Caregivers

Phil 2:20  I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.  Plans are proceding for my return to PR.  A high point is that a good friend is going to be my case manager.  There is something I would like you to pray for when I come home-good caregivers.  I've talked to several people at GF Strong and they stress that my caregivers will be really important to the success of my return to living at home.  We've begun discussing this my my transition team.  Pray that we will choose people who will care about my needs and be teachable and I will be able to convey my needs to them.

John typed this himself!!

When good things I do bring me no reward
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 ESV (1) If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. (2) And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (3) If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Today I want to ask you to pray my love will increase. Verse 1 for instance, can be applied to these blog entries. Do I write believing that it will help you pray for me or so that you can see how spiritual I am.
Verse 2 might apply to the Bible verses I share with you. Am I helping you or trying to impress you
Verse 3 might refer to my injury. Is it truly God’s plan for me, or am I using my injury to be a Christian martyr. I hope you can see from these examples why I want you to pray.

Not holding up on my own

Isa. 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. This is a verse we memorized so long ago and it is so relevant today. Some days I don't feel like things are going right but God is there to uphold me and I don't need to be doing any holding up on my own. We have such a great God. John's week has gone well although he has been a little bit more tired this week. We were kind of expecting that because of increasing his pills for spasms. I think maybe his spasms are a little better than last week.

Instructions needed

Yesterday John got a new demo chair. This one has so many bells and whistles that neither one of us have really figured it out yet. We are hoping the vendor will come back and give us a few tips on how to run different things on it. It is a front wheel drive which is great when you are going forward but I haven't got a handle on how to back up yet. Poor John - I can't figure out why he isn't carsick yet as he lunges from side to side when I drive! Things sure run better when you have instructions to go by. This brings me back to the verse that seems to be my theme Prov. 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Cardiologist

Today John went to the cardiologist. He has a very slow heart rate and the doctors at GF Strong were concerned about this. He had various tests and so we went to hear the verdict from the specialist. We were quite happy to hear the tests they did show his heart is doing well-it is just slow, but empties well etc. He also said there is no need for a heart pacemaker which is what the doctor at GF Strong was wondering. We are thankful that things are good just the way they are.

False Alarm

I was thinking of the incident in Luke 8:40-56 when Jesus said that a girl everyone thought was dead was just sleeping. At GF Strong they took blood from my PICC line and found my hemoglobin had dropped substantially from 2 weeks ago. They took me to VGH for a blood transfusion. At VGH they took more blood and found my hemoglobin had not dropped so they shipped me right back to GF Strong. I also find it easy to think the worst of my situation. Good news came this week when I found out a good friend from Powell River is going to be my case manager in PR. It seems every time when I think the worst God has a pleasant surprise for me. From Phil 4:5,6 pray I will put aside my speculations and rest in the peace of God

Extra chest physio needed

Today when I got to GF Strong the physio and respiratory therapists were pummelling John - well really his chest. He had a bad spell in the night where his oxygen levels went down and so first thing this morning they were working on his chest to clear everything out. Then after lunch he went back to bed and they had another go at him. When I left him tonight his chest was pretty good. We are praying for a better night. Would you please pray with us as tomorrow is John's second family team meeting. Pray for clear communication and good understanding between all the caregivers and the family as well.

Wisdom

As I was thinking about what to write on the blog James 1:5 came to mind. It says If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without find fault, and it will be given to him. This past week John's spasms have increased. The first thing the doctors want to do when that happens is to rule out an infection. We are thankful that by Friday all the tests had come back negative. They were not anxious to change anything on the week end so tomorrow is probably when changes will be made. Please pray with John and I that we will have God's wisdom and his spasms will be treated effectively.

Two Shirts

Today I spent a good deal of time watching the Olympics. When I went to my room one of the nurses was wearing a T shirt saying "Let's build a new Haiti together". She mentioned she had seen the long line up outside the HBC Olympic clothing store so she thought she would wear this T shirt to put things in perspective. That was what Jesus was saying in Matthew 10:39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Plans for the future

Jer. 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I find I still have to make plans as well, for example I have to makes decisions about a wheelchair, lift, bath chair, house alterations and a myriad of other things that will enable me to come home. I don't want to interfere with God's plans but also I have to make sure I have the things I need to live at home. There are so many decisions to make. Please pray as Laverne and I work with the OT to come up with good choices.

