Our little guy has had a rough couple of days. He remains in a paralytic state for the 7th day now, initially it was going to be just for 24hrs. but his condition warranted extending it. His oscillating ventilaor has been increased each day over the last 3 days even after his lungs were cleared & his airway tube was incresed from 3.0 to 3.5. That was (we thought) going to get him on the road to recovery, but he has instead faired slightly worse & the doctors are not completely sure as to why. Susan is I am sure tired of me asking them so many questions but I can't stand not knowing what the are doing, I am rapidly becoming a chemistry student. The doctor was not too concerned with our backswords slide yesterday, but with a ventilator setting on the extreme level today he voiced his concern. They are called in another specialist to get some answers for tomorrow the 13th.
Tonight they called in the on call doctor to see him due to his blood gas tests being poor. They measure several things including his Ph level to tell how efficiently his lungs are processing the transfer of oxygen & C02 through his lung sacs called alveoli. They continue to fill up with secretions & they don't know why. She was concerned enought to put him back on the normal ventilator just to see if he did any better (he was taken off of this one since he performed poorly on it). She took him off of the normal one & back on the oscillator within 10mins. They think they have been overinflating his lungs which may not allow the C02 to escape, as his C02 rises the Ph level drops to a more acidic level, 7.35-7.45 is normal, he has varied between 7.18 & 7.4. tonight he a transitory reading of 6.82 which is not sustainable over a long period of time, the doctor said she will only be concerned if it stays there & bythe end of our phone conversation it had risen to 7.1. They are trying some new techniques & settings to see how he responds. I will probably not sleep tonight for the 1st time tonight due to concern over his condition. He is a tough little guy though like his PaPa Ed & we know he will fight for his life with all that his little body can give. He unfortunately had an infection today in his lungs as well, they identified one bacteria & put him on antibiotics but the other type is unknown & they are giving him another type of antibiotic as well.
As you can tell his news has not been good & it has been difficult as of late to keep a stiff upper lip (or a dry eye). If we focus on things of this world we will despair, but if we focus on Christ the thing of this world will grow strangely dim. We can accomplish all things through him who strengthens us. I have had trouble praying lately with the words just not coming to my mind as I would like, THIS IS WHERE WE ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE ALL OF YOU PRAYING FOR US & HIM! My friend Marty told me today that God knows my heart better than my words & that you all are praying for us so that when we have difficulty, Luke is still being fervently prayed over. Thanks for supporting us in such a caring & prayer filled manor. We love all of you & pray for your families as well. There are many in this world who are suffering more than us. God is good!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Eric, you are so right. When we do not have words to pray, the Holy Spirit will intercede on our behalf. Be encouraged to know that all over Fayetteville, Georgia, the US, and literally the world, people are lifting ALL of you up this very day. We will pray for his strength, the doctors and you all. We love you.
Mike and Melinda
As I was taking a walk yesterday evening, listening to the Song and the encouraging words of "Turn your eyes upon Jesus"..... look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace; I prayed for you guys fervently. We understand the struggles of the heart to watch your child suffer. Know how much we pray for you all.
Kristi and Scott Henderson
Dear Susan & Eric, As we read your entries, we see your pain and the Lord's grace sustaining you during the waiting. We continue to pray throughout the day for this precious little one- that the Lord will bring healing for Luke's lungs and clear any infection. May He continue to uphold you with His tender loving care during this incredibly difficult journey. In love and care, Bev & Pete
just as you guys are at a loss for words...we are too, what can we "say" when we talk with you...other than we're right here with you. your honest pain and praise is a great testimony to us and the kids. we will continue to pray for strength and endurance.
Eric & Susan- So many times the words also do not come to us, however we continue pray for strength,healing, and just for all of you. Thank you for keeping us up to date it helps us feel connected. He is the sweetest boy and I do love that picture. Remember how much we all love you and we are all praying for you all over the place.
Love you all,
The Honeycutts
Post a Comment