Hope you are not weary with the 'update' blogs. It is an effective way to communicate dad's status to many who are inquiring. Thank you so much for praying for dad. God has been so good to us by providing this ongoing miracle.
Today dad was moved from the 'step-down' unit to the rehab section of Mercy Hospital in OKC. He was not able to be moved to Northwest Arkansas yet due to a blood clot in his leg. They want to treat the clot medicinally before trying to transport dad. I was really hoping to get him back to Arkansas tomorrow but I trust the doctor's decisions.
Dad is really weak. They say it will take 3-5 days of therapy for every day dad was in the bed. Well, that means he is in for a rather lengthy rehabilitation. We cannot complain however as we recall how that dad wasn't supposed to be here. It is a blessing just to hear his voice on the telephone, and to sense that he is getting better mentally and emotionally by the day. I know God hasn't brought him this far to let him down.
As Doctor Nasr put it, "We are looking at a year down the road." If we could see that far in faith, I believe we would see dad walking, standing tall and enjoying life without the pain that he has been under for so many years. Truly dad has suffered more intense agony than any person I have ever known. I might add he has done so without complaint. He is a champion in every sense of the word.
I realize more everyday what a 'tree of righteousness' he is to so many people. His circle of influence is not diminished with age. He is an important role model and giant of the faith to many people, including yours truly.
May God bless you and yours. Please remember to call dad's name in prayer as he attempts to move muscles that have mostly lain still for a couple of weeks. Thanks again and God bless you.
Tim
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Dad's Progress (Part 6)
The Lord continues to provide the healing dad needs. For each and everyday we see improvement, we are thankful.
Dad was moved yesterday from the Intensive Care Unit to a 'step-down' unit. The nurses helped him sit in a chair for the first time. He requires much assistance as he is extremely weak from being in the bed for 9 days. The rehab specialists say it usually takes 3-5 days of rehab for every 1 day a person is in the bed. So, dad has a lengthy recovery ahead, but he can do it with the help of the Lord.
The creatinine levels in dad's blood are getting better each day, a sign that his kidneys are healing. We believe his mental confusion will improve as this blood level improves. They have given dad 4 units of blood in the last few days, but the doctors don't seem alarmed by it since dad went through such a lengthy operation.
Thank you all for praying for dad. He continues to need your prayer support as he heals.
God bless you our friends,
Tim
Dad was moved yesterday from the Intensive Care Unit to a 'step-down' unit. The nurses helped him sit in a chair for the first time. He requires much assistance as he is extremely weak from being in the bed for 9 days. The rehab specialists say it usually takes 3-5 days of rehab for every 1 day a person is in the bed. So, dad has a lengthy recovery ahead, but he can do it with the help of the Lord.
The creatinine levels in dad's blood are getting better each day, a sign that his kidneys are healing. We believe his mental confusion will improve as this blood level improves. They have given dad 4 units of blood in the last few days, but the doctors don't seem alarmed by it since dad went through such a lengthy operation.
Thank you all for praying for dad. He continues to need your prayer support as he heals.
God bless you our friends,
Tim
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Dad's Progress (Part 5)
Dear Friends,
At 8:05 am today dad was removed from the ventilator!!! We are so grateful to the Lord for His grace for every situation of life.
Dad's liver enzymes are normal once again, from 2700 when he was dying, to 59 this morning!! Dr. Kerns, the cardiologist, once again confirmed this was a miracle that only God could have done.
Keep praying for dad's kidneys. They remain at a very low function and will take some time to heal. As long as dad's heart and blood pressure continue on a normal pace, the kidneys have opportunity to heal. Join me in focusing prayer for this. Thanks so much!
It was great to hear dad talk to me for the first time, although his voice was weak and raspy. We often take a lot of little things for granted. Look today for something to praise God for that we too often overlook.
Be blessed!
Tim
At 8:05 am today dad was removed from the ventilator!!! We are so grateful to the Lord for His grace for every situation of life.
