Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Benjamin is still on the conventional ventilator. It got explained to us on Sunday that it isn't really better but just different than the oscillating ventilator. With the conventional ventilator they can tweak the setting to wean him off easier. But he is not ready for that yet! He is still on 40% O2 and higher pressure settings. They move him from back to front every 6 hours and he always goes up on his O2 and doesn't tolerate it very well. But they have to move him otherwise he gets bedsores. On Sunday when the nurse told me that he didn't tolerate being moved very well, I mentioned that I probably wouldn't be holding him then. To which she replied that "no, I would love to tell you yes but he isn't ready for that and probably won't be for a while." I was really discouraged that night as I really want to be able to hold my little boy again. But I also don't want to hold him if it is going to make him go backwards.

Yesterday when I was there, I gave him a lotion rub and he seemed to like it. When they moved him from his stomach to his side, he did not like it at all. He started kicking his legs and moving his hand trying to grab some lines. Even though I don't like to see him upset it is good that he is fighting and showing more strength. A couple weeks ago he didn't even do this. Now he is showing when he doesn't like something. He started crying when a physiotherapist did chest physio. He likes the patting but not the vibrations. It's so sad to see him cry. His face scrunches up and tears come out of his eyes but he can't make any sound because of the ventilator. Then when I told him that I had to go he started crying again.

Please pray for strength and safety for us as we drive back and forth. I try to just look at just the day or week as when I look ahead I get very discouraged. We've been told it could take up to 6 months of him being in the ICU but that isn't a firm number either. It all depends on Benjamin and how fast his lungs heal. Also please pray for all the other families who are going through hard times right now- a 17 year old boy who has ended up back in hospital, a 14 year old girl who is at Children's, and a family who's father just found out he has cancer.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Those must be really hard times, that many of us cannot comprehend. We are praying that Benjamin will keep fighting and get stronger every day, and that you and Gary have strength to carry on. Also that you can keep on praying to God almighty in this very difficult time in your lives.
F&M

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all that healing may continue and strength in this difficult time. Also for other families in their need and especially for those in Japan. We love you and big hugs love Dad and Eleanore

Eileen said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We know how hard the waiting is - but he is a fighter and each new day however miniscule the progress brings joy. Love and hugs to all, Eileen and Doug

Anonymous said...

Dear Gary and Greta,
You are never far from our thoughts and continually in our prayers. May God continue to give you strength each day and grant you travelling mercies. As I read your post, I was reminded of this song, and I am sure it is familiar to you.
Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Every day, the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He Whose Name is Counselor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made.
Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.

We pray for healing for Benjamin too, and hope that he can also feel God's love surrounding him.
Love from the DeGroots

Janet Les said...

Thanks for the updates and know there is much prayer for your family.
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1 John 5:14-15

Anonymous said...

You are always in our prayers Greta and Gary. Prayers have been working considering how he is doing now compared to a month ago. God is great!
Jolene E.