Prayers for Today's Hurdle

There's been a bump in the road. Today dad began running fever, and after some lab work at El Campo Memorial Hospital, they have decided to admit him to ICU there. His blood pressure is low, so in ICU they will be able to monitor that as well as administer antibiotics for whatever type of infection he has. It is not believed to be a central line infection, thank goodness, but prayers are much appreciated!

Out and About

It counts as "Out", but not too far from home.  Dad loves to get out, but at this point is only ready to go as far as those new tennis shoes and walker can take him.  No complaining though, the breaths of fresh air and changes in scenery are very much appreciated!  The neighbors and passersby have become accustomed to seeing him in what he refers to as his "dress".  One of these days he will wear real clothes again, but in the meantime if he prefers his gown, then so be it.  Thankfully he has a manly walker and it is phenomenal.  It works great on the street (and even in the grass) and it has a basket that can hold his TPN bag and pump.

It's been almost a week since mom and dad's return to El Campo and overall things have gone well.  There was lots to learn in the first few days, especially for mom, but she's done it.  She can now add vitamins to TPN, hang daily bags and fix stoma bag leaks. She's doing a great job and we've come a long way since last Thursday and Friday when things were more hectic.  I was a little scared when dad first said he needed a little help getting to the bathroom.  We all ran around like circus monkeys: unplug this, hold the pump low, hold the bag high, unhook the foley from the walker, don't let him trip on the pump's electrical cord....  You can imagine the chaos.   It took 4 of us to make it to the bathroom the first time and I think all of us had our hands full.  I had to wonder if he'd ever be able to leave the couch without at least three amigos following. 

Thankfully we've come a long way.  A new cordless pump (that does not get air in the line) has helped out tremendously. Bonnie, Suz, and I were able to return to our own homes and dad is still able to make it to the bathroom. 

Last but certainly not least, we thank everyone for all of kindness they have shown us.  All of you who have sent cards, called, stopped by for a quick visit, and helped us with anything and everything.  Mom and Dad were so ready to return home and you guys are a constant reminder why they love their hometown so much.  I can't imagine a better support system.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

Stand Up and Go Your Faith Has Saved You

I can't think of a more fitting verse to describe Louie's "going home" day. Truly from the very first night with each of you praying earnestly for his life to be spared, God listened. These many voices brought Dr. Duke into the emergency room to give the highest level of skill possible. At every turn, your loving prayers allowed him to get better and better. Your part in this recovery process is of utmost importance.

I am going to revise this verse just a bit to include what has really mattered from January 28th until the present.

Stand up and go: your faith and the faith of hundreds of family, friends and strangers has saved you.

When I see him stand up from that wheelchair and step into the car to go home, I will be thinking of each of you. We can never, never thank you enough.

Love to all, Ruthie


UPDATE:













4 PM - DISCHARGED

Saying Goodbye














Notice Dr. Duke is sporting his Shoppa's Farm Supply Hat!














6 PM - WE'RE HOME!

Could it be?

It looks like mom and dad might be headed home within the next week!

Poem by Marilyn Goerig
A U-HAUL?

Louie’s strength is improving,
And his fever is gone.
Home equipment has been ordered,
And clothes shopping has been done.


With less tubes and equipment,
Less supplies will be needed.
So it seems packing for home
Can proceed unimpeded.

“Back up the truck”
may be just an expression.
But in Ruthie’s case
It’s a necessitation.

If you’ve seen Ruthie’s garden,
In the big corner window,
You can imagine the move home,
Will require a trailer in tow.

Whatever it takes, she says,
We must take them all.
Ordinary transportation for us,
And for the plants, a U-HAUL.

Super Powers

From: Ruthie

When he gets ready to walk Louie always puts on what he refers to as his "Superman Cape". (Truly its just another gown worn over the shoulders to keep from being arrested in the halllway.)  The hospital is possibly the only place where you could walk down the hall somewhat exposed, but they probably discourage it. He does have many "Superman-like" qualities (great strength, helpful, etc.)  but even he will tell you this:  "Faster than a speeding bullet?"-- Not so much!

He always been partial to camoflouge clothes. Tracy found these great houseshoes at Academy to perk up his wardrobe. A matching gown would really complete the outfit, but so far no luck.

Update from Ruthie

Everything is going well. Dr. Duke took out one of the central lines, leaving the one line for TPN. He has an IV in his arm for fluids etc.and to administer medication. We continue to walk three times every day building Louie's endurance and stamina.We are definitely looking forward to going home, but getting released seems to be a slow process.  We are very thankful Dr. Jud Severson has agreed to be Louie's doctor in El Campo, and we are grateful for his expertise. Dr. Duke will be in touch with him.

Another Introduction --- Meet Michael Segal

From:  Ruthie

He is an absolutely amazing individual who has overcome HUGE odds to be the person he is today. (see Michael's website for his full story http://www.inspirationbymike.com/ )
When he was in college he walked in on a convenience store robbery. Forced into the cooler, he was shot in the back of the head execution style. Not expecting Michael to survive the night, the neurosurgeon went home. The next day he had surgery, but it was still believed that he would never be able to return to college or meet his goals. With sheer determination he moved forward and did return to UT and graduated in the top of his class. We do so admire Mike, although we try not to give him a big head. We constantly tease each other because he makes very light of his injury. We remind him that when he makes a mistake and blames it on being "shot in the head" that we are having none of it." “No way--You recovered from that! However, graduating from UT? You NEVER recover from that".  :) 

Today, he and Louie were speaking of something and both had the same thought. Michael said, “You mean a UT GUY and an Aggie Dad had the same idea??? Amazing."  (There might be hope for him yet.).

Seriously though, I first met him in one of the first days we were in Hermann Memorial. He leads a support group on Wednesdays in STICU and he is so very understanding. Beginning with introductions of each family member and his own story, Michael ends every session with a prayer. In that waiting room we all needed that kind of support. Smart man that he is, he lures us there with great cookies, Starbucks coffee, and ice cold drinks; then we experience his kindness and we are hooked. He continues to visit us each day on the 4 days he is working at the hospital. Often on Wednesdays, he arrives with cookies but ALWAYS he comes with a smile and a request to "tell me something good". He's positive and he gives us HOPE. I am inclined to believe that God saved Michael to help others through their fears and near tragedies. If that is the case, he is fulfilling his destiny.