Wednesday, June 18th
18 June 08 - 06:05
Not a lot to report as far as Jim goes: The Infectious Disease doctor visited yesterday & he said there is no apparent reason for the low grade temps that he can find. He will continue to monitor chest xrays, white blood counts & other tests that would indicate an infection somewhere. All of Jim's doctors are from Phx. St. Lukes & I am impressed with the quality of care they give & the communication to Jim & me.
We contin ue with the cough assist & this really helps. Jim was up in the chair again yesterday for a couple of hours.
Let me share with you what is weighing on my mind: When Jim is stable enough, he will have to move from Promise. It is our hope he will go to Good Sam Spinal Rehab. My notes from the Social Worker at Osborn realy that Jim must be medically stable with no blood pressure drips, must be able to tolerate 3 hours of therapy per day and have a permanent airway. Whether or not they will accept Jim with a trach is wholly at the discretion of the rehab physician. Also, the PEG tube versus Jim being able to swallow is questionable. If they will not accept him at Good Sam, he would have to go to a Skilled Nursing Facility,a SNF, called at SNiF by the medical community. Our insurance will only cover 30 days per year of a SNF.
Although I try to take one moment or one day at a time, this looms in the near future. If he goes to a SNF, after the 30 days, what do I do? I can not care for him at home by myself & I cannot afford a care-giver long term.
What I have learned so far through all this is this: THINGS OR STUFF DO NOT MATTER. There is not one thing Jim & I own that is more important to me than Jim's care; I could care less. But, even if we sold everything we own, any gain would not last long enough to care for Jim over the long term. We will apply for disability, but that takes time.
SO: Pray that Jim will be accepted at Good Sam when the time comes. Pray that each day he will get stronger. Pray that he will progress in swallowing & will be able to eat rather than be tube fed. Pray that he remains medically stable. Pray that I will not worry, but remain confident of God's provision for Jim & me.
Years ago I read in a book by Hannah Hurnard, author of Hinds Feet on High Places, about a trip she took in a small airplane. The final leg of the journey was in total darkness. After the plane landed safely, she hurried off to bed. The next morning she awoke to a glorious sunrise. As she walked outside, she was amazed to see she was in a deep valley with very high mountains on all sides. She could not see how the plane could have possibly landed there in daylight, much less in the darkness. Had she known, she would have been terrified. Is this not how it is in our walk with the Lord? He is guiding us through & protecting us from things we cannot see nor are aware of many times. And then, when the trial or journey is complete , then we are able to see the dangers that were all around, that He brought us safely through. May I not forget this! Psalm 103:15-17
Marilyn
four comments:
Hello Marilyn,
Dawn will be calling you with some other possible options for Jim’s care. We continue to pray for you and Jim.
In Him,
Jim Green () - 18 06 08 - 08:25
Wanted to share, since our visit, “Mr. Hersey” has been in the forefront of every prayer E’lon (our 4 year old) has prayed!! It brings tears to my eyes, and reminds me of the verse how we are supposed to “Come, as a child”
Today’s devotion:
Psalm 69: 14,15, “Pull me out of the mud; don’t let me sink any deeper! Rescue me from those who hate me, and pull me from these deep waters. Don’t let the floods overwhelm me, or the deep waters swallow me, or the pit of death devour me.”
Personally, I don’t enjoy being in deep water. There are times when we’re thrown into the deep waters of spiritual discouragement or emotional burnout and feel like we’re going to drown.
You will not drown. Jesus is as close to you as He was to Peter who cried out in the water, “Lord, save me!”
Jesus will not let you sink.. He will not let the flood of discouragement and depression overwhelm you. This stuff can’t swallow you because Jesus is at your side.
“But now, O Israel, the LORD who created you says: “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. when you go through deep waters and great trouble, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. for I am the LORD, your God, the Holy one of Israel, your Savior.” (Is 43: 1-3a)
We Love You!!
The Still’s
Jim and Marilyn () - 18 06 08 - 09:19
My prayers are with you. Jim comes to my mind for prayer throughout the day and into the night. The Lord will show you the way to handle all of these things, and we on the sidelines will be your prayer warriors.
Elaine Cook () - 18 06 08 - 13:41
We echo what Elaine Cook said. You two are never far from our thoughts & much of the time, center stage! Jim will be taking “baby steps” in his recovery, but each is a victory & evidence of God hearing our prayers. The doctors can never know/do what God can. Also, perhaps there’s legal remedies to pursue as well. Sending you our love.
Mike & Judy
Mike/Judy Hosler () - 18 06 08 - 20:53
