John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Shands, Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Hi to all Eastgaters and beyond,

I am writing this with Sofia's knowledge to give you the news. We were seen right away when we arrived at the ER last night. There were many who came to see her for treatment purposes and it was bittersweet for them to see her again. With all of that activity, neither of us got much sleep. But we got here safely and there was no black ice or snow during our trip, so we are both thankful for that.

There was a tiny hole on the right side of the 5th staple up from the bottom of her incision. It was leaking spinal fluid, so they sewed it up to prevent infection from entering the brain. She has been admitted to room 115-08, for how long we do not know. Several tests were completed today: blood work, a urinalysis, a CT scan and a lumbar puncture. Preliminary results show that there is reason to believe that there may be another hole in the next layer below the skin, called the fascia (I'm not sure of the spelling) which will need to be closed. Also, the dr. who did the lumbar puncture said that 'the pressure is a little higher than they would like.' The medical team is now discussing the value of a new surgery. If done, it would consist of closing the still existing hole and / or putting in a shunt to drain the fluid, but no surgery has been scheduled at this time.

Sofia and I have both caught up on our sleep today and she is looking rested, texting one-handed, directing nurses and questioning doctors.

She prefers to text only, and that will be as she has energy and time, and requests that, if you are wanting to phone for information, that you talk to me at 850 890 1618 as she has put in her voicemail message. For your convenience, I will try to have that phone on me at all times. I know that you are all concerned, so you may call most any time. One or both of us will probably be up! That is the nature of hospital life. For the time being, I am sleeping in her room only leaving to take care of necessities or to give her privacy.

Sofia has 2 specific prayer requests: 1. that they do not have to install a shunt and 2. that they do not have to do another lumbar puncture as it is very painful even though the dr. doing that procedure is very experienced.

The nurses are great and so are the doctors! We are very grateful for your prayers and your calls, and that Sofia is receiving such thorough care. We pray that you will continue to keep Sofia, and all who are caring for her, in your prayers. Visitors are welcome, and visiting hours are flexible.

We miss you all very much and will try to watch at least one service on Sunday. We will let you know if and when we are watching.

Sofia says, "God bless you all and God is giving me the strength to do all this. Praises to Him always."

Bye for now,

Sue

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