Sunday, March 2, 2008

update #11 from Rob and Linda

Hello! Beth and Danielle are on the night shift, so we thought we'd tell you a little about today. Steve had a restful night and day. Doctor Morton was in first thing this AM about his stomach issues and they injected dye and x-rayed to make sure his feeding tube (PEG) was in place. No problem there. Consulted with other doctors and they hooked something up to his PEG that pulls fluids out of his stomach. The food he gets actually by-passes his stomach and goes right into his small intestine, so it doesn't get pulled out when they suction his stomach. They think it's a combination of old blood, seeping blood (from irritation of his stomach) and gastric juices...in any case, they're watching the situation but don't seem terribly concerned. The fact that the hiccups have stopped has given us huge relief, as they were powerful enough to toss his body around and make him so uncomfortable.

Also had some issues yesterday with pulse-oxygen levels dropping. Seemed to be connected with junk in his lungs. Tried a new medicine to thin out secretions, plus an inhaler, and that problem is taken care of.

Movement/responding to requests is about the same as yesterday. Steve moved his thumb twice for us, but wouldn't for the doctor...Doc said it's the power of love that let him do that. We like to think so!

Have been caught up in the politics of trying to move him to Michigan. Sounds like such a simple, logical thing, but it's not. We'll tell you all about it in another update after plans are in place.

All in all a pretty uneventful, restful day. We left him all tucked in for the night, and being well taken care of by "the girls."

Goodnight friends!
With love and thanks,
Rob and Linda

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Percha family,
I read your updates every day and are praying for all of you. I can't even imagine what you must be going through. Dave and Reenie Kelso were visiting this past weekend and send love and prayers. Take care and hopefully you all feel the hugs and prayers from old friends from Michigan, the neighborhood and Oakley Park.
Ann Kendall

Anonymous said...

Percha Family,
Wanted to let you know that everyone we see comments on what a great guy Steve is and what a nice family you are. You should be very proud. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Hopper Family

OPE Family said...

Dear Percha Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We appreciate the updates as we are hoping for only the best news. Your Oakley Park family sends their support and love.
Donna Trevethan & Michelle Fiebke