Dad's liver enzymes are normal once again, from 2700 when he was dying, to 59 this morning!! Dr. Kerns, the cardiologist, once again confirmed this was a miracle that only God could have done.
Keep praying for dad's kidneys. They remain at a very low function and will take some time to heal. As long as dad's heart and blood pressure continue on a normal pace, the kidneys have opportunity to heal. Join me in focusing prayer for this. Thanks so much!
It was great to hear dad talk to me for the first time, although his voice was weak and raspy. We often take a lot of little things for granted. Look today for something to praise God for that we too often overlook.
Be blessed!
Tim
Monday, October 6, 2008
Dad's Progress (Part 4)
Thanks to all who are checking on dad daily via the blog.
Today was another long day. We kinda get fogged in here and the time becomes meaningless while we listen to the constant noise of a hospital. Dad remains in critical care and still has the vent at this writing. The reason is because his heart has acted up again today and is in constant atrial fibrilation, a fancy couple of words for 'it won't beat right.' The electronic firing of the heart gets scrambled and the distinct 'thump, thump' of the heart is not heard. As long as we are in this phase we cannot take the ventilator out.
Dad is pretty heavily medicated, insomuch that he probably won't remember much, if any, of what he has been through this week. That is good in the long run as he has been through so much, yet has come so far. Let me give you some good news of the day.
Dad's kidney functions seem to be slightly better! His pain has been manageable with no extraordinary pain meds for this type surgery. Dr. Nasr, the surgeon, told us again today that this surgery is perhaps more traumatic to the body than a liver or lung transplant because it taxes every system to the limit. Wow!
All the numbers are moving in the right direction with regard to lab results, kidney and liver function. Even his stomach revved up today! (No more details there!) Now we just need the heart to pick up and run like a sewing machine. Dad is breathing on his own although the ventilator remains connected. His blood-gases indicate good exchanges in the lungs. So, we are set for him to get off the vent.
Let me mention mom, the unsung hero of all this. She is a little champion and stands by dad like she has done for years. A sweeter, kinder, more serving soul you will never find. We keep insisting that she go rest a little because this is going to be a process of recovery in which she will be a major player.
Once dad gets off the vent, they will move him out of critical care and he will have at least another week getting his feet under him...literally. We end this rainy day in OKC, Oklahoma thankful to have dad with us and still believing for better days ahead. We had prayer for dad several times today as different ones visited the room. I would now ask you to join in agreement with us for God to fix his heart rhythm. God can!!
May the Lord bless you and your family this evening. Thanks again for reading.
Tim
Today was another long day. We kinda get fogged in here and the time becomes meaningless while we listen to the constant noise of a hospital. Dad remains in critical care and still has the vent at this writing. The reason is because his heart has acted up again today and is in constant atrial fibrilation, a fancy couple of words for 'it won't beat right.' The electronic firing of the heart gets scrambled and the distinct 'thump, thump' of the heart is not heard. As long as we are in this phase we cannot take the ventilator out.
Dad is pretty heavily medicated, insomuch that he probably won't remember much, if any, of what he has been through this week. That is good in the long run as he has been through so much, yet has come so far. Let me give you some good news of the day.
Dad's kidney functions seem to be slightly better! His pain has been manageable with no extraordinary pain meds for this type surgery. Dr. Nasr, the surgeon, told us again today that this surgery is perhaps more traumatic to the body than a liver or lung transplant because it taxes every system to the limit. Wow!
All the numbers are moving in the right direction with regard to lab results, kidney and liver function. Even his stomach revved up today! (No more details there!) Now we just need the heart to pick up and run like a sewing machine. Dad is breathing on his own although the ventilator remains connected. His blood-gases indicate good exchanges in the lungs. So, we are set for him to get off the vent.
Let me mention mom, the unsung hero of all this. She is a little champion and stands by dad like she has done for years. A sweeter, kinder, more serving soul you will never find. We keep insisting that she go rest a little because this is going to be a process of recovery in which she will be a major player.
