Late night notes: Luke had another sprint tonight, which is what they call his breathing exercises. He is steadily improving by taking slower and deeper breathes. His blood sugar level is better and they reduced his dosage of insulin and they may stop it tomorrow. His drain from the spleen surgery is gone. The left chest tube remains but the suction has been shut off. This will most likely be removed tomorrow.
Things are pretty much the same for Luke today. When we got in to see him this morning, they had stopped the sedative for a while. He was moving quite a bit and would react to our voices but still no eye contact. He is receiving insulin today to get his blood sugar back to a normal range. He's still fighting a temperature and it did drop while we were visiting with him. His temperature, in addition to his blood pressure and heart rate all seem to be riding a roller coaster.
They are planning on removing his other chest tube and the drain from his spleen removal surgery today. It appears the hole in his left lung has now healed. They will take an x-ray later today to check it and if confirmed they will remove the chest tube.
They have postponed the tracheostomy until Sunday. There is still the possibility that his lungs will recover enough in the next two days that it won't be necessary. That is our hope.
---Bill
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11 comments:
I cant imagine what you all must be going through. Our prayers have not stopped in fact the better that Luke is doing the harder we pray, often with tears of joy, joy because God is gracious.No doubt God has BIG plans for Luke
Thanks for all the updates
CHRfriendIST
Bill, Paula and Becky... we are joining our hearts with you in prayer for God to strengthen Luke's lungs enough that he will not need the trach. And just as I wrote about this wonderful technology yesterday, my dsl went down :-(. So I am in the soundbooth before volleyball checking up on you all. Becki, I pray safe travels home for you and peace in your heart.
Now faith is being sure of what is hoped for and certain of things not seen. I have the faith that God is working all of this for Luke's good and His glory.
Hang on to the roller coaster, it won't last forever.
Please don't be too discouraged about Luke not opening his eyes and making eye contact. My sister was in a coma for 2+ weeks and after waking up and knowing all that was going on and staring physical therapy, she still would not open her eyes. She even walked across her therapy room and washed her hands - with her eyes closed the whole time. We're not sure why she didn't open them right away - it may be a comfort thing. I hope you find comfort in knowing there are others out there who know just what your going through. Of course, we wish no one else would ever have to experience something like that. I pray your family everyday. Everything happens for a reason - we may never know why, but God has a reason for it.
Dear Dithrich family,
I want you to know that a large group of students at California Baptist University in Riverside, California are praying for Luke. We have been checking updates on him and have been witnesses of God's miracles and glory. Even though we don't know Luke personally, God does, and we know he has great plans for Luke. Be encouraged in the name of Christ, and know that you have brothers and sisters in Christ that are praying for you!
"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." -Isaiah 41:13
Praying specifically that his lungs will improve enough so that hee won't need the trach. But if he does, we know that he is in in the best care. First and mainly - God who gives the wisdom to the doctors and nurses to know just what to do and when. Through this tragic time many Christians have come together. W hat and awesome God we have.
Love and PRAYERS, Marge & Bud
Luke and Family...we've been praying hard since hearing of the accident.
Dave & Nanc
Dear Bill and Paula,
Thanks so much for your updates, we check often. Your family is constantly in our thoughts and prayers. We are so happy for all the progress Luke has made so far. He is such a fighter!
With Love,
Beth Shapiro and Family
Charlene and Jill Dithrich
Bill & Paula, I wish I could do more to help take care of Luke. I am continuing to pray for him and you both. Thanks for keeping us all involved in his condition on a daily basis. I'm sorry I cannot be there with you all. Imagine a *BIG* hug through this computer screen for you and Paula! I know that God is using Luke to touch so many people across the U.S. Stay strong Bill. Put on the Lord's armor. His love for Luke and all your family extends farther than we can ever
imagine.
Jess Heiss (Baker)
Dear Dithrich family,
My heart dropped when I heard the news of Luke. We were high school friends and I always remember his sweet smile and sweet personality!! Hearing your unfailing faith and trust in God while in this hard time is inspirational and moving. Thank you for being faithful. Luke is blessed to have a family like you. Continuous prayers flow from Virginia. In His name
Hannah Kipfer
Hello Bill and Paula, Thanks for all of the updates, we can't imagine what you are going through, but we will say is we are strong believers in miracles, we have Kyle and Megan to show for that.We really struggled with the fact they were born premature and constantly asked "why" but God obviously had a reason for us to accept the challenge and he must know that you two are strong in your faith to do so. Bill, as what you said about the roller coaster we also can relate to that and we strongly feel that will the support and love from from your family and friends and your Faith in God it will become alot smoother of a "ride" Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Sincerely, Ryan, Joy, Kyle, and Megan
I know everyone is anxious for Luke to open his eyes and make eye contact and we all are very excited about the day he talks to us...but it will be a little while and is going to take some work so dont be discouraged the important thing is that he is responding in one way or another and his condition is improving...thank you again for keeping us all informed I dont think you you realize how much this means to us...I will continue to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers and please give Luke our love.
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