Home...Take 2!

I was sprung from the Cleveland Clinic last night (Friday)! It was a long drive but we made it! Yesterday's test confirmed I have a tear in my bladder wall (which we already knew, but whatever...). That is my biggest health obstacle now. I came home with a catheter and an additional drainage tube. These will be in until I return to Cleveland on Friday, August 13th. I will be taking antibiotics to facilitate healing, but I would certainly covet your prayers for the quick and complete healing of my bladder. I had a very good night's sleep....the first in many weeks! I will be laying low over the next few weeks, but just wanted to share my overwhelming gratitude for your prayers and concern on my behalf. This is certainly a "surprise" outcome considering the concerns I thought I might have upon my return home, but the Lord is in control and know's His plans for me. Tom has been an unbelievable support and champion for me...I am so thankful for God's provision of such an excellent, loving spouse!

After much negotiating, I made it out of ICU and back to a regular room around 8:30 Wednesday night. The joke with my surgeon was that I had “outpeed” her horses producing over a gallon of urine yesterday. This morning it was confirmed that my kidney numbers were back in the normal range. Tom and I attribute the clear thinking approach of the urology team and the success of my quick operative procedure to your prayers, so I thank you so much for all your intercessions on my behalf. Today is a day of rest. I still struggle with the catheter, and will be coming home with it for about 3 weeks. I will be having a test tomorrow to determine the “damage” done to the bladder during surgery. It involves IV contrast dye which I am allergic to, so I will be going thru the “prep steps” today (taking prednisone and benadryl). I have talked to my surgeon’s PA today, and we are going to shoot for a Saturday discharge….maybe I can make this one stick! HA! Overall, I am feeling well and walking quite well. I have been overwhelmed by the cards, emails, phone calls, and primarily the prayers. I feel so blessed that so many have said a prayer on my behalf. God is indeed in control of all things. If you have ever had any questions or wondered about the possibility of having a personal relationship with the Lord, please respond to this post. It would be my privilege to share with you the true peace that passes all understanding that can be found in a relationship with the Lord of the universe!
Love to all,
Karen

Wow!

Wow, God is amazing. Last night the doctors decided to take Karen back to the OR and take a close look inside to see what was happening with her bladder and kidneys. Unremarkable was the way the surgeon described what he say (that is good, but if you ask me, I would say she is remarkable). They decide to put in two stints in the tubes from her kidneys to her bladder and a flood resulted. She immediately urinated over one gallon, now that is holding it. She is so much better it is miraculous! Still in ICU, but she wants to get back to drinking and eating. They are going to move her back to a regular room today! Thanks for your continued prayers and support. Tom

keep praying

Trusting the Lord more today than ever. We are back at the Cleveland Clinic, Karen has had some complications which include her kidneys have stopped producing urine. They have transferred her to the ICU and are getting more doctors involved to try and figure out what is going on with her kidneys. Your fervent prayers for their wisdom and God’s protection and healing would be greatly appreciated. Know the Lord is in control of all, I know this for sure. We love you all and will try and keep this blog update! Tom

launch t-minus 1

Praise God, I am being discharged tomorrow (Thursday). 10 days is enough for anyone despite the great care and kind staff. I continue to slowly recover, eating a little real food and it is working. IV is done and I will be leaving with some of the drains and I will be back on Monday for tests and hopefully being freed from the last drains and the catheter.

As hard as this has been I am very fortunate, a loving God, so many people praying and caring, and good medical insurance as well. I will keep updating the blog for a while so you can all celebrate what God is doing in healing me.

Love to all,
Karen

real food!!

What a difference eating real food makes! I’ve been eating all day today and have noticed a real increase in my energy level. I still don’t know when I will be coming home…I am hoping it will be Thursday, but my doc is not tipping her hand, and I am learning it won’t be before she is ready for it to happen. So, the wait continues…The incredible care continues, and I am trying to trust God in a situation that feels quite overwhelming. The “knicked” bladder continues to have its annoyances, which means I will be sent home on a catheter and some draining tubes. On the positive side, I had my second Stoma class today and knocked it out of the ballpark! It will continue to take adjustment, but I am less intimidated by the process, and there will be nurses who will work with me at home. I had really expected to be out of here by now, but God’s timing is not mine, and so I am trusting his timing. Overall today, was my best day in the last several. I was able to walk many times, and am hoping the doc will be pleased with my effort when I see her in the morning. Every day God continues to validate that this is the place he wants me to be, so my job is to continue to trust Him…That has been a battle the last few days so please pray for my attitude. I am so thankful for the continued support of Tom and my parent’s who have been here with me and the many who call. It means so much!

slight set back

Sunday was a difficult day I had a lot of abdominal discomfort. They were treating me with Atavan (drug) that made me very sleepy. Today I have a low grade fever, which is frustrating me as I was hoping to get out of here. Not leaving today though for sure, keep praying it will be soon. Beginning to get more of this lovely hospital food (yuck).
Went to the fireworks on the hospital roof top yesterday, not Lake Angelus as I had hoped, but fireworks were everywhere on the horizon. Very warm here in the city obsessed with Lebron.
I know the Lord is good and good all the time. I just need to trust him and I am trusting him that I will come home soon. Thank you all, love Karen.

Friday

Karen Here,
Sarah is typing as I speak. More sore than pain. My bowel is waking up. Everything seems to be functioning well. Dr. Hull is very pleased with the progress. Talking about coming home, but we don't have a date yet. So glad to be on this side of the surgery. Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement. I am sitting up in the chair and walking and talking more each day. I have turned the corner and am trying to snag a wheel chair for fireworks on the roof tomorrow night. Everyday I am knowing more and more that this is where God wanted me to be. Nursing and care has been great. Love to all, Karen