Olympics

Today I watched some of the Olympics on TV, speed skating, women's half pike, and hockey. What impresses me is the TV is showing a lot of the preparation and commitment for winning. I'm having to do the same thing in my rehab. So many times it would be easier to say I'm too tied and seek my bed. Right now I'm doing exercises to successfully drive my wheelchair. Today was discouraging as my turns wouldn't come when I had my driving session. Please pray I will have success in my own personal Olympics. 1 Cor 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Adjustments

Today I was thinking about how little things can have big effects. Today the vendor came and fixed the back to John's wheelchair so that he was straighter in it. This helps prevent problems with his skin and perhaps also his spasms. Small adjustments that don't take very much time but can make big differences are things that we can all do in our lives if we think to notice that an adjustment is necessary. Pray that we will all have eyes to see the adjustments we need to make.

Desire of my heart

Last night I was awakened by a spasm that jerked my head around and I couldn't get back to sleep. There were several things I could have thought about including where I was, how many things were still unattended etc. Then this verse came to mind and I have always found it to be an interesting one. It says Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Ps. 37:4...so if we delight in the Lord then what the desire of my heart is to have a relationship with Him. As I thought about this I remembered the words of Ps 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. I realize this was a special time that God and I could spend together. Please pray I won't waste time on things other than the desire of my heart.

Making good use of time

One thing I've noticed is that when everything stops on the weekend it is important not to stop doing what I've learned during the week, doing exercises with my neck and practicing the computer. The temptation is to watch TV especially now that the Olympics are on and it is so exciting. This weekend I was able to practice with neck muscles while watching the Olympics. I was also able to practice with my computer. Laverne's return has encouraged me immensely but I sometimes ask her to drive my chair when I am tired. Pray that I will have the energy to make the best use of every opportunity while here. Eph. 5:15,16 Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.

Blessings

Sunday is always a day when it is easy to count my blessings. This week the results of John's blood work came back and his kidney function is pretty well back to normal. His turns are decreased and it is not bothering his skin - another big thing to praise God for. The demonstration chair is much easier for him to drive so he wants to practice more and he is going to get extra practice with the OT assistant. Although he has required extra suctioning the sputum is not coloured (he doesn't have an infection). My cough didn't last and finally John has had unexpected visitors - some who we never knew before.

Taking off the training wheels

One thing I haven't commented on in the blog is what happens at night. Originally I was turned from one side to the other every 3 hours. This was to stop secretions from gathering in one place in my lungs and to protect my skin from pressure sores. Two weeks ago the OT said we should start reducing the number of turns I needed in the night. At first it was reduced to 2 times, then 1 and now I get turned only if I want. This is so it will be easier when I get home, so people won't have to wake up in the night. This is done while in GF Strong so it is controlled and careful observation can be made of my skin. I think I might have to have more turns at night as I am having to have lots of suctions in the day. Please pray that the suctions get under control and I will be able to reduce the night turns without increasing the difficulty of suctioning during the day.

Trust in God

Today I realized how much I depend on Laverne. She had a cough the past few days and hasn't been in for more than a few minutes each day. I was reminded that I need to put my trust in God. It's great to have Laverne around but God is here all the time. Pray that I will remember Isa. 41:10 ...I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Resting

Hebrews 4:9 There remains then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God. I was thinking of this verse partly because Last night neither John or I slept that well. I was kept awake with a cough and John didn't sleep well because he has increased secretions that needed suctioning. Please pray that the suctioning can be done without too much trauma to his throat. We are resting in the confidence that God is at work and we don't have to worry.

