Medical Updates

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Please pray earnestly for David – he started the day with no fever but by noon his fever had reached 107 degrees rectally. The staff immediate put him on an ice blanket and administered tylenol/advil. The docs suspect menengitis and are doing a lumbar tap to culture some spinal fluid. Pray that the docs will be able to diagnose the problem quickly, that the medicines would be effective, that his temperature would stay down, and that he would make significant progress in his mental and physical abilities. Pray for Jenny – she just returned from a quick trip to Greenville – she arrived to find this situation with David.

UPDATE: David has been moved to the ICU at the Shepherd center and is being kept in isolation since they have not determined the cause of his temperature spike. His temp has crept back up to almost 103.

Mark 9:20-24 They brought the boy to Him. When he saw Him, immediately the spirit threw him into a convulsion, and falling to the ground, he began rolling around and foaming at the mouth. And He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. “It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”

August 2 UPDATE – Day 73

Psa. 86:1-8 Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy. Preserve my soul, for I am a godly man; O You my God, save Your servant who trusts in You. Be gracious to me, O Lord, For to You I cry all day long. Make glad the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; And give heed to the voice of my supplications! In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, For You will answer me. There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord, Nor are there any works like Yours.

David is not doing well in ICU - his fever is back up to 107, and the cooling blanket that had him on was defective. Please pray for a quick diagnosis of his problem(s) and for his healing. Pray for Jenny as she is his "advocate" among the health care workers. Pray that our great God would use these things for our good and His Glory. Peace to Israel!!

August 3 UPDATE – Day 74

Psa. 119:71-77 "It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of gold and silver pieces. Your hands made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. May those who fear You see me and be glad, Because I wait for Your word. I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous, And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. O may Your lovingkindness comfort me, According to Your word to Your servant. May Your compassion come to me that I may live, For Your law is my delight."

David had a restful day in ICU - his temperature stayed under 100. They have changed several of his medications and are giving him Beta blockers to inhibit the "storming" that seems to be the cause of his temperature fluctuations. He will probably be in ICU for a day or two more if he remains stable. Praise our God that He kept David from serious illness and that the doctors seemed to have diagnosed David's problem. Pray that he can begin rehab again in a day or so. We have "lost" almost a week with everything that happened last week. Pray for Jenny - she is growing tired after almost 11 weeks of caring for David.

1Th. 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss…The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

August 4 UPDATE – Day 75

Rev. 19:11-16 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

David had another relatively good day in ICU at the Shepherd Center. His temp got up to 101, but that's not 107!! I had an extensive conversation with Dr. Leslie (the chief physician on David's team and the founding doc of Shepherd's Acquired Brain Injury Unit.) He thinks that David is probably out of the woods on the seizures and "storming". He doesn't believe there will be any permanent effects from the high temp or the seizures. The Best News of the day: he believes that he will be able to add at least one week (we hope 2 weeks) to David's time in ABI unit rehab since he has 'lost" a week or more with these incidents. WE ARE VERY PLEASED WITH THAT NEWS!! David is scheduled to begin rehab tomorrow (Tuesday, Aug. 5). Please pray for his complete healing and for rapid cognitive improvement. Pray for Jenny as she is getting tired and really wants to see some strong signs of improvement. We are VERY grateful to our Lord for preserving David's life and his many improvements, for the great care given to him by nurses, doctors, therapists, techs, and others. The Doctor told me that David's EEG and CT scan showed nothing abnormal and nothing that needs correction. We are very grateful.

Hebrews 13:20–21 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

August 5 UPDATE – Day 76

Psalm 107:13-16 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death And broke their bands apart. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men! For He has shattered gates of bronze And cut bars of iron asunder.

David was moved today back to the Acquired Brain Injury Unit of the Shepherd Center. He has several medical problems probably brought on by the medications that he is taking. Several doctors are working together to solve these problems. He was to begin rehab again today. We are anxious to see progress but we are trying to be patient. Please pray that he would stablize in his health, that the medicines would be effective without causing serious side affects, that David would make great progress in recovering his ability to speak, and move and think. Please pray for the doctors to have insight into his needs and to make good decisions regarding his care, please pray for for his caregivers to be careful in their ministry to David. Pray for us: for faith, trust in Christ, love to God and men, for our patience and ministry.

Num. 6:22-27 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.’ “So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them.”

August 7 UPDATE – Day 78

Jeremiah 33:27 "The Eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms..."

