Wednesday, September 07, 2005

LIFE-THREATENING Infection & Blockage

I wish I had something good to say this morning.
We once again find ourselves needing another miracle (two) for Denise & the doctors.

In last night's post, I said that pseudomanas bacteria is back again. They assume that's what it is (what was found was a gram-negative rod... still need to wait for it to grow more). It was originally found in the uterus, ab fluid, and now sputum & blood... it's systemic now. The problem is that it's very resistant to antibiotics. A few weeks ago I mentioned that there was only one antibiotic that could be used. If my understanding is correct, the bacteria has adapted itself to overcome the antibiotic. The choices of what to give her so she doesn't succumb to this infection are pretty slim, and the side effects are severe. We're having to wait to be sure of the exact infection, and wait for the infectious disease doctors to figure out if there's anything that can be done. We've gotta find something to combat this.

More bad news is that yesterday's CT scan of the ab revealed that the barium contrast got into the stomach and small intestine, but didn't go to the large intestine. This, along with Denise's vomiting, points to a blockage. We don't know yet what's causing the blockage. The doctor needs to call a surgeon, but Denise is in very bad condition and not a good candidate for surgery. On a side note, because of the blockage, the doctor thinks that Denise is starting to dehydrate, since the large intestine isn't getting anything from which to extract water. They've stopped the gastro tube feeding and increased the IV feeding to help her out.

Denise has been carried through other scary moments in this ordeal. In my mind, this one ranks among the top, even though there's a wait involved. She has made progress; nurses coming back after a week or so off have commented on how much better she gets. But if nothing can be done for the infection, and the risk of resolving the blockage is too great, we stand the chance of losing Denise. We have to wait for several doctors in different fields to huddle and figure out what to do next.
Pour on the prayer.

7 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praying for you both constantly.

LORD, PLEASE SPARE THIS WOMAN! We thank you for the miracles you've already done and ask you to keep your healing hand on Denise. Grant Denise and Phil strength Lord. PLEASE HEAL HER!

September 07, 2005 1:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lord Please help my family in their time of need. Denise's children and her husband need her and so to we here in IL. Please god spare her. God Bless. Brigid.

September 07, 2005 4:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Holy Healer,

Touch this woman. Her little ones need her at home. Her husband needs her. Lord God, you are powerful and can overcome any problem, including some dumb bacteria. Please give your strength to Denise. She needs you tonight.

September 07, 2005 5:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dearest Father,

I thank you that your miracles are for today just as they were in the past. You have already proven the wisdom of man to be foolish. We claim a healing and a victory over this infection and anyother complications that may arise. You know Denise itimately FATHER, we call upon the ministering angels to touch Denise, Phil and the children and return her to her family. Thank you FATHER, in Jesus name. Amen Love, Bob & Rose

September 07, 2005 6:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

+ I have been following your family ordeal for weeks. Please know that this is the first time I've written -- I offer this as a small consolation. Many, many people who don't write (fearing the intrusion of strangers) are hovering in prayer by her bedside as well. I couldn't let this new crisis pass without letting you know. You are surrounded by the affections who know how a family needs its mother, and by our shared love of God. Bless you.

September 07, 2005 7:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Precious Lord,
I lift Denise up to you and know that you will never leave her, nor abandon her. I ask for complete healing and restoration of her health. Be with the physicians as they make decisions how to treat this nasty illness. We lean on you, the Mighty Physician, as our complete hope. Touch Denise and hold her in your arms, we thank you and we love you dear Jesus. kathy

September 07, 2005 10:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

God, please do it. Please heal her.

September 07, 2005 11:14 PM  

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