"Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to." Bill Vaughan
Tonight we'll have a combination of young and old at our house: those who want to stay up and--Bill and me. I'm fighting a cold and can't find enough Kleenex in this house, so staying up to ring in the New Year will be a stretch. And you know the worst thing about a cold is that you can't taste anything, so the last night I can indulge in holiday food won't even be that enjoyable.:(
I must say that 2007 tops all others as the worst ever, and yet, the best. Imagine a measuring scale with grief, loss, fear, and uncertainty on one side, and prayers, help, love and patience on the other. I'd like to wipe away one side, but if it needs to stay, I'm very thankful for the other side. We would have drowned in sorrow had it not been for all of you praying, giving, cooking, cleaning, and encouraging us through each day. We were reminded that God had not abandoned us through your acts of kindness and sacrifice.
Today while Bill, Annie & I were out in the van running errands, Bill looked over his shoulder and said to Annie, sitting in her carseat, "2008 is going to be great!" I do pray that this New Year be filled with renewed hope and God's strength for you and for us...and continued healing for Annalee.
Jean
PS: One of my New Year's resolutions is to add more pictures to this blog, (or get Bill to add more pictures--so is that my resolution or his??) ...either way, hopefully I'll get more pictures up here before the ball drops in Times Square.
You crown the year with Your goodness,
And Your paths drip with abundance.
They drop on the pastures of the wilderness,
And the little hills rejoice on every side.
The pastures are clothed with flocks;
The valleys also are covered with grain;
They shout for joy, they also sing. Psalm 65:11-13
Monday, December 31, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
In the Bleak Midwinter
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day,
Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels fall before,
The ox and ass and camel which adore.
Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.
What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.
Christina Rossetti
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day,
Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels fall before,
The ox and ass and camel which adore.
Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.
What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.
Christina Rossetti
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas!
Last night we did the annual Christmas Eve church service and then late night dinner at La Palmera. You must've been praying for us again--Annie seemed to enjoy the candlelight and carols at church, and then was happy to watch us down 6 or 7 baskets of chips at the restaurant before they brought the troughs of burritos and enchiladas. Perfect evening together with ALL 7 of the kids.
And as all good things must come to an end, after dinner we drove home, opened the front door and smelled...Something. We walked up the stairs to the living room, looked over to the dog crate and--not quite sure what happened--maybe Santa coming down the chimney scared Millie. Maybe it was the reindeer. But whatever happened, it was clear that she didn't want her poop or anyone else's in her crate. All I thought was, "Sure glad I need to help Annie get ready for bed right now." The kids weren't so lucky. They had to help Dad hose down the house. She did sleep through the night in her crate at the foot of our bed, so all is forgiven. I have to say that even with all the poopage, Millie has brought comfort and joy to the Sullivan house.
At this holiday season, Bill and I wish you the peace that only Jesus can give. He came as a baby, died to pay for the penalty of our sins that we deserve, rose from the dead to prove He truly was the Son of God, and is coming again to reign as King. If you don't already know Him personally, I would encourage you to believe in Him--trust Him to save you from your sins. His offer for forgiveness is the Perfect Gift to receive this Christmas!
Jean
He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. John 1:11-12
And as all good things must come to an end, after dinner we drove home, opened the front door and smelled...Something. We walked up the stairs to the living room, looked over to the dog crate and--not quite sure what happened--maybe Santa coming down the chimney scared Millie. Maybe it was the reindeer. But whatever happened, it was clear that she didn't want her poop or anyone else's in her crate. All I thought was, "Sure glad I need to help Annie get ready for bed right now." The kids weren't so lucky. They had to help Dad hose down the house. She did sleep through the night in her crate at the foot of our bed, so all is forgiven. I have to say that even with all the poopage, Millie has brought comfort and joy to the Sullivan house.
At this holiday season, Bill and I wish you the peace that only Jesus can give. He came as a baby, died to pay for the penalty of our sins that we deserve, rose from the dead to prove He truly was the Son of God, and is coming again to reign as King. If you don't already know Him personally, I would encourage you to believe in Him--trust Him to save you from your sins. His offer for forgiveness is the Perfect Gift to receive this Christmas!
