A Big Bump—Sunday, 2:30 pm
Robert's breathing problems escalated into a major crisis shortly before noon today. The pulmonologist (respiratory specialist) administered a drug which would relax his body and allow the ventilator to completely take over his breathing. His heart started racing under the stress and needed medication to return to normal. His condition has stabilized, although that term is relative, as we saw today. With his critical status it doesn't take much of a change to become a crisis.
Breathing Problems—Sunday update
We don't have any details, but Robert is struggling more with breathing. He is still in very critical condition, so intensify your prayers!
Be a Blessing—Sunday, July 19
We haven't had a chance to meet with a doctor this morning, but it appears that overnight changes were just small fluctuations. Instead of a medical report, we'll take this opportunity to recognize some of the people who have blessed us in the past week.
We received a card from an anonymous saint who was one of the first people on the accident scene. Although not a medical professional, this individual administered first aid and prayed aloud for Robert. You know who you are, but we want to thank you in person, so come see us when you are ready!
Dr. Sharps was in the emergency room when Robert arrived, and did all of the right things to save Robert's life. Sure, it's what he's trained to do, but we want to acknowledge his professionalism.
The head trauma physician on call the weekend of Robert's accident was Dr. Fernandez, by all accounts one of the best at what he does. Dr. Fernandez has a wealth of experience, including work as a missionary doctor. We were very impressed with both his patient care and communication with the family, but unfortunately he could not continue with Robert, because he is going back to Iraq today to be a doctor to the troops. God be with you, Dr. Fernandez!
The entire staff—medical professionals and support staff—have gone out of their way to give Robert the best care possible, and to support us as family. We are deeply grateful. Cindy commented this morning on how well they work together and help each other out. It makes a difference, and we appreciate it. Let's all make that a regular practice.
So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God's family with you, the believers].
Galations 6:10 (Amplified Version)
We received a card from an anonymous saint who was one of the first people on the accident scene. Although not a medical professional, this individual administered first aid and prayed aloud for Robert. You know who you are, but we want to thank you in person, so come see us when you are ready!
Dr. Sharps was in the emergency room when Robert arrived, and did all of the right things to save Robert's life. Sure, it's what he's trained to do, but we want to acknowledge his professionalism.
The head trauma physician on call the weekend of Robert's accident was Dr. Fernandez, by all accounts one of the best at what he does. Dr. Fernandez has a wealth of experience, including work as a missionary doctor. We were very impressed with both his patient care and communication with the family, but unfortunately he could not continue with Robert, because he is going back to Iraq today to be a doctor to the troops. God be with you, Dr. Fernandez!
The entire staff—medical professionals and support staff—have gone out of their way to give Robert the best care possible, and to support us as family. We are deeply grateful. Cindy commented this morning on how well they work together and help each other out. It makes a difference, and we appreciate it. Let's all make that a regular practice.
So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God's family with you, the believers].
Galations 6:10 (Amplified Version)
Building Up—Saturday, 9:25 pm
While it seems that Robert has been standing still medically the last couple of days, there are signs that he is stabilizing and starting to get stronger. His blood pressure is high enough that he is nearly off of medication for that, his breathing has improved a bit, and his feeding tube nutrients are being gradually increased.
No major intervention is planned for tomorrow, but Monday will be a big day if he is up to it. Pray that the next 36 hours will be a time of steadily building up, especially for his respiratory system. This area has been the most difficult to stabilize.
Most of the family will be present much of the day tomorrow, if you want to drop in. We know you would rather see Robert, and that day will come, but for now you can write a note in a journal we are keeping for him, and convey your support through us. At this time we aren't planning an update until mid-morning or later tomorrow.
From [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:16
No major intervention is planned for tomorrow, but Monday will be a big day if he is up to it. Pray that the next 36 hours will be a time of steadily building up, especially for his respiratory system. This area has been the most difficult to stabilize.
Most of the family will be present much of the day tomorrow, if you want to drop in. We know you would rather see Robert, and that day will come, but for now you can write a note in a journal we are keeping for him, and convey your support through us. At this time we aren't planning an update until mid-morning or later tomorrow.
From [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:16
Waiting...Saturday, 4:25 pm
The doctors are now planning to wait until Monday to do any major procedures, giving Robert time to gain strength and stability. We had hoped this would be a time of seeing his status steadily improve, but not much has changed. One lung is looking better, but pneumonia is still an issue with the other one. Other stats continue to fluctuate, but his blood pressure is now normal, and his hemoglobin level is good after receiving the two units of blood.
Someone from the blood bank was talking to us yesterday, and encouraged us to remind you how vital your blood donations are—literally a gift of life—so sign up if you haven't already! (Note that we originally listed both dates as August 8, but the first one is Thursday, August 6.) Even if you aren't in this area, get into the habit of donating regularly to your local bank.
