Things have been difficult here for Pete. Once again a stretch of 4 days without sleep. The first couple of days have him tired, then by the third day the hallucinations come and by the fourth day he is in a state of delirium. Needless to say, this is hard for him and hard for those who care for him. This of course sets Pete's recovery back a few notches.
Tuesday morning I called my sister-in-law Yvonne Aikema (who happens to be a nurse) to come in and be there with us. Thanks so much Yvonne :) Rev. Louwerse also came by.
Dr. Lien the head of Respirology is doing every thing he can to figure out what is causing this. Two Medicine Psychologists have been reviewing Pete's drug intake against the blood work results. Some drug changes have been made and some of the dosages have also been altered. The amount of blood drawn is astounding.....for blood chemistry, blood cultures, etc.
Once again Pete has been given a private room (9th move) and it's 5E3 #22.
After repeated doses of a sleep sedative and the body simply being played out, Pete finally falls asleep. Wednesday morning he asks whether it was true about the baby or a hallucination. So yes, he did hear that he had a new grandson :) The day is spent napping while still being very restless.
This week has been one of highs and lows. On Tuesday the 14th, Hendrik and Suzanne Hulleman were blessed with a beautiful healthy baby boy whom they named Spencer Cody, weighing in at 7lb - 14 oz. We now have 12 grandchildren - 8 girls and 4 boys. The next day the Lord took Gary Drost home to himself. Gary was the fiancé of Hendrik's sister Grace Hulleman. Our hearts are hurting for Grace and her loved ones.
In light of what has happened and looking at the bigger picture, we are very grateful for the progress that Pete has made. We will continue to put our trust in God and pray that He will grant us the strength needed for each day.
This morning a new picc line was put in, chest x-rays were done and finally the CT chest scan they were waiting for could be done. Physio came knocking on the door and Pete managed to do 2 laps around the ward and lift a few weights. Today Pete still did a lot of napping but was much calmer.
He is also fighting several infections. The toughest one to battle is called mycoplasma which is an infection Pete happens to have in his lungs and is fought with a pretty heavy duty antibiotic. This infection could be playing a partial role in keeping Pete awake.
Till next time and take care!
Thanks again for the update Margaret. We continue to pray for healing and know that God is in control and will give you both what is needed to go through this tiring long journey. Continue to put your hope and trust in God's timing to make all things well! Hugs from Norman and I
ReplyDeleteA week of sorrow and a week of joy, it comes all together. We pray for Pete and you for progress and strength. We will also congratulate you with the birth of your grandson. Jan and Tallien
ReplyDeleteA week where we realize we need to fully rely on the Lord for everything. When Hendrik called me on Tuesday, I couldn't stop smiling for the next 45 minutes. Spencer looks a lot like his big brother I think, adorable. Congratulations and we continue to uphold you in prayer. Henry and Marie
ReplyDeleteWow, its been quite a week for you! Congratulations with your newest grandchild and thankful that he isi healthy and all is well! Sorry to hear about Gary D.! Very thankful Pete is feeling a bit better again and continue to pray for good sleep for him and that God can deliver him from his infections! May he continue to progress and that you both have the strength for it! lots of love and prayers, Janice and Henk
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. Pete and you have had quite a week. We pray that the doctors will be able to figure out what is causing the insomnia. I'm thankful that Yvonne was there for you. Take care of yourself too, Margaret. Hugs, Mabel
ReplyDelete