Once dad gets off the vent, they will move him out of critical care and he will have at least another week getting his feet under him...literally. We end this rainy day in OKC, Oklahoma thankful to have dad with us and still believing for better days ahead. We had prayer for dad several times today as different ones visited the room. I would now ask you to join in agreement with us for God to fix his heart rhythm. God can!!
May the Lord bless you and your family this evening. Thanks again for reading.
Tim
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Dad's Progress (Part 3)
Today is Sunday, Oct 5, 2008. I just switched on the TV in dad's room here in ICU. The channel was on rodeo, something dad and I enjoy watching. Although dad is not alert enough to watch, I can't help thinking how this 'cowboy' is riding one of the roughest 'draws' of his life. Once dad told me, "(you go for it) and I will stand with you 'til the hide slips." This is cow-hand terminology for 'hang in there'. (Can't you just hear dad saying that?) Well now I get to be beside him and the only hide slipping is the enemies attempt to take his life. Ride 'em cowboy!!
I am still amazed at the wonderful progress God is giving to dad. Dad, isn't too perky and isn't aware of his progress as much as we, who are watching from this side of the bed.
They started dialysis on dad yesterday and it went well for a while. Then, after a few hours, it became necessary to call the doctor for further instruction. I was afraid they would move the port, which would mean another small surgery in the neck or forearm. Instead, the doc said to stop dialysis and they would evaluate this morning. This morning they came in and totally removed the port b/c his blood levels were good enough to end the dialysis. The credit belongs to God!
Just a few minutes ago the doctor said it was time for the surgical drain tubes to come out of dad's back. This spells improvement! They are also weaning dad further from the ventilator. We hope this comes out tomorrow. Dad has a little congestion in the lungs but the docs do not seem overly concerned. There is no temp and the other vitals remain normal.
Your love and prayer for our family has undoubtedly been the key to the successful progress. Please keep it up. It works!
I trust your Sunday worship was meaningful to all believers who read this blog. Isn't it great to know that the God of the universe is concerned about our smallest needs. Have a blessed day...and no slipping hides!
Tim
I am still amazed at the wonderful progress God is giving to dad. Dad, isn't too perky and isn't aware of his progress as much as we, who are watching from this side of the bed.
They started dialysis on dad yesterday and it went well for a while. Then, after a few hours, it became necessary to call the doctor for further instruction. I was afraid they would move the port, which would mean another small surgery in the neck or forearm. Instead, the doc said to stop dialysis and they would evaluate this morning. This morning they came in and totally removed the port b/c his blood levels were good enough to end the dialysis. The credit belongs to God!
Just a few minutes ago the doctor said it was time for the surgical drain tubes to come out of dad's back. This spells improvement! They are also weaning dad further from the ventilator. We hope this comes out tomorrow. Dad has a little congestion in the lungs but the docs do not seem overly concerned. There is no temp and the other vitals remain normal.
Your love and prayer for our family has undoubtedly been the key to the successful progress. Please keep it up. It works!
I trust your Sunday worship was meaningful to all believers who read this blog. Isn't it great to know that the God of the universe is concerned about our smallest needs. Have a blessed day...and no slipping hides!
Tim
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Dad's Progress (Part 2)
Hospitals are amazing places. In each room and waiting room are communities of people who represent a support group for individuals struggling to overcome injury, illness and/or serious disease. It is not uncommon to see tears, especially in an ICU waiting area. Tears represent the love in one's heart for another during crisis times.
We have shed our tears too while going through a pretty grueling five days of 'rooting' for dad to recovery from a long surgery on his back. As you know we really thought dad may have been living his last day on this earth. The doctors confirmed that. But, due to an army of prayer warriors things have changed for the better.
