow smoothly through a vessel, it can begin to coagulate, turning from a free-flowing liquid to a semi-solid gel, or blood clots.

In a catheter-directed thrombolysis procedure, x-ray imaging is used to help guide a special medication or medical device to the site of blood clots to dissolve the blockage.

Basically, he will have a procedure where they will inject a medication to soften the clot then a catheter with a teeny, tiny fan on the end of it will be inserted and it acts like a rotor rooter that breaks up the clot and then sucks it out.

They will also remove PICC and place in another location. We've discussed putting in a port but right now the consensus is PICC is the better option. Yes, you may have problems with PICC complications but they are small and more easily treatable. With a port you are in a major vessel and when complications occur they are usually major.

He will be admitted for a few days. Unfortunately, all of his regular docs (except Dr. D, Interventional Radiologist) are not on call this weekend; so their partners have been apprised of the situation. Monday, his regular doctors will confer and come up with a plan of action. The major component is an anticoagulant (blood thinner...aren't y'all impressed with my medical terminology?). Unfortunately, we still face the same old problem...because of his digestive issues, his body does not absorb oral blood thinner properly, and the twice daily Lovenox (blood thinner) injections tend to cause him to develop hematomas.

Please, please pray the doctors (mainly hematologist/oncologist) will be able to come up with a treatment that is good for him. Also pray against frustration and anxiety. It's hard to swallow this is how life may continue to be from here on out; he will always be a medically fragile guy. To look at him, it's hard to tell all he's been through and all he continues to deal with put in reality, it's always touchy.

So, you've read the sadness and frustration...now the Joy

We have joy in knowing we are at an excellent hospital with people who know Ron inside and out (literally!)

We have joy in knowing we serve a God who knows us intimately, down to the number of hairs on our head at any given moment; and is not taken by surprise when these little hiccups come our way.

We have joy in knowing...we have faithful family, friends, prayer warriors who are willing to stand in the gap and hold us up. We couldn't do this without you!

Much love, Christie

"Be attentive when it's the darkest!"

"A life of faith involves seeing past what's happening today and believing in God's redemptive care in our tomorrows" from Catching Fireflies by Patsy Clairmont

"I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted."
Job 42:2

And yes, I've learned my lesson and have a packed bag with us...against Ron's protest!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

And so the journey began...

October 9 two years ago, Ron was admitted to the ER at HEB and after a night full of testing was diagnosed with a failing gall bladder.

Little did we know that a "simple" gall bladder surgery would forever change the course of our lives. Though we would NEVER want to go through the trials of these past two years again, we can honestly say we would not want to give up all that God has taught us and the relationships we've developed. God has shown Himself faithful! And though at times it's been so painful we've felt we couldn't go on, we've found there are some things that can only be learned through the pain and suffering that causes complete dependence on the Father.

We've also come to have a greater appreciation for the unfailing hope that is available to us through Christ, as well as the generosity of His people who have been so faithful to encourage, lift us up and minister to our every need whether that be financial, physical, emotional or spiritual.

You know, it's one thing to go through a short period of time relying on the help of others; but when it becomes long term..... You begin to feel you're "wearing out your welcome". That people are thinking, "Oh great, it's those needy Nordell's again!"

However, God continues to remind me we need to put aside our pride (Ugh! That awful P word!); and allow others to meet our needs. You'd think we'd have enough practice by now that it would be no big deal to ask for and accept help, but it's still difficult. And as we pray about our pride, He reminds us again that our stubborn determination to do things on our own is actually refusing to allow others to do for us, therefore robbing them of the blessing!We've all been there; when you know someone who is hurting, or going through any difficult time, you feel so helpless. You want to do whatever you can to lighten their load and still...pride too often wins out and we downplay what we're going through, denying our need for others. Yet, God calls us to work together as a body, each serving a different purpose; and meeting each others' needs. (Preaching to the choir here...you guys have been AWESOME in meeting our needs....We're the ones with the "P" problem!)

Too often we hold onto what we perceive to be those things we can control ~ yet I was reminded recently that control is only an illusion.

From Streams in the Desert:
"Lord, increase our faith" Luke 17:5

Faith is not clinging--it is letting go...It's God's plan that we fall--not to defeat, but into His arms....As soon as you recognize your sheer helplessness, and your failing strength, you let go; and falling upon Him, your fear goes, your mistrust goes, and the blessed assurance comes.

Enough preaching...Where are we today? Still dependent on God, as well as our family and friends. He, along with each of you, continues to rise to the occasion!

Speaking of which, we were incredibly blessed by my family's generosity, as well as a fabulous Columbus Day sale, and were able to purchase a washer and dryer without having to spend any money out of pocket. They were delivered about 10 days ago and they are fabulous! We spent Saturday watching in amazement our new toys in action. Aren't we the exciting couple!

That same week, we received a call from my dad informing us that a distant family member had contacted him and wanted to replace our stove top and oven for us! Wow!! We are blown away by this incredible gift. They've been out to measure and we should get them soon. What kind? you ask....I don't know, and I don't care...they are new, they'll cook evenly and they are free; that's all that matters! Many thanks, K&G!

On top of that, my brother stopped by recently to deliver a gift card from an anonymous donor to use however we wanted...to help with appliances or even book a red-eye to Vegas, whatever! Thanks "old friends", we are blessed because of you!

Thank you, Father, for Your sufficient provision (often through Your people!), Your grace and Your sovereignty!

On to the hubby: Ron's had his ups and downs the last few weeks. Mostly, he continues to have no appetite. He's back down to a protein drink in the morning, and a small portion for dinner. Amazingly, his weight is staying somewhat stable despite decreased eating. Dr. A has done a little tweaking on his medications this week, adding one that will stimulate his GI tract and one to fight bacterial buildup. Hopefully these will kick things back in gear. He's been a little more tired than usual since he's had increased reflux and yakking which keeps him from sleeping well.

Otherwise, he's doing well in his classes. He even made the highest grade on a major test in his anatomy and physiology class (actually the highest grade in his prof's classes for that test) and on today's test in Math he scored a 100! Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks!

Please pray Ron's renewed digestive issues will resolve quickly and he will get some much-needed rest. And for his energy and stamina; lack of sleep causes an increase in weakness.

Much love,
Christie


"My Father has prepared these places for the ones He has chosen"
Matthew 20:23 NLT

Though this verse is in reference to James' and John's mother asking Jesus if her son's could sit in places of honor on either side of Him, it really spoke to me that wherever God sends us, we have full assurance He has prepared that place for us.

"Trust in the Lord and rely on your God" Isaiah 50:10b

It's here!!! Ron tells his story

Love it when my hubby shares!. Though a very condensed version, Ron eloquently shared with our youth group a few weeks ago. Below are his th...