 |
| 8 Medications on the IV cart |
Last night was so horrible with the stress of the day of watching the monitors and seeing Doug struggle so much. My heart broke when the doctor decided to intubate him and being told how seriously ill he is and that the doctors don't know if he can pull this. The deep sadness brings tears and sobs. There is nothing I can do but be present.
I am so thankful for the care of all our dear friends. So many of you have offered your help, love and support. Right now there is not much anyone can do but pray. We have to limit visitors because of Doug's compromised immune system and right now each waking hour I don't want to be too far from him. But I read your posts and I read them to Doug. Last night, Kim Bekedahl brought me a box of cards from our friends in the KSD district. The sweet caring notes, warmed by heart. I sat with Doug tonight and read him the notes even though he is in a deep sedation. I don't know how much he can hear me or understand but I want to speak words of love and care to him as I hold his hand.
Today Bishop Brian Thom and his wife Ardele, Fr. David Wettstein and Mother Karen Hunter all came to visit and pray with Doug and I and our family. Having so much pastoral support is life giving to us and helps to hold us both up.
Angie spent the night with me last night and stayed with me until around 5:00. Tom and my grandson Cole came in the afternoon. Cole told his Dad that he needed to see his Gramma because his Gramma is sad and he can always make his Gramma happy. That is so true. So for a little while Cole and I visited and played video games in the waiting room while Angie and Tom stayed with Doug.
Our dear friend Gail Pirnie stopped by and sat with me for a while, while I told her stories of our time in Mexico. I told Doug today, like in Puebla, the city of Angels, here to we are being surrounded by angels. Great throngs of them. I see them in all the notes, texts, messages and love that is shared. I told him to remember the angel outside of our apartment in Mexico and to look for them here too. We are being looked after.
Tonight my daughter-in law -is arriving. Corinne is an internal medicine doctor. I am so thankful that she can be here to help me understand all that is being done and to take over the role of being vigilant about his health care.
We had an excellent day nurse today. His name is Andy. He is from Tanzania. He graduated from ISU, just like my mother did, my sister did, I did and my daughter did. It turns out that he knows Fr. David. He took care of his mother in St. Luke's when she was very ill. We talked about the difference in health care in Mexico, Africa and the US. In Africa you always have a one on one nurse and they stay with you the full time you are in the hospital. The challenge we have felt in American heath care is always having different nurses every 12 hours and always having to retell the story and Doug's needs with his compromised system and his M.S. It makes me tired, worried and concerned. Especially when people think they know more but have no experience with his type of condition. But today his nurse Andy and his nurse tonight Matt, have been wonderful. Even though Doug is sedated they care for him. and talk to him. Tender care makes this easier.
 |
| Andy and Matt |
The pulmonary doctor called me at home this morning, which gave me a fright. He needed permission for a bronchoscopy . I was very concerned about another procedure, but Doug came through it without any additional problems. They are continuing to look for the source of the problems. We won't know for a few days. I pray we learn something soon. Right now they are giving him everything hoping to hit something. His heart rate has stayed at about 115. His temperature has stayed at 100.7. With the ventilator they are keeping his respiration at about 30 His blood pressure has been pretty stable all day.
Please pray for Doug.
.
God of Promise and Hope, you know things we cannot know. Your view of the world is bigger than ours. If it is your will, hear our prayer for healing. Heal Doug's body; allow his new stem cells to make him new . Give him peace as he heals. Surround him with angels and give him hope. And give me peace so that I might speak it to him. Watch over all those who care for him. Help them to make wise caring decisions. Help them to see the needs of their patients and their patients' loved ones. Renew in them the spirit you gave them as they entered into this life giving profession. In your name, God of Promise and Hope, we ask it. Amen
O Eileen, my love and prayers go out to you and Doug. I did not know how serious things were until Deacon Scot brought me communion yesterday. I feel sadness and great compassion for you and Doug. I will continue to watch and wait and pray for you and Doug, especially now that I found your blog.
ReplyDeleteYes, if I need to have someone bring me Holy Communion, I must be ill. I was in St. Luke's downtown for fever of unknown origin. I know that the Infectious Disease Docs will leave no cell untested as they search for the nasty bug that is making Doug so sick.
I have been home since Dec. 10th and slowly but surely recovering
So I have a great deal of empathy for you Eileen and for Doug. I will continue to Pray for you and Doug and am grateful for your blog. You are both great friends of mine and I I you both so,
May the blessing and healing of God All loving be upon you and Doug, Father ,Son, and Holy Spirit, One God and Mother of us all. Amen