January 20 - Exclamation Marks

I sure miss having internet access at the hospital; it's a bit more difficult to focus on creating an entry at the end of a tiring day. Much has occurred since my last entry, though, and you'll want to read on for some wonderful news.

First, though, on the issue of the hospital where Barbara is staying. While there continues to be some rough places in our road, my ongoing presence there and ongoing conversations with those in charge have actually yielded some positive results. I toured a few other facilities, and looked into several others, but we have finally come to the decision that unless things just go absolutely haywire on us, we are going to stand pat for now. I still resent being told that I had no choice in where Barbara would be placed. And, I've found out I was lied to and bullied by the people who dismissed Barbara from Methodist. Further, Select Specialty Hospitals does indeed have a bad reputation in the area. Still, you have prayed that God would give us wisdom, as have we, and it seems best not to roll the dice and hope for something better at this time. Things have actually gotten better for us. She has had good nursing care. We have begun to establish good relationships with several of the nurses and aids (I work very hard at this - when someone is good, I compliment them - when they show compassion, I lavish praise on them - these things work). Also, her therapists have actually been excellent. Whenever we encounter someone who is not doing their job the way we think it should be done, we've complained, and we've gotten results. I could expound at much more length on this subject, but suffice it to say I am satisfied that they are taking steps to accommodate our needs. Plus, moving Barbara now would actually be a step backwards because we'd have to acclimate new doctors and staff, and everyone would want to start at ground zero with her just as they did in the move from Methodist to Hammond. Keep us in prayer on this matter. As you can tell, it is a tough row to hoe. Also, we're not at all pleased with her primary doctor overseeing her care, so pray that we will know how to deal with that matter next.

On to more uplifting things. This has been a remarkable week of progress, thanks to some wonderful, caring therapists. Barbara's trache was reduced in size, and she was given a speaking valve. For the first time in a long time, she can now talk to us!!!! I really can't use enough exclamation marks to convey our happiness!!!! !!!! !!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!! !! And making this even more exciting, today they capped off her trache to allow her to breathe totally through her nose. Most patients last about 10-15 minutes their first time doing this. Barbara, on the other hand, lasted all day and was still capped when I left and breathing 100%!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the final step towards removing the trache altogether!!!!! Yesterday she was took the "Cookie Test" (that is the actual name of the procedure) where she is x-rayed while eating items of various consistencies laced with barium (yes, including cookies). I got to sit in the viewing room and watch the screen during the process. It was a extraordinary event - quite an awesome thing to see. She passed with flying colors. This means she has been okayed to eat, and has been doing so!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Her diet this weekend is all pureed food - and despite its gross yucky consistency, she has enjoyed the food. Her first meal include mushed up peas, and she was thrilled. Peas are a favorite of hers. One interesting side note. While observing the x-ray, I got my first really good look at the hardware that was placed in her neck. It was gruesome, dude! I knew she had extensive surgery - but I was still shocked at seeing it all showing up so plainly on the screen, screws and all. I think she will now become a recurring character on X-Men movies.

I hope I have communicated all this well through my tiredness. Please don't let up on the prayers - we still have bridges to cross. She desperately wants to walk again, and has been stymied just a bit by the blood clot.

January 17 - More Mountains To Climb

Healthcare sure is like a box of microphone cables. I can use that metaphor because, being a live sound/recording enthusiast, I know what happens when you throw mic cables together in a box. No matter how neatly you place them, they will magically, mysteriously tangle and knot themselves together. That's healthcare for ya. I am still researching and investigating and touring and talking to various alternates for Barbara's care. I have no answers yet. Pray for me. Pray for WISDOM.

So today I'm told that Barbara has a blood clot in her right leg. Plus a bladder infection. Plus a likely inner ear infection (or, at the very least, fluid retention). Pile it all on, baby, pile it on! She has had a low grade temp on and off, probably due to the infection. Oh, how I hate that word! I know how infections nearly killed her, and I hate to think of her developing more.

She has also had more anxiety issues. And that digestive system is still a colossal mess.

Is Greg being Mr. Pessimism this evening? Actually, no. I'm getting ready to eat a piece of the best Pecan pie in the world courtesy Karen Armstrong from Birds, who along with husband Merle, came to visit this past weekend. Karen is a fantastic cook, and her pecan pie rules. I must stay that I have been privileged to consume some great food from some wonderful ladies here at GFM. I have been treated well.

Let me throw one more prayer request your way. My people here have been wonderfully gracious to allow me to attend to Barbara over these months. While endeavoring to serve them as best I can under the circumstances, sermon preparation has been quite difficult. I have been convinced that God wants me to continue weekly sermon prep work as a spiritual discipline. So I trudge on.

January 15

I don't believe in "luck", but if I did, I'd feel like a lucky man. I prefer to think of it as blessed, though. I am truly, truly blessed. I'm blessed to know you (a bit presumptuous, of course, but I assume I know most if not all of you). I am blessed to have your prayers. I am blessed to have your friendship. I am blessed to have your encouragement. And, I am blessed to have your expertise. Remember, whenever you do something out of love, whenever you do something right, whenever you do something noble, you are ministering Jesus. Even if you don't ever mention His Name, you are still His hands at work. And that is how the blessing of many blesses one, and in turn blesses many. It's a bit late, and I have a whomping headache, but I hope I am saying all of that in a manner that makes sense. I want you to see the awesome power you have at your fingertips when you bless someone by doing what is right.

