Sunday, October 25, 2009

Update...

Thank you all so much for all your kind words and prayers.

I have been a half of an inch away from absolute hysteria for the past two days.

He's a strong young man. He's a strong young man. I have to keep telling myself that.

Now that we're home and not at the hospital, each time the phone rings, my heart jumps into my throat in case it's the hospital saying he's worse. Or worse than worse.

He's a strong young man. He's a strong young man.

Another young man from our town was down in the city in the same ICU unit. They had to remove part of one of his lungs. We passed his parents and sister in the elevator, and I thought---OMG, I know them. Typically, the daughter was one of the passel of girls who had been calling the house when The Happening Dude first came to be with us.

Another strong young man.

Our boy had a bad night. The xray on his left lung showed that it was worse. They switched him to another type of ventilator to give him more support. Unfortunately, they had to sedate him more, so I don't know if he even knew we were with him all day. Yesterday, he was able to squeeze my hand. Today he wasn't.

The good news is that his fever was down from 104 to 100. His heart rate was down to a better level as well. The Xrays showed that his heart was enlarged, but it was a portable Xray machine, so they weren't positive. An echocardiogram showed that it wasn't and there wasn't fluid around his heart either, which is what they were fearing. His blood pressure bottomed out after he was admitted, and they've been keeping it up with fluids and medication.

He's a strong young man. He's a strong young man.

His kidneys are working fine. His blood gases were very good today. He has color in his face, which is hopeful. He's on three strong antibiotics.

He's not breathing on his own, but the machines are keeping his oxygen levels where they should be. He just needs time to maintain and heal.

He's a strong young man.

I debated about whether or not to write about this, but there is a scream---a violent, overwhelming, primal scream---trapped in my chest. It's so big that I don't think it will fit through my throat or my mouth without tearing me apart from the inside out. This is something that we never imagined would happen to us, no matter what we saw on the TV, because the kid really just never goes anywhere. Or hasn't in the last couple of weeks.

We thought it was JUST A COLD----on Tuesday we bought him cold medicine and he said he was feeling better, and three days later---it just happened SO FAST!

The doctor said that the virus can live up to 5 hours on surfaces such as steel, like on shopping carts and things like that.

Be vigilant. Wash your hands. Carry sanitizing wipes or gel or whatever you can get your hands on, and wipe down public surfaces before you touch them. This flu is truly a raging inferno that is attacking our young people with an insatiable hunger.

My boy, my precious boy...

Thank you again for all of your kind wishes and prayers, my friends. Please keep them coming.

He's a strong young man. Please pray that he is strong enough.

59 comments:

Charlie said...

Martha and I ccntinue to pull for the Big Guy and you're right--he's strong enough to beat it.

Clippy Mat said...

you must be so worried. i feel for you. hope he turns a corner tomorrow and begins the road back. fingers crossed.
:-)

Tiffin said...

Sending the most powerful oms, white beams I've got in my arsenal to your lad. Tell him people he doesn't even know are pulling for him, shoring up his strength. I'm a mother of twin lads in their twenties so my heart is right with you on this one.
Tui

Jan said...

Blessings to your entire family. Positive thoughts and prayers coming your way.

Green-Eyed Momster said...

Sending you hugs and love. You're a strong ATM. You're a strong ATM.

Joanna Jenkins said...

All my angels and prayers are with you and Big Kid.
This is a powerful post that left a lump in my throat that grew with every word. I'm saying it over and over with you.... He's a strong young man.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Chris H said...

Mate if I was religious I would pray.... but as I'm not... I will CROSS EVERYTHING and send good wishes to your STRONG YOUNG MAN! Thinking of you all {{{HUGS}}}

Joanne said...

Keep repeating your mantra -- strong and positive will give you all good results. My friend's son went through much the same a few years ago -- last night when I watched him play hockey for the New York Rangers I remembered how we all prayed for a great ending. You will have the same for your strong young man. The sedatives a for his benefit - he is strong I will watch Joanna's blog for an update.

Maggie May said...

I'm praying for him. I'm not religious but still believe in prayer.
I highly recommend lef.org for any medical information you might want to know to give your boy the best treatment. My family has used them for ten years through serious times.

Hilary said...

Sending best healing thoughts for your son. I'm here from Joanna's blog. Good vibes coming your way.

Hilary said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
litzi said...

My fingers, toes and eyes are crossed for your son to recover ASAP. The candle is still burning…

Jane said...

He is going to pull through this. I feel it. Stay strong for him. I can't imagine your fear. I'm sending you much love and you and your son will be in my prayers tonight and until he is better..and then some.

Matty said...

Although I can't change your situation, know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and him.

Debbie said...

I pray the Lord's healing hand upon your son and His guardian angels around his hospital bed. I also pray that the Lord sends ministering angels to give you and your family comfort during this time.

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Sending many prayers....

stinkypaw said...

Martha he is a strong young man, and so are you... Thinking of you my friend.

Unknown said...

Let's hope he is strong and can beat the virus. I am sure he knew you were there, even under sedation. A loving presence transcends medication. It sounds to me he is very well cared for and there are hopful signs.
Let's hope...Let's hope...

St Jude said...

He has so many people from around world wishing him well, he is strong and with everyone's thoughts and prayers he'll make it sweetie. You hang in there.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

I have prayed and will continue to pray for him and you as well. The Lord is ever present. Your son is very strong. xo

Cindy said...

I am from Canada, my prayers are with your son and to give you strength through this ordeal. Thankyou for posting about this, I came to your site through The Fifty Factor. aLL the best.

noexcuses said...

