Sunday, November 02, 2008

A Hospital Experience - and Other Stuff

Vacation - it seems long ago and far away! I will indeed get back to the travelogue soon. This has been quite a week! I have made a to-do list of things that desperately need to be done. None of them were accomplished this week. I have sat here in this chair every morning, though, to have my devotions and have thanked God for this beautiful tree - so many are now devoid of the fall beauty and have gone into winter mode. This tree is over the roof of my back yard neighbor's house and has given me early morning enjoyment as the sun glowed through its leaves -



Yesterday I splurged on a treat for myself - I needed it and I decided I deserved it -

I love yellow roses and the bouquet was at the grocery store for $10.00. I discovered yesterday morning that my rose bush has produced two more blossoms, so DC cut them and we added them to the beauty - it's supposed to go from unusually warm to more seasonal starting tomorrow, and we didn't want to lose them to frost.

But on to the reason I needed a treat. I should have really bought one for Kristen, too. I know you've all been praying for little sweet Feisty, and we really appreciate it. She was admitted to the hospital after I left that request, and I haven't had a minute to get back and update you. When she went to the ER from the doctor's appointment Wednesday afternoon, she had a temp of 104 F. She was a very sick little girl with many of the symptoms of the usual UTI scenario, with a few extra added in. They admitted her and scheduled her for x-rays and a renal ultrasound, on top of the blood and urine tests. She got way too many "pokeys" for her satisfaction. She was on IV antibiotics and rehydration until Friday afternoon about 3:30, when they released her.

I spent the night at the hospital Thursday so Kristen could be with the other three. Let me assure you - if you haven't been in the hospital, or spent time with someone there - hospitals are not designed for rest - ironically. I ended up holding Feisty until she went to sleep. During the night she spiked a really high temp and was soaking wet - we had to call the nurse and change the bedding. At some point in the night, she wanted me to sleep in her bed with her. Then she wanted me to leave. At all times during the night, her I.V. machines were beeping every few minutes. I had to call the nurses every time to come and adjust something - thank goodness the noise didn't wake up Feisty, but I couldn't sleep through anything. But in the morning, after a tough night, her little cute voice was back - she still had some fever, but was so much better.

I took this picture during the day on Friday before she was released. She got all of these toys from the hospital and visitors. It was wonderful to see her looking so much better.



The doctor who came to visit Friday morning was one we'd never met before, but really liked him. He told us that when they cultured the urine, the bacteria count was only 20% of what would be expected with the symptoms she exhibited. She was on an antibiotic which the doctor prescribed on Wednesday, but it was not the right antibiotic for the bacteria that were present. Ironically, she was getting better in spite of it. So this led him to believe this was not a UTI at all - he deduced that it was a viral infection rather than bacterial, but the origin was unknown. The x-ray and renal ultrasound showed no damage to the kidneys - which was a real answer to prayer. What a relief.

Finally we got to leave. We still don't know exactly what was wrong. We do know that she's better. That is the good news. The bad news is that she still is prone to UTIs. She'll see the pediatric urologist Thursday.

I will leave you with two things that have been sent to me this week.


Top Ten Predictions, No Matter Who Wins This Election (or whatever is going on in your life)

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed teaching and healing.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL?!!


It's All About the Ice Cream . . .
This was written by my brother's good friend:

The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching third grade. The presidential election was heating up and some of the children showed an interest. I decided we would have an election for a class president. We would choose our nominees. They would make a campaign speech and the class would vote. To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members. We discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have. We got many nominations and from those, Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for the top spot. The class had done a great job in their selections. Both candidates were good kids. I thought Jamie might have an advantage because he got lots of parental support. I had never seen Olivia’s mother. The day arrived when they were to make their speeches. Jamie went first. He had specific ideas about how to make our class a better place. He ended by promising to do his very best. Every one applauded. He sat down and Olivia came to the podium. Her speech was concise. She said, “If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream.” She sat down. The class went wild. “Yes! Yes! We want ice cream." She surely would say more. She did not have to. A discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream? She wasn’t sure. Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it. She didn’t know. The class really didn’t care. All they were thinking about was ice cream. Jamie was forgotten. Olivia won by a land slide.