A nurse yesterday told me, "Long recoveries like this are sometimes two steps forward and one step back." Today feels like one of those days a little backward. Dad is now hooked up to dialysis to filter his blood and serve as an artificial kidney for a while. This will hopefully help his damaged kidneys to heal and recover from the damage they suffered due to dad's heart attack. Dad is still on the ventilator and we are hopeful that he will be off of it in a day, or at the most two days. Although dad is alert at times, enough to wink and squeeze and point at letters on a makeshift alphabet tablet we made for communication, he still drifts into deep, medicine induced sleeps. This rest is important for his healing and to help pass the time when there are more hoses, needles, monitors, pumps and whatever else they hook to a human body, working to help dad back to health.
In the big picture, we are moving in the right direction. Dad still has had little to no attention toward the healing of his back other than changing the bandages (which are clear and show no sign of infection). They have to give full attention to dealing with the more important issues of bringing health to his organs first. It seems dad's pain level is very manageable, something we were told early on that would be impossible. Thank God for that. You can see in dad's eyes that he is really tired...tired of the instruments...tired of the bed...tired of all the rigors of poking, prodding, rolling, etc. We just pray and continue to encourage him that all this is getting better and in a day or so we will be back to two steps forward.
Our family deeply appreciates all your prayers in dad's and our behalf. They are working. We ask you to continue to pray for him as we fully expect this nightmare to end up a glorious praise to the Lord. God does all things well and we are believing for total healing of dad.
May God bless you our friends and those who are reading this blog out of concern for dad and our family. Know that we love you and pray God's best for you and yours.
Tim
We have shed our tears too while going through a pretty grueling five days of 'rooting' for dad to recovery from a long surgery on his back. As you know we really thought dad may have been living his last day on this earth. The doctors confirmed that. But, due to an army of prayer warriors things have changed for the better.
A nurse yesterday told me, "Long recoveries like this are sometimes two steps forward and one step back." Today feels like one of those days a little backward. Dad is now hooked up to dialysis to filter his blood and serve as an artificial kidney for a while. This will hopefully help his damaged kidneys to heal and recover from the damage they suffered due to dad's heart attack. Dad is still on the ventilator and we are hopeful that he will be off of it in a day, or at the most two days. Although dad is alert at times, enough to wink and squeeze and point at letters on a makeshift alphabet tablet we made for communication, he still drifts into deep, medicine induced sleeps. This rest is important for his healing and to help pass the time when there are more hoses, needles, monitors, pumps and whatever else they hook to a human body, working to help dad back to health.
In the big picture, we are moving in the right direction. Dad still has had little to no attention toward the healing of his back other than changing the bandages (which are clear and show no sign of infection). They have to give full attention to dealing with the more important issues of bringing health to his organs first. It seems dad's pain level is very manageable, something we were told early on that would be impossible. Thank God for that. You can see in dad's eyes that he is really tired...tired of the instruments...tired of the bed...tired of all the rigors of poking, prodding, rolling, etc. We just pray and continue to encourage him that all this is getting better and in a day or so we will be back to two steps forward.
Our family deeply appreciates all your prayers in dad's and our behalf. They are working. We ask you to continue to pray for him as we fully expect this nightmare to end up a glorious praise to the Lord. God does all things well and we are believing for total healing of dad.
May God bless you our friends and those who are reading this blog out of concern for dad and our family. Know that we love you and pray God's best for you and yours.
Tim
Friday, October 3, 2008
Dad's Progress (Part 1)
Today is a day of celebration. We see more improvement. It is hard to believe how ill dad was less than 48 hours ago. Today he is gaining ground. The doctor who gave me the bad news yesterday said today, "This just goes to show what prayer can do." Dad is starting to come around and be more alert. He asked me where he is today. I tried to briefly describe the gravity of all he has been through and you could tell he was amazed and had no idea. Not being able to speak he lifted one hand in thanksgiving while tears filled his eyes. God has been so good to us.
We still need your prayers. Dad has some damage to his kidneys which they believe will repair itself. Also, they are delaying doing the dialysis, thinking things may correct themselves with regard to toxins in the blood. Now we have to get dad's back healed up. This will be a process, but we expect it to be helped with favor from God.
Thanks to all who have called and cared. You are special to dad, to us and to God.
Have a great day.
Tim
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