Things have been quite difficult lately, but thanks to your prayers, and God's grace, we are beginning to find our way to a better place now. The circumstances have not necessarily changed, but we have definitely been bathed in His comfort and peace. We may feel we are back at square one, nevertheless, we are right where God wants us to be.
I have to confess, I had a major meltdown after this last emergency trip to Interventional Radiology. Going there was no big deal, we're used to these little hiccups along the way; don't like them, but try to deal with them and go on. However, after we met with the chief of IR and he showed us the pictures and extent of the clots, it became apparent that if we had not gone in, this would have quickly become a life-threatening situation. Clots in your carotid, jugular and superior vena cava, with one being the size of your thumb, is definitely not a good thing!
Once the procedure was over (at least what they could do for that day) and Ron was settled in ICU, I was spent. I found my mind wandering to that "what if" place. Fear got a grip on me and wouldn't let go. I'm sure this was enhanced by the fact that I was having flashbacks to just 2 years ago on Nov 4 with Ron taking a sudden nosedive, being rushed to the ICU and doctors telling me to gather family and friends. At one point his heart had stopped out, he was having great difficulty breathing therefore was intubated, he had septic shock and needed emergency surgery and they weren't certain he'd pull through. Then after surgery, being told it was worse than they had thought; everything they touched started bleeding and they could not contain it, so they packed him and sewed him back up in hopes of keeping him alive until the boys arrived.
Funny, how our minds and bodies respond to memories of things that are over and done with, yet continue to impact us physically, mentally and emotionally in such a significant way.
It was difficult to once again see the person I love most (this side of heaven) trembling from the pain. Then to be yanked out of my comfort zone of being able to stay there, and having to drive the 45 minutes away from him to try to sleep once visiting hours ended...oh, so hard!
As I was driving home, I was a wreck! I kept thinking, I can't do this again, I can't do this again! And then realizing, but what choice do I have? This is where we are; what's my alternative? Tell Ron, sorry honey, but I'm out of here...I've had my share and I just can't handle it any more? Tell the boys, ok, it's your turn to be in charge; I'm going home and go about my regular routine? You guys handle this.
As I cried out...please, God, I can't do this anymore; these words resonated in my soul "You're right, you can't do this. I'm not asking you to. But I am asking you to trust Me. Haven't I shown myself to be faithful in the past? Didn't I promise to never leave or forsake those who are mine?" Yes, but I'm still afraid...what if you gave us these two years only to....ugh, that awful "what if" rearing it's ugly head again!
I was comforted in knowing He only speaks truth. When I try to be in control of the situation, I may think I'm able to handle it for a while; but in reality, if it were up to me; I'd be an out-of-control, weepy, fearful mess! I'm so thankful I don't have to rely on my ability (or lack thereof).
This is such a humbling place to be in. We don't share our struggles in order to receive any recognition or accolades. We don't know why God has called us to this journey, but can assure you, it's definitely not us doing anything; we're not strong enough to get through this on our own. It's His strength and His grace that gets us through. We're just trying to figure out how to flesh out this faith we claim to cling so firmly to; believing that He has called us to be transparent and share all the ups and downs of this journey with each of you; while striving to bring Him glory.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness"
2 Corinthians 12:9
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit"
Psalm 34:18
Looking up,
Christie
"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him" John Piper
"Pursue the pleasure of knowing God intimately!" Patsy Clairmont
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Weary
It's been a rough few days around here. I'm tired, Ron's EXHAUSTED and we're both rather soul-weary.
Ron has had trouble sleeping at night but slept until 2:45 yesterday afternoon and today he slept until noon, woke up long enough for a protein drink and then slept in recliner until 2. When he's awake he's been very lethargic and seems quite down. He's had yakking episodes daily, which causes his small appetite to diminish even more. His vitals are fine but he looks gaunt and feels weak. In all he's lost 9.5 lbs since he was admitted to Presby 2 weeks ago (8 while there, 1.5 while home).
As we've talked (or as I've pulled teeth trying to get anything out of him), he finally admits he feels useless and is questioning everything. We've prayed and prayed and believed we were on the right track with Ron and school and life in general around here, but now.....
Please pray.
Christie
"O Lord, how long will you forget me?
Forever?
How long will you look the other way?
How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?
Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!
Restore the light to my eyes, or I will die.
Don't let my enemies gloat, saying 'We have defeated him!'
Don't let them rejoice at my downfall.
But I trust (even when I don't feel like it) in Your unfailing love.
I will rejoice (even when I don't feel like it) because You have rescued me.
I will sing to the Lord (even when I don't feel like it) because He has been so good to me."
