It has been two weeks tomorrow since Daddy returned here to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. We were hopeful that the Drs. here could do something to turn Dad's declining condition around. And, they have certainly put forth their best efforts and only time will tell if their efforts pay off.
Daddy will take his last plasma exchange tomorrow morning and while the Drs. say he is stronger than when they started, we can see very little improvement. He will begin taking steroids on Tuesday and the Drs. have told us that there are risks and side effects that come with this type treatment but they feel the treatment could aid in some type of recovery. We wish so much that the Drs. could tell us what type of recovery to expect, but it is something they simply do not know. All the tests and procedures have confirmed that he does indeed have CIDP, and the key word in that is "chronic." This is in the family of GBS and in some instances GBS turns into CIDP. Not the news we wanted to hear. Our prayer would be that he could recover enough to enjoy some type of Independence and have some quality of life. We continue to pray for that and would love to see some indication of that in the near future.
I think Daddy is probably dealing with all of this as well as anyone could expect. He struggles with accepting it, he stays frustrated not being able to do anything for himself and he grows extremely weary with all of it and he tires of the pain associated with this condition. Can you blame him?
His hands will likely never be able to create beautiful wood crafted pieces in his shop, never drive and never stand behind a pulpit and preach God's Word. Yes, this is a boatload and I must confess that I've really questioned the Lord about why this had to happen. It's likely a question that I'll never know the answer to, but I know that He has a reason and I will eventually accept that.
We are thankful for the fact that he is still just as "sharp as a tack" mentally. And, we know that is no small matter, that is a huge item of thanksgiving. Yesterday afternoon he and I shared a conversation that will be forever etched upon my heart. It's good for him to be able to share his heart, the struggles he is feeling and how much his life has changed since June 9th. It broke my heart as I listened to him and my tears flowed for many hours following our conversation, but it was good to share that special time with him.
The plan is for him to be transferred back to the LeGrand on Tuesday. It is a little scary for me because we feel a certain comfort being here with all his Neurologists. But, they assure me that they will send him back with a very detailed plan for the future so his Dr. can oversee that plan. Of course, we will be thrilled to be back home. The Hampton Inn has become my "home away from home" these past weeks and I look forward to getting back to my house. Sybil was able to stay with her sister who lives about 35 miles from the hospital, so that worked out so well for her. She went home Saturday to prepare for Dad's arrival on Tuesday. We have been blessed with some wonderful sitters that stay with Daddy from 7 PM to 7 AM. We couldn't have made it without them.
We ask your prayers for his transfer back. The 2+ hour trip is so hard on him and it takes him a while to get over it. Of course, we ask your continued prayers for his recovery. I will keep you posted as we go along.
It is His abiding love and strength that I cling to each and every day, and is the only reason I can go on. With heartfelt thanks to each of you dear ones!
So sorry Lea, will keep you and your precious daddy in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm thankful for an update, I'm so very saddened that the news isn't any better. I was so hopeful for some really good news. I'll continue to keep you all in my prayers. {{hug}}
ReplyDeleteDear Lea, I am so sorry ,so very sorry about the pain, frustration, uncertainty, the losses that diseases bring to both patients and their family. I'm glad that his mind is sharp and that you had that meaningful conversation with him. I can feel your sorrow in this post. Please know you're in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this. You and your daddy must be wrung out. Will continue to keep you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteWill keep you and your family in our prayers..So sorry but we know that God has a reason for everything....stay strong and know that prayers everywhere are going up for your dad and family..
ReplyDeleteWe will continue remembering all of you Lea.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you all...so, so sorry. We have been going through something like this with my Dad and it is very hard. I don't know the right words to say, but I am praying, knowing God can comfort where I can not.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Oh Lea, I'm so sorry, I just returned from vacation, and I'm catching up on my blog reading. Know that you are being prayed for and I trust you will be wrapped in everlasting arms through all of this.
ReplyDeleteBlessings.