I THINK THE ELEPHANT IS EATING US - NOT FOR LONG THOUGH!

It seems that the last thirty six hours have been a mountain high, then a valley low.  Oh my, what a ride.  I do not recommend it to the faint of heart.  Actually, I just don't recommend it.


I consider myself to be strong.  I feel that I am leaning on Gods arm, but wow, what a time this has been.  It started yesterday just after noon.  Dear friends from Michigan, Bob and Deb Cline from Maple Row Sheep and Wool, despite the high cost of fuel drove three and a half hours to visit with John and to help me with a few unfinished, outside projects..


Bob sprayed the drive.  You do know that you are a red-neck when you have to mow your drive, don't you?  In addition to the drive, he sprayed weeds all over the place!  The walks, the patios, the drive,  geesh anyone want a weed?  Bob said that I would see the wilt in the weeds Tuesday.  That is tomorrow!  Oh happy day!  


Then he removed the fencing we had for Oliver and Olivia.  Wow!  That sure opened the lawn!  Now I can see why it was recommended by our Realtor that we take the fence down.  The view just stretches on and on showing the beauty of the the "back forty"...*just kidding about the forty.  But when you can look out over a half mile, it seems really large.    If you want to know how large, just come cut it for me! lol  That is what I did after leaving the hospital.    


Another task accomplished was the plumbing of the patio pond.  Bob installed the new pump.  All I need to do is add the water and electricity and voila!  A fresh water feature.  Hopefully, I will have a picture for you tomorrow.    


Bob and Deb were the high. 


...some of the everyday life in the intensive care unit is the low.  


Last night,  around eleven o'clock  I received a telephone call from the hospital - John's nurse.  She tells me that it is regulation that she call to tell me that John has pulled his feeding tube from his nose and she will need to insert another. I understand that regulation.  


What I do not understand is why she feels that she needs to tell me that he was covered with the feeding supplement in addition to the sheets, pillow and blanket.  


When I left John's room, he was comfortable. Things were as normal as could be with a feeding tube, a respirator, a heart monitor responding to the slightest change.  It is amazing what one can adjust to as "normal".  


I returned to John's room this morning to find him extremely anxious.  He was vomiting and having a difficult time breathing.  The nurse was scurrying around trying to make him comfortable.  The respiratory therapist was suctioning.  John was uncomfortable and feeling insecure.  I was feeling helpless. Trying to remain calm, and reassuring John that all was going to be OK.   


After the  Antivan, the suctioning, medication to stop the nausea John was more calm and peaceful --- for a while.  Then the nausea returned.  His vomit contained the nutrition that supposed to be tubed into his small intestine!  


Calling this to the nurse's attention, she discovered the tube that was supposed to be in the small intestine was not even in the stomach.  It had been inserted only about seven inches into his esophagus leaving the possibility of aspiration that could develop into pneumonia.  


A new tube was inserted into his small intestine with X-rays to verify the placement.  John was greatly improved once the mistakes were corrected.  We spent the rest of the morning and afternoon in relative peace.  


Have you heard of a even called Sundowner's?  I have heard of it in relation to Alzhimer's and other diseases.  I am wondering if this is what is effecting John.  


He pulled the tube out last night.  I just received a telephone call from tonight's nurse.  John tried to get out of bed tonight.  Now, I feel that it is either my absence that creates these problems or it might be Sundowner's or could it be boredom?  


I do not know what it is, but it is frustrating!  


NOW......all is quiet.  I have called my "super shrink"  daughter in California and cried on her shoulder.  I have  asked God to make things right and to give me wisdom.  I have received the assurance that He walks with me.  


I am tired.  I go to bed knowing that all my sisters and brothers in Christ will hold me up when I am too weak to hold myself.  


Let's be sure to hold up all our blog friends that are sick in prayer.  Judy from Travels With Emma is having a hard time.  I have not seen her post in a day or two.  Jim Dixon, Sherry who is awaiting a lung transplant, Marilyn who is recovering from cancer.  The list goes on, I am sure.  


God bless each of you tonight.  May he surround you with his loving arms and give you peace, comfort and health!