Psalm 13 New Living Translation (parenthesis mine)
Ron has had trouble sleeping at night but slept until 2:45 yesterday afternoon and today he slept until noon, woke up long enough for a protein drink and then slept in recliner until 2. When he's awake he's been very lethargic and seems quite down. He's had yakking episodes daily, which causes his small appetite to diminish even more. His vitals are fine but he looks gaunt and feels weak. In all he's lost 9.5 lbs since he was admitted to Presby 2 weeks ago (8 while there, 1.5 while home).
As we've talked (or as I've pulled teeth trying to get anything out of him), he finally admits he feels useless and is questioning everything. We've prayed and prayed and believed we were on the right track with Ron and school and life in general around here, but now.....
Please pray.
Christie
"O Lord, how long will you forget me?
Forever?
How long will you look the other way?
How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?
Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!
Restore the light to my eyes, or I will die.
Don't let my enemies gloat, saying 'We have defeated him!'
Don't let them rejoice at my downfall.
But I trust (even when I don't feel like it) in Your unfailing love.
I will rejoice (even when I don't feel like it) because You have rescued me.
I will sing to the Lord (even when I don't feel like it) because He has been so good to me."
Psalm 13 New Living Translation (parenthesis mine)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
No place like home!
Holy Cow....Finally, we are home!!!
It's been a very, very long day but we arrived home around 8:30 ish. Ron was on target to be dismissed around 10 AM, all his doctors had been in and signed off, home health had been arranged, prescriptions filled, etc. BUT, when they came to do a last blood draw, his PICC would not draw, nor would it flush...not a good thing since he's only had it for a little over a week. They tried every trick in the book to troubleshoot but he ended up having to go back to Interventional Radiology this afternoon to have a new PICC placed. After placement, he had to be monitored for 2 hours with vitals taken every 30 minutes; UGH!!!
In the midst of this frustrating, hurry up and wait situation; we received a huge blessing. As I spoke with the pharmacist who formulates Ron's TPN (specialized pharmacy, not retail); we were going over all the medications he will be taking when she asked how he would be receiving the heparin. After I explained the process she told me that because of the specialization of her pharmacy they could actually pre-fill our syringes with the Heparin. Now, instead of a 6 step process where I have to handle filling the syringes from a vial, it goes down to a 3 step process. I'm sure this doesn't sound like that big of a deal to you, but it is HUGE for me! Anywho, I had to come home to pick up the vials and take them to their pharmacy in Dallas then go back to Presby to wait for Ron to go to IR. They then delivered them to our house, as they do our weekly supplies.
Whew!!!! Quite a day; but as Dorothy said, "There's no place like home!"
Christie
It's been a very, very long day but we arrived home around 8:30 ish. Ron was on target to be dismissed around 10 AM, all his doctors had been in and signed off, home health had been arranged, prescriptions filled, etc. BUT, when they came to do a last blood draw, his PICC would not draw, nor would it flush...not a good thing since he's only had it for a little over a week. They tried every trick in the book to troubleshoot but he ended up having to go back to Interventional Radiology this afternoon to have a new PICC placed. After placement, he had to be monitored for 2 hours with vitals taken every 30 minutes; UGH!!!
In the midst of this frustrating, hurry up and wait situation; we received a huge blessing. As I spoke with the pharmacist who formulates Ron's TPN (specialized pharmacy, not retail); we were going over all the medications he will be taking when she asked how he would be receiving the heparin. After I explained the process she told me that because of the specialization of her pharmacy they could actually pre-fill our syringes with the Heparin. Now, instead of a 6 step process where I have to handle filling the syringes from a vial, it goes down to a 3 step process. I'm sure this doesn't sound like that big of a deal to you, but it is HUGE for me! Anywho, I had to come home to pick up the vials and take them to their pharmacy in Dallas then go back to Presby to wait for Ron to go to IR. They then delivered them to our house, as they do our weekly supplies.
Whew!!!! Quite a day; but as Dorothy said, "There's no place like home!"
Christie
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Good news!
After a long week(+) of feeling downright awful, Ron's finally picking up steam! Chest x-ray is beginning to show signs of clearing, he was able to keep his blood oxygen saturation at an acceptable level without any assistance (including during and after a walk around the floor) and his antibiotic cycle is complete as of tonight. So....he's coming home Wednesday!
Please pray as he transitions back home; that he will not try to push himself but will be patient with the healing process. Dr. A says it will take several weeks to fully recover from this bad bout of pneumonia. Also, as we adjust to life on heparin. I will have to inject this into his PICC every 8 hours and unfortunately it is one that will require several steps, not just a pre-filled syringe, yippee!. Due to the amount of heparin he'll receive, he will have to be watched closely for any signs of bleeding and will be prone to bruise very easily.
