A new face

Look fast because the beard is going today - and I am glad. The next doctor visit isn't for TWO WEEKS. Ron is safely on the way to recovery. This is my last posting, from now on Ron will take over and tell you HIMSELF how he is feeling and what he is thinking about. So keep checking!

Thank you to all of you who have so faithfully followed this blog so far. I am amazed how many have said they read it and have answered our prayer requests. We certainly felt connected to all of you.

Love, Carol

A Big Day

The stents are out. The drain is out. No foreign objects of any kind. Ron is tired but so happy to be 'free at last'.

Returning to Normal - whatever that is

Ariella and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing our friends at Harbert Community Church this morning, what a blessing to see everyone again. David and Ariella will both return to school tomorrow. Ron and I go to Chicago Tuesday and are hopeful that the kidney drain will be removed and he will finally be 'tube-free'. He has scheduled physical therapy to begin this week. He is still weak, but getting stronger each day. His appetite has not entirely returned, but he makes a good effort and doesn't fuss about two Ensure milkshakes a day.

Normal has a whole new meaning, and we love it.

Carol

One down, one to go

The catheter is O-U-T! Happy days are here again. The last tube (the kidney drain) should be out by next week. We are hopeful that this will be a giant step in mobility for Ron.

On other fronts, David will mostly likely return to school tomorrow, doctor says he is 'on the right track' thanks to two powerful antibiotics.

Everyone in a bed enjoyed 'breakfast in bed' thanks to Liz Pava's gorgeous Zabar's gift basket of croissants, granola and other goodies and Ed and Susan Cundiff's basket of clementines and bananas. We also feasted on Harry and David pears from Ted and Doris Simon. Each day brings a new wonder!

Three client presentations this week for me means I am getting back into the swing of things. I am hoping each week from here on out will be less dramatic than the week before. Sue and Chris Fleming have suggested submitting this blog as a script for Grey's anatomy. I am looking forward to reading the end!

More as it happens.

Carol

It's Pneumonia, Again

Not Ron this time, but David. An X-Ray yesterday revealed what we suspected, David's cough, double ear infection and weekend long fever was all due to pneumonia. He is now on an additional antibiotic and doing better.

Creatinine levels are still too high for Ron to remove the catheter. However, there is almost too little fluid to test, so we will plead today with his doctor that the catheter should be removed anyway. He is getting a little stronger every day but his rib cage hurts when he moves -- and the catheter is serious a detriment to mobility.

I am struggling to get back to work, hoping today will be the day I can really start to focus on my clients again. They have been very patient SO FAR.

Ariella is doing much better and returned to school yesterday. She has a lighter heart now that college application season has closed. She begins practice today for 'Guys and Dolls' - she is in the Mission Band. How appropriate!

Carol

Ground Hog Day

It was a photo opportunity but I didn't have my camera, unfortunately. Ron walked half way to the mailbox down Notre Dame Path this afternoon. We didn't set any records for speed, but it was a great start toward recovery.

Our home is officially an Infirmary. David has a raging sinus infection with all the extras - ear ache, 102 degree fever, body aches and bad cough. Ariella is in the early stages of the same malady. We are hoping the antibiotics kick in before Monday and they can return to school. Jello is now my specialty and I need a spreadsheet to chart the med's and vitals. Good thing I had two weeks training in ICU! Please pray Ron does not contract this bug!

The next creatinine test will be on Monday and if all goes well, the catheter will be removed soon. That will bring Ron down to one tube!

Hopefully Yours,

Carol

Not yet

The tests show too much creatinine in the leakage, so it will be a few days before the catheter can be removed. Hopefully, that can happen early next week.

Carol

Back in Chicago

Ron and I are back in Chicago awaiting the results of a test to see if his catheter can be removed today or if it needs to remain in place a few more days. The leak is now a 'drip', but even a drip may be too much. Needless to say, Ron wants it OUT. NOW.

We'll keep you posted. Meanwhile we are 'enjoying' another meal at Northwestern Hospital. If only they offered Frequent Dining Awards!

Ron is getting stronger each day. He's not doing laps around the kitchen island yet, but has been ordered to walk 15minutes 3X a day so that may be next?

Our friends continue to amaze us with their support. Thank you to Kimberly and Anthony for the terrific pasta meal on Tuesday and to Bob Evans for the soup he is sending over tonight. I have learned what a big difference these gestures really do make when systems are stretched.

Love,

Carol