Afternoon update: Luke continues to come out of his sedation. He still hasn't opened his eyes to make eye contact yet, but he is showing more response to voices and stimuli. We are elated but there is a down side. As Luke comes around he is going to be disoriented as well as being bothered by the breathing tube and his injuries. This will be very scary for him and he will most likely react violently and have to be restrained. Pray for him during this period, which should last the next day or so, and for us as it will be tough for us as well. With his improvement througout the day, I'm anxious to get back in to see him for the 8:30 to 10:00 visiting hours!
When we got in to see Luke this morning, the nurse told us that he was responding to commands. We were elated with the news and a little disappointed that we weren't there to see it, but it happened before visiting hours for the ICU. Later on I was there with a Border Patrol agent and the nurse worked with him again. On command Luke partially opened his eyes, moved his fingers and his toes. A little later when the nurse was cleaning out his mouth and throat with a suction tube it was causing Luke discomfort and he grimmaced. It reminded me of times when Luke was a small child and we tried to feed him something he really didn't like! Shortly Paula, Becki and I will be with him again and they will get to see him respond too. We've been waiting for this for over a week! He is still very out of it but what a wonder to behold!
God has answered prayer for Luke's kidneys. After being told last night that today he would definitely be put on dialysis, today his kidneys are functioning well enough that they are holding off that procedure.
They have reduced the oxygen percentage of the air in his respirator to 45% and they are going to remove today the chest drainage tube on his right side. They had put tubes in both sides because both lungs had collapsed from the impact. The left lung still has a small perforation so that tube will remain for a while.
Time to get back to Luke. If there is anything more to update, I will post it later.
---Bill
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
27 comments:
PRAISE THE LORD!!!! What wonderful news to be hearing!! I will continue to pray for Luke and all of you out there with him.
Like I said Paula, the Holy Spirit has Luke in the palm of His hand. What joyous news for you as we continue standing in the gap for our BP brother:)
I was so sad to hear about Luke's horrible accident. I am glad, though, that you guys have put this blog up so we can all keep track of his progress. I know it's just another addition to the many people who have already posted on this site, but I wanted to let you guys know that my thoughts are with him, as well as the rest of the Dithrich clan. I feel in my heart that he will be okay because Luke is such a sweet caring person. Keep your heads and hopes up.
- Carrie
Great news. Thanks for keeping us inform of Luke's progress. We will still continue with prayer for you and your family.
<3 Aunt KK
Wonderful news! All of you are in our prayers, especially Luke. Thanks for finding ways to keep us informed of his condition.
Praise God!! If you think you feel an earthquake, it may just be all of us jumping up and down for joy with you :-)
Our God is a great and merciful God. The Great Physician. Isn't it wonderful knowing that your son is in His hands?! Our prayers will not cease, though our praises will be added to them.
We are happy to hear that Luke is doing well and responding. You all will be in our continued prayers and thoughts! Thank you for keeping us updated!
Josh & Kristen Snyder
We just read about Luke and have thought of him and your beautiful family all day. Our prayers are with you and Luke. What a wonderful young man he became. I remember him as a little boy when you brought him into the bank where I worked. Your love and everyone's prayers will help him heal.
I just recieved the phone call from my mom who read to me the paper about Luke. you are all in my prayers and I believe that Luke will pull through this, he is a strong and determined young man and God knows we all still need him here. I am relieved to hear the news of his improvement in condition and will be praying for all of you. Please if there is anything you need let me know and thank you for keeping us updated.
-Jess Rossey
How blessed we are. God has a plan and a purpose for everything. In time we will know his plan for Luke and your family. How comforting to know He is with us ALWAYS. Just reading the blogs give us a feeling of how many people, some you know and some you don't, are praying to the same heavenly father for healing and comfort. The path may be long and rough at times but we are blessed with fellow believers and knowing that our creator is watching over us. Thanks for taking the time to keep us updated. We are looking forward to pancakes at Applebee's. Their generosity says a lot for a very fine young man, Luke. Praise God for hearing and answering our prayers. We always believe He does but what a testimony Luke and you, Bill, Paula, Becki and Ben are. Get rest when you can and God bless all of you. Our prayers are constantly wih you - during the day, at mealtimes, riding in the car, bedtime.
