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CardinalJim Online
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Post: #41
RE: Prayer Requests
Michelle’s update for today

7/6 24/16/6
I think today I will begin one daily update, but update the update if you will. I will just edit this post and add to it through the day, to keep things a little simpler. I slept last night to the Hieb's Army playlist and when it ended spotify took over. How lovely to sleep with God's word playing over me. And here I wake at 7:30 indicating another beautiful shift has ended, and God has continued to answer our prayers keeping Mike on this side of heaven. I realized why I was angry. It seemed wrong to me that the world is still spinning, and people are still doing all the ordinary life things, even I with shopping, eating, and talking while Mike is present and absent at the same time. Then I read this verse yesterday-1 Samuel 12:16 Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes. It is my job to stand still and watch and report to you this great thing God is doing, not anyone else. To call people into repentance to receive the forgiveness of the great God Mike and his family serves. Throughout the Old Testament and New the intent of suffering is not punishment but to draw us close, to turn our hearts to God, because what a good God he is. So I shall put on my armor, stand firm, and report back to you.
It is your job to take action, what your particular action is? Ask God. He will show you, and if you obey the action he has called you to, I promise we will all be blessed.
07-06-2021 08:20 AM
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whupemall Offline
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Post: #42
RE: Prayer Requests
Just found out about this... Prayers up for Mike from down here in southeast Alabama.
07-06-2021 02:07 PM
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GE and MTS Offline
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Post: #43
RE: Prayer Requests
Keep fighting, Mike!
07-07-2021 08:14 PM
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CardinalJim Online
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Post: #44
RE: Prayer Requests
Michelle’s update from last night

7/7/21 7:49 AM CST 25/17/7

Good morning sweet friends, I hope you rested well. I slept, but I've begun dreaming again. So sleep isn't the beautiful blackness of a few days ago, but it is restful and I wake up with Peace. Another shift and Mike is still here. I did talk to his nurse in the around 9 and then slept, woke, and called at midnight for an update. The 9 call was that his Dialysis had clotted over (expected-we had discussed the possibility 2 nights before) and I consented for a line change. But, when I spoke to her (Whitney, night 3 of caring for Mike) again she said they didn't change anything. Her 5 years as a PICC nurse gave her concern for the veins in his arms, believing they won't support a line. And they chose to leave the line he has due to the access they need being greater than the threat of infection. I believe the plan is to let BAMC deal with it. I'm satisfied with that, as Mike is pretty sensitive to any changes these days and he has a big change coming. I'm on my way over to learn today's plan for his care. I don't have any details for us yet, so please bear patiently. And pray for me to have wisdom, it's a big thing to go so far from my boys and they need the stability and familiarity of FLW right now, especially my youngest. (who is nearly a man himself)

Update #1 I just learned that I am allowed to fly with Mike! Praise God! So I’m packing a Go bag now. Just waiting for a time.

Update #2 First-another stable day, praise God. Mike received a couple units of blood which seemed to make him happy. The plan is to just keep him stable through the night. I spoke to his night nurse and she's a fellow milspouse stationed at FLW. I've been told to be at the hospital by 0900. Keilah has gone back to FLW and she and the boys will drive to San Antonio on Friday (at least that is the plan today, but we know how my plans have been going lately. :D. I am still filled with peace and adrenaline. Our niece Erin stayed with me and we went to a delicious dinner together at 4:30 and here I am ready for bed at 8:30. Who Am I?

I am so grateful for you and our good and gracious father who has been making the impossible possible on Mike's behalf. It's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that 1 week ago I was called in to say goodbye and not only has be been placed on some of the most advance life sustaining equipment to give a chance to heal, we'll be moved via advanced medical transport to a one of the best ECMO hospitals in the world (NOT that his care here has not been excellent) but God just keeps fighting for him while we are still. Oh friend, please know whatever your situation is our same God is fighting for you!
07-08-2021 01:07 AM
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CardinalJim Online
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Post: #45
RE: Prayer Requests
Michelle’s update
7/8 6:16 AM 26/18/8

Good morning! And it was a beautiful sunrise. I’m up and at the hospital. Transfer crew should be landing at Springfield airport now and arrive by 7:00, so I want to be near. Mike has remained stable, his mil spouse nurse Lindsay (they are at FLW too) got him all clean and fresh for his ride. I also made sure to wear my Planting Roots tshirt. Want every woman (and man) to know my Jesus.