The Wise man built his house on a rock. Matt 7:24

Today I went to see the OT and discussed my new wheelchair. She wants to work with me to make sure it is the right one for me. I would just like to buy it and get over that hurdle. In the same way they have set the date of May 3 for me to leave GF Strong. When I think of how long that is I would just like to set aside that date and get out ASAP. In rehab as in all of life a good foundation is the best way to ensure a strong building. Please pray that I will have patience to endure the course.

New Wheels

Today's excitement was that I got a new wheelchair. It's a demo chair (stands for demonstration not demolition) and has a centre wheel drive for better turning. I find it better than the old one to drive. Pray that I will be able to get my independent driving status soon. Romans 8:32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Thoughts from Matt 9:9-12

Matt 9:10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. GF Strong has a strong emphasis on community and I have been eating lunch and supper in the day room which is nice because if Laverne can't be there someone there will feed me. It is also nice because I get to know some of the other patients who eat there. I wouldn't describe them as tax collector! - but we are all sinners just a matter of degree and we all need a saviour and often the first step is having someone who will listen to their story. So day by day Laverne and I are learning more about these people. Pray that we will form real friendships with them.

Looking to God

Yesterday when John was so sleepy it was discouraging for me but a mother of one of the patient was very encouraging and telling me I need to ask God for wisdom and take all my requests to him. It really did help me focus more on what I could do rather than how I was feeling about the situation. Later on I was talking to another friend and again was encouraged to look to God. It is great to have friends like that. Today I wasn't sure how John would be but he was so much more awake and I could see how God was answering our prayers.

Wisdom needed

Today was beautiful in Vancouver. There is a sun porch at the end of John's hall and we sat out and enjoyed the sun for a few minutes. John has been very tired for the past few days and most of the rest of the time he spent sleeping. Please pray that the sleep will be healing and that we will be able to figure out the best way to help John.

A Day in Emergency

Today I went to GF Strong a little early as John had an appointment for an xray at UBC and he was to leave at 9:30. I got there at 9 and he was in his chair ready to go just waiting for the transport to come. He then told me he wasn't feeling well, that he felt pressure in his chest. When I told the doctor she cancelled his trip to UBC and we made a trip to VGH instead. They wanted to rule out any heart problems and it turned out they did, but they have to wait and do blood work 8 hours after the chest pain. As a consequence we got back to GF Strong at about 9:30 tonight. Please pray that John will feel stronger. It is a bit demoralizing to be going off to VGH every second week.

Turns decreased

The past couple of sessions with the OT one of the things we have been talking about is beds and today it was mattresses. There are many different types and we have to find one that is good for John. In line with this tonight his turns are to be decreased again. He has gone from being turned every 3 hours during the night to 2 turns a night and now to 1 turn. This is done cautiously to see how John's skin tolerates this and to see if he feels uncomfortable only being turned once. If he tolerates this then they will try downgrading the mattress. This is all done by trial and error with careful evaluations made along the way. At the end of the process we should have a better idea of what John will need in the way of a mattress. This reminds me that communication is such an important part of healthy living and when one part of the body can't communicate (because of a spinal cord injury) then an awful lot of time goes into figuring out what is going on.

The Cost of Care

Today we visited the occupational therapist and discussed the cost of the basics needed for my care. I was impressed by the expense of things. It would be easy to get caught up in worry that our extended care provider would not meet the price that we with the OT consider essential for my care. Once again I am reminded of the words of Paul the apostle in Phil. 4:19 My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in Christ Jesus. Please pray that we don't get caught up in the cost and forget our wonderful provider.

Sensitive Skin

Today I was looking at John's skin. The pressure sore on his heel continues to improve although it does take a long time. Last week when he came back to GF Strong he had an open area on his coccyx. Today that has almost healed. The occupational therapist told John he was fortunate his skin is so sensitive. It doesn't take much and he has a red area on his skin. It is like an early warning system because it lets his caregivers know something has to be changed. Maybe another pillow is needed, or avoiding a certain position, whatever it is a routine has to be altered. We also need to pay attention in our spiritual lives to areas that get sore. If we deal with things when they are "just a little red" healing happens quickly but if we let things become huge issues then the healing takes longer. Pray continuously 1 Thess. 5:17