Every time Barack Obama opens his mouth he offers ice cream, and fifty percent of America reacts like nine year olds. They want ice cream. The other fifty percent know they’re going to have to feed the cow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And to end on a lighter note --- the babies with Grandpa - they are really getting around now - rolling and starting to pull themselves along with their elbows. They are much more contented for longer periods of time now that they can be more mobile. It is fun to watch - not so much fun to try to change diapers, get into the car seat, or get them to take a nap! I've decided that before they were born, they had a little chat in utero and decided that they would take turns napping so that they could each have some one-on-one time.

21 comments:

nancygrayce said...

Bless little Feisty's heart! AND yours! I have been at the hospital with someone many times and it is so tiring! I'm so glad she's better and that she has no kidney damage. I'm praying they find the cause of her UTI's.

The tree is beautiful! The leaves don't turn here, they just fall!

I like the ice cream story and how true about Obama! I cannot imagine why people are so crazy about him. Our preacher had a wonderful sermon about the history of Christianity and politics. He also reminded us that no matter who wins this election, God is Sovereign and He is in control! I'm clinging to that! Our church is keeping the sanctuary open all day on Tuesday for prayer during the voting.

Tammy said...

Oh bless your heart...and Feisty's too....what a good grandma you were- that night just sounds awful for both of you! But so glad she is on the mend and that the tests were good!

I needed to read those truths about God...a great reminder that even if the most liberal person is elected with unBiblical beliefs, it's not going to stop God- or His people!

Hugs to you (and get some rest!)
~Tammy

Needled Mom said...

I am so glad that Fiesty is better and out of the hospital. I am also thrilled to read that the kidneys are in good shape. That's always one big fear with all the UTIs.

Those viral infections can always cause such a jump in fevers in little ones. And yes, the hospital is no place for any rest. I am just glad that you were able to stay with her through all the pokies, etc.

As we all pray for the election outcomes this week, it was so refreshing to read your post. As down as I get I always have to remind myself that He knows what he is doing.

I hope that you have a better week. You deserve it!!!

Izzy, Emmy 'N Alexander said...

I am so glad Feisty is doing better. What a terrible scare! I sincerely hope that the new urologist will help to make Feisty better overall and surpass the complications of UTI's. I too am very prone to them and know the pain and discomfort associated with that and kidney infections.

And such a sweet photo of the twins!

Sam said...

Beautiful tree and beautiful roses!

I'm so glad Feisty is okay now. You all must have been so worried. I do hope they are able to figure out why she is so prone to UTI's, poor girl. She looks as adorable as ever in the photo.

I can't believe how big those twins are getting! What a sweet photo.

Linda said...

Hi Dawn,
It's been quite a week - again. I'm glad Feisty is feeling better and home. We'll just pray that they can clear up these infections once and for all. It really amazes me that as advanced as medicine has become there are still things that seem so difficult to cure. My poor Dad has been fighting these sinus infections for more than a year now. Nothing they do seems to help for very long. They just can't seem to find the right cure.
I love the two little political things. Those reminders are wonderful. It really can get rather frightening just looking at what we can see. We just have to remember God is in control.
The ice cream story is absolutely dead on. I have to chuckle when they do those "man-on-the-street" interviews and ask people why they are voting for Obama. It all boils down to - he's the one who promised the ice cream!
Praying you all have a better week.

Jess said...

Gorgeous flowers... and so glad that fiesty is better.

Hope that your week is wonderful.. and the twins are getting so big!

Christa said...

Glad to hear that Fiesty is home and feeling better, I will continue to pray her. I know what it is like to be in the hospital with a little one and knowing what is causing the ailment, I will pray for you, and yours also.