Update 1: just met Colonel Mason
First step switching machines-happening any moment. Each piece of transport is challenging. Mike is very sick. Praying for God’s sustaining hand to continue to work miracles through these people. FYI-40 flights last year. But timeline as it is may not be leaving here until 2:30.

Update 2: praise God who sustains-he survived the switch. Col Mason just gave me a thumbs up.

Update 3: praising through the playlist playing in my ear. I should probably kick off my shoes (but germs) cause I’m standing on Holy ground. The doctors keep telling me what is possible-but Our God keeps doing the impossible!
Update 4: loaded up and on our way to the airport. He’s been stable all morning. Better o2 than I’ve seen in days

Update 5: loaded onto the plane, he’s doing great, military family is treating me amazingly well. C-130 instead of c-17. Whatever gets us there.
07-08-2021 06:03 PM
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GE and MTS Offline
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Post: #46
RE: Prayer Requests
Great news! We'll keep the prayers coming!

I'm sticking this thread to the top of the page.
07-08-2021 07:30 PM
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CardinalJim Online
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Post: #47
RE: Prayer Requests
Michelle’s update
7/9/21 27/19/9

Good morning sweet saints, Oh how I thank the Lord for you each time he brings you to mind, which is like constantly! Mike did well through the night. He is back on sedation, the less sedate the higher his blood pressure, so it's going to be a delicate process. For all of you locals offering places to stay, transportation, etc. Thank you. I do have a local case manager and she is working on getting me a room large enough to sleep 6 (so my boys can visit) at Fisher House, which is right across the street from the hospital. We have a room at a local holiday inn, so we are good. We are traveling on orders so as long as he's in the hospital the army is providing for our basic needs. The kids are driving today, so K and I will also have a car here.

My plan today is to try and get my feet a little further established under me and learning the new rules of a new ICU. It was quite odd waking up and realizing I don't know what day it is or where I am in the city of San Antonio and I'm completely dependent on the kindness of others. I guess God's giving me a glimpse at what Mike will feel when he wakes up. This boat ride, I love the imagery of rowing a boat in a hurricane that a nurse at Mercy told me) which makes me think of the disciples in the boat with Jesus in the storm. I'm sure there will be times that I'm like the disciples, panicked and screaming "Jesus wake up!!!" But, I hope the majority of my time through this storm is resting in & like Jesus. Each new move feels like the snowglobe being shaken, so I can only see/think about what is directly in front of me. It will be interesting what happens as the snow begins to settle.

Evening Update-how nice to go a whole day shift without having to update. I can't really use good/bad anymore to describe days. He's stable and they are still getting to know him here. The nurse changed his sedative medication. It seemed much gentler for him to come off of. I went to see him around 3ish and got to gown up to go in his room. I just talked to him and try and say calming things when he'd cough. He did start opening his eyes and by the time I left he opened them 3 times when I asked him to open them. One of them was in response to "If you want me to go back to my room and get some rest, open your eyes" (I had to phrase it nicer than "If you want me to leave you alone.)

It's a very delicate balance this trying to get a body to take over for itself again. But the doctors are adamant about the improved outcomes for being a little more lucid and active in your own recovery. In the next few days a decision will need to be made about the intubation and what is next (he'll hit the 2 week mark on Monday). Overall I'm so impressed with his care even to the fine tuning of his blood thinner.

I'm settled into the Fisher House, I was given a suite so the boys can stay with me as needed. But, I also have the whole house to myself as well as I'm the only guest in this house. Fisher House is a shared home type situation, with shared kitchen, dining, living, and laundry. But private room and bath. I'm sitting on a lovely front porch typing this while I wait for the kids to arrive. Which should be any moment. I met one of the Chaplain's wives today. We went to lunch and ended up just talking about books and kids for 2 hours. It was lovely to have some non-ICU time.

