Day T9

Yesterday afternoon I went to my sister’s to do some laundry, get a descent meal and a good night’s rest. I got the first two done but I ended up back here to sleep on the cot per Neal’s request. At about 4AM when the nurse came in to do vitals, Neal’s temp was back up to 101.3, BP 136/88 and he had low oxygen, 86-92 (should be about 93, 100 best. Neal had been on a cannula oxygen tube but they quick put him on a face mask and cranked up the oxygen. The doctor ordered another chest x-ray and had the ICU doctor come in and evaluate him. He was right on the border of being moved to ICU because of low oxygen levels. They decided to wait because he seemed to do better with the extra oxygen. But if any changes in symptoms call right away. Day doctor came about 8:30AM and ordered an EKG of his heart, CT of his chest without contrast (the die could be toxic to his kidneys) and ultrasound of his heart. His temp came back down to 99.1. They know he has a bacterial infection but wondering if it is doing any damage to heart or lungs. The chest x-ray from earlier this morning did show he had some fluid on his lungs. Neal also received more lasixs to help flush out fluids. He is taking in more than he is putting out so this will help.

On a positive note: The doctor told Neal that his white count is .5 which means it is moving in a positive direction indicating that his body is starting to make cells! He is by no means out of the woods yet but that is encouraging!

Neal just got back from his tests and is feeling much better and has no fever! Praise God!

My patience and serving with a happy heart is being put to the test. I don’t work well with little sleep and after 3 nights of sleeping here I am running on fumes. Please pray for my stamina and lvoing attitude:)

I’ll post when we get test results.

On the journey,
Trish

Neal just got back from tests. He is smiling, no pain, and eating lemon ice! This is the most coherant I have seen him in 3 days!