David called about 30 minutes ago and he was on the way home with Susan!! They were just crossing the lake in Rockwall and headed home!
We can all praise God for His continued watch care over Susan and the family.
Susan, WELCOME HOME!!!!!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday afternoon; 26 January 2009
David just called and Susan is scheduled to be released to come home later this afternoon!!!!!
He said the someone from the physical rehab came by and assessed her mobility issues, and reported that she was doing fine and did not need to go through their unit. There is going to be some socialization help available that will be set up to work on speech and memory issues that are still lingering at this time, but can be done at home in Greenville.
Praise God!!! He has worked miracles in Susan's life and in the life of this family - please continue to pray for her complete recovery from this difficult health event in her life. Continue to pray for David as he brings home his bride of 32 years! Pray for Jon and Julie for God's healing in their emotional turmoil over the past 12 days. God is faithful to help them through this thus far, and will continue to do so in the future.
Keep checking - it won't be long until Susan will be able to post on here on her own -
In His mighty grip at all times........
He said the someone from the physical rehab came by and assessed her mobility issues, and reported that she was doing fine and did not need to go through their unit. There is going to be some socialization help available that will be set up to work on speech and memory issues that are still lingering at this time, but can be done at home in Greenville.
Praise God!!! He has worked miracles in Susan's life and in the life of this family - please continue to pray for her complete recovery from this difficult health event in her life. Continue to pray for David as he brings home his bride of 32 years! Pray for Jon and Julie for God's healing in their emotional turmoil over the past 12 days. God is faithful to help them through this thus far, and will continue to do so in the future.
Keep checking - it won't be long until Susan will be able to post on here on her own -
In His mighty grip at all times........
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday evening; 25 January 2009
Susan's mother just called to give me an update for the blog - She reports that Susan is doing "better and better every day!" Today, Susan was walking in the hall and feeling more confident in walking, has a good appetite (totally eating on her own now without any help from anyone), and her short term memory is improving daily. Susan got on the phone for a minute with me and continues to express her love and appreciateion for everyone praying for her, and is apologetic for "putting everyone through all of this" (such a sweet heart of a lady!!!) The plan is still to get her into the rehab for a couple of days if they can get her a room tomorrow - still pending.
Susan's mother expressed her GREAT appreciation for all the family and friends who have continued to lift them up in prayer, and confesses that God is the one who has provided the healing, to the point that some of the doctors are amazed at the level of recovery that has been accomplished in such a short period of time.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow............Amen and Amen........
Susan's mother expressed her GREAT appreciation for all the family and friends who have continued to lift them up in prayer, and confesses that God is the one who has provided the healing, to the point that some of the doctors are amazed at the level of recovery that has been accomplished in such a short period of time.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow............Amen and Amen........
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Saturday evening; 24 January 2009
Kendra and I went over to visit Susan in the hospital this afternoon - and she is doing GREAT - Julie had helped her shower, do her hair and put on some makeup earlier in the day (I think I may have mentioned that in the earlier post). She was sitting up and talking with David and Julie. Jon has not been able to come over the past several days due to having a bad cold and not wanting to expose Susan to any germs - and he is really missing seeing his Mom - they are hurting for him as well, so pray that Jon gets better quickly and gets to spend time with Susan again very soon.
David was explaining the pacemaker/defib device - Kendra asked if there were any restrictions to Susan's activities now. He said the doctor told him that Susan could no longer scuba dive nor work as an arc-welder! (He did say that she could watch arc-welding, but could not hold the electrode any longer!!) Susan had the funniest look on her face and said she did not remember having done either of those before! It was a funny and precious moment with them - we had a really good laugh!
Susan's short-term memory still has some recovery to go - which is a normal reaction of the body to a major cardiac arrest - Susan tends to repeat things several times - she asked us three different times if we had met her brother (who had come to visit as well). It was kinda hard not to chuckle a little bit, but we restrained ourselves. David very lovingly and patiently tends to Susan and answers her questions (sometimes more than once!) It's quite cute especially knowing that they really anticipate this being only a short term issue.