I am sorry that the site was not updated yesterday -- Katie, David's older sister, was in a car wreck - she is ok, but her car is not!!! That happened about 7:30 pm and I didn't get home until 10 pm, worn out. David continues to struggle with wildly fluctuating temperatures - yesterday his temp. went from 100 to 109 in an hour or less!! Jenny watches him carefully from early morning until late at night - but when whe went home the nurse checked him about once an hour, and in that time his temp. went through the roof. The good news: his PT said that his interaction yesterday was the best since he came to Shepherd Center (they couldn't do anything with him today because of his medical problems) The docs have decided that the temp. fluctuations are due to brain malfunctions - please pray that our Lord will heal David's brain function so this will not continue - pray for Jenny's strength as she ministers to him (I am in Atlanta for a day or 2) Please pray that David will gain strength, his muscles will relax, his interaction will increase. Pray for his spirit - that the Lord will minister to him even now!!

Hebrews 13:20 "Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead, our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen!"

August 8 UPDATE – Day 79

Titus 2:11-14 "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodly and worldly lusts, we should live soberly righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us that he might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His won special people, zealous for good works."

David keeps spiking temps but the staff is getting better at responding and keeping his temp from getting so high - Pray that the Lord will grant relief to David from this problem. THE GOOD NEWS - EVEN IN THE MIDST OF ALL THESE MEDICAL PROBLEMS HIS COGNITIVE RESPONSES ARE IMPROVING! He still has 3 infections they are battling. He is now in a private room because of the infections. Please pray that he will "relax" = not be so "tensed" in his arms and legs - that causes additional problems for rehab. Thank you all for your prayers, concern, many gifts and kindnesses.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24,28 "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely and may you whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it...The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen."

August 9 UPDATE – Day 80

1Thessalonians 5:14-18 "We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

David appears to be doing a little better - mostly through the efforts of his diligent mother who monitors his temperature for about 14 hours a day and when it reaches 101 she starts the cooling blanket and ices him down - his temp usually rises about another degree before it starts coming down. He is very "tonal" = his arms and legs are tight and stiff. Please pray that our Lord will grant him relief from this affliction. Please continue to pray for Jenny as she ministers to David all day, every day. Pray that the antibiotics, anti-convulsants, and other drugs will be effective. Pray for David's mind, body, and spirit - that the Lord will preserve and heal him.

2Th. 2:16-17 "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. "

August 10 UPDATE – Day 81

Josh. 24:14-15 “Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

David had a somewhat restful Lord's Day (very appropriate for a young Christian man!) - he doesn't get much rehab on the weekend - usually just one session of PT or OT. Jenny had to turn on the cooling blanket several times today because David's temperature started climbing. A couple that are friends from high school and college days stopped by to see David and take Jenny to lunch. The wrote an e-mail afterwards that was very encouraging - they were surprised at David's responses and interaction. Please continue to pray for his health - for the infections, for the temperature spikes, for his spasticity (rigidity in his arms and legs). Please continue to pray for him Spiritually - for his peace, comfort, and attitude toward this test and trial.

Col. 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

August 11 UPDATE – Day 82

Isaiah 55:1-3 “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost. “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And delight yourself in abundance. “Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, According to the faithful mercies shown to David."

David continues to struggle with health issues - 3 infections and his temperature continues to fluctuate. Jenny worked the better part of the day to get his temperature down after it went to 103. Please continue to pray for these infections to abate and for his temp to stabilize. Pray that he will be able to fully participate in rehab on Tuesday. I do want to express our thankfulness to God for preserving David's life and granting him such recovery as he has experienced to date. It is astounding that David survived the first 24 hours - to have a 1 x 4 board thrust almost all the way through your head. He has lost essentially all of his right frontal lobe, and some of the occipital and parietal lobes of his brain. It is amazing that a major blood vessel was not severed!! So join us in giving thanks for God's grace and goodness.

Isaiah 55:6-9 "Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts."

August 12 & 13  – UPDATE
 
Day 83 & 84

John 14:1-6 “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

(I'M SORRY FOR THE DELAY IN UPDATING THE SITE - THE HOST WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO SAVE THE UPDATE LAST NIGHT AND THIS MORNING) David continues to struggle with health issues – BUT HIS TEMPERATURE STAYED DOWN ALL DAY WITHOUT USING THE COOLING BLANKET OR ICEPACKS. Although he is on a prescription drug that is like Advil on steroids. The therapists also put his left arm in a cast, from his shoulder to his wrist, to keep it in an extended position. They will do the same with his other arm and both legs. And then they will replace the plaster casts with fiberglass removable casts. The casts will help him overcome his "tonality." Jenny also met with David's case manager today and she told Jenny that David will have at least 2 more weeks and probably 4, until the insurance company will want additional justification for his stay. Pray that is true and that David will progress greatly over that time period. Pray for us this week as we make a decision about where Jenny will stay after this Friday, when her 30 days in the Shepherd Center apartment is over. We have several options some closer than others. UPDATE: One friend has offered to pay for a week at the Hawthorne Suites which is immediately adjacent to the Shepherd Center. What a kind gesture since this will allow Jenny to be right next door to David and NOT have to deal with the Atlanta traffic (which she dislikes)

John 14:7-15 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus *said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

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