Jean
He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. John 1:11-12
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Millie, Millie Bo Billie...
Well, 3 days with the new puppy, and she's settling right in. Check out the picture of Annie and Millie on Daddy's lap this morning, down on the left. The big Sullivan kids are getting the hang of regular trips outside to help Millie learn to go potty. I don't know if we're training her or she's training us, but we're mostly getting the job done.
Some news: we're going to have in-home rehab for a month. Rehab Without Walls comes back again the first week of January, so we'll take a break from the outpatient services at Cascade, and then return to them after R w/o W's is done. Navigating this therapy business is somewhat complicated--but we feel that because Annie has taken a downturn with all her illnesses and hospital stays, in-home rehab is what she needs now. However, because we develop relationships with each of her therapists, every time we change, I have mixed emotions about it. I guess I wish all she could visit with ALL of her therapists every week!
Something else on the horizon--we're going to try the Ketogenic diet to manage her seizures as soon as we can get on the schedule down at Children's. It involves another hospital stay of a few days to get it going. You can read about it at www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/Medical/treatment/diet/. It has the potential of controlling her seizures, and enabling us to eliminate some, if not all of her seizure medicines. Since her seizure medicines slow her brain down, there is the potential of her recovering more of her cognitive abilities with less or no medicine.
Well, that's the news for today. Three more days 'til Christmas!
Jean
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:8-11
Some news: we're going to have in-home rehab for a month. Rehab Without Walls comes back again the first week of January, so we'll take a break from the outpatient services at Cascade, and then return to them after R w/o W's is done. Navigating this therapy business is somewhat complicated--but we feel that because Annie has taken a downturn with all her illnesses and hospital stays, in-home rehab is what she needs now. However, because we develop relationships with each of her therapists, every time we change, I have mixed emotions about it. I guess I wish all she could visit with ALL of her therapists every week!
Something else on the horizon--we're going to try the Ketogenic diet to manage her seizures as soon as we can get on the schedule down at Children's. It involves another hospital stay of a few days to get it going. You can read about it at www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/Medical/treatment/diet/. It has the potential of controlling her seizures, and enabling us to eliminate some, if not all of her seizure medicines. Since her seizure medicines slow her brain down, there is the potential of her recovering more of her cognitive abilities with less or no medicine.
Well, that's the news for today. Three more days 'til Christmas!
Jean
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:8-11
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Annie is better since the last post--stronger, more alert times, and no nausea. She is still too sleepy during the day, and not consistently sleeping through the night again. But life isn't perfect.
Anyway, I heard your requests for more pictures, so I got the digital camera out and started to snap a picture of Annie and our new puppy, but the batteries were dead. They're charging right now. NEW PUPPY?? Did you hear that right? Yes, and here's the story: I had been praying about getting a dog. You know, something for Annie, something for the kids, something to complicate my life--the usual. Then when I was in the hospital with Annie, my friend, Terri, who posts here often, and who also breeds Boston Terriers, e-mails me and asks me if we would be interested in one of her new puppies. So we got this little thing last night--her name is Millie--and I have to say, she is THE sweetest, most gentle, affectionate dog EVER. And when I get these batteries charged, you will see for yourself.
Jean
Anyway, I heard your requests for more pictures, so I got the digital camera out and started to snap a picture of Annie and our new puppy, but the batteries were dead. They're charging right now. NEW PUPPY?? Did you hear that right? Yes, and here's the story: I had been praying about getting a dog. You know, something for Annie, something for the kids, something to complicate my life--the usual. Then when I was in the hospital with Annie, my friend, Terri, who posts here often, and who also breeds Boston Terriers, e-mails me and asks me if we would be interested in one of her new puppies. So we got this little thing last night--her name is Millie--and I have to say, she is THE sweetest, most gentle, affectionate dog EVER. And when I get these batteries charged, you will see for yourself.