Also, pray for wisdom as he consults with his professors regarding this extended absence from classes. Some are willing to be very flexible and assign alternative assignments while others...not so much. You are loved and appreciated!!!Christie
Please pray as he transitions back home; that he will not try to push himself but will be patient with the healing process. Dr. A says it will take several weeks to fully recover from this bad bout of pneumonia. Also, as we adjust to life on heparin. I will have to inject this into his PICC every 8 hours and unfortunately it is one that will require several steps, not just a pre-filled syringe, yippee!. Due to the amount of heparin he'll receive, he will have to be watched closely for any signs of bleeding and will be prone to bruise very easily.
Also, pray for wisdom as he consults with his professors regarding this extended absence from classes. Some are willing to be very flexible and assign alternative assignments while others...not so much. You are loved and appreciated!!!Christie
Friday, November 6, 2009
Waiting
My poor guy....has a nasty case of pneumonia. He's been coughing, running a fever, yakking, swelling up from all the fluids they've pumped in him the last week and has just generally felt pretty miserable the last couple of days. So, it looks like we'll be hanging out at Presby for the weekend.
Below, is a link from youtube to a great song featured on the movie Fireproof. It has really spoken to me the last few days.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHIqOHU6Dhg
Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend. And if we come to mind, please pray.
Below, is a link from youtube to a great song featured on the movie Fireproof. It has really spoken to me the last few days.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHIqOHU6Dhg
Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend. And if we come to mind, please pray.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
No Bueno :(
Ron definitely will not be going home today. His lungs are sounding "crackly", he's running a fever and they've had to put him on oxygen because his oxygen saturation is down. They've ordered consults from both infectious disease and pulmonology. Ugh!!! Please pray for my poor hubby. He obviously feels terrible along with being very down and frustrated.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Suite Life on 6W...
Sorry I didn't update last night, it was a long day. Ron has been (and continues to be) exhausted. We moved again last night, out of ICU and onto the floor; which means he is improving. We are back to our home away from home on 6West (main building). Although it was nice being in the new fancy schmancy Hamon Tower, it's good to be back in a more quiet environment. And we were blessed to be assigned to the suite! Now I can sleep on the pull out in there, no more crashing on the kid's couch!
Presbyterian has undergone so many renovations in the last two years, including several since our last stay in September. As I explored some yesterday afternoon (and got lost multiple times throughout the day), I was happy to find the well-hidden cashier's office where I can once again buy parking tickets in bulk; that way I only have to pay $1 each time I park---wooo hooo!
Well, on to what you really want to know about:
Ron will be here at least through tomorrow, possibly Friday. His blood pressure and temp are stable; now, they are working on getting the rest of his body stable-with heparin injections 3 x a day we have to watch his blood count closely, and his electrolytes, phosphorous and magnesium have been off as well as his kidney being a little stressed from all the contrast used the last few days in IR. Once everything is in balance, he'll be able to go home.
Please continue to pray for rest....Ron feels like crud and it's mainly because he is so very tired. Of course with each medication, comes a different schedule so they are in and out often monkeying with him in some way. And every day he is in the hospital just sets his physical stamina back that much more. Poor guy needs a break! And of course, he's concerned about all the classes he's missing.
So, we are once again in a waiting pattern...biggest bummer is not being able to be out enjoying this beautiful weather (on top of the fact he's using up all my baby time!!! I've been hoarding my days off to use when our babies arrive next spring! Then again, he always has and will come first in my book!)
We appreciate each of you!
Christie
My devotional reading from Proverbs 31 ministry this morning was so appropriate; (which I've included below) references Deuteronomy 32:4, 10-14 (this is the NLT version)
"He is the Rock; His work is perfect. Everything He does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright He is!...He found them..He surrounded them and watched over them. He guarded them as His most precious possession...He spread His wings to take them in...The Lord alone guided them...He nourished them...He fed them..."
When Healing Never Comes
4 Nov 2009
Wendy Blight
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart..." Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
Today she is 16. A newly licensed driver, varsity cheerleader, confident, strong, funny, and beautiful, inside and out.
Then she was 13. Sitting in a doctor's office, between tears and trembling, we heard these words: "scoliosis," "a curvature of the spine," "back brace," " 23 out of 24 hours a day," " two years."
Words cannot explain life those next weeks and months as she faithfully wore her brace ... a brace that deformed her body, caused sleepless nights filled with pain and sorrow, and required her to quit something she loved: competitive cheerleading.
