November 17, 2008 9:48 AM
Tripp coming home today to finish his recovery
Just a quick note to say how grateful I am for all the prayers, encouragement, and practical help that is being showered on our family.
As those who've been through the past two months with me know, last week I was really nearing the end of my rope. With five kids at home - including four with Down syndrome - and a husband who's been battling his post-surgery infection, I've been functioning as a single parent (60 years old to boot!) while trying to sell a few articles here and there. Though I'm normally a fiecrely independent kinda person, something really needed to give.
Matt is home, which is a blessing, but he has gotten a job wating tables and is working double shifts, so he is gone 12 hours a day.
Last week when I wrote about how I was feeling, I wasn't expecting anything other than a shoulder to cry on. But God had other plans. I've learned so much in the past five days as He has shown me how much God He cares about our family through the overwhelming outpouring of love and support through the Body of Christ.
When I came home from visiting Tripp Saturday all the wood which we'd had delivered had been stacked securely by people I never even met. We have dinners promised all this week and I was told to plug in the extra freezer in the basement because freezer meals are coming too. This is going to be such a huge help as it has been difficult to even get out to the grocery store (we live in the country, so things are not convenient - a small price to pay under normal circumstances). And so many other offers of help. I am just overwhelmed and so, so grateful.
Daniel and I are on our way at noon to bring Tripp home after his latest hospitalization - 2 surgeries, 12 days. He will be coming home in the weakest condition so far. You can imagine how bad it is as they have had him in the hospital so long - usually they push you out as fast as they can. His body is weakened and his left leg is in sad shape after two months of surgeries and inactivity and fighting infection. He will be coming home with spacers in it which will hold it rigid for four months while they make sure the infection is completely eradicated. If he is successful in overcoming the MRSA completely, they will try a new knee replacement in March. We are so hoping that Tripp will have a knee and be almost back to normal for Ben and Anna's wedding May 22.
When they took out the knee replacement, despite the barrage of antibiotics, they found it crawling with MRSA. MRSA evidently is attracted to metal and "hides" in the nooks and crannies of the prosthesis. The good news is that the doctor is fairly certain that MRSA had not invaded the bone. Another positive: Dr. K said that Tripp lost very little bone matter as the prosthesis came right off.
Tripp has had a PIC line for about six weeks and will come home already trained to administer his own IV antibiotics. He will have two visiting nurses to monitor his wound, his blood levels, and the PIC line. He will see Dr. K once a week.
This morning I have been disinfecting everything and cleaning his linens. He has a hospital bed in our bedroom, and it's really a lovely spot for recovery as there is a fireplace there and it is cozy and peaceful and can be shut off from the rest of the house. He has exclusive use of one bathroom so we can really keep things uncontaminated.
Daniel is home and helping me get ready. Of all the kids, he has been the most negatively impacted. While Daniel has Down syndrome, he also has other issues which I have not gotten an official diagnosis on - either autism or bipolar issues. He has always been more problematic - uncharacteristically wiry and strong and even under the best circumstances stressed out. Since Tripp's last hospitalization he began wetting his pants at school (he's 12). His teacher and I discussed it and I felt like he was just incapable of processing his feelings and for now I just needed to bring him home and help him feel more comfortable and secure.
We will be leaving soon to get his Daddy. Two parts I dread: picking up the prescriptions while Tripp is in the car (why do they do this???) and then the final leg of the journey which involves a couple miles over a dirt road which feels like a washboard. No matter how slowly I go, the elevated center of gravity in the van means a nerve- and bone-jangling ride. Please pray for angels to wrap Tripp's leg like a featherbed tokeep him comfortable.
Once Tripp is settled I will be back to more Thanksgiving ideas. Also, will answer my emails :) In the meantime, I just want to say thank you - from the bottom of my heart - to all of you who've been there for our family.