Jean
Monday, December 17, 2007
Before I launch into how Annie is doing today, I want to stop and thank you all again for praying for us. I know many of you live near us, and many far away, but I hear over and over that you are praying. Praying is such a gift! I know God hears your prayers, and He answers them, and we are so grateful to you for asking God to help us, and to HEAL Annie!
So, this past week Annie has not been nauseated at all that I can tell, and certainly not throwing up. What a relief that is. But, as usual, when we put a finger in one leak, another springs open. The challenge now is lethargy and weakness--she has taken a real dive in her physical abilities. She can't hold herself up for much longer than a minute and then falls forward or sideways. We need to ramp up her therapy, and all the professionals involved with her care agree that she needs more intense therapy than she can get on an outpatient basis--not that I haven't invited all of them to move in with us! We are just in a difficult spot right now, and need all the pieces to come together to help her regain what she's lost, and then to keep moving forward--asap!
The last thing I want to mention is another thank you for the many people who have reached out to us again after this last hospitalization. Meals, cleaning, sitting with Annie, driving my kids around--Christmas has come early to the Sullivan house as far as I'm concerned. We are so grateful for your support--it makes the load bearable.
Jean
Strengthen the weak hands,
And make firm the feeble knees.
Say to those who are fearful-hearted,
“ Be strong, do not fear!
Behold, your God will come with vengeance,
With the recompense of God;
He will come and save you.”
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
Then the lame shall leap like a deer,
And the tongue of the dumb sing. Isaiah 35:3-6
Isaiah's foretelling of the coming Christ, 700 years before the first Christmas
So, this past week Annie has not been nauseated at all that I can tell, and certainly not throwing up. What a relief that is. But, as usual, when we put a finger in one leak, another springs open. The challenge now is lethargy and weakness--she has taken a real dive in her physical abilities. She can't hold herself up for much longer than a minute and then falls forward or sideways. We need to ramp up her therapy, and all the professionals involved with her care agree that she needs more intense therapy than she can get on an outpatient basis--not that I haven't invited all of them to move in with us! We are just in a difficult spot right now, and need all the pieces to come together to help her regain what she's lost, and then to keep moving forward--asap!
The last thing I want to mention is another thank you for the many people who have reached out to us again after this last hospitalization. Meals, cleaning, sitting with Annie, driving my kids around--Christmas has come early to the Sullivan house as far as I'm concerned. We are so grateful for your support--it makes the load bearable.
Jean
Strengthen the weak hands,
And make firm the feeble knees.
Say to those who are fearful-hearted,
“ Be strong, do not fear!
Behold, your God will come with vengeance,
With the recompense of God;
He will come and save you.”
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
Then the lame shall leap like a deer,
And the tongue of the dumb sing. Isaiah 35:3-6
Isaiah's foretelling of the coming Christ, 700 years before the first Christmas
Friday, December 14, 2007
Six days without any throwing up. Do I live in the same house or what? This is pretty amazing. The higher hydrocortisone dose seems to be doing the trick to keep the nausea at bay. It is also helping curb the head drops somewhat. A little. Okay, really she is still having quite a few--still at least 10 a day.
She did get the wind knocked out of her from being sick for what amounted to at least a month, in addition to the almost 2 weeks in the hospital. Her strength and stamina are zero. Always something, huh? I would appreciate your prayers that she would regain her strength and energy quickly.
Brother Andy was making a movie this week, and in the process came across another movie he had made last year for a college assignment. It had some footage of our family around the dining room table, celebrating my birthday. Annie was chattering throughout the whole thing, and then toward the end of the movie she began singing a song: "Shout to the north and the south, sing to the east and the west, Jesus is Savior to all, Lord of heaven and earth!" It's been almost a year since I've heard that sweet little voice, and what I would give to hear it again.
Jean
You have taught children and infants
to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you. Psalm 8:2
She did get the wind knocked out of her from being sick for what amounted to at least a month, in addition to the almost 2 weeks in the hospital. Her strength and stamina are zero. Always something, huh? I would appreciate your prayers that she would regain her strength and energy quickly.