There were several others that came in to visit, so we did not stay long, but they are all looking forward to Susan coming home soon. The plan is still to get her into a room at the Baylor Internal Rehabilitation unit on Monday - they are waiting for a bed to become available.
Keep them in your prayers - things are still getting better and better...
David was explaining the pacemaker/defib device - Kendra asked if there were any restrictions to Susan's activities now. He said the doctor told him that Susan could no longer scuba dive nor work as an arc-welder! (He did say that she could watch arc-welding, but could not hold the electrode any longer!!) Susan had the funniest look on her face and said she did not remember having done either of those before! It was a funny and precious moment with them - we had a really good laugh!
Susan's short-term memory still has some recovery to go - which is a normal reaction of the body to a major cardiac arrest - Susan tends to repeat things several times - she asked us three different times if we had met her brother (who had come to visit as well). It was kinda hard not to chuckle a little bit, but we restrained ourselves. David very lovingly and patiently tends to Susan and answers her questions (sometimes more than once!) It's quite cute especially knowing that they really anticipate this being only a short term issue.
There were several others that came in to visit, so we did not stay long, but they are all looking forward to Susan coming home soon. The plan is still to get her into a room at the Baylor Internal Rehabilitation unit on Monday - they are waiting for a bed to become available.
Keep them in your prayers - things are still getting better and better...
Saturday morning; 24 January 2009
The news continues to be great from David - he spent the night in the room with Susan last night while Julie stayed in the motel room at the hospital. This morning, she relieved David and he left to get some breakfast and when he returned, Julie had helped her Mom get a bath, fixed her hair pretty and helped her get her "eyes" on (makeup was done). David said she looked like she was "ready to go". They are so joyful at how quickly the Lord has blessed Susan with His healing, thankful for the prayers and ask for continued prayers as Susan begins now to work on regaining some strength she has lost through this last 10 days.
The song writer said it right when he wrote (and we can sing along), "Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above, with wisdom, power and love, our God is an awesome God...."
The song writer said it right when he wrote (and we can sing along), "Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above, with wisdom, power and love, our God is an awesome God...."
Friday, January 23, 2009
Friday morning; 23 January 2009
It hardly seems possible that this blog has only been here for a week - and it speaks to God's GREAT power and ability as Jehovah Rapha, the God Who Heals - to take care of Susan in 9 days... But, then we have to remember that He spoke creation into existence in its entirity and perfection in just 6 days, so it really is no stretch for an onmiscient, omnipotent and omnipresent God.
David reported just a few minutes ago that the doctor was talking about releasing Susan to go home today, but really wants her to get some physical therapy to help with her strength and endurance after what her body has been through - she is still very weak and gets nauseated when up very long. He tried to get her into the Baylor Internal Rehab unit, but they don't have a bed for her at this time. So, now the plan is for Susan to (1) have the IV removed as well as the heart monitor (everything there is good); (2) stay in Baylor through the weekend, have some physical therapist time there, and then hopefully (3) get a room at the BIR for several days of physical therapy before being released to come home.
What an incredible report! God is awesome, merciful, gracious, faithful, good, powerful, well - I'm overwhelmed right now, so fill in the rest of the blanks....
Please continue to pray for Susan and the family - weekends at the hospital are pretty quiet - not much goes on. I encouraged David to play cards, games, whatever they can do to help positively pass the time - and get plenty of rest...
David reported just a few minutes ago that the doctor was talking about releasing Susan to go home today, but really wants her to get some physical therapy to help with her strength and endurance after what her body has been through - she is still very weak and gets nauseated when up very long. He tried to get her into the Baylor Internal Rehab unit, but they don't have a bed for her at this time. So, now the plan is for Susan to (1) have the IV removed as well as the heart monitor (everything there is good); (2) stay in Baylor through the weekend, have some physical therapist time there, and then hopefully (3) get a room at the BIR for several days of physical therapy before being released to come home.
What an incredible report! God is awesome, merciful, gracious, faithful, good, powerful, well - I'm overwhelmed right now, so fill in the rest of the blanks....
Please continue to pray for Susan and the family - weekends at the hospital are pretty quiet - not much goes on. I encouraged David to play cards, games, whatever they can do to help positively pass the time - and get plenty of rest...