Questions plagued her heart. Why me, God? What did I do, God?
Questions plagued my mind. Why her, God? What did I fail to do? Please take this from her and give it to me, Lord...PLEASE!!
I cried out for healing. We obeyed Scripture. Elders of the church prayed over her. I laid hands on her and anointed her with oil. Hundreds of women prayed for her healing.
Healing never came.
Many nights she lay in my bed, locked in her brace, sobbing, asking, "Why me, Mom?" I lay next to her, tears rolling down my cheeks, exhausted, feeling helpless, wondering how we would make it to the other side of this.
Healing never came.
Her back worsened despite the brace, so we tried alternative methods.
Healing never came.
Oh, for a time, they kept her curve at bay—until six months ago. Her curve and the pain resulting from it had increased with astounding speed since then, until it reached the point that we had to face the reality of surgery. A surgery that requires this precious child of mine to put her life on hold. A surgery that means rods and screws will line her spine from top to bottom. A surgery that requires months and months of rehabilitation. A surgery that prevents her from ever tumbling again.
Healing never came ... or has it?
At first glance I'd say "no" because the Lord did not heal in the way I so specifically and faithfully prayed.
But, when I look at the promised result - it will straighten her spine and allow her to live pain free - I must say, "yes" healing is coming, just not in the way I hoped and prayed.
The passion of my heart, the call on my life, is to point others to find answers to their struggles, great and small, in the Word of God. So what do I say to myself as I kneel before the Lord? I allow the tears to come. I shake my fist, asking why has it had to come to this? I ask why did He not choose MY way?
And then, I surrender.
I take my own advice.
I go to His Word. His Word that speaks sweetly to me:
"Wendy, trust Me with all your heart. Do not lean on the knowledge of chiropractors, physical therapists, and others. Do not lean on your fears. Acknowledge Me, Wendy. My Name. My Power. My Strength. My Love. I promised to direct your path, and I have. This is the path I have led you to follow. Trust Me." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
"Wendy, I do not give you a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)
"Wendy, remember My ways are higher than your ways, My thoughts higher than yours...TRUST ME with her because I have a plan and I love her more than you will ever know." (Isaiah 55:8)
I wish I could tell you today that I am not afraid. But I would be lying. I am afraid. I am afraid of the day they will roll her away to cut into her spine and insert foreign objects into her body. But I can tell you that I trust my God, and I ask Him daily to help me with my unbelief.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that it is TRUTH. Father, for every woman whose heart aligns with mine today, direct us to Your Word. Speak truth into our circumstances. Help us with our unbelief. Help us take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Fill our hearts and minds with whatever is lovely, true, pure, excellent, and praiseworthy. Father cover us with Your wings. Help us to fully trust in You. I ask this in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
For more on this topic, listen to today's Radio Show, Valley of Grief
Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's Story by Wendy Blight
i am not but i know I AM by Louie Giglio
Visit Wendy's blog - Living Truth
Application Steps:
If you have a struggle, take a few minutes today, go to God's Word, and ask Him to speak into your circumstances. Note the verses to which He draws you and personalize them as I did above. Pray them every day this week and watch what God will do.
Reflections:
Read the following verses and reflect on what they speak to your heart: Hebrews 4:16, Romans 10:17, and Hebrews 12:2.
Power Verse:
1 Corinthians 2:16, "For who has known the mind of the Lord that He may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ." (NIV)
Isaiah 44:2, 21b, "Thus says the LORD who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not….I formed you; you are my servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me." (ESV) referenced
Presbyterian has undergone so many renovations in the last two years, including several since our last stay in September. As I explored some yesterday afternoon (and got lost multiple times throughout the day), I was happy to find the well-hidden cashier's office where I can once again buy parking tickets in bulk; that way I only have to pay $1 each time I park---wooo hooo!
Well, on to what you really want to know about:
Ron will be here at least through tomorrow, possibly Friday. His blood pressure and temp are stable; now, they are working on getting the rest of his body stable-with heparin injections 3 x a day we have to watch his blood count closely, and his electrolytes, phosphorous and magnesium have been off as well as his kidney being a little stressed from all the contrast used the last few days in IR. Once everything is in balance, he'll be able to go home.
Please continue to pray for rest....Ron feels like crud and it's mainly because he is so very tired. Of course with each medication, comes a different schedule so they are in and out often monkeying with him in some way. And every day he is in the hospital just sets his physical stamina back that much more. Poor guy needs a break! And of course, he's concerned about all the classes he's missing.
