Thursday, August 11, 2011

Update on Dad - Weary and Worn

  I had hoped that any future updates that I did would be about Dad's progress.  Even though he began a decline on July 23rd, we were hopeful that it was only temporary.  But, that was not the case.

This past Monday, August 6th, Daddy was transferred back to LSU in Shreveport.  He was admitted through the ER and can I just tell you that it was a less than pleasant experience. 


These past 3 days have been full of tests, procedures and more tests for him. The Drs. feel that there could be some muscular issues going on because he has no strength in his shoulders and thighs at all.  This is not consistent with GBS, so they are doing a muscle and nerve biopsy tomorrow.



  They did another Nerve Conduction Study (above photo) yesterday and it did show there had been a definite decline in his progress.  He also had a Spinal Tap yesterday and it showed protein and sugar in his spinal fluid (also consistent with GBS) 


Dad will begin Plasmapheresis (often referred to as "blood washing") tomorrow.  This process has been known to aid in the treatment of immune related disorders.  It is a serious process, especially at Dad's age, so he will have a nurse sitting at his bedside to monitor him closely the entire time that he undergoes these. Each treatment is 2 hours.  There will be 5 of these and he will get them every other day beginning tomorrow.


What does all this mean?  I'm not sure.  There are still a lot of unknowns but we are hopeful that the muscle and nerve biopsy will aid the Drs. in figuring out exactly what is going on.  


To say that Daddy is "weary and worn" is an under statement.  He is just before giving up and I truly cannot blame him.  It grieves us so much to watch him go through all these procedures and tests when his body is so frail and tired.  I truly wonder just how much more he can tolerate.


Joel came in on Tuesday and has been a life saver.  He has such a way with Daddy and Daddy was so happy to see him when he walked through the hospital door.  Sybil is enjoying a couple days visit with her son who lives in Kansas City. I came home last evening and will return tomorrow morning so Joel can return home to Iowa. Sybil will return next Tuesday to S'port and she, myself and sitters will be with Dad until his return to Bastrop.  The Drs. are saying that he will be there from 10-14 more days.  


I'm sure many of you reading this entry have traveled this path before and you know how grueling it can be.  Some days I don't even know how to pray and it is at those times that I know the Lord hears the groanings of my heart.  In my devotional this morning I was reminded of how God is in absolute control even though we may not understand his ways and and I must keep my trust and hope in Him as we continue on this journey.


We covet your continued prayers during this most difficult time.  I will do another blog update on Sunday. Blessings to you all! 




Lea @ CiCis Corner
Lea @ CiCis Corner

Hi there! My name is Lea. I've been wife to the best Hubby for 44 years....Mom to a son and daughter....CiCi to 4 precious Grans....lover of family and friends....enjoy laughter and a good time....shopper....picture taking maniac....maker of delicious fudge....organizational enthusiast....memory maker....Southern Belle...and most importantly.....a Child of the King! Welcome to my little corner!

20 comments:

  1. So sorry things are not going well...I so understand how difficult it all is. It is amazing to how many different opinons you can get, how MUCH they really just don't know. Soo hard. Still praying, hang in there. HUGS

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  2. praying for you all. please give uncle al a hug from his MD niece, Allison. :0)

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  3. Thoughts and prayers are with you!
    Blessings,
    Katharine

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  4. May the Lord give you peace and strength above your own. May the doctors have wisdom beyond their own. May God receive glory for all that is done. Much love to you!
    Marian

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  5. not only is your dad weary, but i'm sure all of his precious family is too. it's hard staying in a hospital for so long - for everyone involved. praying for each of you to be comforted by our Heavenly Father.

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  6. I'm really sorry, Lea. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to watch your dear father decline, to have more questions than answers, to keep traveling, to hold on to hope. I'm praying right now that you would feel God's presence very near you, that you would be strengthened and renewed by many things--people's prayers, things you read or hear, good sleep, God's Word. Remember that Jesus always lives to make intercession for you.

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  7. Mrs. Lea, We are continuing to lift you and your daddy up! I know he is weary and worn, but so are you and I so wish I could offer more than words. Leaving you with one of my favorite Bible verses, Romans 8:31 "In all these things we OVERWHELMINGLY conquer through Him who loved us." Blessings to you and your family today!

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  8. Lea please know that I'm keeping you and your Dad in my thoughts and prayers daily. I know all to well the pain of losing someone you dearly love.

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  9. I am sorry your Dad is having to go through all these tests and such.
    I'm praying the doctors will soon find out some answers.

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  10. Praying so often for your dad, and all the family. Wishing I could do more.

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  12. I am so sorry my friend. Praying for you and your daddy. May God continue to pour out grace and strength and HEALING!

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  13. Lea, I'm so sorry that your dad is having to go through all of this. It must be so hard for him to endure, not to mention your own difficulty in seeing him struggle. My prayers are with you today....wish I could give you a squeeze. May God's comfort and grace envelop you.

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  14. So hard to watch those we love suffer so! Will continue praying for your dad ... and for those who love him!

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  15. Praying for your dad right now as I read this. I so remember those days with my own dad. You have said it so well though, God is in control, and none of this is unknown to Him. Praying for peace and daily strength for all of you.

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  16. just got back from vacation and wanted to see how your daddy was doing. My Mom is sick also and I know its so hard to see them decline. I am going thru that myself. My Mom is tired and weak and I can't blame her. She feel the day before we left on vacation so even though I had a good vacation - she was on my mind constantly! I spend Friday at the emergency room. Praying for your Daddy and sending you some strength your way. I know its heartbreaking.

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  17. so sorry things are so rough. I can't imagine watching a parent go through that, especially a dad who are always our "supeman." Praying for peace for your family and comfort for your dad.

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  18. Lea, so sorry to read this news about your dad. I will be praying. It is so hard to see a loved one go through all the medical procedures like this. I'm sure your dad is weary.

    I'm sure that your family's love and support of your dad speaks volumes to the medical staff. You never know when you will be a witness.

    Sending you a hug across the miles,
    Debbie

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  19. I've been out of the loop for awhile. I am so sorry about this.
    Praying that things have improved.

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So glad you stopped by and hope you enjoyed your visit. I love your comments and read each and every one of them and I always try to reply to them. Blessings to you this day!