Tuesday and Wednesday

It was difficult to post yesterday, and today we've had a bit of a roller coaster ride. The family received word late yesterday afternoon that the Shepherd Spine Center would not admit Dad to their program. It was very disappointing news, as the family was very hopeful that the Shepherd Center would help Dad regain some quality of life.

Gene's right diaphragm is paralyzed so he is on a ventilator. He often breathes mostly on his own and has had some good "trials" of 2 to 3 hours off the ventilator. Even when he is breathing mostly on his own he has oxygen support and some pressure like one would get from a c-pap machine. We are so hopeful that he will be able to come off the ventilator.

This morning there were visitors from Kindred Hospital. This is a facility here in Chattanooga designed specifically for patients who are on Ventilators. And lo and behold! there was also the physician's assistant from the Neruosurgery group. She was doing an evaluation of his progress and said that they were going to try to intervene with Shepherd to have him come there. Our understanding was that the two doctors would have a discussion to see what might be worked out. In the meantime, since I was in surgery, I had Mom give Steve the phone numbers of those who could listen to an appeal at Shepherd. Steve called and we think there may be some consideration of accepting Dad into a modified program there at Shepherd. I do know better than to get my hopes up! I hope we hear something soon!

Gene has gross motor movement in his shoulders, and arms. He has wrist extension. At this time, he does not have finger movement. His right side seems a bit stronger than the left. Today the Physician's Assistant from the Neurosurgical unit was there and said he also has some ankle extension. This is all very hopeful, but nowhere near the Gene who drove and had a weekly routine of Sunday School and Church, volunteering at the Extension office, Church on Wednesday, Kiwanis Club, The Christian Business Men's club, Gideons, and many other activities on his own or with Mom - including gardening!

It is very difficult for all of us to see Dad. But he is so patient, so brave, and so wonderful. This is yet another opportunity for us all to learn some life lessons from one of the greatest Dads ever.

Prayer requests:
Please continue to pray for Gene's respiration to improve to the point that he can come off the ventilator. Pray for his nerve cells to continue to regain function and for more mobility and strength. Pray also for a favorable outcome in getting Gene to the place that can best help him get weaned from the ventilator.