Sunday's update from Presby!

Praise God! Yesterday's MRI of lumbar region revealed there is no infection in the lower back!!!

The muscles are locking up and spasming due to over compensation for upper back issues from infection which intensifies bulging disc (we've known he has for a while) along with some arthritis in this area.

What will be done about the tremendous lower back pain? He will be given Ativan at night which has properties of a muscle relaxant and should help him to really relax and get better sleep, too. PT has also been called in to work with him.

Tomorrow will be a very busy day. They will begin the Gallium scan series; perform the specialized ECHO (TEE) and they will be talking with the head of IR to see if he can do biopsy or if it will need to be done by a neurosurgeon. Once all of these tests/procedures are complete and cultures grow, they will know what antibiotic to use to target the specific bacteria.

Though Osteomyelitis (infection in the bone) is a serious condition, Ron's doctors feel confident it is very treatable. When asked why they are so confident, they gave several reasons: there is no involvement of the spinal cord; the results of the lumbar MRI show no indication it has traveled; he has no decline in health otherwise; and there has been no elevation in white blood count or temp.

What concerns them is how to prevent future bloodstream infections. Plans are to amp up sterile conditions of everything to be introduced through PICC, be more proactive with frequently scheduled specialized blood tests to try to catch anything that might be brewing and for us to be even more vigilant when flushing, injecting Lovenox, introducing additives to TPN and hooking up to PICC.

Please continue to pray whenever we come to mind!

Christie

"The Lord will guide you continually..." Isaih 58:11 NLT

Faith does not concern itself with the entire journey. One step is enough. That first step is all that is needed. Breathe a prayer for courage to fill your legs, as well as your heart, as you face the unknown, the unexpected....Put your hand into the hand of God. He gives the calmness and serenity of heart and soul.

Do not limit the limitless God! With Him face the new trail and follow on unafraid, for you walk not alone!

Selected entries from Streams in the Desert 2