His oxygen was a little down and blood pressure up, but that's expected as he starts doing things on his own. But he's also using his lungs more and helping to cough gunk out. But breathing rapidly. So, while there isn't a whole lot of "improving" some times the absence of bad is good enough. Love you all and I just keep telling people I've never experienced a movement of God's people like this. I mean, people prayed for Keilah, but this is a whole new level of Holy Spirit power. People are having dreams and visions about Mike. People are prompted to pray that don't know him. I just pray that this passion and compassion and unity among God's people will continue long past Mike's healing.
07-10-2021 04:05 AM
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CardinalJim Online
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Post: #48
RE: Prayer Requests
Michelle’s update
7/10/21 28/20/10

Good morning! Another night of no calls. I tried calling a couple times, but the nurse was busy with Mike, he was stable, but I just didn’t get an update on his responsiveness. And stable off the paralytic and using his own lungs a bit more is big to me, Given when it was tried on the 3rd/4th he struggled. The kids are here and sleeping in. It’s so good to have them here! So thankful for this big house! Just wish I’d written down the wifi password! First world problems, right? Oh well, cellular hotspots it is! Thank you for sharing specific prayers that y’all have prayed and how God has answered them. The kids brought me mail yesterday and the cards I received had me in tears of gratitude. It was just a strong reminder of the impact we have on our world through our relationships. So my ask of you today. Tell someone from any point in your history how some thing they did has encouraged you. You all are praying and speaking life into us so well! Let’s speak it over everyone!

PRaYeR need: they will bring down his sedation again and attempt a spontaneous oxygenation. Please pray that this is successful-I don’t know the exact time but pray through the day.

So, the oxygen test didn't happen during the first shift. He needed another circuit change (I didn't know I was married to Steve Austin-google it) but oh man, am I praising my God today. When I first arrived at the hospital the charge nurse came out to meet me and explain that my husband is very sick (why do they think they need to tell me that?) and we powwowed with Mike's nurse about what visitation would look like through the weekend, including the kids seeing him. His nurse also gave me tips about figuring out Mike's responsiveness. After we got to know each other a bit and I got to see Mike wiggle his toes and give thumbs up in response to his nurses requests, I left to get Shepherd and bring him back. He was absolutely awesome in explaining things to Shepherd, various machines, blood gasses, etc. They needed to do some minor procedures so I told them we'd wait in the waiting room to be out of their way. And when they brought us back I got to gown up and go in with Mike, they even let me stay through a circuit change on his dialysis machine. (Mike's blood keeps clotting up the machines-this was his 4th or 5th since arriving I don't even want to know the cost of one of those). But all through the 5 hours I was with Mike he became more responsive. And by responsive I mean he opened his eyes for a brief moment. He'd move only his thumb up, move feet, and cough before kind of zoning out for another hour. By the time I left though, we was becoming more aware and nodding yes or no, thumbs up both hands and squeezed my hands. I told him about all of you and the prayers, When I asked "Do you want me to tell you more about the prayers," he nodded yes. He gave me a thumbs up to tell me he loves me, he pressed his fingers against mine on his own. YALL- MIKE HEARD ME SAY I LOVE YOU! How GOOD is our God to give me another chance to say that. So, I am flying high at all these micro improvements. He was contributing to his own oxygenation and it got up over 90, it hasn't done that in a few days. His blood pressure was high, and his heart rate was high as well. So not all sunshine and roses.

Prayer points: They will be making a choice for extubation or trach. Of course, I'm praying for extubation that Mike can support that. His nurse said in the path of healing it will soon be determined if he is on the path to recovery or the path to a transplant. I'm asking for HEALING, complete and total.

And as I keep telling the nurses, every request I don't make is a guaranteed no. God alone knows what His will is for Mike's life right now. And we will submit to his will over our own everyday. But I won't stop asking the Big Asks, and asking you to ask with me.

God bless you for your faithfullness, love and support!
07-11-2021 04:59 AM
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CardinalJim Online
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Post: #49
RE: Prayer Requests
Michelle’s update

7/12 30/22/12

Good morning saints-another shift with no calls. I have arrived at the hospital to get today’s plan in person. I am praying for favor today as multiple people were sure to caution me that come Monday-I may not be allowed in. Pray that the bleed will be stopped. For his intubation (today is day 14 I believe). protection for his heart and healing for his kidneys. For wisdom, discernment and creative insight for his medical team, and that God get all the glory!
07-12-2021 12:32 PM
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CardinalJim Online
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Post: #50
RE: Prayer Requests
Michelle’s updates

7/14- 4:00 sorry for the radio silence. But they got him stable enough for a scope and now I’m waiting for a update from the docs regarding scope and next steps.

