Today was a very, very difficult day. Jeff hasn't felt well at all and it's difficult to put into words the many emotions this causes for all of us. Of the "down" days, today hit pretty high on the list.
Last night was horrible. He slept poorly, felt yucky, and then ended up with a catheter being placed at about 2 am which won't be removed until probably Friday. They are trying to rule out a UTI as the cause of his symptoms.
His core temperature has been low and he has felt very cold. He thinks it might be related to a sinus infection because his head has been hurting and his nose has been plugged and agitated.
Without a definitive answer on the presence of a UTI they wanted to start antibiotics just in case. While Jeff is not adverse to taking antibiotics when an infection is discovered, he understands the risks of taking them unnecessarily. We support him in his choice to wait and see what happens before taking them.
It's one thing to be paralyzed and to deal with all the problems associated with such a condition. It's something entirely different when you are fighting feeling so awful physically on top of that. It gets to you.
Annette said he wasn't himself today at all. He didn't talk much and was very reserved. It's been so difficult for her to see him go through this trial. Day after day she has been by his side, through all the ups and downs.
Through her tears she asked, "How far down do you have to go before you can get back up again?"
Watching him suffer more, after all the pain and turmoil he's been through, is heartbreaking. It's difficult to ward off feelings of frustration when you feel so helpless.
The hospital branch missionaries, an elderly couple, came by on their rounds today. At the end of their visit they asked if there was anything they could do to help. Jeff asked for a Priesthood blessing. We are so grateful for his faith, even when things are at their worst. A nurse on staff helped the Elder to give a blessing of healing and comfort.
We ask you all to please remember our mom and dad in your prayers. There is only one place to turn to when life gets especially ugly, and that's our Father in heaven. We know He hears and answers the prayers of His children.
At this time we ask that our dad be blessed with strength, that his burdens may be light. We ask that our mom's heart might be lifted as she stands by and cares for her eternal companion. We ask for a better tomorrow.
Even feeling so terrible Jeff worked hard in therapy. They worked on transfers into the Durango using a wooden board that Ryan made. It worked pretty well, but the edges need to be rounded more.
They ordered a CPAP machine for Jeff to use once he gets home.
Home is only a few weeks away and to have days like this is very discouraging. With little energy to practice and learn all the things required to be successful at home, it feels like a wasted day.
At home the painters came. Annette said everything is covered in plastic. Here are a few pictures of the remodel's progress. The shower was recently installed and the tile put down in the bathroom.
This morning a strange thing happened. Annette received a phone call at 1:45 am. She says her heart was beating a million miles an hour as she answered it. A woman was on the other line, but Annette couldn't understand her. She made out that the woman would call again before the line was disconnected.
Annette went out into the living room to get the kitchen phone to see if that would help. When the call came through she still couldn't hear what the woman was saying. The woman hung up, leaving Annette on the verge of a panic attack.
Finally her cell phone rang. She answered it and it was the security company where their security system is through. The woman said an alarm was going off saying several doors and windows were open and they wanted to make sure everything was okay.
As if she wasn't scared enough! Thankfully they finally determined it was a low battery in the alarm system itself. We are so grateful Cherie and Blake are there with our mom! We can't imagine if that had happened and she had been alone. So her start to the day was also pretty awesome.
Blake stayed the evening with Jeff. Jeff's bishop and two members of the Stake presidency also came to visit. We are so grateful for their time and support, our dad really needed some positive vibes tonight.
Again, we ask that you remember our mom and dad in your prayers. While every day has held challenges, today was especially rough. We are so thankful for all of your love and support, it is much needed and appreciated!
No comments:
Post a Comment