George Update

The last update I received about George was a good one. He is now one week post bypass surgery and still hanging in there. It has been quite an up-and-down roller coaster for him and his family and friends. Just when he began to improve and give us some hope, he would take a down-turn again. But then, just when we were about sure the end was near, he would take an up-turn again! I know there are countless angels surrounding this dear man. There is no explanation for the fact that he is still with us other than the mighty hand of a loving God. The last I heard, George was off almost all of his IV drips. The only thing they are giving him now is the sedative. His kidneys are functioning on their own once more, as is his liver. His heart is working on its own without the pacemaker. His left hand is very blue/purple and cold. His feet and ankles are also, but not as bad as his hand. The doctors say that there is likely some kind of blockage causing the problem, but if they try to do an angioplasty to fix it, the procedure would most likely kill him. So for now, they are rubbing Nitro cream on his hand and feet trying to improve the circulation, and hoping that he comes out of it with just some numbness. They have tried to allow him to wake up some, but when they back off the sedative, his respirations get fast and heavy, which is not good for him. So for now, they are still keeping him asleep with medication. He is by no means “out of the woods” and still needs our love and prayers! Also, his wife, children, extended family and friends need prayers and support as they go through such a wide range of emotions. His sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren from out of state were able to come and stay for several days, but had to get back home to work. George, of course, was asleep for their entire visit. Please say special prayers for them having to be so far away and not being able to come back when his condition changes from day to day. I have not been back to see him since last Tuesday when his condition first got bad. I still have a cold and do not want to take a chance on giving him something else his body has to deal with on top of everything else. I don’t want to give it to his wife and family either, so I just stay home and wait for reports by phone. That is a very hard thing to do! Of course, it pales in comparison to his wife, who has to sit there in the waiting room day after day helpless to do anything for him. I will post again when we some any significant change in his condition. Thank you to all my friends who read this blog and respond faithfully with prayers. They are indeed powerful and effective, as George’s life has proven! God Bless you all!