Update #95

Some prayer requests for today:

1. Dave has been really exhausted over the past few days, probably the combination of the stress of the transfer, meeting so many people, and the urinary infection. Yesterday morning, when I showed up for physical therapy at 7:45 a.m., he was sitting up and watching TV while the nurse checked his vitals, which were great. Just moments after Nita (his nurse) left the room, however, Dave said he was cold and asked for a blanket. In a period of ten minutes following, he started shivering uncontrollably, the color left his face, and his blood pressure shot up. Dr. Weintz said the incident was probably just evidence that the antibiotics were working to attack his infection, and Dave recovered within a half hour, but overall, his body is worn out and his energy level is low. Please be praying that the infection would disappear quickly.

2. In a follow-up visit yesterday afternoon, Dr. Weintz told Dave that his femur is still not healing the way that they had hoped. Based on a conversation with the surgeon who fixed Dave's femur down at UT, if the bone does not heal in the next month, a bone graft may be necessary. Prayers that his femur heals soon...

3. The Wound Care Team is still having difficulty finding a method for controlling the drainage coming from Dave's colon. The most recent attempts have lasted 24 hours with only small leaks, but every dressing change with the new vacuum seal method that they are trying is very strenuous on his body. Please be praying that they'll find a solid method soon.

On the whole, in spite of all of the new prayer requests, Dave's spirits are high, and he is doing well. Since we have been in Cincinnati, there has been daily talk of what he will be doing once he gets out of Drake - where he will live, when will he go back to work, etc. - I'm not sure about how Dave feels, but for me, it is nice to be looking toward the future so much instead of focusing on the day-to-day.

For those of you who have come to visit, Dave has loved seeing you! Please keep the visits coming (in small doses, of course). Also, if anyone has any good soup recipes (broth or puree - he's not supposed to have solids yet) or ideas for fun treats (puddings, smoothies, etc.), please pass them along. The selection at Drake leaves something to be desired.

More tomorrow, keep praying...

His Spirit, His will, His peace, His glory...