So, we are once again in a waiting pattern...biggest bummer is not being able to be out enjoying this beautiful weather (on top of the fact he's using up all my baby time!!! I've been hoarding my days off to use when our babies arrive next spring! Then again, he always has and will come first in my book!)
We appreciate each of you!
Christie
My devotional reading from Proverbs 31 ministry this morning was so appropriate; (which I've included below) references Deuteronomy 32:4, 10-14 (this is the NLT version)
"He is the Rock; His work is perfect. Everything He does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright He is!...He found them..He surrounded them and watched over them. He guarded them as His most precious possession...He spread His wings to take them in...The Lord alone guided them...He nourished them...He fed them..."
When Healing Never Comes
4 Nov 2009
Wendy Blight
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart..." Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
Today she is 16. A newly licensed driver, varsity cheerleader, confident, strong, funny, and beautiful, inside and out.
Then she was 13. Sitting in a doctor's office, between tears and trembling, we heard these words: "scoliosis," "a curvature of the spine," "back brace," " 23 out of 24 hours a day," " two years."
Words cannot explain life those next weeks and months as she faithfully wore her brace ... a brace that deformed her body, caused sleepless nights filled with pain and sorrow, and required her to quit something she loved: competitive cheerleading.
Questions plagued her heart. Why me, God? What did I do, God?
Questions plagued my mind. Why her, God? What did I fail to do? Please take this from her and give it to me, Lord...PLEASE!!
I cried out for healing. We obeyed Scripture. Elders of the church prayed over her. I laid hands on her and anointed her with oil. Hundreds of women prayed for her healing.
Healing never came.
Many nights she lay in my bed, locked in her brace, sobbing, asking, "Why me, Mom?" I lay next to her, tears rolling down my cheeks, exhausted, feeling helpless, wondering how we would make it to the other side of this.
Healing never came.
Her back worsened despite the brace, so we tried alternative methods.
Healing never came.
Oh, for a time, they kept her curve at bay—until six months ago. Her curve and the pain resulting from it had increased with astounding speed since then, until it reached the point that we had to face the reality of surgery. A surgery that requires this precious child of mine to put her life on hold. A surgery that means rods and screws will line her spine from top to bottom. A surgery that requires months and months of rehabilitation. A surgery that prevents her from ever tumbling again.
Healing never came ... or has it?
At first glance I'd say "no" because the Lord did not heal in the way I so specifically and faithfully prayed.
But, when I look at the promised result - it will straighten her spine and allow her to live pain free - I must say, "yes" healing is coming, just not in the way I hoped and prayed.
The passion of my heart, the call on my life, is to point others to find answers to their struggles, great and small, in the Word of God. So what do I say to myself as I kneel before the Lord? I allow the tears to come. I shake my fist, asking why has it had to come to this? I ask why did He not choose MY way?
And then, I surrender.
I take my own advice.
I go to His Word. His Word that speaks sweetly to me:
"Wendy, trust Me with all your heart. Do not lean on the knowledge of chiropractors, physical therapists, and others. Do not lean on your fears. Acknowledge Me, Wendy. My Name. My Power. My Strength. My Love. I promised to direct your path, and I have. This is the path I have led you to follow. Trust Me." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
"Wendy, I do not give you a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)
"Wendy, remember My ways are higher than your ways, My thoughts higher than yours...TRUST ME with her because I have a plan and I love her more than you will ever know." (Isaiah 55:8)
I wish I could tell you today that I am not afraid. But I would be lying. I am afraid. I am afraid of the day they will roll her away to cut into her spine and insert foreign objects into her body. But I can tell you that I trust my God, and I ask Him daily to help me with my unbelief.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that it is TRUTH. Father, for every woman whose heart aligns with mine today, direct us to Your Word. Speak truth into our circumstances. Help us with our unbelief. Help us take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Fill our hearts and minds with whatever is lovely, true, pure, excellent, and praiseworthy. Father cover us with Your wings. Help us to fully trust in You. I ask this in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
For more on this topic, listen to today's Radio Show, Valley of Grief
Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's Story by Wendy Blight
i am not but i know I AM by Louie Giglio
Visit Wendy's blog - Living Truth
Application Steps:
If you have a struggle, take a few minutes today, go to God's Word, and ask Him to speak into your circumstances. Note the verses to which He draws you and personalize them as I did above. Pray them every day this week and watch what God will do.
Reflections:
Read the following verses and reflect on what they speak to your heart: Hebrews 4:16, Romans 10:17, and Hebrews 12:2.
Power Verse:
1 Corinthians 2:16, "For who has known the mind of the Lord that He may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ." (NIV)
Isaiah 44:2, 21b, "Thus says the LORD who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not….I formed you; you are my servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me." (ESV) referenced
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Things are looking up!
