Genetics are still searching for some potential lysosomal storage issues. We had to cancel an appointment yesterday for an eye exam to look for some things. The 17 x-rays that were taken in December didn't show any bone issues pointing to lysosomal storage problems but they did bring out that Carissa has osteoparosis. We are thankful to find that now since it can be treated with diet and supplements. Those of you who know Pamela well know that she is all over that... with something at least organic and likely raw or fermented.
Yesterday evening we had our first off schedule hospital visit when we took Carissa in when her breathing difficulty and coughing wouldn't ease along with an escalating fever. She has pneumonia and is now being treated for that. Healing is already evident as she has been able to have a couple periods of rest since we got home around 4:30 this morning and between the breathing treatments. It was a challenging night since Luke is in the middle of a severe cold and Colton has a minor cold/earache. They had to sit in the Expedition for 9 hours through the ER ordeal. We are very thankful for Pastor Mike showing up to sit with them a while so I could help Pamela during some of the tests that were run. Carissa knows things are coming when they start with that blood pressure cuff. Even as sick as she was she never really cries except when things are actually being done to her. She's a tough cookie.
Carissa is always quick to flash a smile, especially to Daddy, and the absence of that yesterday helped our decision to go on to the ER. Part of the evidence of healing this morning was she would stop fussing and flash that grin I could see through the mask as she was doing her breathing treatment. Colton has his infectious laugh, Luke has his "Oh goodness, what has he just gotten into" mischievous grin, and Carissa has her "I couldn't be happier to see you" wrinkle-nosed smile. We are truly blessed because who doesn't like to smile and laugh with children and teens.
Even in the ER last night it was so evident how far God has brought Carissa. We used to watch her pulse-ox readings while she was on the ventilator, then the CPAP, then the nasal cannula, then anxiously through the test to see if she could get off oxygen, always hoping and praying that she could stay around 90 and not drop below 85. Last night, in the midst of wheezing, coughing, and laboring to breathe, our little miracle was generally in the mid to high 90's, never even going as low as 90. What an incredible reminder of how amazing our God really is.
- Please thank God for His continued healing of Carissa that is so evident in her life.
- Please pray for Carissa's continued healing from the pneumonia and that the treatments and antibiotics will do their job
- Please also pray for Luke and Colton. It is rough when you don't feel well and you probably aren't getting quite the attention your parents want to give you that is so important in the healing process.
- Please pray for our wisdom in protecting Carissa during this challenging season of sickness going around
Thank y'all so much for your continued prayers...and please keep'em coming.
Yours and His,
Terry
