Thursday, February 09, 2006

GI appt., ID tomorrow, PICC OK, Family Fund

Denise got out of the skilled nursing facility to see the GI doctor today. He was encouraged by how much progress she's made since the feeding tube was put in. He also thinks that based on the info we have, it does appear that SMAS was the problem, and putting on more weight via tube feedings will eventually correct the problem of throwing food back up. She did have two vomiting episodes today. That's been unusual, as the last few days she's had either one emesis or none at all. She weighed in at 91 pounds with clothes on a couple days ago, then 93.5 with clothes & shoes today. He noted an enlarged liver (been that way ever since USC, at least), and wondered if the cocci might still be present there.
We've got an appointment with the infectious disease doctor tomorrow. That's very important, and she'll probably be followed by I.D. doctors and be on antifungal meds for life. While at USC, one of the doctors said that Denise was the only woman that he could find record of that survived going through the third trimester of pregnancy with a disseminated cocci infection that went to the brain. So her case might get written up in medical journals and the info used to hopefully increase the chances of survival for any other unfortunate pregnant women that go through what Denise went through.
Also tomorrow, we're running Denise over to the Costco for an eye exam and some glasses. We hope she has the energy after her ID appointment. Our hope is that a new prescription for glasses will help her vision somewhat.
The PICC line problem that crept up the other day has been resolved. It might not have been clogged, but might have been blocked by migrating up against a blood vessel. I guess that they can be twisted, pulled, and I don't know what all else, resulting in temporary blockage. More twisting and pulling probably fixes the problem, too. Anyway, we want that PICC line to remain in service because Denise is still having some electrolyte problems from time to time (calcium too high, mag too low).

I've refrained from mentioning the following information in the blog, and am hesitant even now. A couple months ago my school set up the Williams Family Fund for Denise to help with the extra expenses that have come up since the hospital stay started. Those expenses are mounting. If you are so lead, there's a link on the right-hand side of this web page that will give you more information about the fund. And that's the end of my shameless plug. :O)

7 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

"While at USC, one of the doctors said that Denise was the only woman that he could find record of that survived going through the third trimester of pregnancy with a disseminated cocci infection that went to the brain."
What you said here, Phil, brought tears to my eyes and a stream of renewed thankfulness to the Lord for saving Denise! How great is our God!
I'll be back later to check out your "shameless plug" on the Family Fund. Have a blessed day.

February 10, 2006 5:59 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Phil do not write lightly "on the medication for LIFE." How blessed we are that God has answered prayers to heal Denise. Thank you God.

February 10, 2006 8:21 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"PRAISE THE LORD"! "THANK YOU LORD"!

Phil, this is a wonderful testimony of our Lord's healing touch to our "sister" Denise...and God will continue to bless and care for your every need.

We continue to lift you all in prayer.

Athens, GA

February 10, 2006 2:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It is encouraging to hear Denise's progress with walking farther.
What a blessing Jacob was to that lady. I am glad that you allow him to visit with the older people there. It is hard to think that many people are not able to see and enjoys children.
Sandi

February 10, 2006 2:31 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Phil, I can't tell you how pleased I was to find the link to the family fund a few weeks ago. I am far away and unable to help in any physical way. But I can write a check and know it's going help. Thank you for this opportunity to do my part.
What a glorious testimony you two will have to harvest fruit for the Lord!!
May God continue to bless and keep you.
Cindy

February 10, 2006 3:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just wanted to say that sometimes God Humbles us...
While I was waiting for my kidney transplant some friends of ours got together and set up some fundraisers in our small town. I was so embaressed that I tried to avoid going in public. But then I was reminded that sometimes we have to admit that we need help from or friends. So take heart, God bless, and get humbled.

February 11, 2006 6:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So glad you are obeying and saying when you need help. Helps us to obey and do what we are prompted to do too. We all benefit from your listening. Mercy and grace to you daily.

February 12, 2006 6:00 PM  

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