My dad loves to tell how when I was a little girl I wasn't one to shy away from adventure. I was the one who would try anything and everything, especially if it involved doing something daring with him...motorcycle stunts, skiing on his legs, hanging onto his neck as he swam when I was too young to swim on my own. Preparation for the adventure of the roller coaster life I'd live as an adult?
I've been working on this post for several days now, but it's been difficult seeing as how I tried to break my fingers, wrist, hand, arm on Monday doing something totally stupid. That awful P-word always gets me in trouble. I was sure I could do something totally out of my league; I'm self-sufficient...I don't need help. HAH! Praise God I "only" hyper-extended tendons in my right hand and forearm. The pain and lack of ability to do much of anything with that hand (including type, so please overlook, typos, etc) are a constant reminder that I am NOT superwoman and need to get over myself and ask for help when I should. As Proverbs 16:18 says "Pride goes before a fall"; in my case, LITERALLY!
Anywho, on to the real update:
Over the last couple of weeks/months Ron's had a few little things crop up; nothing horribly bad, but enough to make me a little nervous that something big was brewing.
It started with labs being slightly off (phosphorous and sodium), no big deal...tweaked TPN. Slight edema (swelling) in legs...not uncommon; yet new labs show slight dehydration, hmm...not quite the norm since swelling usually means excess fluid. Next, PICC (less than a month old) won't draw...ugh! Edema continues despite changes and is actually worse, especially in his left leg...very noticeably. And, of course, he has the chronic indigestion, reflux and yakking.
Dr. A was concerned enough he decided it was time to come in for a face to face consult so we could come up with a new plan of action. His concern is that with all the tweaking things should be much improved, however it's only gotten worse. He's especially concerned this could point to a blood clot, since swelling is increasingly predominant on the left side. So, Dr. A has ordered an ultrasound of Ron's lower extremities and his abdomen, which he will have done today. And what if there is indeed a clot? The only treatment option is blood thinners, specifically Lovenox. This is where we both start to get nervous. We all know would a rough time he's had on the Lovenox.
Ron's situation is always a delicate balance; we are constantly adjusting medications, tracking input and output and monitoring activity. He basically lives with constant infection in his digestive tract, which is a major contributor to the indigestion, reflux and yakking; and just like the rest of us; any kind of infection causes overall yucky feeling as well as weakness, lack of motivation and general lethargy. He takes an antibiotic that is specifically for bacterial infections in the GI system, but can only take it for a week and then has to be off of it for a couple. When he's on it, things are much improved; when he's off...things slowly get worse. This poses another concern for Dr. A; Ron becoming immune to the antibiotic, so he is going to swap the antibiotic for a stronger one that he'll take 7 days, be off 7 days then back on for the next couple of months.
I have to confess; I've had a couple of meltdowns over the last few weeks that left me feeling quite melancholy for a few days. All of these little health issues, along with spending a night with Ron's dad in the ER (he was admitted for 3 days but is doing ok now); at times just seems neverending and quite overwhelming.
Just when we feel there's nothing left to be stripped of; we're hit with something else. I think the icing on the cake was being denied by Presby as a charity case and finding we will owe them a substantial amount of money from Ron's three hospitalizations last fall. It was quite a shock, since they have always approved us in the past but for some reason, we no longer meet their criteria. UGH!
On a good note, Ron finished his semester very strong; making an A in his Anatomy & Physiology and a B in Math. I'm so proud of him! He was also able to ride along with his golfing cronies for the back nine a couple of weeks ago. He played a couple of holes (even birdied one!). Then, May 16th we had a big early 91st birthday bash for Ron's Mom, which included 34 out of 42 immediate family in attendance. Great time together.
Also, in the craziness of the last couple of weeks of school, we have been shopping for our new stovetop and oven which are being generously provided by some very special people. Our house being 30 years old has made it quite the challenge to find anything that will fit it's current cutout dimensions, therefore will need some modification work done before installation. But I'm not complaining...we are incredibly blessed by this couple's generosity and are looking forward to our new appliances.
Yesterday, we celebrated our 31st anniversary. Well, I can't say we celebrated; I don't think me eating leftovers, Ron yakking and both of us being up most of the night due to AC going out is much of a celebration...we memorialized? We plan to do something next week, when life is a little less chaotic and we can really enjoy a date.
Sorry, I don't want this to turn into a pity party. As I said, sometimes it just all seems overwhelming. We really are doing ok. Although we wouldn't be without the firm belief and experience in knowing God is on His throne; nothing takes Him by surprise and He cares about the details of our lives and does have a plan.
"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed...he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He promised" Romans 4:18
Hope's power is that we have the energy and desire to go on living because we believe something better is coming.
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." Hebrews 6:19
What does an anchor do? It keeps the ship on course when wind and waves rage against it. The anchor of hope is sunk securely in Christ.
As you can see, we have much need of prayer at the moment; and we covet yours. Thanks faithful ones!
Much love,
Christie
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