Monday, June 15, 2009

Monday June15

As it turns out, they were unable to place the PEG tube today because John's potassium levels were too high for anesthesia. He has been rescheduled for tomorrow but we aren't sure what time yet. He had dialysis again today as his creatinine levels remain high. Creatinine is the end product of creatine being metabolized and then eliminated from the body through urination. His kidneys are working but they simply cannot filter enough of the toxins to keep him from requiring some assistance. At this point, he has been having dialysis every other day but at some point he may start needing it more often or less often depending on how his kidneys do.

A lot of people have asked how Holly is doing and I feel that it is important to write something about it in this blog. She spends most of the day focused on getting up for the next visiting time which is on the odd hours starting at 9am and ending at 8:30pm and she then tries to go home and get some rest. She is so strong so much of the time but she does have moments when she is tired or when the days have been particularly stressful and long and she is simply unable to push out the profound feelings of grief and sadness. There are many losses in this situation and the biggest of these is the loss of her "normal life". She and John enjoyed coming home and cooking dinner together or going out with friends as most of us do. She also misses John...although he is here with us, it isn't the same as being able to talk to your spouse after a long day or simply enjoy a night of television and a good meal together and nothing replaces the emptiness of going home to the house they shared up until 2 weeks ago. They have not been separated this long the entire time they have been together and the dogs haven't been apart from John this long ever. Today was the perfect example of her pragmatic attitude and amazing strength and grace (and I'm not just saying that because she is my sister!). She was in the lobby of the hospital and having a down moment in which she was crying and sort of sitting in the fetal position trying to regain her composure and she was thinking and praying about what a cruel, situation this is. She pulled herself together and looked up and there was a mother with her son who looked to be about 4 and he had an IV and other tubes attached to him and he looked right at her and waved and said, "Hi", with a huge smile. For some reason, this random incident made her feel better and she realized on some level that this little boy was the link at that split second to her being able to be strong once again and realize the comparative and symbiotic relationship between John and this little boy. We have all found something small or some sign directly from John to be strong, and be patient, and just be. Sometimes it seems surreal and we question ourselves but there are far too many coincidences and signs to ignore. I make sure to let Holly and John know when I receive emails and she has a tremendous amount of support from family, friends and co-workers.

It could be that our prayers are being answered every day and we just have to notice or it could be that these small, sometimes isolated incidents are purposefully happening to remind us that we are not given that which we cannot handle. John seems to be a bit more alert and awake more often as the days pass. Lots of people who saw him in the first few days would be amazed to see him now. His eyes are open more and he seems interested in our voices. He is still unable to respond to verbal direction such as squeezing fingers, etc. but we are encouraged by his seemingly immediate reaction to Holly and other family members. In the next few days, we expect that he will be moved to an LTAC facility and are narrowing down the choices. When he is moved, he will still be in an ICU-style environment for the first few days or so and I will continue to update this blog daily or more frequently as necessary. I should also note that the LTAC facilities we are leaning toward are fantastic and even allow pups to visit once he is in a regular room. There is nothing like dog love and I am quite sure they will be ecstatic to see him!

7 comments:

  1. Thank you for the continuous updates and stories. It has jogged many wonderful memories of John. He is definitely one of the strongest people I have ever known with plenty of determination and a heart of gold. It was no accident that God brought John and Holly together. Her strength and beauty are a perfect match for John. He is so lucky to have her by his side. John, Holly, and the entire family, you are in our constant thoughts and prayers. Hugs to all of you.
    -Curtis and Debbie (Reeves) DeWitt

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  2. HELLO TO YOU ALL. THIS IS FROM JOHN'S NEIGHBOR RAMSEY AND HIS WIFE MARTHA. WE ARE PRAYING FOR JOHN, HOLLY AND ALL OF YOU. WE ARE A LIVING WITNESS TO THE FACT, GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS. HE IS IN TOTAL CONTROL OVER EVERYTHING. JOHN IS A WONDERFUL CHILD OF GOD AND HE WILL BE FINE. IF THERE IS ANYTHING AT ALL THAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU ALL, DON'T HESITATE TO CALL ON US. MAY GOD BLESS AND STRENGTHEN YOU ALL IS OUR PRAYER. LOVE YOU JOHN AND HOLLY!!!

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  3. I met John @ LA Fitness while working out. Sometimes people are just led to each other and I thank God that John was led my way. Everyone knows how much he likes to talk, and i like to talk too, so not much working out was going on when we crossed each others paths. We talked about eating right, seafood, and New Orleans cuisine(where i'm from). Nevertheless, John, you and your family remain in our prayers. Continue to put your trust in God because it is Him who can heal. Isaiah 53:5, "...and by His stripes we are healed." Be encouraged! Don LeNoir

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  4. Before 6/2/09 I did not know Holly. We came together because John is your husband and he is one of my customers. That day I met a woman of tremendous strength, determination and faith. You are truly amazing! I continue to pray fervently for you both and would like to visit soon. Hugs, Monica

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  5. Please let Holly know that my heart and prayers are constantly with her and John.
    Holly is one of the sweetest young ladies that I have ever known.
    My prayers go to the family and to the most talented writer that I have had the privledge to read.I know that this has to be hard for you,but it is keeping so many of us updated with information about Holly and John. I wake up in the morning and the first thing that I do is read your article.
    Please give Holly my love,
    Ed Witt

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  6. Hello Holly,

    My name is Anne Rodriguez. John and my husband Alex Rodriguez work together. I met John for the first time the day he
    got sick. I know you will remember our story our daughter Sue was in a horrific traffic accident on March 15 and we were
    told she would not live 3 days. When I met John on June the 2nd at the school I was there with my daughter so she could
    thank all the wonderful people there for the prayers and support. John told me that you-all had prayed for her every night and I thank you so much. She was in the hospital for 10 1/2 weeks 6 in intensive care. John was absolutely awesome, he hugged her, he hugged me and even cried to see her. We can feel everything you are going through right now. At times I would forget to breath. I remember one day just wanting to give up but out of the blue a wonderful minister from Second Baptist appeared and we prayed prayed and prayed. I have always been a person that believed in the power of prayer but I can definitely testify now that it works. We also went through just wanting some sign from her . She was in a coma for 3 weeks and one day she JUST WOKE UP. So hold on to that, keep praying and praying. I could tell when I met him that man of yours is a very special person and strong. Please let Alex and I know if there is anything at all we can do, if you just need to talk or need someone to sit with you and not say anything just call. My daughter was so touched by John at the school she prays for his recovery multiple times a day. 832-876-2930

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  7. John and Holly- you are with us everyday in our hearts and prayers! If we can be of assistance in any way shape or form, Please do not hesitate to call! John will pull out of this he is very strong!

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