Let's Review

A few posts ago, we discussed three things that can cause vomiting: an Addisonian crisis, (or needing more hydrocortisone), seizures, and seizure medicine. I need to add a fourth: constipation. You might want to put your fork down.

This afternoon, we were down at Annie's GP to try to figure out why she is so gaggy--this week. You know, every week it's something different. She likes to change it up--keep us guessing. Some weeks it's because she needs more hydro, some weeks it's because she's having too many seizures, some weeks it's because her medicine is making her pukey, and some weeks it's because she's constipated. This week, it's all of the above.

As soon as we walked in to the exam room, Annie threw up, just in case anyone was in doubt as to why we were there. So the doc ordered an Xray, and about 1/2 hour later, we were looking at Annie's intestines on her computer. The diagnosis was quite clear. We saw marbles, and lots of them. So don't call me this weekend, Annie & I will be busy cleaning....house. BTW, the doc's Rx included double hydrocortisone, (for my Addisonian friends who are reading this), zofran as needed, and lots of miralax and water.

She's better tonight, though, so let's change the subject. You're welcome. Anyway--at church last Sunday I was thinking again about Annie pre-brain injury, and Annie post-brain injury, and I had a mini-brainstorm. Uh-oh. Well, we know that because of the Addisonian crisis in January of '07, and subsequent brain injury, Annie lost the ability to walk, talk, and eat, as well as use her hands purposefully. But, every once in awhile there is a little glimmer of humor, or understanding in her face, or vocalizations, or expression--little moments of familiarity. It's like she's hiding in there, and someday will pop out and say, "Surprise! I was in here all the time!"

Well, it reminded me of the verse in Colossians 3 that says, "You died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." Only I was thinking, Annie's life is now hidden with Christ; she is hidden with Jesus. She is in there, but obscured by this brain injury. It was actually a very comforting realization, that although she can't express herself the way she did in that last post's video, she is there, and will sing again. We just don't know when--here, or in heaven.

Meanwhile, this past week she has been having moments of clarity on the new Banzel drug, but-- we have to work on getting weaned off of some of the other meds--she's got way too many on board. So thanks for your continued prayers for her--please keep praying that the seizures will be GONE, (she's still having from 2-6 each day), and that we can safely wean off some of the seizure meds that really aren't working. And, while you're at it, please pray that we get her system lubed and running smoothly again. We have got to get past this chronic vomiting. I think Annie would thank you for your prayers, too. Bill, Andy, David, Jack, Olivia, and the nurse at the doctor's office thank you too.

Jean

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4