Praise God! Ron finally took a turn for the better yesterday evening. He's only had a couple of yakking episodes since around 6 yesterday evening. He's even been able to keep down a little apple juice. Still nauseous but better.
Blood pressure is s-l-o-w-l-y ooched up but still a little on the low side.
He looks exhausted and he is; still not been able to sleep. It's always a battle to get sleep in an ICU situation but now that the move has been made over to the new Hamon Tower, we're hopeful it will be a little more quiet.
Yes, we've made the BIG move. Ron was the inaugural patient in the Hamon 3ICU. The amount of extra nurses on hand is crazy! They send at least 3 nurses with each patient as they transport them with all their equipment (as well as emergency equipment, just in case). The trek from the 3rd floor of the main building, down to the lower level to take the Link and then back up to the 3rd floor of the Hamon Tower caused Ron to get a little nauseous, which led to his 2nd yakking episode...thankfully it occurred after he was in his room. It was so nice to be the first, even though that meant 7AM, we were able to get settled in quickly, instead of being on standby all day.
I've searched and searched but have yet to find our plaque...hmmm, may just have to make our own.
Haven't seen any docs as yet, but will report when I do!
Please continue to pray for rest!
Blood pressure is s-l-o-w-l-y ooched up but still a little on the low side.
He looks exhausted and he is; still not been able to sleep. It's always a battle to get sleep in an ICU situation but now that the move has been made over to the new Hamon Tower, we're hopeful it will be a little more quiet.
Yes, we've made the BIG move. Ron was the inaugural patient in the Hamon 3ICU. The amount of extra nurses on hand is crazy! They send at least 3 nurses with each patient as they transport them with all their equipment (as well as emergency equipment, just in case). The trek from the 3rd floor of the main building, down to the lower level to take the Link and then back up to the 3rd floor of the Hamon Tower caused Ron to get a little nauseous, which led to his 2nd yakking episode...thankfully it occurred after he was in his room. It was so nice to be the first, even though that meant 7AM, we were able to get settled in quickly, instead of being on standby all day.
I've searched and searched but have yet to find our plaque...hmmm, may just have to make our own.
Haven't seen any docs as yet, but will report when I do!
Please continue to pray for rest!
Monday, November 2, 2009
It was a rough night and the day up to this point has proven to be just as crummy. But we're hopeful things will begin to look up soon; once all his new treatments are on board.
It's been over a year since Ron has been in the ICU and we'd forgotten how exhausting it is. Due to the extreme nausea and intermittent yakking, Ron has not been able to get much sleep...he dozes a little, but not a good, deep stretch of sleep (except when he's under anesthesia for procedures in IR).
Swelling in right arm had decreased enough to allow placement of PICC; so he went back to IR this morning where they removed the catheter in his left arm and placed PICC in right.
He's continued to have nausea and vomiting despite being on both Zofran and Phenergan, and his blood pressure has been running very low all day as well. (70/38 at one point) and they are keeping him on oxygen since his blood sat is not stable on room air alone, as yet.
We were so glad to see Dr. A (gastro) this morning, he has been able to piece together many of the issues Ron's been having, since he is the ongoing primary doctor who knows him so well. One treatment is to increase his steroid which should help with both blood pressure and vomiting. He also said as hard as it is on Ron, the vomiting is not to be unexpected since his carotid/jugular and majority of veins in chest are raw and inflamed from procedures and because of clots (recent and previous); intra cranial pressure can build up. He likened to when a brain shunt fails-- vomiting will often occur. He also prescribed Phenergan and/or Zofran (for vomiting) every 4 hours and Protonix (tummy med) twice daily, all injected through PICC.
Dr. M (hematologist/oncologist) was also in this morning. It looks like Ron will begin heparin injections through his PICC beginning tomorrow morning as long term treatment for clotting issues. He'll get these 3 times a day indefinitely (most likely for the rest of his life)
On a better note: Temperature seems to finally be under control, YIPPEE! And it looks like he will be an inaugural patient to the brand new Hamon Tower ICU. The facility we watched them build from the ground up as Ron was here for such an extended period of time. They move 3ICU over tomorrow morning at 7AM. (We've got our eyes pealed for the engraved plaque stating "paid for by a generous donation from the Ronald Nordell family"...after all the money we've spent here, it's only fitting, right?!)
We had a little kink thrown into our plans, the Cash Cow at Hotel Presby has run out! They can no longer give me the long term rate of $30, in fact you must be here for 14 consecutive nights and then they only reduce it by 25%. They've also gone up on the parking (used to be $4 max and is now $5 and you reach the max much more quickly!) and valet has gone from free when he was first here, to $3 early this year and now up to $5. Gotta pay for that fancy new building they've just opened somehow.