Ok: just spoke to GI doc, they found an active bleed and cauterized it, in a spot that was clear two days ago. Praying it was THE bleed. Time will show, still waiting on MICU (medical ICU to learn their next steps).

While I was in with Mike earlier it suddenly all became too much and I needed to get out before I upset Mike. I went into the hall and cried/breathed with the kids. We then went to get lunch and after lunch I felt the tears all over again. The Chapel and Chaplains offices are right next to the cafeteria. So I want to their offices (chapel was in use) to find a quiet place to just cry out to the Lord. I swear two minutes in and I felt this firm quiet voice in my gut say “Ok, you’ve had your cry now get your butt upstairs.” I arrived to the floor right before they began the scope. (Never know exactly when these things will happen) I’ve been at peace again ever since.

I finally got to go and see him. He was calm, resting, and all his numbers as they should be. So we are now home, calm and resting as well. His nurse from the last two nights should be caring for him tonight. Saints, let us praise God for carrying us through another day. The plan tonight (and I hope tomorrow) is to let him rest.
And we will ask God
1)that this bleed remain stopped.
2)His heart, especially right side be protected
3) his lungs continue to heal
4) his kidneys recover
5) no new issues from fluid embalance or anything else.

May God bless you and keep you.
May his face shine upon you and give you peace. Thank you thank you for being our stone and arm raisers!

7/15/21. 33/25/15

Good morning Sweet friends.
BLUF-he had a stable night. The nurse called me this AM just to give me the stable update. No evidence of continued bleeding. And they are gently pulling fluid. I did get good sleep, but I’m going to lay down and try to get some more.

After the nurse called, this is the song that was running through my head: exodus 14:14 continues to be my battle cry. The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still.

Update: 2:30. Mike is stable, aware and uncomfortable. The plan is just to rest, start IV nutrition, and pull fluids. He asked his nurse this morning if he was going to die and also for me. I was later than normal in arriving. She told him no, he’s not going to die. Communication is challenging, he and I finally figured out he can spell on the back of my hand. And I was able to ask the nurses for pain meds. In our communication gaffes I managed to get a HUGE eye roll from him, which made me laugh. I also enrolled him in a study today to help in the search of answers.

Update 9:25 I left Mike about 8:30 sleeping. Today was a stable day. They were able to start pulling fluid at a higher rate and he’s tolerating it well. He participated with some PT on his legs. I’m so grateful to have the privilege to be with him. The doc came this evening and asked Mike if he would like to remove the vent. Mike declined and the doc and I both agreed another night of supported rest would be a good thing. Thank you for praying us through this day and every day prior and the days to come.

Could you please add Jennifer, and her father Lauren and Mother Linda to your prayers. She is here in San Antonio alone, her mother is a patient on the second floor and father was admitted to ICU this evening.

7/16/21 33/26/16

It’s 7:30 AM and I received no phone calls!! Heading over soon to learn today’s plan and see how the fluid draw went. Keilah and I sat up a bit last night and processed the last 48 hours, well the last month really. The overwhelming theme again was just that of being loved, and we spoke especially of Mike and how loved & respected he is by his fellow service members. We are so grateful to call him husband and father and all of you brothers and sisters. God is so good to us.
07-16-2021 10:24 AM
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CardinalJim Online
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Post: #51
RE: Prayer Requests
Michelle’s update

7/17 34/27/17

Good morning friends, yup another night shift no calls. I slept a little rough, a weird dream about tubes and breathing early on. I’ll shower and head over to get a report and hang out with my love for the day. I forgot to mention, I asked Mike if he new how long he’s been in the hospital. He nodded yes, then I rattled a series of numbers:5-eye roll, 10-no, 20-no, 30-yes. So he knows he’s been in for nearly a month. Which can I just say, time has never had so little meaning for me? It feels like yesterday and last year that all this began. Thank you, thank you for your endurance and perseverance and choosing to run this race with us. We made our decision and vow nearly 25 years ago for sickness and health, better or worse. But, oh, that our brothers and sisters are standing in the gap for us is so wonderful! It may be in heaven, but I hope someday to hug each and every one of you!