From [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:16
Someone from the blood bank was talking to us yesterday, and encouraged us to remind you how vital your blood donations are—literally a gift of life—so sign up if you haven't already! (Note that we originally listed both dates as August 8, but the first one is Thursday, August 6.) Even if you aren't in this area, get into the habit of donating regularly to your local bank.
From [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:16
Together—Saturday, 9:30 am
Robert experienced no significant changes overnight, so we're using this post to share a little family information.
Immediate family members have spent a considerable amount of time at the hospital. We've had our own space in a conference room, where we can pull together and meet with visitors. Robert's wife, Tracy, and her three children - Brooke (15), Jedd (13), and Grace (10) - have been in a good share of the time. She has had to deal with a multitude of things, including insurance, business issues, and on and on. We are relieved to know that Robert's business, Morgantown Masonry, is in very capable hands and hasn't missed a beat.
Robert's mother, Verna (Vernie), has been a rock through this. It's cut deeply for her, as her first husband, Tom, was killed in a car accident at the same age that Robert is now (42), but God has been faithful. In fact, she spends about as much time encouraging distraught visitors as others invest in lifting her up! Her husband, Kenny, often comes in the evening.
Robert's oldest sister, Cindy, has been a regular at the hospital, along with her husband, Lanny (a school teacher), and son, David. Her daughters, Emily and Katie, are currently away. Between Cindy and Robert in age is his sister, Connie. She works out of her home as a medical transcriptionist, and has been in as much as possible, along with her daughters, Rachel and Rebekah. Robert's younger sister, Karen, has also been in much of the time, joined evenings by her husband, Joe, a dairy farmer.
Vernie, Cindy, and Karen are all RNs, so they get the medical updates from doctors or nurses. We (whoever is at the hospital at the time), go over the report, decide what is most important or relevant to include in the blog, come up with a theme and Bible verse, then post the blog. Vernie calls in for the early morning report and relays it before we put out the blog.
A big thank you to the many people who have visited, called, sent notes, prayed, spread the word, prepared meals, organized blood drives, etc! We are truly in this together. As we daily see graphic evidence of how intricately the body parts and systems must work together to be whole, we realize anew how fitting the analogy is of the church as the body of Christ.
From [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:16
Immediate family members have spent a considerable amount of time at the hospital. We've had our own space in a conference room, where we can pull together and meet with visitors. Robert's wife, Tracy, and her three children - Brooke (15), Jedd (13), and Grace (10) - have been in a good share of the time. She has had to deal with a multitude of things, including insurance, business issues, and on and on. We are relieved to know that Robert's business, Morgantown Masonry, is in very capable hands and hasn't missed a beat.
Robert's mother, Verna (Vernie), has been a rock through this. It's cut deeply for her, as her first husband, Tom, was killed in a car accident at the same age that Robert is now (42), but God has been faithful. In fact, she spends about as much time encouraging distraught visitors as others invest in lifting her up! Her husband, Kenny, often comes in the evening.
Robert's oldest sister, Cindy, has been a regular at the hospital, along with her husband, Lanny (a school teacher), and son, David. Her daughters, Emily and Katie, are currently away. Between Cindy and Robert in age is his sister, Connie. She works out of her home as a medical transcriptionist, and has been in as much as possible, along with her daughters, Rachel and Rebekah. Robert's younger sister, Karen, has also been in much of the time, joined evenings by her husband, Joe, a dairy farmer.
Vernie, Cindy, and Karen are all RNs, so they get the medical updates from doctors or nurses. We (whoever is at the hospital at the time), go over the report, decide what is most important or relevant to include in the blog, come up with a theme and Bible verse, then post the blog. Vernie calls in for the early morning report and relays it before we put out the blog.
A big thank you to the many people who have visited, called, sent notes, prayed, spread the word, prepared meals, organized blood drives, etc! We are truly in this together. As we daily see graphic evidence of how intricately the body parts and systems must work together to be whole, we realize anew how fitting the analogy is of the church as the body of Christ.
From [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:16
Keeping On—Friday, 7:45 pm
Robert had his abdominal wound dressing changed this afternoon, but didn't respond well, so the feeding tube wasn't moved. He is receiving small doses of liquid nutrition through the feeding tube, and is also now getting nutrients intraveneously. Robert's platelet count is back up close to normal levels, but his hemoglobin level is low, so he is being given two more units of blood. He had a fever this morning, but that subsided, and his pneumonia hasn't gotten worse.
We've been trying to get a morning report out by 6:00, so Robert's work crews can get it before they head out for the day, but they're off tomorrow, so we're planning to sleep in! Keep praying and believing; progress is slow, but we're looking ahead with confidence that our God has good things in store.
...O LORD, you hear my voice...I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
Psalm 5:3
We've been trying to get a morning report out by 6:00, so Robert's work crews can get it before they head out for the day, but they're off tomorrow, so we're planning to sleep in! Keep praying and believing; progress is slow, but we're looking ahead with confidence that our God has good things in store.
...O LORD, you hear my voice...I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
Psalm 5:3
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