Upon arriving at the hospital this morning, we learned that Doug had an unstable couple of hours. They had to increase his oxygen to 100%. They try not to do this because it can be damaging to the lungs. Luckily by later in the morning they were able to reduce it down to 70%. Doug is still fighting the ventilator some and is double breathing, meaning he takes breaths in between the ventilator breaths. Today on several occasions he took many short breaths in a row, like he was hyperventilating. They had brought him off of the paralytic but then had to give it again, to get him to allow the breathing machine to do the work. It is dangerous to have the paralytic for too long, because it can interfere with the muscles beginning to work again and can be more concerning with Doug having MS. On the brighter side his blood pressure, heart rate, kidney function and liver function are all good now.
Our nurse Brandi was great. We have had her several times before. She is very competent and enjoyable to be with. Corinne and Brandi had an enjoyable time sharing quilting patterns and looking at each others pictures of their quilts.
Having Corinne with me at the hospital makes me more relaxed. She understands the hospital system and the medical terminology. Having Doug on the ventilator with all the medications they are giving him, and the ventilator going off every time he double breathes requires skills way beyond me. Having her here allows me to focus on Doug and caring for him. She can remain vigilant in monitoring his status and the adjustments they are making in his care.
Tonight my nephew Cory arrived to be with us for a few days. It is wonderful to have him here and to have his support. Dan and his boys are going to drive up from California and arrive on Friday. They are going to stay through Christmas. My niece is arriving on Friday or Christmas Eve with her daughter.
I am so grateful for the Healing Prayer service that David Wettstein and Debbie Greenleaf led tonight. Thank you to all of you that came. It meant so much to us. It was so loving and healing to be surrounded by your care and concern. Thank you too for all who are praying for Doug all over the world who could not be with us. You give me courage and hope and I know that your prayers make a difference. Doug was fairly stable today. Every day Doug is stable, we are closer to healing. Bless you all.
And so we pray:
Prince of Peace, be with Doug this last week of Advent. Calm his fears, and grant him peace. Help him to rest in your goodness. Watch over Dan and the kids, Angie and Tom and their kids, and Taylor and Nikki as they travel to be with us. We give you thanks for the support of our friends and clergy. We give thanks for all who are holding us in prayer. Dear Lord, we beseech you to hear our prayers. And since this is the season of miracles we ask you to heal Doug and make him new. In your name we ask it. Amen
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