Update: 9:13 during a procedure to replace an Arterial line this morning Mike began to vomit. This requires intubation to protect his airway (after making sure he had not aspirated). His blood pressure remains unstable and antibiotics have begun in case of sepsis shock. The boat continues to rock, but I rest in Jesus. Declaring what I may not feel. Oh how deceitful our heart is.

Update: 5:20 Mike is sleeping a drugged sleep, his anxiety has subsided for a minute. If it weren’t in an ICU, it would be quite pleasant sitting and reading a book while my husband sleeps. I am stepping out for meals, bathroom breaks and going home to sleep. I am grateful for the opportunity to be by his side and am even more grateful he requests my presence to calm his anxiety. Given that I’m the one prone to anxiety, I’m glad God is using it to provide empathy and has stilled my own. The what-if’s have left and I’m able, by God’s Grace to focus on what is-my husband is still here, and I get to serve him in a special and unique way that no other human can. That is precious and I thank God for it.
07-17-2021 07:08 PM
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CardinalJim Online
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Post: #52
RE: Prayer Requests
Michelle’s update

7/18/21 35/28/18

Good morning-no calls from, although I did call them before I fell asleep. He had a minor issue with low blood pressure, which his nurse and ecmo specialist were able to correct. Seems they may have gotten a little aggressive on pulling fluids, but it was corrected. I did have a little anxiety threatening me as I tried to sleep. So I took one of my “happy pills” ( I have needed so few of them) and focused on the word peace with each breath as I laid down. It kept all other thoughts out of my head and I felt my body’s anxiety reaction ebb away. I did have a few tears as I hugged each of the children goodnight, looking forward to a hug from Mike Hieb. What a beautiful day that will be. (I’m a hugger-FYI) -now let’s praise God through these next 12 hours. As you go to your place of worship, please remember us in ours.

10:37 update-just finished rounds, 5 L of fluid pulled last night, so a little less aggressive today, but still pulling. His chest tube is coming out today (from the collapsed lung several days ago). And some fine tuning of meds is the plan today.
07-18-2021 08:00 PM
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CardinalJim Online
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Post: #53
RE: Prayer Requests
Michelle’s update

7/20/21 37/30/20

Good morning saints-I ended up staying with Mike much later than I usually do. Just really hard to settle him down for the night. But, no calls! So thankful for his nurses. My boys fly back to FLW today. So if you could please pray for their travel mercies and my mama heart. They need to be there, but it’s hard to have us separated.

Justus has papers to act as parent and I encouraged them all to make appts with the doctor if they need anxiety/depression help or with our family life chaplain to have someone to talk to. I also know we have a tremendous support team at FLW which relieves my heart tremendously.

I also realize I’m not allowing myself to enjoy the not hard/improving days as much as I did. More a self-protection from the rollercoaster stomach drop of hard days, I believe-I’ve always hated that feeling. Perhaps it’s my natural pessimism creeping in. Either way, I think I need to focus on joy for a bit. The Joy of the Lord is my strength.

And as part of that Joy-It was 10 years ago today we broke the news to Keilah that she had been diagnosed with cancer. So grateful for all God did in and through that diagnosis, not just for her healing, but for our entire family. I think God knew we would need these reminders as we walk through today’s trials. He’s so good to always be preparing us for what is coming and refining us to be more like Him.
07-20-2021 07:24 PM
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CardinalJim Online
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RE: Prayer Requests
I stopped doing these everyday because Mike’s condition wasn’t changing. Today Michelle says Mike is getting mad and frustrated. They said he’s got plenty of fight and that’s a good thing.

Michelle’s update

7/23/21 41/33/23

Good morning saints, I slept well. I hope you did as well. When I called for an update before going to sleep, Melissa said Mike was still awake and frustrated. I think Keilah said it best -you’d be mad too if strangers made you stand in your sick bed for 30 minutes and then came and cut a hole in your neck.