Brother Andy was making a movie this week, and in the process came across another movie he had made last year for a college assignment. It had some footage of our family around the dining room table, celebrating my birthday. Annie was chattering throughout the whole thing, and then toward the end of the movie she began singing a song: "Shout to the north and the south, sing to the east and the west, Jesus is Savior to all, Lord of heaven and earth!" It's been almost a year since I've heard that sweet little voice, and what I would give to hear it again.
Jean
You have taught children and infants
to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you. Psalm 8:2
Thursday, December 13, 2007
He gives more grace
When I crawled into bed tonight, I was asking God why He's not talking to me. When Bill was sick, I often felt God speaking so clearly to me, but during this time of trouble, not so much. So tonight I woke up and remembered the words "He giveth more grace." I looked it up and here's the song I remember from childhood:
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials he multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
Annie Flint
So I had to eat my words. He does speak--I just need to be quiet enough (asleep) to listen!
Jean
I cried out to God for help;
I cried out to God to hear me.
When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
at night I stretched out untiring hands
and my soul refused to be comforted.
I remembered you, O God, and I groaned;
I mused, and my spirit grew faint.
You kept my eyes from closing;
I was too troubled to speak.
I thought about the former days,
the years of long ago;
I remembered my songs in the night. Psalm 77:1-6
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials he multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
Annie Flint
So I had to eat my words. He does speak--I just need to be quiet enough (asleep) to listen!
Jean
I cried out to God for help;
I cried out to God to hear me.
When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
at night I stretched out untiring hands
and my soul refused to be comforted.
I remembered you, O God, and I groaned;
I mused, and my spirit grew faint.
You kept my eyes from closing;
I was too troubled to speak.
I thought about the former days,
the years of long ago;
I remembered my songs in the night. Psalm 77:1-6
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Well, we got the heck out of Dodge this afternoon, and Annie is sound asleep in her OWN bed tonight. She isn't doing handstands yet, and is very weak after being in the hospital for 11 days, not counting the 3 right after Thanksgiving. So, it'll take her awhile to really be on top of her game. I'm exhausted, but very happy to be home again.
The docs think that it was probably a need for more hydrocortisone that was causing the nausea. Her dose has been increased significantly, and we'll just go with that for awhile to see how it works. She hasn't thrown up since Sunday night, but she's been a little nauseated in the evenings since then. If she starts spiraling down, we'll, of course, troop back to Children's where we know every nurse, doctor, therapist, security guard, Tully's barista...it's pathetic when people come back to work and say, "You're Still Here??" Pretty soon we'll have our own parking space.
Thanks for keeping us in your prayers. Annie needs to regain her strength, as well as continue to keep her food INside her tummy.
Jean
"For He Himself is our peace." Ephesians 2:14
The docs think that it was probably a need for more hydrocortisone that was causing the nausea. Her dose has been increased significantly, and we'll just go with that for awhile to see how it works. She hasn't thrown up since Sunday night, but she's been a little nauseated in the evenings since then. If she starts spiraling down, we'll, of course, troop back to Children's where we know every nurse, doctor, therapist, security guard, Tully's barista...it's pathetic when people come back to work and say, "You're Still Here??" Pretty soon we'll have our own parking space.
Thanks for keeping us in your prayers. Annie needs to regain her strength, as well as continue to keep her food INside her tummy.
Jean
"For He Himself is our peace." Ephesians 2:14
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Bill said that Annie had a good weekend with no throwing up. Until tonight at 7:30 PM. After the nurse hooked up her IV again on Saturday AM, she really perked up and seemed to be doing much better. Today she had a good day too, and then tonight they stopped the IV because she was doing so well, and then she threw up. The doc said this afternoon that if she kept improving, we'd be able to take her home maybe Tuesday. That plan is no doubt nixed for now.
Jean
Jean
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Eighth day in that lonely hospital room, and still no clear answer as to why Annie's throwing up. The last couple of days, we ramped up on her Addison's meds thinking that might be the problem, but she threw up again this morning, and twice yesterday. The doc is less inclined to think it's simply a result of under-treating the Addison's--which could be the cause of the nausea & vomiting.
