Pocket McDeb - The Personal in PDA

Saturday, December 13, 2003 06:16 PM

Another Mom Update

I've received several email messages from folks looking for an update on my Mom. I continue to be amazed by the number of kind people who offer prayers and get well wishes for someone they have never met. My family thanks you.

Wednesday was an awful day. Mom's blood pressure dropped dangerously low and she was running a 105 degree fever. The doctors told us to call in the family and say our goodbyes. They did not expect her to make it through the day. But, by Thursday morning, she was still here, and showing some minor improvements. They were finally able to identify the raging infection that was causing the high fevers. It's called Klebsiella and is one very nasty germ, most likely acquired while in the ICU. She's receiving the antibiotic for it and seems to be responding. Mom is still on a ventilator and heavily sedated. But, her vitals are very good today and the chest x-ray is much better as well. She has not had a fever for 3 days now, so that's a wonderful sign. She's scheduled for a tracheostomy on Monday so that we can finally get that intubation tube out of her throat and start waking her up.

The doctors and nurses are amazed. I never doubted Mom's determination and strong will. We are not out of the woods yet, but Mom has demostrated loud and clear that she's not ready to go anywhere just yet. My Mom is a very special person and she still has a whole lot more to do on this earth. She's finishing up her social work degree at age 61 and is very active in her church. She is also an interpreter for the deaf and runs a food drive that has fed thousands of needy families. She is loving, funny and very determined. It's going to be a long road back, but I know she can do it. Actually, we will do it together.

Thanks again for all of your kind words and prayers.

Posted by at 6:16 PM

Comments

Deb, My prayers are with your Mom, you and your family this holiday. May she make a speedy recovery!

Posted by: Debbi at December 13, 2003 6:28 PM

Deb, it's hard to believe what your mother has been through, and I can't imagine what it has been like for you and the rest of your family. It's wonderful that she has been able to hang on so they could identify the infection. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Posted by: Elaine at December 14, 2003 3:13 AM

Thank you for sharing the "journey" with your Mom this Advent season - it is a gift of hope for many who only see darkness and despair in their life. May God continue to reign down his healing touch on your Mom, and may he bless you and your family this Christmas.

Posted by: Dee at December 14, 2003 2:54 PM

Deb, Thank you for taking the time to let us know how McMom is. You all have really been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be.

Posted by: Margarette at December 15, 2003 3:11 AM

Thanks for the continuing updates on your Mom. I remember looking at her website some time back and agree that she sounds such a special person. There must be a lot of support behind her right now, from all those whose lives she has touched. We're all hoping and praying that you get some really good news before Christmas.

Posted by: Kendal at December 15, 2003 1:03 PM

Hi Deb. I'm glad to hear that there has been some improvement with your Mom. I hope she continues to get better with each day. Hugs.

Posted by: Pam at December 16, 2003 4:35 PM

Deb,

Thank you so much for keeping us informed about your Mom. I know it is probably suprising that folks encourage and pray for your Mom, family and you (you've said this before) and we've never met her, but from my perspective...the Love of God does not know any strangers! We're all part of the same family...HIS family. Family sticks together and prays one for another. What touches one should touch all.

Know that you are loved by your extended family!
I'm thanking the Lord in advance for your Mom's full recovery and healing!

Big hugs,
Yolanda

Posted by: Yolanda at December 17, 2003 11:30 PM