Overnight they were just pulling fluids and hoping to wean him from the blood pressure meds.

The staff were happy to see he had some fight in him, he’s going to need it they said. Their goal is that he walks out of the hospital. No additional rehab necessary. During rounds yesterday I learned of a gentleman who was going home after 51 days in the hospital.

Update 1: I’m at the hospital, Mike is awake and alert, but mad. He’s mad at me, the staff, and God. (I asked) I should have expected this, but it is so different from how he normally is. Please pray with me, that the he will hear and respond to the Holy Spirit whispering to him, retain his fight and release the anger. Still waiting on rounds.

Update 2: Mike had PT today and spent 30 minutes standing and then was sitting when I left, he’d been sitting for an hour. The panic had returned and replaced the anger. So I believe some of this is medically induced, and some is natural. Time will help us sort it out. But right now their will definitely be panic as he comes off one of the meds and we just have to ride it out.

Update 3: got to his room just in time for him to roll out for a CT-he’s been bleeding from his neck since the trach. His nurse is really looking out for him.
07-23-2021 08:57 PM
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CardinalJim Online
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Post: #55
RE: Prayer Requests
Michelle’s update

7/27/21 45/37/27

Good morning saints. Yesterday in rounds I told them I’d stay through the night if need be to help Mike off the sedative. Well, it was needed. He came back late-nearly 9:30, the procedure itself went very well. However, through the night his hemoglobin kept dropping. He couldn’t get sleep medicine because it’s oral, so we tried to help him sleep with the sedative. However, that just made him anxious. Keilah and I sat with him helping to answer questions he had. I sent keilah home sometime after 4 and he finally fell asleep after 5 for about an hour. It looks like he’ll be going back to IR to see if they can identify what is happening.

Update 8:09: He delivered us from deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:10-11.
So not to IR, he’s headed to nuclear medicine. He’ll get a tagged RBC scan. His red blood cells are tagged with a radioactive tracer and then sent back through and watched as it moves through his GI track. Then results will determine next steps. This trip will take several hours, so I’ll use it to get a nap and maybe a shower ?. God is good, I have peace. This feels very similar to all the tests Keilah went through to get to her diagnosis. How good is he to have prepared us before hand?
07-27-2021 10:12 AM
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Steve1981 Offline
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Post: #56
RE: Prayer Requests
Prays for a continued recovery,
07-28-2021 08:20 AM
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CardinalJim Online
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Post: #57
RE: Prayer Requests
I apologize for the updates being sporadic. I am on vacation in the Dominican Republic and my internet is spotty at best.

Michelle’s update

8/1/21. 50/42/32

Good morning-Mike’s night nurse called me last night about 8:00-just to give me an update, because Mike didn’t remember me being there. The pain meds keep him a little foggy. So I went back just to visit a little. In course of conversation, it came out that Mike would like a shave, but not a haircut. So I’m expecting a different man (I didn’t think he’d want a shave, but I guess it’s getting itchy.)

The bleeding seems to be resolved for now and he’s getting close to coming off ECMO! The young woman I mentioned who would walk the halls, should be going home this week!
08-01-2021 01:49 PM
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Post: #58
RE: Prayer Requests
God is Great… The prayers are working

Michelle’s update

8/2/21. 51/43/33

Sorry so late this morning, I came in time for rounds and hve been busy since. Mike is still making progress. He had a good night, got some sleep and passed gas! It was pretty exciting-hopefully poop is on it’s way. And he’s able to communicate more, he’s typing on his phone and that helps a lot.

There are a few pesky issues that have popped up, his trach may need replacing, as there is a pretty certain leak. And his lung which was fully expanded on the 31st is collapsing again. So we are waiting for the attending to come and examine the chest tube. He is definitely malnourished, because of the constant food interruptions due to bleeding.

There is also debate on the blood thinner beginning again. Yes, the risk of bleeds is great, but the risk of clots is more dangerous. The attending put it succinctly-I haven’t had any ecmo patients bleed to death, they have died from clots.

