Better A Somewhat Aborted Visit Than No Visit At All

This afternoon we had our first chance to visit Carol in the hospital.  Unfortunately the staff had connected her to the dialysis machine only a few minutes before we arrived, so every time she moved her head or spoke to us it set the machine a-beeping and the tech had to come in and reset.  It wasn't a good situation because we couldn't really visit with her and the tech was concerned because after a certain number of incidents with the machine a message would be sent from the machine to other "higher up" tech workers that it was malfunctioning when it actually wasn't.  So, we sang a song for her, sat for awhile in silence and then read a couple of prayers from the Anglican Priest's prayer book before leaving about fifteen minutes after we arrived for our half hour visit.  Fortunately today was likely the final attempt at dialysis for clearing the rest of last week's heavy sedation from her body as the kidneys continue to attempt to restore their full function.  We will go to visit again next week.

What was spectacular to us was that she was fully conscious and fully coherent, speaking in a whisper and taking time to form her words...possibly a minor stroke occurred during her coma time....but she was completely cognizant.   The body swelling from the enormous amount of fluids she was given intravenously upon admittance to hospital has begun to subside and she looked incredible to us.  Below is today's update from the family. There are many things still not quite right for Carol and we can only hope, pray and trust for these other issues to be resolved over time.

FROM THE FAMILY:

Good afternoon!
We are just so thankful for all the good news. Carol has continued to support her own breathing. She is on oxygen with nasal prongs but can occasionally have them off if she is alert and taking good breaths! They have asked for a chest CT to get a better picture into the pneumonia status. Her white blood count isn’t coming down as we would hope.

Her heart remains a concern. The cardiologist has requested a stress test over the next few days. It sounds like the odd rhythm has not returned this far. Carol actually felt the episode and asked us about it!

She is now allowed to eat whatever she wants and that is going well! Hard things (like toast) are still hard and likely a touch painful on her throat. Sad as she LOVES toast But otherwise she can eat any goodies you can bring

Her kidneys continue to make urine but still not doing enough to clear her system. She had another dialysis today and will have tomorrow off to see what she can do on her own.

She tires easily still so regaining endurance will be a journey. In the same breath she is also acutely aware of feeling lonely sometimes so visitors are highly encouraged. Especially if you’re game to bring a book, read aloud, sing, bring pictures, or knit. No need to talk the whole time you’re here.

We are so incredibly thankful for all the visitors so far. It’s such a balance managing our families&work and being present for her. Having all the friends beside us make it so much better!

So! Please pray:
Lungs clear
Infection clears
Heart strengthens
Kidneys kick up
Endurance grows
Peace &comfort for her mind.

Thank you all!!!