Slowly but surely...

It is getting harder to do what feels like relevant updates as recovery continues because this is much less dramatic than illness, but here is the latest:

TJ saw his primary physician last Monday (the internist and endocrinologist) who was pleased with his progress. He did some medication adjustment and is facilitating follow up with the infectious disease doctor and cardiologist ( this was missed at discharge by a different doc). Dr. C's clinic has an excellent diabetic education program with the goal to keep people's blood sugars in very tight control. We attended a 2 hour class on Monday afternoon on Advanced Carbohydrate counting where we learned how to count every gram of carb TJ eats so it can be covered with a short acting insulin. This doctor also checks his blood clotting times to be sure the Coumadin is the right dose to continue to dissolve the clot without causing other bleeding issues. He said that this will continue for several months and the biggest precaution is to avoid hitting his head. Dr. C also took a good listen to his heart and said that he has a grade II (out 0f VI) murmur which is not a big deal. The docs will still want to to another TEE at some point.

It has become apparent in the last couple of weeks that TJ's C5-6 herniation is still an issue and he will see the neurologist next week for that.

TJ had a video study of his vocal cords done on Tuesday to determine why he is still hoarse. This showed no damage to the cords or surrounding muscles, but there is some tension in the cords as a result of the physical trauma from multiple tubes getting shoved through there. He will have a few sessions with a speech therapist to work on this. He also only has one more PT and OT session scheduled, but needs to do exercises at home.

In answer to some questions, TJ is walking without a problem. If he is on a slippery sidewalk, he does not recover quite as quickly as before, but has not hit the ground either. We have had a series of fine snow falls and cold temperatures which make sidewalks treacherous, and he has done fine- I just hold my breath some times! He also started driving last week. He limits his driving at night or if he is tired, but having him drive frees both of us up and makes his life closer to normal. He has been doing some work from home and in meetings with his coworkers over coffee or meals. We both get tired way too fast (in my opinion!). We are amazed and very thankful for the speed of his recovery.

I started at work on a very limited basis this week (2 five hour stints) and will do the same next week. I will go back to my regular schedule on 2/19. My absence has taken a real toll on the two wonderful women I work most closely with so while they are very supportive, they are anxious to have me back.

About two weeks ago I got a call from a 17 year old single mom I have worked with over the last four years. It is a long story of abuse and addiction in her family. She and her 2 year old daughter (A) had been living with her boyfriend and her father (S) came to live with them last month to help out. Her boyfriend became abusive, got arrested, then kicked the other three out. With a lot of help from Chip and our church and extended family, her dad has gotten a job and place to live and B and her daughter are living with TJ's brother and his family. It is a huge adjustment to transition from a life of chaos surrounded by addiction to a healthy family. There are many strongholds of evil with grips on this family- generations of sexual abuse, addiction, and dysfunction so please pray for Becky, A and S as they start a new life and for protection for the families that are supporting them. Becky and S are believers, but have never been in a situation to grow in faith.

Prayer requests would be:

For continued recovery and healing for TJ. Pray that the murmur is totally resolved and other complications do not arise.

Resolution of the C5-6 herniation.

For renewed energy for all four of us- OK, I know this was traumatic, but like I am ready to tackle normal life, but we all run out of steam before we run out of stuff we need to get done! Jon will be tackling his incompletes from last semester as well as a very full coarse load. Chip has a bit to complete for his last semester sculpture class and also a large credit load.

For wisdom in what priorities TJ picks back up related to work and other ministry. This is a rather unique opportunity to choose what projects are the most strategic for him to put his time and energies into.

For me as I go back to work on the 19th. Becky's story is not unusual with the kids I work with and there is a back log of things waiting for me. I need to be wise in setting limits but please pray for a relatively peaceful couple of weeks when I go back ( like no new pregnancies, suicide attempts, or other big crisis in the lives of kids at the school).

We have had several meals with family and friends reviewing the events of Tim's illness. This blog and all of you who read it and pray plays a huge role in that story.

Once again with deep gratitude,

Mary Ann