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thursday evening; 22 January 2009
Prayer Warriors:
Thank you for your patience today - I'm sure you all have checked the blog multiple times today - my apologies - I have been out of town until just a little bit ago.
David reported that Susan came through the pacemaker/defib procedure and is doing great. The doctor was VERY pleased with the results of the procedure and is greatly encouraged by her continued progress.
From what David said, it sounded like he and Susan played "20 questions" today - he was quizzing her about the car she drove, where she worked, the name of the business, the address, and she was answering them correctly, and sounded like they had fun doing so. Susan also asked her father (whom she works for) to verify that he would not fire her for taking off from work as long as she has - he told her he was holding her job for her (cute!).
The doctor mentioned a possibility of Susan doing some physical rehab prior to coming home and is checking on that for them - more on that later, but there seems to be a very positive movement toward Susan coming home rather quickly (within the next week possibly!).
Keep those prayers going to the Father - keep those comments coming in to the blog - Susan will need some additional positive reading materials once she gets home! It will be a blessing for her to be able to read all that has been said and prayed for her over the past week (and still counting).
Also, continue to pray for strength and rest for the family as they sit with Susan in the room, drive back and forth between Greenville and Baylor, attend to jobs, paying bills, walking the dog, etc.
Continuing to be held In His mighty grip...
Thank you for your patience today - I'm sure you all have checked the blog multiple times today - my apologies - I have been out of town until just a little bit ago.
David reported that Susan came through the pacemaker/defib procedure and is doing great. The doctor was VERY pleased with the results of the procedure and is greatly encouraged by her continued progress.
From what David said, it sounded like he and Susan played "20 questions" today - he was quizzing her about the car she drove, where she worked, the name of the business, the address, and she was answering them correctly, and sounded like they had fun doing so. Susan also asked her father (whom she works for) to verify that he would not fire her for taking off from work as long as she has - he told her he was holding her job for her (cute!).
The doctor mentioned a possibility of Susan doing some physical rehab prior to coming home and is checking on that for them - more on that later, but there seems to be a very positive movement toward Susan coming home rather quickly (within the next week possibly!).
Keep those prayers going to the Father - keep those comments coming in to the blog - Susan will need some additional positive reading materials once she gets home! It will be a blessing for her to be able to read all that has been said and prayed for her over the past week (and still counting).
Also, continue to pray for strength and rest for the family as they sit with Susan in the room, drive back and forth between Greenville and Baylor, attend to jobs, paying bills, walking the dog, etc.
Continuing to be held In His mighty grip...
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Wednesday Evening; 21 January 2009
Susan has been up walking some this afternoon although she is pretty weak. They will have her walking some more tomorrow after putting in the pacemaker. We are praying for the continued strengthening of her heart and for all to go well with the pacemaker.
Wednesday morning; 21 January 2009
David reported that Susan came through the heart cath with flying colors! The doctor said that the EKG was excellent, no blockages and that everything looked good from the inside as well. He reported that Susan's heart is operating at this time at about 45% efficiency - normal is between 50 and 60 - and this is more than twice what it was when she came in (was about 20% efficiency). So, he was very encouraged by all that the tests revealed.
She was in recovery for a short period of time, and then will return to her room. They still plan to do the pacemaker tomorrow (Thursday). The doctor further told David that if all goes as well as he expects, Susan might be able to come home sometime around the first of next week.
We will continue to lift Susan, David, Jon and Julie and the rest of the family up in our prayers, and be sure to give God the praise, honor and glory for all that is being done - He is the God Who heals - Jehovah Rapha...
She was in recovery for a short period of time, and then will return to her room. They still plan to do the pacemaker tomorrow (Thursday). The doctor further told David that if all goes as well as he expects, Susan might be able to come home sometime around the first of next week.
We will continue to lift Susan, David, Jon and Julie and the rest of the family up in our prayers, and be sure to give God the praise, honor and glory for all that is being done - He is the God Who heals - Jehovah Rapha...
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday evening; 20 January 2009
Susan has finally been moved to a private room - Roberts 1018 in Baylor Hospital. Susan will have the heart cath tomorrow (Wednesday) and then the plans are to put in the pacemaker/defib device on Thursday.