I'm praying, too. Joanna J. sent me over. I have four children from 16-24. I can't imagine the angst you are experiencing right now. You sound so very strong in your faith. Please accept my prayers for your beautiful child.

Beth said...

Sweetie, I haven't stopped praying and thinking of your precious boy - and you. Thank you for the update. The signs do look good - thank God he is a strong young man.

Brenda said...

I pray he continues to strengthen every day ATM. Hang in there.

Rootietoot said...

He's a strong young man. He is. He can beat this. He just needs time for his body and the meds to whip it. He's a strong young man and he has a fantastic support system in his family. He's a strong young man. He is. Go ahead and scream... Lord knows I would be. Scream, cry, break down and lose it completely. Seriously. Do it. He's a strong young man and you're his mother. Where do you think he got that strength from?

Star said...

Keeping all good thoughts for you and for him. Please keep us posted.

Boozy Tooth said...

Joanna Jenkins fro The Fifty Factor sent me over and I'm here to let you know prayers are being sent up on you and your son's behalf and will continue until we receive the all clear.

He is not only a strong young man, he's a strong young man with a strong loving mother, family, circle of friends, and the whole blogosphere sending out petitions for his healing and complete recovery.

Alixandra Hice
http://casahice.blogspot.com

Lori said...

I am here to say that I will keep your son and you and the rest of your family in my prayers until I hear differently. There is power in prayer. May the arms of God be wrapped around you and your mother heart to give you strength as you continue to be there for your son.

CiCi said...

Joanna Jenkins sent me here. My heart goes out to you and your family. I will keep checking your updates. Bless you and your son.

Willoughby said...

I'm stopping by via The Fifty Factor.

Your son and your entire family are in my prayers.

Unknown said...

Joanna sent me...just want you to know my thoughts are with you and I pray for your son's speedy recovery!

Joyce said...

Hi I came over from Joanna Jenkins' blog to let you know I'm thinking of your son and everyone and will for sure keep him in my prayers. Many hugs.... xoxo

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

My heart goes out to you and your strong young man. I will pray for him and your family. I will also put him on our churches prayer chain. It's a great way to get many sending up prayers at one time. I anticipate hearing about your sons miraculous recovery.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and may you day be filled with blessed good news. God bless.....

elvira pajarola said...

We all of us have YOUR BOY in OUR
PRAYERS.
Elvira

Pseudo said...

Came from the Fifty Factor. Prayers going out for your family and your son.

Joanna Jenkins said...

ATM-- The last thing I did before I went to sleep and the first thing I did this morning was to give your son, you and your family my undivided attention in prayer, and I will continue to do so throughout the day. I hope in some way you feel this prayer and find strength in knowing so many of us in blog land love and support you. Stay strong one and all. We're cheering you on.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

yorksnbeans said...

I came here through Joanna Jenkins blog. There aren't any words for this other than you have many many people you probably don't even know who will send you prayers including me. I got goosebumps when I read this and even though we've not met, it did hit me as something very real so much more so than just hearing about it on the news. May the angels above also be watching out over you and your son and all those close to you.

debra said...

{{{{{{{hugs and good thoughts)))))))

LB @Wait, She Said What? said...

I'm so sorry I haven't been online in a few days and didn't see this earlier.

You have my prayers for your son until you say he's better! I hope you have a good support system around you to help you through. I'll keep you in my prayers as well.

Cloudy said...

All of my prayers and all of my good thoughts go to you and your family right now. Sending even more love and strength.

Cheffie-Mom said...

I came over from Joanna's blog. My thoughts and prayers are with your son. Blessings.

2Wired2Tired said...

Stopping by from Joanna's blog too. My thoughts are with you and your family. Thank you for posting and letting us all know how quickly it can take a turn for the worse.

Anonymous said...

This is awful. I will be praying for him every day.

Big Pissy said...

I am SO SO sorry to hear this. :(

I'll be sending positive vibes your way.

Anonymous said...

Praying for you and yours--peace and wise doctors and your son's recovery. xo, Green Girl

Martha said...

My thoughts and prayers are with your son and your family I had a personal battle with septic shock when I was in my 20s, and it was the battle of my life. Taught me to not take a moment of life for granted!

Joy said...

Just linked over to get this update. I'm praying along with you and the others for your sweet son.


Joy

cary perk said...

My thoughts are with you and your family. I will keep him in my prayers.

Suburban Correspondent said...

Totally frightening - heading off to call my college-age son to see if he sounds sick...

Little Miss Sunshine State said...

Green Girl sent me over here. I'm another Mom of grown up kids. I'm praying for yours as he heals.

Lisa said...

I read about this on Green Girl In Wisconsin's blog. I will be praying for you all!! I can't even understand what you or he is going through. I had Phenomena as a kid and it was terrible (I also have severe asthma) but it was not to that point. *hug* Stay strong, we are all thinking about you guys!

Bill Lisleman said...

another The Fifty Factor reader wanting to lend some support. Recently found out my nephew's family got hit by it. Dad and his young son, they are OK now.
From what you wrote it sounds very tough for your son and therefore you too.
God bless and we are all pulling for him.

hooray said...

Praying right now! Love to you all!

LadyFi said...

Another well-wisher from The Fifty Factor.

Keeping you all in my thoughts.

Chrisy said...

Oh dear girl, sending healing prayers to your son...my heart aches for you as a mother to have to go through this...

Unknown said...

Prayers,
and I just called my away at university son,
man....

Tracie said...

Your son is in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry you are going through this.

pita-woman said...

Sending positive thoughts your way. Keep us posted.

Anonymous said...

Fingers and toes crossed for the big kid. The blogosphere is alive with people sending their prayers and thoughts. Be strong.