After my last entry, many of you rushed to our aid both in prayer and in action. I have learned that the actions taken in dismissing Barbara and moving her to Select care was at the least unethical, and even more so, unlawful. It's a long story, but it has led to two angels that God has sent to help us do what is right. But I'm getting a bit ahead of myself.

Our experience at Select in Hammond has been spotty at best. There have certainly been a few bright spots, but there have been more things going wrong than I can chronicle here. I am so thankful that God has sent two particular angels who are helping us do the right thing for Barbara. I don't want to mention their names because both are practicing in the medical field, and I don't wish to complicate their lives. Suffice it to say they are ministering to our needs with mercy and justice, which means they are being Christ to us.

I will keep you apprised as best I can as to how things progress over the days ahead. Barbara has communicated to me that she definitely wants to be moved, so we will pursue doing so. Please keep us in your prayers.

Barbara has been having increased anxiety attacks, and her digestive system is still a real mess. She has been running a temperature off and on today, and is complaining of numbness throughout her body. On the other hand, her breathing just keeps getting better and better. I think she could breathe well without the extra oxygen. Oh, one other thing to mention. Her hearing has gotten really bad, and the doctors at Select say its not from earwax. They have supposedly called a specialist to look at her ears, but we've been waiting two days and have never seen such a person.

So, please pray for both of us that we will make wise decisions, that we will have the mind of God,

Pray that our "angels" will also have that wisdom as they guide us to rectify this bad situation,

Pray that Barbara's health issues resolve,

And pray again that she will be well enough to be able to handle the arduous trip to Jackie and Peter's wedding in May (something that is a real concern - and at her present rate, I have to admit that I have doubts that she can make the trip - but I have enough faith to believe God is big enough to do the work!).

A final note... Barbara is very determined to walk and to crochet again! She is working hard and has inspired me!

Let's all share the wonderful blessings of God with others. Who can you be Jesus to today?

January 14

As of Friday evening, Barbara has been relocated to Select Specialty Hospital located at St. Margaret's Hospital in Hammond. This has been a very trying and emotional weekend, and I'm a bit frazzled tonight.

Unfortunately, there is no wi-fi at her new location, so I am unable to update as easily as before.

Health-wise, Barbara continues to do better. She has been off the respirator for several days, and now receives only an oxygen flow through the trache. Her vitals seem to be good, except that she will occasionally run a very slight temperature. Her digestive system problems persist.

Here's the thing - I am very, very angry over how this move happened. I got to Methodist Hospital late on Friday due to my participation in our 24 Hours of Prayer at GFM. I was informed that a doctor who was NOT the one over-seeing Barbara's care had declared her to be ready to leave the hospital. Without saying a word to me or anyone else, they informed insurance, who in turn said she had to go.

I should back up just a bit by saying we were told it would be a week or so before Barbara moved. They assured me that she would not be dismissed to go to the next level of care until her digestive system problems had been cleared up. Further, she was to be moved to a different ward there at Methodist before the move as well.

So on Friday, we were told that she was moving, that we had no say in where she was going, and that we could no longer use the doctors who had been caring for her in any way.

I realize I'm over-protective, but after having nearly lost her several times, and knowing all that we've been through, I don't take this stuff lightly. I'm also quite displeased with several things that have happened to Barbara since arriving at the new place. The new doctors don't have a clue what is going on with her, and don't seem to care much. They don't even know how to care for her neck surgery. Mind you, some of the nurses are fine. But last night she was given a nurse that, get this, couldn't even speak much English. This was affirmed to us by other nurses.

I have assurances from the lady who oversees this hospital that she will meet with us on Monday to discuss our concerns and issues. She also told me that Dr. Rifai could get "privileges" if he was willing to come all the way over to Hammond. I hope the meeting goes well. She seemed nice enough on the phone.

I am very quickly moving from mild mannered, easy-going Greg to a person who will not be very pleasant to deal with if things don't take a turn for the better, and if I don't get some clear answers as to how this all could have happened like this. Thankfully, I have several "bulldogs" on my team as well willing to help me should I have the need to unleash them. Frankly, I find the whole idea of being confrontational rather reprehensible and contrary to the pattern I endeavor to maintain as a pastor. On the other hand, I will look out for the well being of the precious angel that God has entrusted to my care. I have been assured by several of my godly parishioners that I am on the right track. However, I would appreciate your prayers on this matter. Pray that God will give me WISDOM.

Pray that Barbara will continue on a good path.

Pray that those who care for her will love her like the nurses at Methodist seemed to love her.

I left her in the care of a woman tonight who, unknowing that I was a pastor, happened to mention her church to us almost first thing. I felt like that was an assurance from God that things would go well with this lady. She seemed quite caring, so I am very hopeful.

But please continue to pray. Just pray.