Anywho, I went home the first night and spent the night at Aaron's bachelor pad last night...it was great to be just 15 minutes away as opposed to the monster drive it would have been at rush hour.
It's been hard, but I know God is stretching and growing me in all of this. I get so used to my comfort zones, those areas I think I can control; yet, control is only illusion! My heart knows but my mind forgets and I know it's a big, yet necessary step to being totally dependent on the Father. One of those areas I've clung to has been that subconscious thought that as long as I'm here, everything will be ok. And I've been reminded of this so often these last few days that whether I'm here or not, he still has excellent doctors and nurses. It just makes me feel better. And that no matter what, God is not just with Ron but He has gone before us and He is in control.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
Christie
"Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths" Psalm 25:4
It's been over a year since Ron has been in the ICU and we'd forgotten how exhausting it is. Due to the extreme nausea and intermittent yakking, Ron has not been able to get much sleep...he dozes a little, but not a good, deep stretch of sleep (except when he's under anesthesia for procedures in IR).
Swelling in right arm had decreased enough to allow placement of PICC; so he went back to IR this morning where they removed the catheter in his left arm and placed PICC in right.
He's continued to have nausea and vomiting despite being on both Zofran and Phenergan, and his blood pressure has been running very low all day as well. (70/38 at one point) and they are keeping him on oxygen since his blood sat is not stable on room air alone, as yet.
We were so glad to see Dr. A (gastro) this morning, he has been able to piece together many of the issues Ron's been having, since he is the ongoing primary doctor who knows him so well. One treatment is to increase his steroid which should help with both blood pressure and vomiting. He also said as hard as it is on Ron, the vomiting is not to be unexpected since his carotid/jugular and majority of veins in chest are raw and inflamed from procedures and because of clots (recent and previous); intra cranial pressure can build up. He likened to when a brain shunt fails-- vomiting will often occur. He also prescribed Phenergan and/or Zofran (for vomiting) every 4 hours and Protonix (tummy med) twice daily, all injected through PICC.
Dr. M (hematologist/oncologist) was also in this morning. It looks like Ron will begin heparin injections through his PICC beginning tomorrow morning as long term treatment for clotting issues. He'll get these 3 times a day indefinitely (most likely for the rest of his life)
On a better note: Temperature seems to finally be under control, YIPPEE! And it looks like he will be an inaugural patient to the brand new Hamon Tower ICU. The facility we watched them build from the ground up as Ron was here for such an extended period of time. They move 3ICU over tomorrow morning at 7AM. (We've got our eyes pealed for the engraved plaque stating "paid for by a generous donation from the Ronald Nordell family"...after all the money we've spent here, it's only fitting, right?!)
We had a little kink thrown into our plans, the Cash Cow at Hotel Presby has run out! They can no longer give me the long term rate of $30, in fact you must be here for 14 consecutive nights and then they only reduce it by 25%. They've also gone up on the parking (used to be $4 max and is now $5 and you reach the max much more quickly!) and valet has gone from free when he was first here, to $3 early this year and now up to $5. Gotta pay for that fancy new building they've just opened somehow.
Anywho, I went home the first night and spent the night at Aaron's bachelor pad last night...it was great to be just 15 minutes away as opposed to the monster drive it would have been at rush hour.
It's been hard, but I know God is stretching and growing me in all of this. I get so used to my comfort zones, those areas I think I can control; yet, control is only illusion! My heart knows but my mind forgets and I know it's a big, yet necessary step to being totally dependent on the Father. One of those areas I've clung to has been that subconscious thought that as long as I'm here, everything will be ok. And I've been reminded of this so often these last few days that whether I'm here or not, he still has excellent doctors and nurses. It just makes me feel better. And that no matter what, God is not just with Ron but He has gone before us and He is in control.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
Christie
"Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths" Psalm 25:4
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Success
Procedure was long (almost 3 hours) and complicated, but had good results. Dr. D feels they were able to get all of the clots. He was surprised to find some of the remaining clots were old (he could tell by the thickness and texture). He said this is not uncommon when you have a long term PICC, Any time you have a foreign object in your body, the natural response is to get rid of it, which is one reason the body forms clots. Then add the fact that the PICC was out of place therefore dripping TPN into an area it wasn't meant for and you get all these small vessels backing up forming clots.
