Monday, December 1, 2008

update

Jim had 2 xrays today. There is no stool blockage. No idea where it went, but it didn't go down the drain, as he has not had a BM. So, no tube.

Because he was nothing by mouth, he could only get his meds through IV, and once again, I am ticked off because they did NOT listen to me again, and Jim writhed in pain all night. Took them all day to get the pain under control. It still isn't great, but.....

I'm not a doctor or a nurse, but I've been in the hospital about 180 days in 2008, and doctoring him at home the rest of the time. I think I know a bit, but no one is interested in listening, and Jim pays the price. Of course, I do, too, but...

So no tube. I have a feeling we won't be out of here for another week, if we ever leave at all.

6 comments:

Rachel said...

Dearest Friend, I know what you mean about knowing Jim a bit better than this new hospital knows him and his needs. When Nathaniel was in the hospital I was treated like a hysterical parent that didn't know anything. meanwhile his condition is so rare that none of the medical staff knew what in the world he had and yet they wouldn't listen to me. It was SO frustrating and so scary because he had to be put on a special I-V to save his life and they wouldn't listen to me. Meanwhile I had read many different family stories of children who had died in the ER because the doctors wouldn't listen to the parents. Thankfully we had a great specialist in Denver who, once the ER finally called her, gave them instructions (my instructions!) of how to care for Nathaniel.
I hear your frustration and I understand how helpless a person can feel in those situations. Gary and I just sat and prayed that someone would listen to reason before Nathaniel died right there in the emergency room. Thank God those days are over. I wouldn't want to relive that at all.
Well, I love you
We continue to pray.

Anonymous said...

HE is there when you are alone at night
HE is there when Jim is writhing with pain and you can't stand it
HE IS when there aren't words to express your weariness and you can't think, can't pray - want to cry
HE won't ever leave your side - doesn't leave when friends and family have to...
HE IS FAITHFUL even when our senses scream He isn't
HE SEES you when you cry, "how long?"
HE KNOWS the beginning and the end
HIS LOVE is beyond measure...hold on...BELIEVE that He will carry you when you are down and have no energy to get up and go another round
HE IS TRUTH...don't believe lies that the enemy wants to whisper in your ears...
You are not alone. God is with you 24-seven, forever and always, and we are His hands and feet on earth - to love you and support you both. Your family and friends are standing with you, praying for you, crying with you, trusting His provision for you, thanking God for being there when we all can't.
Hold on Gloria..."He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." May He provide rest for you and your Jumbo tonight. Love you.

Sam and Maddy Karpiak said...

Hi Gloria and Jim:

Sam and I continue to pray for you both - even though I have not posted a comment, we have not forgotten. I know you are in an upside down world there at NCI, but I am reminded of the words of a friend who fought a cancer battle "Doctors are only specialists hired by you to do a job. You or more likely someone else is paying them. You are in charge. When in doubt, you should err on the side of calling too often and being too forceful."

I think those are wise words and I have found myself in the position of pushing without regret. You are doing the best you know how for the one person that means the world to you. You know your situation best. Don't doubt yourself.

Love and Prayers,
Sam and Maddy

Anonymous said...

Dear Dolly & Jim ,So ,

GOD, the master of the universe ,does answer our prayers. He is so good!We praise You,Lord God Almighty and thank you for this merciful favor.Please ,Jesus, we ask You to vanquish Jimmy's pain and tumors like You did the blockage.You are our merciful savior &we love You.love,Junie

Anonymous said...

That is so funny that you have all three of those Louie Giglio talks!!! Well, I'm glad that you were already blessed by them!!! Maybe you'll be able to bless someone else with the one we sent or something :) We did share that particular talk with my mom - she was very encouraged by it. We're going to be closing on a house in Penn Hills (only a mile from Joshua's work) on Thursday! Just thought I'd share that with you. Well, we love you, and we're all still praying fervently for our beloved Uncle Jim!!!

Unknown said...

Thanks for everything everybody wrote, from Rach, down through Bonnie. We appreciate it and it has encouraged me today.