Carrie and Jeremiah are headed in the right direction. I just came home from the hospital a little while ago. I took a few moments to sit with my thoughts and bask in God’s glory, knowing that He is hearing our prayers.
Today when I went to visit, Nurse Ashley told me that they were able to bring Carrie’s oxygen supplementation back down. At the time I was at the hospital, Carrie had been titrated to 60% oxygen. They are planning on reducing it further, as Carrie is tolerating the lower oxygen levels well. Her saturation is still in the high 90s. What’s even more wonderful is that the ventilator pressure support has been lowered as well, down to an 8. I am breathing a small sigh of relief, that’s quite a bit of improvement today.
As I was at the hospital today, Carrie was on dialysis. Today is the third day of her second set of dialysis treatments, and its clear now that the fluid reduction is contributing to helping her lungs exchange oxygen better. Her urine output is already better, so we’re seeing some healing in the kidneys. Tomorrow they will take a break from dialysis and that will give us a better idea of how her kidneys are doing now. Chances aren’t great that her kidneys are functioning as well as they need to be in order to stop dialysis altogether at this point, but they are healing. And I’m still praying.
The greatest gift I received today is the picture above. When the nurse knew I was coming, she arranged for an ultrasound machine to be there that had the capability of printing out pictures. From the window I watched as they performed the ultrasound. Jeremiah, in his usual fashion, continued to bounce off the walls in momma’s tummy. It made getting a good, clear picture difficult. But the printout I got is no less precious. That’s my boy.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Carrie’s nurse Ashley has been just the most amazing nurse for her. She plans ahead, she has all the details memorized. She can tell exactly what Carrie needs, and provides it right away. When I go in to visit, Nurse Ashley provides me a very detailed report on how Carrie is doing. She has all of the answers to my questions in her head, she didn’t have to look at the chart to provide a single answer. From IVs and medications to ventilator values and more, Nurse Ashley knew every last detail…exactly. I have full confidence that she is providing Carrie with the very best care.
I can’t help but sit here and feel blessed. Carrie isn’t out of the woods yet by far, but God is hearing our prayers. Carrie has had no more significant complications. She is healing in the normal progression as one would expect in this situation. Jeremiah is healthy and active. And surrounding the three of us is all of you reading this…you are the greatest support group. More than I could have asked for. I know I say this every day, but I can’t express how much your prayers, encouragement and support have meant to me. And I know it will mean even more to Carrie when she wakes up.
And thank you to those who have also contributed financially. Carrie, Jeremiah, and I have now received $1695 in support from you for helping with Carrie’s care and bills over the coming months. Every donation helps. We are so appreciative to be so blessed by you. From my heart, thank you.