Tuesday Update 7:05 pm CT
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." Psalm 28:7
Well, I'm sorry to say that things are still the same and that there is still no real answer on the elevated heart rate. While sleeping, Heather's heart beats between 110-115 beats a minute, but sitting up to eat, she gets up in the 130's even with the medication. They are increasing the frequency of the medicine as well as the dosage to see if this helps. One of her seizure drug levels was mistakenly left out of the order, but they did draw it this afternoon and we may have an answer if this medicine is in toxic range, it could be elevating the heart. The weather has prevented the staff from coming to work, so there was no swallow test today. They keep assuring us that the heart looks good, but they are very puzzled that they've not been able to decrease the heart rate. If the medicine they are giving her doesn't help in a significant way through the night, they will change to another medication first thing in the morning. There is still some discussion about the Vagus Nerve and whether or not to try turning her VNS stimulator back on at the lowest setting, but they are really hoping that she just calms down so that they do not have to do that. Right now, everything is trial and error. We know that God knows what is keeping that heart elevated, and our prayers are that He gives the doctors wisdom to figure it out, or He just calms it Himself.
She has slept most of the day today, but happy as usual. Her voice is still raspy, but is getting a little stronger. She is eating pretty good without many coughing episodes, so I think she is going to pass that swallow test, and when she does, she will be able to have water again. While sitting at the hospital, there are times when no one is in the room and there is somewhat of a calm. During those times, you have nothing else to do but think, if you know what I mean. We all take so many things for granted, like even being able to drink water. It has been days and days since she has had water, and she has asked for it. Sometimes the things we think are important, really are not important at all. We get so busy with the every day mundane things of life that things that really should be important to us go unnoticed. Things like what are we going to eat, or what are we going to wear, or where are we going for entertainment are pretty important to all of us, but when your schedule is interrupted by the Lord and your life is seemingly put on hold, those things really don't matter to you.
We should thank the Lord for the health He has given to each of us. There are a lot of folks around here in this hospital who are barely holding on to life, and their families who are here waiting, are learning what really is important in life and the only thing important to those who are waiting and walking the hallways, is the health of their loved one being restored. I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow! God sure is good, no matter what each day may bring forth! Hug your family and thank the Lord you have each other! If you are reading this post or any post that we have written, and you do not know Jesus as your Saviour, then place your trust in Him today! On the front page of this website there is a link called Heaven/Hell that will help you to have that assurance. Please read it and accept Christ today! If we can help you in anyway please do not hesitate to send us an email.
Picture above was taken today with Physical & Occupational Therapy at the Hospital
