Update on Glenn

After a terrible weekend of poor sleeps, trouble breathing, vomiting and fevers, we went to see the doctor on Monday morning.  As soon as we got into the room, the nurse hooked Glenn up to the oxygen and he began feeling better almost right away.  The doctor told us that all the symptoms Glenn was experiencing were probably because of a lack of oxygen in his body.  She told us she would like to keep Glenn in the hospital at least overnight in order to keep an eye on him.  A CT scan was also done on Monday and we were told that the scan didn't show anything that we didn't already know about.  While on one hand that is good news, it also means that there really is nothing that can be done to make Glenn feel much better.  Glenn spent most of the day in the hospital on Tuesday because he needed another blood transfusion and I brought him home last night with oxygen.  Shortly after we got home a delivery truck arrived with supplies so Glenn can be on oxygen all the time.  The machine we have in our living room that Glenn is hooked up to with a 50 foot line that makes it possible for him to go everywhere he needs to in our home sounds like Darth Vader from Star Wars.  Our pets are not quite sure what to make of it.  While Glenn was in the hospital, arrangements were made for home care to come regularly and for an occupational therapist to visit our home to assess what aids we may need to make it easier for Glenn to be as independent as possible.  Glenn has decided he will be working at home, as least for now. 

Last night I read a quote by Edith Schaeffer which was a good reminder.  It says: "We don't get a bowlful of strength or grace to put on a shelf and reach for in time of need.  It is given us on the spot."  That is so true. 

Well...that's all my weary brain can think of for now.  Till next time...

Love,

Denita

Update

Well, had my first transfusion at Credit Valley yesterday.  It was nice that Denita could drop me off and then go to work.  She has lost a lot of work time having to transport me back and forth to downtown Toronto.  When I was almost done, I gave her a call and she came and got me.  I also got my first shot of Eprex yesterday which is supposed to build up my blood, though it may take a few weeks to do so.  Had a cool needle (spring loaded).  I will be receiving weekly shots for a while.

It was nice being at the office for 3 hours yesterday, though I sure was tired by the end.  I have a feeling that I will be working more and more from home until we get this under control (whatever it is).  I had a terrible sleep last night and a rough night, with nausea and a fever.  I just hate the thought of having to go to emergency.  Hopefully, it will clear up as I move around today.  I often feel best seated at my desk in front of my computer.  Odd, eh?

Working at home today

I'll be working at home again today and probably for the rest of the week.  My immune system is pretty low and so I need to avoid people for the most part.  One piece of good news; I have finally transferred my care from Princess Margaret to Credit Valley Hospital here in Mississauga.  Less than a 1/3 of the distance and a nicer facility.  PMH were brilliant but the travel and the parking costs were killing us.  Tomorrow I go for my first transfusion at CVH. 

Thank you for praying

Thank you to each of you who have been praying for me over the last couple of days.  I am still in the hospital here in Toronto, but there is a good chance that I will get out tomorrow (which I am happy about).  I have been feeling much better today, my hemoglobin levels were up to 86 (which are still low, but on the border of what is acceptable for folks like me and a lot better than they were earlier this week).  And I am much more stable on my feet.

It was nice spending the day with Denita who spent all afternoon here.  While we didn't do alot but read papers and do crosswords, it was the best Valetine's Day date we have had for a long time.

Please pray that I can get out tomorrow.  While I enjoy the luxury facilities and gourmet cuisine served at Princess Margaret Hospital, I am eager to be spoiled by my own bed and my wife's cooking, even after only a day of deprivation. 

In the hospital

Yup, I am writing this from the hospital. On my way to get two more units of blood this morning, I developed a fever and so now they are giving me antibiotics and fluid to see if they can get whatever is wiping me out under control.  Thanks for praying

Two more units

Received two more units of blood today.  Sadly, the two I had on Monday only raised my hemoglobin half of what the doctors had hoped.  They have no idea what is causing this, but I go in on Friday for two more units and a CT scan on my sinuses (they've been giving problems; don't know if it is related or not).  All I know is that I am a little discouraged.  I have had to come to the realization that someday I would be turning a corner and not coming back to better health. The problem is, one never knows when that corner is turned.  So major setbacks like this do tend to take on a sense of finality, deserved or otherwise, only God knows.  So guess, it is better just to leave it in His hands.

Let me say one more thing; I am so grateful for those who donate blood.  I would be dead by now without these unknown heroes.  Never given blood, even though you can?  Then get off your butt and do it.  You never know whose life you might be saving!

Blood counts still low

My hemoglobin count was very low again yesterday (54; normal is 130-170).  So, after considerable delay, I was able to get a couple units of blood and will get two more on Wednesday.  Hence, I am working from home today but will need to take it easy.  I am grateful for a great staff who continues much of the work even when I can't.  The big issues that face me have to do with meetings that I have scheduled next month. I have no idea how I am going to be able to take them on if this continues. 

Please pray

Today I am feeling very weak and tired. Slept in until nearly 9:00 am. but can't get around except for the use of a cane. Hard to get up and down stairs and any real movement leaves me very short short of breath. I am getting pretty concerned. I am glad that I am going to clinic on Monday. I expect that they will want to be a series of tests. Denita is concerned about leaving me alone in case I fall, but as long as I am sitting at my desk on on the couch in the living room, I am okay. It's just a real pain living in a home with as many stairs as this one has.

Looking over at my cat who likes to sleep in my office in the afternoon when the sun shines in the window is quietly snoring and looks the picture of peace and contentment. Sometimes I envy her.

Another health update

Well, last Wednesday I finally received the two units of blood that I needed to get my hemoglobin levels up and I felt pretty good until Sunday when I started to really feel tired again.  Monday was pretty low but yesterday and today I am feeling slightly better but no where close to how I would like to feel nor am I operating at anywhere close to normal.  I still working full-time and while I find it a little hard to concentrate, I think I am doing okay.  Still, I realize the need to keep turning over responsibilities that I no longer need to handle so that I can concentrate on what I uniquely bring to the mission.

So, as of today, I am longer a part of the Persecution and Prayer Alert.  An email news service I starting 11 years ago, I am pleased to have staff who are able to carry this important ministry forward. 

So keep praying.