So they placed another IV--her third this week--so that she can get enough fluids. And just to stir the pot more, her blood pressure was high this morning, so she got more medicine for that.
This is just very frustrating for the docs, us, and no doubt, Annie. We feel like we're up against a wall and can't get over it. Please keep praying that God would show us what's causing the nausea & vomiting, and/or just heal her. Please also pray for our kids at home.
Thanks again,
Jean
“LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You."
2 Chronicles 14:11
So they placed another IV--her third this week--so that she can get enough fluids. And just to stir the pot more, her blood pressure was high this morning, so she got more medicine for that.
This is just very frustrating for the docs, us, and no doubt, Annie. We feel like we're up against a wall and can't get over it. Please keep praying that God would show us what's causing the nausea & vomiting, and/or just heal her. Please also pray for our kids at home.
Thanks again,
Jean
“LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You."
2 Chronicles 14:11
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Still here...
We're still in Children's. She still is throwing up about once or twice a day. The doctors are still trying to figure it out. You're still praying, right??
Jean
Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many. 2 Corinthians 1:9-11
Jean
Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many. 2 Corinthians 1:9-11
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Soaking in Seattle
I was going to put as the title, "As the Stomach Turns," but thought maybe that might offend Annie. Anyway--here's the latest:
The docs have investigated every possible reason they can think of that could be causing Annie's chronic gastrointestinal issues, and have tested for a lot of them. So far, no smoking gun. Meanwhile, she had a good day today, tolerated all of her meals, and if things keep going like this, we'll probably come home again tomorrow evening. There are a couple of tests that they'll run tomorrow, and maybe a few in the future just to make sure no stones are unturned, but so far, nothing has been clearly the culprit for her problems.
The thing of it is, there are at least three things that could be causing her stomach upset: her Addison's medicine dosing, her seizure medicine, and/or some weird stomach structural anomaly. But just to repeat myself, nothing is obviously the problem and all of the above may be contributing to it.
The plan for controlling the seizures is still to go up on one med and down on another as soon as possible. Her seizure medicines can't really be fiddled with at this point until we exhaust this new med.
So what I'm telling you is nothing new is known. We are treading water, and continuing to pray. My friend, Rebecca, gave me the book by John Ortberg, "Love Beyond Reason: Moving God's Love from Your Head to Your Heart," and in it, he describes how God often leads us through life in the "roundabout" way--not in a straight path from Egypt to the Promised Land, but by spending a lot of time in the Wilderness, teaching us to trust Him. This year has been like that, and this week, too. God knows what He's doing, and I have to be quiet and trust Him. I can feel your prayers.
Jean
Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8
The docs have investigated every possible reason they can think of that could be causing Annie's chronic gastrointestinal issues, and have tested for a lot of them. So far, no smoking gun. Meanwhile, she had a good day today, tolerated all of her meals, and if things keep going like this, we'll probably come home again tomorrow evening. There are a couple of tests that they'll run tomorrow, and maybe a few in the future just to make sure no stones are unturned, but so far, nothing has been clearly the culprit for her problems.
The thing of it is, there are at least three things that could be causing her stomach upset: her Addison's medicine dosing, her seizure medicine, and/or some weird stomach structural anomaly. But just to repeat myself, nothing is obviously the problem and all of the above may be contributing to it.
The plan for controlling the seizures is still to go up on one med and down on another as soon as possible. Her seizure medicines can't really be fiddled with at this point until we exhaust this new med.
So what I'm telling you is nothing new is known. We are treading water, and continuing to pray. My friend, Rebecca, gave me the book by John Ortberg, "Love Beyond Reason: Moving God's Love from Your Head to Your Heart," and in it, he describes how God often leads us through life in the "roundabout" way--not in a straight path from Egypt to the Promised Land, but by spending a lot of time in the Wilderness, teaching us to trust Him. This year has been like that, and this week, too. God knows what He's doing, and I have to be quiet and trust Him. I can feel your prayers.