David reported that Susan is in good spirits, and keeping them laughing tonight - some from the medication, most likely, but they are enjoying each other's company tonight. Laughter is a healing factor in our lives, and even though it may be enhanced by some medication, laughter provides a healing all its own anyway.
Please continue to lift them all up in your prayers and they are very appreciative of the comments you leave for them - they are able to read them most every day...
David reported that Susan is in good spirits, and keeping them laughing tonight - some from the medication, most likely, but they are enjoying each other's company tonight. Laughter is a healing factor in our lives, and even though it may be enhanced by some medication, laughter provides a healing all its own anyway.
Please continue to lift them all up in your prayers and they are very appreciative of the comments you leave for them - they are able to read them most every day...
Tuesday morning; 20 January 2009
The report from David this morning continues to be ever encouraging. Susan had a restful night and morning. She is still in CCU awaiting a private room to become available - continue to pray for that. She was talking more to David again this morning and trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together. As David explained what happened again, her response was "wow... am I going to be alright?" David assured her she was doing great and was so proud of her in her recovery.
The nurse informed David that the doctor scheduled both the heart cath and the pacemaker procedures for Wednesday. While that is different from what David was initially told, be in prayer for tomorrow as they do these procedures on Susan.
For those who have expressed "thanks" for this blog - please know this is being done out of (1) love for our God first and foremost and give Him the glory in all that is done, and (2) love for the Herbert family. We have been "across the street" neighbors for nearly 20 years and do love them - our boys and Jon (and sometimes Julie) played many games of front yard football, baseball, soccer, got into arguments and came out of it all still enjoying each other. As parents, we would sit back and watch them work it out most of the time - it was great fun for our children to grow up in this neighborhood and we truly love Susan, David, Jon and Julie.... So, for those "thanks" expressed - it is our pleasure to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Herberts during this time...Give God all the glory, honor and praise for all He IS and is doing...
The nurse informed David that the doctor scheduled both the heart cath and the pacemaker procedures for Wednesday. While that is different from what David was initially told, be in prayer for tomorrow as they do these procedures on Susan.
For those who have expressed "thanks" for this blog - please know this is being done out of (1) love for our God first and foremost and give Him the glory in all that is done, and (2) love for the Herbert family. We have been "across the street" neighbors for nearly 20 years and do love them - our boys and Jon (and sometimes Julie) played many games of front yard football, baseball, soccer, got into arguments and came out of it all still enjoying each other. As parents, we would sit back and watch them work it out most of the time - it was great fun for our children to grow up in this neighborhood and we truly love Susan, David, Jon and Julie.... So, for those "thanks" expressed - it is our pleasure to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Herberts during this time...Give God all the glory, honor and praise for all He IS and is doing...
Monday, January 19, 2009
Monday evening; 19 January 2009
I need to make a correction about something I wrote after lunch - they are going to put the pacemaker/defibrilator in on Wednesday, not Thursday. So - keep that time covered in prayer for Susan and the family as well.
They still have not moved Susan to a private room yet (6:00pm) but the orders have been given, apparently waiting for a room to be ready. Susan continues to want to go home, and has not quite grasped the entire nature of the incident that took place in getting her to the hospital, so pray for her increased clarity in understanding that (and is most likely related to some medication they are giving her to help with general anxiety related to be in the CCU).
David did tell me that on Sunday, she was able to eat ice chips on her own, and ate a popcycle as well, cutting it into smaller pieces and eating it with a spoon with no assistance from anyone. Susan's strength is returning, and due to that, apparently some bit of willfulness is there as well (pulling out tubes, IV, etc.). Again, pray for God's peace for Susan, David, Jon and Julie.
Also pray for David and the family to be able to get the rest that is so needed as they stand by Susan at this time. They need that rest in order to maintain their own health as well.
They still have not moved Susan to a private room yet (6:00pm) but the orders have been given, apparently waiting for a room to be ready. Susan continues to want to go home, and has not quite grasped the entire nature of the incident that took place in getting her to the hospital, so pray for her increased clarity in understanding that (and is most likely related to some medication they are giving her to help with general anxiety related to be in the CCU).