Posted in Family, My life | Permalink
Comments
Barbara, I will most certainly keep your entire family in my prayers! Julie Klekas
Posted by: Julie Klekas | November 17, 2008 11:13 AM
So glad to hear Tripp is coming home to continue to recuperate. It's truly good news that very little bone was lost and that the MRSA seems to have been kept away from the bone...both bode well for the future success of his knee replacement. Prayers will continue for you all..with special ones for Daniel.
FYI for any future needs - perhaps the scripts could be called in in the AM so they could be picked up on the way in and avoid waiting in an uncomfortable car on the way home.
Posted by: Reen | November 17, 2008 11:17 AM
Thank God for people who can minister to your family during this time. God is faithful. I'll continue to pray for Tripp's complete healing and recovery. I be t with your creativity and sensitivity your family will discover many blessings through this trial and create wonderful memories together.
Posted by: Elizabeth M Thompson | November 17, 2008 11:36 AM
Barbara, it's good that Tripp can finally come home to his loving and busy family. I'm sure that will help take his mind off his pain a little. The fireplace will certainly be a balm.
I wonder if maybe getting Daniel to "help Daddy" could be a good thing for him since he probably feels very helpless seeing his daddy suffer. But if he can "help Daddy get better" by making him comfortable in whatever way he can, he might be encouraged by his ability to help and feel a sense of purpose.
You are all in my prayers!!
Posted by: Kim | November 17, 2008 11:45 AM
Barbara,
Why don't you find a pharmacy with a drive-thru window? We have a couple around here. We also have a grocery with a walk-up pharmacy window, so you can see the car at all times.
I'm sure Tripp will recover better at home. One seldom gets a deep sleep at the hospital, and you have to sleep to get better. Glad the MRSA is not in the bone.
One day at a time. Hope Daniel is able to relax. It is hard to see our children needing to cope with aversive situations they don't understand, and can't process with us verbally.
Posted by: Julana | November 17, 2008 12:23 PM
Daniel particularly has been in my prayers. I'm so glad he's able to be home with you instead of in school right now. I'm praying for his peace with Tripp's condition as you bring him home as well.
Posted by: miller.schloss@gmail.com | November 17, 2008 1:23 PM
Dear Barbara,
Please know that your family is included in my daily rosary intentions. I know your time and finances are very limited but please do a quick google check "manuka honey mrsa" I have given it to family members for sore throats and other ailments but it is considered serious medicine in New Zealand and the UK. Amazon carries it. It is vital to get the certified one with a UMF of atleast 12 but higher is better. I don't think any local healthfood stores carry it, as it is very pricey.
In Christ,
Janet H.
Posted by: Janet H | November 17, 2008 2:28 PM
Barbara- You are constantly in my prayers. My 7 year old is also praying....Please let Tripp know that there is a large group of people praying for him.
Posted by: Lisa | November 17, 2008 2:35 PM
Praying for you all!
Posted by: Amelia | November 17, 2008 3:39 PM
What a relief! Still quite a journey ahead, but I can feel your relief to have help in your post. Thank God for the body of Christ. Prayers for a speedy and complete recovery. And for you and Daniel and everyone....Peace.
Posted by: Shelley | November 17, 2008 4:33 PM
I hope the ride home was ok and I hope he'll recover faster under you love and care at home.
My prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: LadyLovas | November 17, 2008 6:07 PM
Thank you Jesus! We are so happy that he is coming home.
Posted by: Lisa G. | November 18, 2008 6:51 AM
Oh Barbara,
I am happy that Tripp is coming home. Yes, may his leg do well over the bumpy roads! I know it will be nice to have the family back together. I am so grateful for your awesome neighbors!!!! Way to go!
-Shannon in Austin
Posted by: Shannon Best | November 18, 2008 1:49 PM
I'll be praying for you.
Posted by: Jillian | November 18, 2008 2:09 PM
Will be praying for your family and for a safe journey home.
What a blessing to have so many people helping you. God is so good!
Posted by: Debi B | November 19, 2008 12:31 AM
