Update on Mom

Another setback – Another tube – Another doctor – Another day of frustration

I guess my "40 day" theory of our trial being over was totally wrong (maybe I miscounted the days) because today was another day of trial. After the promising results of not having drainage yesterday, today the drainage was back and as bad as last Friday and Saturday. The dressing was completely saturated.

ANOTHER DOCTOR – We have seen (or they have seen us) 5 medical doctors during the past week. Each one has a "new idea" on treatment. Today's introduction to the treatment process – NG TUBE. I asked the same question: "What is that?" Here is what Wikipedia says in part:
"Nasogastric intubation is a medical process involving the insertion of a plastic tube (nasogastric tube, NG tube) through the nose, past the throat and down into the stomach. Nasogastric aspiration (suction) is the process of draining the stomach's contents via the tube. Nasogastric aspiration is mainly used to remove gastric secretions……"
The idea is to remove the stomach's acids etc via the tube to allow the "hole" in her stomach to better heal. Why this wasn't done 7 days ago I don't know. How long will the tube remain in place before another plan of action? I don't know! Is surgery still an option? I don't know! I had all these questions ready to ask the surgeon, but he never came by the room. If I ever get time, I would like to write a book on this modern medical field and the absence of good, old fashioned patient/doctor communication and relationship. I remember the time when a patient had "his/her doctor" that came by the room every day and informed the patient what was going on. Anyway, it's not like that here at good old Wayne Memorial. Enough of the FRUSTRATION part.

What's Next? Maybe I'll find out tomorrow! Please pray in a special, specific way for Linda. She is sore from being in bed; she is discouraged for not seeing improvement; she is showing signs (swelling, especially) of continuous input of antibiotics being pumped into her body. There is ALWAYS two of something going into her body through the PICC tube and the pain medication keeps her sleepy and lethargic. She is getting "feeble" from being confined to bed; she looks pitiful with all the tubes hanging from her arm and nose, PLUS, she can't get her hair fixed just right. My heart grieves as I watch her day by day – in pain and struggling to remain positive. I know the Lord can burden you to continue to pray specifically for these areas.

The Lord has been SO GOOD to me during this time. I've experienced an extra strength that I know doesn't come from me. I had a bout of sinus drainage and laryngitis, but I'm pretty much over that. I stayed at the hospital tonight with Linda in case she had problems with this new "attachment" to her body. Continue to pray for Linda's mom as well. She has to spend a lot of time at home alone as I spend time at the hospital.

Thanks again for your "ministry of prayer." Keep Looking Up!

Joe