Friday, December 31, 2010

Good from bad: a temporary reprieve

Given that the early evening hours in a nursing home is the time when the staff is most hard pressed because all of the elderly patients must be collected and put to bed, it is no wonder that our son’s repeated calls to have someone attend to his nasogastric tube went unanswered. The thing had plugged up and was causing him to gag. It became unbearable, and he grew tired of waiting for them to come, so he just pulled it out himself. That was almost 4 days ago.

And he has been able to eat small meals, including a grilled cheese sandwich, but he is being very careful not to overload his stomach, and he hasn’t vomited.



Had the nursing home staff not screwed up, he would still be sitting there with the tube sucking nourishment out of his stomach as fast as it got put in because no one had a clue that he would be able to tolerate being without it.

He also no longer needs the oxygen -- his O-Sat is running in the 90s on room air. So for the time being, he is no longer tethered to plastic tubing. It may be that this is just a temporary reprieve, but we are thankful nonetheless, and so is he.

The morphine pump gives him a small dose every 20 minutes, and the amount has gradually been increased, so he has a tendency to “nod off” frequently, where he says he has funny little dreams.


 I love sitting there watching the expressions pass across his face.

6 comments:

Donna. W said...

If you didn't know better, you'd think he was a healthy specimen. Bless his heart.

Far Side of Fifty said...

A few better days..that is a good thing! The poem on the right side of you page is wonderful..holdfast to your faith. I won't say Happy New Year..but I hope you have the best kind of New Year that is possible under the circumstances:)

lisa said...

He looks peaceful in the pictures. God is so good. I continue to lift you all in prayer, that God will work powerfully in your lives. for your comfort and rest, For Nate ( I have a Nathanael as well)for his peace, his comfort, his rest.
I pray for your doctors, and the staff of the nursing home, that God will equip them to help you all in a Godly way.
I lift you all up today, and will continue to lift you up in prayer.
A sister in Christ.

Oklahoma Granny said...

What a great bit of news on this last day of 2010.

Lil Sis said...

Wow - it's so great to know that so many others are praying for you. Folk you've never met, most likey.

That thrills me. Thanks to all you bloggers for your prayers. You're wonderful.

Jennifer - Leilani's sis'

lisa said...

I have been checking in daily to see how you and your family are. Please know that I continue in my prayers for your family. I am hoping that no news means you are spending good time with your son. Please know I am thinking of you.