Exhaustion is a perfect word to describe today. Mom had a rough night last night dealing with pain and nausea. Those same symptoms carried into most of the day. Please pray specifically for her stomach and that it will "wake up" and allow her to tolerate feeds. The doctors really want to start tube feedings but her stomach just isn't ready for it yet.
Today, one of our biggest concerns is her left hand. She has two spots of concern, two of her finger tips and her wrist. When her body threw blood clots, her hand was severely damaged. It has gotten so much better, but has a long way to go. Please pray that the tissue that is damaged will heal and not continue to die. Pray that infection stays away from it and that we won't have to discuss an amputation. I'm not sure my Mom would survive that. It would just destroy her to lose anything more.
Sometimes my thoughts get the best of me. Today the anxiety and thoughts of the days ahead were almost more than I could handle. When I was thinking about Mom's hand and the decisions that could possibly lie ahead of us, I reminded myself of how far we've come. Three weeks ago, we were told Mom probably wouldn't make it off the operating table. She was completely unresponsive and was unrecognizable. Today, Mom looks like herself, her vitals are stable, and she's certainly alert and responsive (one thing she hasn't lost is her attitude.) Mom has exceeded the expectations of so many and I know it's only because of the strength the Lord has given her. She's a fighter and has to continue to fight to get passed this. A few weeks ago I read a statement that really stuck with me. It read, "Just like the sun follows the rain, strength follows pain." Tonight my prayer is that strength will continue to follow the pain and that our whole family will be drenched in an overwhelming amount of strength. We certainly need it for the days ahead.
We cannot say enough good things about Mom's care team in the Surgical ICU. Tonight, as Ryan & I sat in the waiting room during shift change, one of Mom's nurses who was there when things were not looking good walked past. He saw us and came over and sat for almost an hour talking about Mom, how far she's come, and what lies ahead. The other night while mom was having an anxiety attack but needing an adjustment on her NG tube, she wouldn't let anyone else do it except this nurse. He calmed her down, finished the procedure and stayed in the room to make sure all was well. We are so thankful for the compassionate care he and everyone on Mom's care team has shown our family.
We love you all and are blessed by each one of you following our story.
Addie, we are praying for your mom and each of you who love her. Earl and Roxanne Atkinson
ReplyDeleteThank you Addie for keeping us updated. We are praying daily for your Mom, you and your entire family. May God give her complete healing and you strength and peace beyond your understanding.
ReplyDeleteComtinued prayed for strength and healing, please tell Kim love and miss her! Looking forward to our nightly chat sessions to resume! Love and prayers😘
ReplyDeleteNot sure why name didn’t show, Miss Lynnette
DeleteOur prayers continue, as well as our friends prayers, who continue to follow your mom's story..They have her on their prayer list there in Arkansas...with this many people, far and wide sending God prayers for her recovery.....he will take care of Kim, as well as you and all the family. Take care of yourself, your sweet baby, and that bundle of joy on the way.....you all mean so much to your mom, her love over flows!
ReplyDeleteAddie, God has been holding you by His hand that you are going through a stressful time with your mom being ill. I have know your mom since she was very young and she has always been a fighter and she shared her Christian belief with others. All of you are a testimony when things are good and when things are so wrong. With God's will your mom will get her new heart and begin a newer life with Christ and the family. She is a superstar.
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