Love, Marge & Bud
To all the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily and we will keep track of Luke's progresson this site. God is truely with all of you and most of all wrapping his arms around Luke and helping him through this difficult time. Just find peace knowing the showers of prayers that are being said daily for all of you.
Karen and Dave Shaffer
I got chills when I read your latest update. We are all cotinuing to pray for you. I am keeping Ron and Cathy updated (you know how computer un-savy they are! :-) They ask us daily for an update. All of our prayers are being answered, and you bet we're not stopping yet! Thanks again for the daily updates.
I know how hard a grievous injury can be for the family. You can rest assured that whatever you guys are going through, he's going through something a bit more intense. My Dad tells me that if I ever put him through something like that again, he's going to shoot me as soon as I get out of the hospital :) You have my support, and you'll have my financial support as soon as I get paid :p
I do pray that Luke will sense God quieting him with His love and that Luke will hear God singing over him. I pray His peace will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus especially durning this wake up time.
I so remember the waking up part, as much as we want them awake it is a very hard thing to watch your loved on go through. The good part is that in the end they don't usually remember it. I will pray for the peace that only God can give, for you as a family, and for Luke, It sounds like the staff lets you know ahead of time what to expect, that is good. We have also been praying for Luke to rest in the fact that God has great plans for him. The road ahead is a hard one, but God will never let go of any of you, so hold on tight and watch as God's great plans unfold.
Always, praying
Love Lizzy
What an answer to prayer! I know you all have been waiting for the day when you would be able to talk to Luke! GREAT NEWS!!!! Thinking of you all!
-Jenna
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Luke and your family, during this time of healing and waiting.
Shartle family
I just found this site.Saw in tribune.Please know we are praying for all of you.Just know lots of people are praying for you-all.We know how prayer helped us through the time Allens little boy was in the hospital this summer.Take care of yourselves.Becky I hope all is going well with you.Allen told me you and Kathy are due about the same time.The Millers,Mahlon,Betty Liz,and Amanda
We've just received the news about Luke, and we wanted to let your family know that he's in our thoughts & prayers. We'll pray that he'll continue to come out of sedation well.
-David & Trina Knauff
Dear Dithrich Family,
Rejoice for God is good. God's hand is holding Luke and comforting him. He can feel the warmth of Jesus and knows that He is there. I pray for Luke's recovery and strength and to give you comfort.
Kathy Henry
Bill, Paula & family:
Each day, the Kennedys refer to your appreciated comments & are thankful for such.
The extended MAYBS family is following Luke's progress with support for his continued recovery.
As for me, Luke (& of course mom, dad, sister & brother) is on my mind 24/7 with prayers for continued good recovery progress.
DK
We were so sorry to hear/read about Luke's accident. What a wonderful young man he is. We along with so many others across this great nation will continue to lift Luke and you, his family, daily up to our "Great Physician" who can and will continue to show love, mercy, and healing. We will continue to pray daily for Luke's healing, especially the next few days as he comes out from the sedation.
Thank you for taking the time to do this blog to keep everyone updated. The Milby/Kelihar family
Bill, Paula, Becki, Ben & Luke,
We are so excited to read about the great progress that Luke is making (with God's hand). We continue to pray for all of you at this stressful time, but are praising God for Luke's life. We will pray specifically for Luke as he is coming out of sedation, for him physically, spiritually and emotionally. You are in our thoughts and prayers 24/7.
Brett, Joy, Paige, Emily & Bryce
Fire Back Up P.A. Your IB family and fellow PA's are praying for you still. Strength to your family here in San Diego.
Luke and Family, you are all in my prayers. May God give you strength and comfort in these difficult days.
Bill,
Barry and I learned today (at the LL State Meeting) that we could get updates on how Luke is doing by using this blog. We pray for him daily and for you and your family. Thank you for taking the time to post updates. It is very clear how much you are all loved.
Jennie and Barry Todd
Post a Comment