My wife, Paulette, is now in the hospital with COPD and on a ventilator because she has too much CO2 in her blood. The doctors are hoping they can get her in ICU (they are full now) and at some point wean her off ventilator (once they think her body has adjusted to a new and different level of CO2 in the blood). I do covet your prayers for her. We have been married 38 years and she is my best friend and soul mate. I have talked to her about when this time will come and that my prayers are that each of us (and that of our loved ones) is taken quickly by the angels and not have to struggle a long time suffocating or in pain. We have also talked about how we both may be able to leave in death before the great tribulation begins but feared for our children and grandchildren, especially those who do not know the Lord.
Thanks brothers.
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Praying for her, brother.
Thanks brother.
Update:
Got her moved into ICU last night near midnight. Her son Andrew (who lives with us) left this morning along with Miranda her sister and are both there. No one is allowed in the room, only waiting room. When I was with her for several hours yesterday afternoon, I observed how she was conscious at times for she would react to noises and things I said to her. I reminded her of God's promises to her and reminded her how much she is loved and how many are praying for her. I am hopeful that she can breath on her own before long. On the other hand, if this is her predestined time to go, I pray she goes quickly (I also) and that the angels carry her to heaven, minimalizing her agony and suffering.
Will keep all updated.
Today Paulette is still on ventilator but she is breathing 70% on her own. It may take several days till she can breathe on her own. She is improving and will be weaned off ventilator, then go to BIPAP type ventilator (like a cpap machine for apnea). We are trying to get her to stay awake. She is not being sedated (with fentanyl) yesterday or today but given Ativan to relax her. Was with her five hours this morning and talked to her. She was more awake and communicative yesterday. She tried to write on the clipboard for we could not understand what she was trying to communicate (like in charades). Her two children, Andrew and Miranda, are there. We rotate times there. Both of them are not working this week. Stressful for us all. She has many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Will be going back shortly. Thanks for all of you who are praying and have sent us word that you are praying. Her mind seems very sharp, better than two weeks ago (we play card games and she was having trouble adding scores, having "fog brain." So, we thought it was her oxygen level, but as it turned out, it was not that at all but her CO2 that was beginning to effect her thinking. Such a good woman. God gave her to me, no doubt about it. She is in many ways my salvation. I will dearly miss her if the Lord takes her home. But, she is three years older than I and she will be waiting for me on the other side of the river. She was such a good singer (alto and some contralto), loving to sing it or the bass line with her mother and sister, singing as a Trio in the churches when I met her at a Southern Baptist Church. We were made for each other. Many people don't know that we were separated for five years, but we stayed true to each other and were reconciled. Worst five years of my life. I was schooled of the Lord in those years, for sure. All our trials are for our education, like Miyagi said to the Karate Kid in the movie several times "father teach."
Just back from hospital. They took her off ventilator and she is on BIPAP. This is what she was on before going on ventilator (intubation) but it was not working as her lungs and muscles were too weak. Keep up the prayers. The next step will get her back to where she was (where she is on oxygen 24 hours). She gets frustrated because she can't talk clearly (too much mucous/phlegm) until they can clean that out. When she gets frustrated over our inability to know what she is saying, her heart and breathing rate jumps. So, at the time I left we had four people in the room and she needs to rest some now and does not need to be trying to talk. Will update when I get more news, hopefully all good news.
Last night she was taken off BIPAP and now she is back on just oxygen in her nose (which she has been on for 24 hrs per day for several years now). So, that is great. It is not the end, but is the beginning of the end, at least the end of the beginning. Keep praying. Thanks
She is back home! God be thanked. Appreciation to all who offered prayers for her at the throne of grace. Now, she begins her full recovery.
Still praying my friend!
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