Our Quiverfull - Complications

Nov. 25, 2007

Complications

Noah has been continuing about the same with high fevers (103.4 last night), lethargy, and extreme pain when moved.   Early this morning his nurse realized that he was specifically having extreme pain if his left hip was moved. The doctors came in and checked him out - he has been 100% consistent. Moving his right hip isn't a problem, but moving his left hip seems agonizing. There are a couple of possible causes for this pain. First, his urine is also growing out gram positive bacteria. The doctor said he is so septic that his kidney could be infected and causing flank pain which is aggravated by hip movement. Another possibility is an infection in the joint or bone itself. Because the level of infection in Noah's body makes kidney involvement a very likely possibility, we are currently going to assume that it is the cause of the pain. If his urine starts to clear up but the pain continues, we might have to look at a bone infection, but this would involve painful, invasive testing.

Noah has had some periods of increased alertness this morning but went back downhill quickly this afternoon. His two speeds are pretty much either lying on me and sleeping or lying on me staring into space. He has brief periods of being alert enough to hold a small toy. The pain in his hip has gotten much, much worse as the day has gone on. He is not able to move normally at all. He falls over if he tries to sit, can't roll or shift positions on me, etc. He is so off-balance that his movements are very jerky and uncoordinated because he is keeping all weight on his right. The doctors have just come back in and have ordered x-rays, a surgical consult, and IV morphine for the pain. He is just so incredibly pitiful with this completely useless leg.   Diaper changes are truly agonizing when we have to move that leg.

We have been able to keep a better handle on his fever today by aggressively checking it as soon as he feels the least bit warm, and by keeping Tylenol on board. They are trying to avoid Motrin because it has to be filtered through the kidneys.

The doctor told me today that Noah is very, very sick and that she is worried about him. His little body is completely full of infection and she said that the road to recovery is likely to be long.   Little Sarah's 5th birthday is Sunday and we've been told to make arrangements to celebrate here.

I'm probably sounding like a broken record but I have just never seen Noah so sick or in such pain. We are clinging to God's love and His promises and don't know we could watch him going through this without god's grace and mercy being poured over us.   We are truly thankful for His provision of sufficient grace and for the love and support of all of you.

Love,
Kate

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Comments

Nov. 25, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by ThriceBlessed

Kate, I am praying for God's Continued Grace for you, that He would keep you in the Palm of His hand, and uphold you and strengthen you. Also for little Noah, for comfort and, if God will it, healing.
Vicki (SHS)