5:00 I actually cried in Mike’s room today-the happiest of tears, praise God for his mercy and sustaining grace. Mike trialed off the ECMO for over 30 minutes. He FELT a little out of breath, but his numbers all told a different story and his blood gas reflected that his lungs can support him! Y’all being off ECMO is close. He wasn’t happy that they start the trial without telling him due to the anticipatory anxiety most patients feel. Now he’s being moved to a chair for at least an hour.
08-03-2021 06:15 AM
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CardinalJim Online
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I Root For: Louisville
Location: Staffordsville, KY
Post: #59
RE: Prayer Requests
Michelle’s Update 8/7/21

8/7/21 56/48/3

Good afternoon saints-with him being in bed 1 -rounding doesn’t happen until after noon.

This healing gig is hard. This morning has been rough. Mike’s pain has been a little uncontrollable this morning, and having a new to us nurse (I didn’t even know that was possible after being here a month) adds challenges.

The anxieties of healing are different than the anxieties of illness. I don’t know quite how to explain it. But, I’m grateful it keeps driving us to Jesus. You all hve been on this roller coaster long enough to see the ups and downs are not as extreme but the shadow of it looms - as well as a sense of not having the safety net that was ECMO and trusting that his body truly is healing. Along with that is all the pain and discomfort that Mike feels in each step that causes it’s own alarm. Oh, I don’t know how people do life without Jesus!

2:13-pain source found-his lung collapsed again. Pain finally managed and working to get lung reinflated. We need the hole in his lung to heal, but the vent works against the healing. And his lungs still need th support. Vicious circle.
08-07-2021 03:29 PM
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CardinalJim Online
Welcome to The New Age
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Posts: 16,478
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I Root For: Louisville
Location: Staffordsville, KY
Post: #60
RE: Prayer Requests
Michelle’s update

8/8/21 57/49/4

Good morning saints, I sent Keilah over for 9 so I could try to sleep. Gotta admit y’all, yesterday was hard. It was the first time that I felt like Mike was getting suboar care. Oh, the boxes on the orders were checked, mostly. This was the first time In 40+ days Mike had less than 1:1 care, and I didn’t like it. The fact his lung fully collapsed today didn’t help, compounded with multiple other minor issues in the grand scheme of all his care and I have to admit I took my eyes off Jesus and had a big ol’ cry, pout, pity party. So pray for me as I ask questions and advocate today. I was able to talk to the charge nurse and at least finally get them to give him some different sleep meds, whether he got them before midnight remains to be seen. (Because she didnt talk to me until 10:ish and when I left at 11:30 he still didnt have them.-he had dosed off thanks to the remelteon, but he doesn’t stay asleep)

But, God is on the throne, and I did leave because I know He is ultimately in charge and that Mike would be alive in the morning. But man, did I sure want to take the fighting gloves back from him. But please be assured, my faith is unshaken, I am certain of his love, and I will continue to stand, and his peace is restored. I shared only to remain honest in the battles.

11:42 I got here just in time for rounds. Keilah came in at 9 so I could get some sleep. His lung partially collapsed again overnight. At the end, I was given an opportunity to ask questions. Keilah said I did good. I expressed concern about him moving to step down too soon. That he wasn’t moved at all yesterday except when absolutely necessary and I was told he didn’t need the nurses to reposition him because “he can wiggle”. That I knew I’d been spoiled by the ECMO team and that while I know he is the least sick person on the floor, I am concerned that neglect can lead to a set back. (There are 20 ICU patients). They were super gracious, and very supportive. I also let them know how grateful I am for them and the work they do.

6:45 -you all are so kind and gracious to me. His nurse today was awesome, and overworked. Mike spent 3.5 hours in a chair today watching the race, which is super awesome! He’s going back in CRRT after a 24 hour “holiday”. His kidneys perked up with some meds, but they may just need a few more days rest. Mike could feel the difference as well saying he felt bloated at the end of the day. I got out and went to a book store this afternoon after lunch in the ICU waiting room with my friend Kathy and Keilah hung out with her dad. Came back at 5 and will sit with Mike into the evening, to make sure he’s comfortable.

It’s an interesting tension to live in trusting that God is fighting for Mike and being still while also knowing I am to be his voice for the voiceless. phillipians 4:4-5 continue to guide me: rejoice in the Lord always again I say rejoice. The Lord is near, let your reasonableness be evident to all.
08-09-2021 08:46 AM
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