We are in need of your prayers. When Jason went in for his check up recently, some of his lab results were abnormal. We went today so they could do follow-up bloodwork. His doctor called me this afternoon to say that Jason's kidneys are shutting down again. He said we need to see a specialist sooner rather than later. The earliest he could get us in was July 3rd. Please pray as we face this...he's already been through so much.
"I lift up my eyes to the mountains-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1-2)
Monday, June 25, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
It Is Well
Jason went to his checkup this afternoon. We had thoroughly enjoyed the lengthy break from doctors' visits, but were also anxious to address some recent concerns. While we were sitting in the waiting room, Jason asked why we were there. When I told him it was time for a well check, he said, "I'm well, I checked...let's go home." ha Apparently he has not forgotten the many many hours spent with doctors.
Our main issue lately has been an increase in the number of falls. While we were getting ready today, I helped Jason get out of the shower. Since his walker was in front of him, I felt comfortable leaving him to dry off while I left to get his clothes ready. I soon heard one loud crash after another. He had pulled down the shower curtain, broken a metal toilet paper stand, and landed with his bottom stuck in a laundry basket. We decided this might be a sign that a change is needed.
I loved witnessing the little reunion between Jason and his doctor. They have been through so much together...their mutual fondness was clearly evident. I felt as though all our questions were patiently answered and solutions were suggested. They said that Jason will always have mobility issues as a result of his brain injury. When I asked if Jason might benefit from physical therapy, his doctor said it couldn't hurt, and that he would set it up. I was extremely grateful to hear this.
We have also been noticing some significant hearing loss recently. The television had slowly been getting louder and louder. I decided Jason wasn't ignoring me when I talked to him, but simply wasn't hearing me. They looked in his ears today, and discovered an abundance of wax build up. I'll spare you the details, but his doctor spent almost an hour meticulously cleaning out Jason's ears. I will be hiding the Q-tips now since they were likely the culprit...Jason had been using them frequently.
Our main issue lately has been an increase in the number of falls. While we were getting ready today, I helped Jason get out of the shower. Since his walker was in front of him, I felt comfortable leaving him to dry off while I left to get his clothes ready. I soon heard one loud crash after another. He had pulled down the shower curtain, broken a metal toilet paper stand, and landed with his bottom stuck in a laundry basket. We decided this might be a sign that a change is needed.
I loved witnessing the little reunion between Jason and his doctor. They have been through so much together...their mutual fondness was clearly evident. I felt as though all our questions were patiently answered and solutions were suggested. They said that Jason will always have mobility issues as a result of his brain injury. When I asked if Jason might benefit from physical therapy, his doctor said it couldn't hurt, and that he would set it up. I was extremely grateful to hear this.
We have also been noticing some significant hearing loss recently. The television had slowly been getting louder and louder. I decided Jason wasn't ignoring me when I talked to him, but simply wasn't hearing me. They looked in his ears today, and discovered an abundance of wax build up. I'll spare you the details, but his doctor spent almost an hour meticulously cleaning out Jason's ears. I will be hiding the Q-tips now since they were likely the culprit...Jason had been using them frequently.
I felt it was a successful visit...Jason may not agree since they noticed it was time for a tetanus shot. They also drew some blood to make sure all is normal. We appreciate your continuous prayers and thoughtful inquiries about his well-being.
"Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, "It is well, it is well with my soul."
Monday, June 4, 2012
Unexpected
I am eager to put this past weekend behind us, and grateful for the fresh start a new week can bring. On Saturday evening, I decided it was time to finally address the bag of clothes tucked away in our bedroom. Inside were some of Jason's favorite things which no longer fit as a result of his weight loss while in the hospital. I planned to list some on ebay and donate the rest to a thrift store. Thankfully, I was alone when I first began pulling out items one by one. Somehow I hadn't anticipated the flow of tears. Too many memories were wrapped up in those shirts and pants.
My sister has the uncanny ability to call at exactly the right moment. I am not a gifted actress, so she immediately sensed my distress. She was kind enough to assure me that I was not crazy for weeping over a pair of camouflage shorts. In keeping with her big sister duties, she helped me find perspective. How much different would this task have been if Jason was no longer here with me...if he was not at that very moment sitting on the couch eating fruit cocktail. Meanwhile, when Jason noticed the pile of clothes later, he smirked and asked if I had decided to kick him out.
Sadly, the weekend's emotional roller coaster did not come to a complete stop. I was deep in dreamland that night when I heard the first crash. Jason had fallen while getting up to use the bathroom, and had landed across the room against the mirrored closet door. Since he was wedged in a corner, it took us a half hour to get him up. A few hours later, I heard him fall down hard against our bedroom door. I helped him up and tucked him back into bed. After he fell the third time, I stayed awake to help him if he needed to get up again. I made the disheartening decision to bring his walker out of retirement. It felt like a huge setback, but necessary for his safety. When Eli woke up and spied it, his face fell. I assured him it was hopefully temporary. When I called the doctor last month after a period of falls, his nurse said it was normal to go through cycles. Jason has an appointment next week for a well-check, so will air my concerns at that time.
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." (Psalm 51:12)
My sister has the uncanny ability to call at exactly the right moment. I am not a gifted actress, so she immediately sensed my distress. She was kind enough to assure me that I was not crazy for weeping over a pair of camouflage shorts. In keeping with her big sister duties, she helped me find perspective. How much different would this task have been if Jason was no longer here with me...if he was not at that very moment sitting on the couch eating fruit cocktail. Meanwhile, when Jason noticed the pile of clothes later, he smirked and asked if I had decided to kick him out.
Sadly, the weekend's emotional roller coaster did not come to a complete stop. I was deep in dreamland that night when I heard the first crash. Jason had fallen while getting up to use the bathroom, and had landed across the room against the mirrored closet door. Since he was wedged in a corner, it took us a half hour to get him up. A few hours later, I heard him fall down hard against our bedroom door. I helped him up and tucked him back into bed. After he fell the third time, I stayed awake to help him if he needed to get up again. I made the disheartening decision to bring his walker out of retirement. It felt like a huge setback, but necessary for his safety. When Eli woke up and spied it, his face fell. I assured him it was hopefully temporary. When I called the doctor last month after a period of falls, his nurse said it was normal to go through cycles. Jason has an appointment next week for a well-check, so will air my concerns at that time.
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." (Psalm 51:12)
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