So much truth in the Ice Cream story, that's how many people think.

Cut picture of grandpa and the babies. There just cute.
God bless.

Christa said...

Oops, and not knowing what is causing the ailment.

Kathi~Lavender, Lace and Thyme said...

Good Morning Dawn,

I am praying for Feisty right now! I know God's loving hands are all over her, how precious she is :). What a beautiful post to start my day off, I love the fall colors of your tree but I too love yellow roses, they are my favorite. I am giving up ice cream for now ;).

Have a blessed day,
Hugs,
Kathi :)

groovyoldlady said...

Poor Feisty! (and Mommy and Grammy!)

I'm glad to hear she's feeling better now.

Your ten predictions are awesome and irrefutable. However, on first look I read number one as "Barbie will still have all the answers."

Heh-heh-heh.

My brain is so weird!

someone else said...

I love that last picture with Grandpa and the Twins!

Unknown said...

I'm glad Feisty doesn't have any kidney damage. Maybe some answers will come on Thursday? I'm not too fond of "pokeys" either!

Sweet pictures of Feisty and the twins.

Well, we'll know tomorrow whether we'll be feeding the cow or not. Personally, I'm voting for the one who isn't going to take the cows away and give them to someone else.

Sharon Lynne said...

I'm so glad that Feisty is better! I'm sure that was quite a scare. I'm glad her body knew what to do, and rebounded. (Thanks God!)

I love the Halloween costumes.

You've been writing up a storm and I have some catching up to do!

Linds said...

Beautiful tree and roses, and not to mention gradndaughters too! I am so glad Feisty is better - and that her Granny was there with her. I do hope they sort out what is wrong with her soon.
The babies are beautiful too, Dawn - getting so big. What a year thi shas been!

Nancy said...

I will continue to pray for Fiesty, bless her heart. You really did deserve the roses... and some chocolate too (tell DC to go get you some).

The twins look so precious sitting with grandpa. They are growing fast. Look out, once they start moving around... you are going to have your hands full.

Robin said...

I'm SO glad to hear little Fiesty is feeling better. What a wonderful grandma you are! It's so scary when our little ones are so sick.
I'm glad you bought yourself the roses - you deserve them!

And thanks for the reminder that God is still on His throne - I think we are going to have to keep remembering that A LOT in the days ahead.

Susan said...

So sorry to hear you granddaughter had to be hospitalized. Trust they will soon find out what the true problem is. Yes, prayer works!!!
Susan

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Well, I'm so glad to hear that Feisty is better, but I know how frustrating and worrisome it is that she still has the problem and no real answers. I hope the visit to the pediatric urologist will yield some solid answers and solutions.

I voted early last week, so have that behind me. No matter the outcome, in God I trust.

Yep, the kiddos are getting bigger every day. Every time you put up new pictures I think what a miracle God performed in them.

Love and hugs,

Diane

Carole Burant said...

Oh that darling little Feisty, what a rough time she's had...I'm so glad to hear that she's now out of the hospital and feeling better but it must truly be frustrating that no answers have come forth as to what is causing those UTIs!! Hopefully the visit to the Pediatric Urologist will be successful in finding out. My prayers are with her!!

Can't get over how much the twins have grown, such sweethearts:-) One baby is a handful...I can't even imagine having two of them! lol Such a precious picture of them with Grandpa!! xoxo

Barb said...

I don't know how you do it with two, Dawn. Avery is at the same stage - rolling all over the place and moving around with her elbows and I can't keep up with her. She's in the plants, the speaker wires, the magazines. Arrgghh!

I'm so glad Feisty is OK but I sure hope the pediatric urologist gets to the bottom of the UTI's. I can't imagine how a little one like her handles it - they're miserable.

Cute, cute photos. The twins are as cute as they can be, and so little Miss Feisty!