Update #100

Ever since Dave's accident in June, every time things have become too frustrating, too overwhelming, too scary, it has been amazing to see how God has sent out some small piece of encouragement to remind us that He is still working. Yesterday was one of those days.

As I'm sure you can imagine, sitting in the same bed in the same room staring at the same wall all day, completely dependent on other people, without the energy to do much of anything anyway, makes for some pretty rough times. Actually, let me rephrase that - I can't possibly imagine what it is like for Dave to be in that situation. Once again yesterday, that issue came up as Dave talked about how depressing the monotony is, and it was one of so many moments since he has been awake when I found myself desperately wishing that I could trade places with him so he could play soccer or go for a drive or even take a walk. We spent almost the entire time we were outside in the wheelchair after PT/OT discussing ways to mix things up within the bounds of what he can do, and as we talked, I was praying silently for something for him to do that would make him feel less like a lump and more like himself.

When we got back to his room a few minutes later, we found a package from my friends Marcie and Dave containing (and anyone who knows Dave will know how great this is) a miniature remote control helicopter that he can use in his hospital room. It also had a board game and some snacks, as well as some pictures of their new baby. It seems like such a small thing, but that package added some excitement and happiness to a day that was seeming really blah. Marcie and Dave, thanks so much for the package and for making Dave (and me) smile. What a great God moment...

In light of all of that, Dave really is driving himself crazy with so little to do during the day. There is only so much Mythbusters that a man can watch before his eyes glaze over. If you have suggestions for things that might help - a favorite book that his parents and I can read to him, a game that doesn't require too much strain on his eyes, an idea of something to do that will stimulate his brain a bit, please post it as a comment. As he gets stronger and stronger, things will get better and better, but for now, a few seconds of standing (with the help of three other people) and an hour sitting in the wheelchair drain almost every ounce of energy he has, so amusing ourselves in his room will have to suffice.

Although the monotony has been difficult, the past two days have been pretty good physically. Dave did stand again yesterday during PT/OT - for over five seconds! - then spent an hour and a half outside in the sun. The wound vac continues to hold (no dressing change in five days - yeah!), and his arms and legs are getting stronger every day. His chest is still really tight, and he still has a lot of congestion, but his chest x-ray showed that he is just as clear as he was last week.

Today, please pray that the tightness in Dave's chest would loosen, that his lungs will get stronger, and that his energy level and spirits will continue to go up. Also, this week he is scheduled to have a dye test that will help Dr. Weintz and the surgeons determine the location of Dave's fistula, which will impact both future surgeries and his ongoing nutrition. Be praying that the fistula will be far enough down in his digestive system to warrant turning off the TPN and even increasing what he is allowed to eat (even adding pureed foods like mashed potatoes and oatmeal would be an improvement).