The original plan was to remove the clots and place a new PICC in the right arm. But, sometime during the night he lost both IV's in that arm and the upper one caused his bicep to swell a great deal, so, they were not able to put a new PICC in. He will go back to IR again tomorrow and hopefully they will be able to put PICC in at that point. In the meantime, they have left the catheter in the site to administer fluids, as well as port for antibiotics, steroid, and heparin (which he he has running continuously). I believe they said he will remain in ICU until they are able to get a new PICC in.
Tomorrow docs will confer to come up with a plan of action as to what the best course of treatment will be for Ron. It's obvious Ron's body is prone to developing clots so the need for anticoagulants will definitely be addressed. Then again, we know how his body has problems with blood thinners...quite the quandary!
Some of you have asked, "didn't they put a filter in to catch clots?" Yes, they did, two years ago at HEB. The filter he has is in the inferior vena cava (below the heart) while his problems are in the superior vena cava (above the heart). So, this filter doesn't help. "Then why not put a filter in the superior vena cava?" Great idea! Unfortunately, there are no good filter options available.
We're thrilled they were able to get all the clots, however, it's been a pretty rough afternoon. His left arm, neck and shoulder are sore, he's had nausea and vomiting and has also spiked a temp; so far they haven't been able to get it below 101. They are doing cultures along with a full blood work up and urinalysis.
Continue to pray faithful ones!
Many thanks!
Christie
The original plan was to remove the clots and place a new PICC in the right arm. But, sometime during the night he lost both IV's in that arm and the upper one caused his bicep to swell a great deal, so, they were not able to put a new PICC in. He will go back to IR again tomorrow and hopefully they will be able to put PICC in at that point. In the meantime, they have left the catheter in the site to administer fluids, as well as port for antibiotics, steroid, and heparin (which he he has running continuously). I believe they said he will remain in ICU until they are able to get a new PICC in.
Tomorrow docs will confer to come up with a plan of action as to what the best course of treatment will be for Ron. It's obvious Ron's body is prone to developing clots so the need for anticoagulants will definitely be addressed. Then again, we know how his body has problems with blood thinners...quite the quandary!
Some of you have asked, "didn't they put a filter in to catch clots?" Yes, they did, two years ago at HEB. The filter he has is in the inferior vena cava (below the heart) while his problems are in the superior vena cava (above the heart). So, this filter doesn't help. "Then why not put a filter in the superior vena cava?" Great idea! Unfortunately, there are no good filter options available.
We're thrilled they were able to get all the clots, however, it's been a pretty rough afternoon. His left arm, neck and shoulder are sore, he's had nausea and vomiting and has also spiked a temp; so far they haven't been able to get it below 101. They are doing cultures along with a full blood work up and urinalysis.
Continue to pray faithful ones!
Many thanks!
Christie
Complicated???
Well, Dr. D tells me I'm married to a rather complicated guy (no kidding!!!). Thus, 2 1/2 hours later he finally comes out to tell me there were more clots than he thought and not all of them would break up, therefore he sucked out what he could but was unable to remove everything. They removed the PICC and placed a catheter into the affected areas (carotid/jugular and subclavian veins) that will deliver heparin for the next 12-14 hours in hopes of dissolving these clots.
Sunday morning at 9, Ron will go back to Interventional Radiology where they will take another look-see at how things are going. The hope is that this regimen works and they will then suck out the now broken up clots and place PICC in another location.
Please pray this treatment is succesful and he can get back on the road to healing. Due to the nature of the large amounts of Heparin (blood thinner) being delivered, he has been placed in ICU and I cannot stay with him. Since there was "no room at the inn" I have come home. VERY HARD to do...it kills me to know I'm so far away in case anything were to happen. But I know I have to release this desire for control. I may not be able to be there but God promises He will never leave us...what better hands could he be in, right? But it sure brings me a little more peace when I'm there too!
Also pray for a good night of rest for both of us...and especially against anxiety (which obviously will cause no rest!)
Thanks, Christie
Sunday morning at 9, Ron will go back to Interventional Radiology where they will take another look-see at how things are going. The hope is that this regimen works and they will then suck out the now broken up clots and place PICC in another location.
Please pray this treatment is succesful and he can get back on the road to healing. Due to the nature of the large amounts of Heparin (blood thinner) being delivered, he has been placed in ICU and I cannot stay with him. Since there was "no room at the inn" I have come home. VERY HARD to do...it kills me to know I'm so far away in case anything were to happen. But I know I have to release this desire for control. I may not be able to be there but God promises He will never leave us...what better hands could he be in, right? But it sure brings me a little more peace when I'm there too!
Also pray for a good night of rest for both of us...and especially against anxiety (which obviously will cause no rest!)
Thanks, Christie
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