Update 1 on Dad

I spoke with dad yesterday afternoon around 6 (MI time) and he was still doing well, hoping to leave on Wednesday. We'd decided on a flight plan for my trip out there on Wednesday afternoon and were awaiting another visit from the Dr to get the necessary medical certificate so we could apply for "compassion fare" and the related insurances. Things were looking good and progressing forward.

Around 11 last night mom called to ask me to pray again as dad's temp had started to rise again. He was also experiencing abdominal pain - about a 5 or 6 on his pain scale. Around 2 AM (MI) the Dr was able to finally meet with and examine dad. He believes that his gall bladder has decided to flare up, completely unrelated to his shoulder. My mom said the look of disbelief on everyone's faces due to the irony was priceless :) The broad spectrum antibiotics that they've put dad on for the staph infection are only effective on resistant types of infection. The gall bladder issues would be due to a non-resistant type of bacteria.

As of 8 AM (MI), dad was getting an ultrasound of his abdomen to confirm the Dr's suspicions regarding the gall bladder. Once confirmed, a decision will be made as to whether or not removal is necessary. This is not the first time that dad has had gall bladder attacks and because of the inopportune timing of this attack, he would prefer to have it removed. Following the ultrasound, the Dr will advise dad how to proceed. Regardless of the new concern with the gall bladder, the information won't be available from the bacteria culture until its aged about 72 hours so dad won't be able to be released tomorrow.

The good news - while examining dad's abdomen last night the Dr also inspected the shoulder. The drain that they inserted in the joint is not pulling any more nastiness and everything appears to be progressing in a positive direction. The hope is that the drain can be removed today and the dressing changed.

On another note, travel plans have been postponed until we have more information. There are a few things being thrown around by my family. There is currently potential that Leah, a friend, and I will drive straight through (about 28 hrs) and then caravan back with my parents over the course of two days. We're also considering the possibility of sending dad on a direct flight back from Denver, once he's stable, to avoid the taxing 2 day drive back. Our CO family is sprinkled between Denver and Colorado Springs so that gives us a few more options for flights in or out. As dad's condition becomes more clear we will be able to finalize our plans and take steps towards getting everyone there and home.

Praise the Lord for continued good reports on dad's shoulder, supportive family and friends both in CO and MI, understanding employers, provision for our travel needs, and for nationwide cell phone plans :) Please continue to pray for healing for dad, strength and rest for both of my parents, peace for my 3 siblings and myself, wisdom for the Dr's, and safe travel once our plans are able to be finalized.

I'll keep you posted ~ Ae