Hello everyone... I am back from the Pastor/Spouse retreat (going solo, lonely and quite introspective). There are many things to tell about Barbara, and a very good question from the last entry's comments. However, I am quite exhausted, and need to beg a reprieve for one more day.
Just a quick note, though. Barbara continues to undergo tests of various and sundry kinds to help figure out what's going on with her. Quickly, I might also tell you her pressure wound is healing at an incredible pace... the opening is now merely the size of a pencil eraser!!! PRAISE GOD! He is faithful on rainy days, He is faithful on sunny days... praise Him in all things the same.
One other great area of concern is that Barbara is very malnourished. I will write more tomorrow, I hope! Thanks for your BIG prayers.
Then this message came to Isaiah from the Lord: "Go back to Hezekiah and tell him, ...I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add 15 years to your life. Is. 38:5
Greg and Barb
Taken Oct. '06 during vacation at South Carolina
At Jackie's Wedding
Here's a recent shot to show you just how far we've come. Attending Jackie's wedding was a true miracle for Barbara.
Contributors
About this blog
We are extremely grateful for all the prayers, cards, email, and other means of encouragement that have surrounded us with love at this time. We had been attempting to update you via email. However, as long as this hospitalization is taking, it now seems more prudent to share our updates on this blog. You are welcome to email any of these posts to others who might be interested. Or, feel free to share this blog site address. If you would like to contact us, please leave a comment after the most recent post, and we will get back to you. Contributers to this forum will be me, Greg (Barbara's husband), our daughter Jackie, and my sister Stephanie. In addition to updates, we might also be inclined to share other thoughts with you as well. Again, thank you for keeping us in your prayers. God has blessed us through you.
Some information has not been included here for the sake of privacy. This blog has been restricted to only those who know the address. Therefore, we assume you already know who we are and how to contact us!
How We Got Here
Barbara has suffered with Rheumatoid Arthritis for over 24 years now. All that time she has taken some powerful drugs (under doctor's care!) to fight the ravages of the disease, including the steroid Prednisone. In early November we learned that the arthritis has pushed several vertebrae in her neck forward, and they were perilously close to clipping the spinal column, which would result in complete paralysis (think Christopher Reeves). She was quickly admitted to the hospital, and after two days of agonizing traction (pins in the head and all), the first surgery was performed. Pneumonia quickly set in, and thanks to Barbara's immuno-suppressed condition due to the arthritis drugs (arthritis is actually our immune system gone crazy), numerous infections began to rage. On Thanksgiving Day she was placed on a respirator. Since her bones were so soft, a second surgery was necessary, and it was performed the next day. While her neck healed well, her body began to fail. Her heart stopped once, and another time she stopped breathing. Her prognosis was grim, but the prayers of God's people raged on. Around Christmas time she made a miraculous turn-around, and has been on the slow road to recovery since.
Our Family
Greg, Peter (our son-in-law), Barbara, and Jackie
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1 comment:
Hi Greg--We're pleased you're back safely from the retreat and so glad to hear that the pressure wound is healing so nicely. We'll pray that Barbara's malnourished body will respond favorably to future nourishment to restore her to good health.--Gene and Marcia
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