Going back to work today, means that Doug is well enough for me leave him some of the time. It means he is healing. Since this is Doug's 56th day in the hospital it also means that he still has some significant needs that can't be resolved at home. Counting the days since Doug's transplant is hope. We still believe that there is a very good chance that the progression of his MS has been stopped and that he will walk again.
Lots of people have asked about the other patients that went through the stem cell transplant with Doug. I am happy to report that they are all doing well. Most people never have the difficulties that Doug has been having. From the research we have done, we have learned that from 1-3 percent of patients receiving HSCT may develop pre-engraphment syndrome. When this happens, the body develops an inflammatory response to the new immune system. Since Doug did not test positive for bacterial, viral or fungal infections, we are led to believe he had an inflammatory response.
He currently has been diagnosed with critical care neuropathy or poly myopathy . It occurs in about 60% of patients who are on a ventilator for more than 7 days. It is more likely when a patient has multiple organ failure and has an underlying disease or condition, like Doug's multiple sclerosis. He had multiple organ failure in the hospital, with the acute respiratory distress, heart attack and kidney failure. Also when he was most ill he had elevated blood sugar levels and was sometimes atrial fabrillation. He was very, very sick. The doctors said if he survived it would take months to recover. And so we are now 36 days since extubation and over a month into recovery.
So how can I return to work? Because we are now into recovery. Doug will do well to have the stimulation of others in his life and I will do well to have some normalcy return to our life. During these last few months I have been blessed to have a wonderful team holding things together in our Student Support Team. I am so grateful for all who have come to our aid. I am especially grateful for Earnie Lewis who stepped in for me these past months and his willingness to help again if we need him. Thank you so much Earnie! I should have taken pictures of the rest of our District team today, but I was not thinking. They have all been a part of the journey.
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| Earnie Lewis |
And tonight thank you to our friends Vicki and Rylene. They stayed with Doug today to keep him company and to help with the things he needed. We are both so grateful for their generous support and kindness. I was able to be at work today without having any worries about Doug. I knew he was in good hands. Bless you my friends.
And as for me, my knee continues to heal. It is still a little swollen, stiff and sore but very manageable. I go back to the doctor on Monday. I suspect he will recommend physical therapy, but we will see. I appreciate every one's thoughtfulness and prayers. I have been comforted by so many.
And so we pray:
Holy and gracious God, God of Light and Love, God of Hope and Expectation, we give thanks for each of our days: for the days of struggle, for the days of hope and for the days of progress. We give you thanks for the travelers on this journey with us who lighten our load and lessen our burdens. We give you thanks for true friends. Be with us in the days to come as we live into the expectation of wholeness and healing. Give us courage and hope in our struggles. In your name we ask it. Amen
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