Jean
Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Update
Before I trade places with Bill, I thought I'd give you a quick update. Annie had a barium GI study done to see why she keeps upchucking. The doc said her tummy has a spasm in it--and they're not sure what is causing it. There's a possibility that it could be a result of the brain injury. The doc said they could reposition her g-tube so that her food intake completely sidesteps that spasm. More surgery? Yuck. Also, Annie will have a CT scan on her brain tomorrow to see if there's swelling on her brain that is causing the seizures.
Please pray that God would show us and the doctors what to tests to do and what tests not to do; what medicine to give and what medicine not to give. And for Annie's and our other kid's comfort and peace.
Thanks,
Jean
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye. Psalm 32:8
Please pray that God would show us and the doctors what to tests to do and what tests not to do; what medicine to give and what medicine not to give. And for Annie's and our other kid's comfort and peace.
Thanks,
Jean
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye. Psalm 32:8
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Back in the hospital tonight
This morning Bill and I debated about what to do, what to do...and after talking with Annie's pediatrician, we agreed she needed to go back down to the ER. She wasn't tolerating her feeds, and was getting behind on her daily fluid requirements, and like I said in the previous post, her seizures have been too frequent. So here we are again.
My theory about the seizures causing the nausea might be off-base. Annie's ACTH test from a few days ago came back high, so her problem might be as simple as just needing more hydrocortisone to treat her Addison's. But while we're down at Children's, we're going to investigate all systems thoroughly, so hopefully we'll get this nausea/vomiting/seizure conundrum figured out.
Thanks again for your prayers for Annie, (she was not very happy about going back into the hospital, and cried when we wheeled her into her room), our other kids, the doctors and nurses, Bill (he's with Annie tonight), and safe driving weather. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, eh?
Jean
And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
My theory about the seizures causing the nausea might be off-base. Annie's ACTH test from a few days ago came back high, so her problem might be as simple as just needing more hydrocortisone to treat her Addison's. But while we're down at Children's, we're going to investigate all systems thoroughly, so hopefully we'll get this nausea/vomiting/seizure conundrum figured out.
Thanks again for your prayers for Annie, (she was not very happy about going back into the hospital, and cried when we wheeled her into her room), our other kids, the doctors and nurses, Bill (he's with Annie tonight), and safe driving weather. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, eh?
Jean
And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
Seizures = nausea?
We're still struggling with seizures/nausea/vomiting, and I have a new theory as to why. I read an article last night that nausea can precede a seizure, and also come after a seizure. So, maybe the whole nausea thing correlates to her seizures??
She had at least 6 seizures yesterday, and really looked out of it afterward. Used to be she'd perk right up after one, but now they seem to take the wind out of her each time for awhile.
On the positive side, when she's not having a seizure or recovering from one, or throwing up--you're not eating right now, are you?--she is smiling more, and vocalizing more, and of course, I haven't a clue as to why. But I'll take it. Last night she had an expression on her face that so reminded me of the old Annie. Every once in a while that look just passes over her face, and then it disappears. And it always seems to come in the evening. Hmm.
Well, as usual, if you could pray that we have wisdom to know what to do about the seizures/nausea/vomiting, I would greatly appreciate it. She did sleep through the night, so those prayers were answered. :)
Jean
She had at least 6 seizures yesterday, and really looked out of it afterward. Used to be she'd perk right up after one, but now they seem to take the wind out of her each time for awhile.
On the positive side, when she's not having a seizure or recovering from one, or throwing up--you're not eating right now, are you?--she is smiling more, and vocalizing more, and of course, I haven't a clue as to why. But I'll take it. Last night she had an expression on her face that so reminded me of the old Annie. Every once in a while that look just passes over her face, and then it disappears. And it always seems to come in the evening. Hmm.
Well, as usual, if you could pray that we have wisdom to know what to do about the seizures/nausea/vomiting, I would greatly appreciate it. She did sleep through the night, so those prayers were answered. :)
Jean
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