David did tell me that on Sunday, she was able to eat ice chips on her own, and ate a popcycle as well, cutting it into smaller pieces and eating it with a spoon with no assistance from anyone. Susan's strength is returning, and due to that, apparently some bit of willfulness is there as well (pulling out tubes, IV, etc.). Again, pray for God's peace for Susan, David, Jon and Julie.
Also pray for David and the family to be able to get the rest that is so needed as they stand by Susan at this time. They need that rest in order to maintain their own health as well.
Monday afternoon; 19 January 2009
David reported just before lunch that Susan was going to be moved to a private room sometime this afternoon. The doctor was very encouraged by her progress and said that a private room would be very beneficial to her as well. There tends to be a development in patients in CCU rooms over a period of time that creates a heightened level of anxiety in them, and a private room will help keep this from developing.
The plan now is for tomorrow to perform the heart catheterization and check to make sure everything is working as it should. Then, they have planned to put in a heart pacemaker/defibrilator so that any future incidents can be headed off by the p/d. This will be done on Thursday (I think that is what David said, but later this week for sure).
The family is still greatly encouraged by the prayers and visits and provision you all are making for them in the name of our Lord and Savior - please continue to lift them up and watch the miracles of our Father in Heaven as this continues to unfold.
The plan now is for tomorrow to perform the heart catheterization and check to make sure everything is working as it should. Then, they have planned to put in a heart pacemaker/defibrilator so that any future incidents can be headed off by the p/d. This will be done on Thursday (I think that is what David said, but later this week for sure).
The family is still greatly encouraged by the prayers and visits and provision you all are making for them in the name of our Lord and Savior - please continue to lift them up and watch the miracles of our Father in Heaven as this continues to unfold.
Monday morning; 19 January 2009
I just got off the phone with David and he said that Susan received a "C" in conduct yesterday from the CCU staff! They took the ventilator off yesterday morning and the tube from her nose, and even removed the wrist restraints as long as one of the family was in the room with her - she tended to be much more relaxed when one of the family was there. Otherwise, she would take off her blood pressure cuff and want to go home.
Her blood oxygen levels have remained constant and according to David, is looking much more like her "old" self (not that he meant "old", but "former" - that is added for Susan's benefit when she gets to read this, I don't want David in any trouble!!). Her facial expressions, color and overall demeanor is more normal each time he goes in to see her. She is communicating more and more and continually tells David, Jon and Julie that she loves them, even told them yesterday how blessed she felt having them for a family...
David reported that the doctor this morning is still planning to get her in a regular room and out of CCU - so she continues to progress tremendously.
David expressed his heart felt gratitude for all the prayers that are being lifted up for Susan and the family - they feel the prayers and know that God is the One who is sustaining them at this time.
They have a laptop occasionally where they can check on the blog themselves and read comments, so please - add your comments of prayer and support for them to read when they can.
We can rejoice that we are ALL still in His mighty grip...
Her blood oxygen levels have remained constant and according to David, is looking much more like her "old" self (not that he meant "old", but "former" - that is added for Susan's benefit when she gets to read this, I don't want David in any trouble!!). Her facial expressions, color and overall demeanor is more normal each time he goes in to see her. She is communicating more and more and continually tells David, Jon and Julie that she loves them, even told them yesterday how blessed she felt having them for a family...
David reported that the doctor this morning is still planning to get her in a regular room and out of CCU - so she continues to progress tremendously.
David expressed his heart felt gratitude for all the prayers that are being lifted up for Susan and the family - they feel the prayers and know that God is the One who is sustaining them at this time.
They have a laptop occasionally where they can check on the blog themselves and read comments, so please - add your comments of prayer and support for them to read when they can.
We can rejoice that we are ALL still in His mighty grip...
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sunday Afternoon; 18 January 2009
The lastest message from David came in an hour ago and reads:
"Plan to move to room tomorrow"...
There is no way that a medical team (man) could progress Susan this quickly - only a
GREAT BIG GOD - something to keep in mind, just as God delivered the Hebrew people from Egypt, He is still that "Big D" deliverer today - Praise the Lord!!!
"Plan to move to room tomorrow"...
There is no way that a medical team (man) could progress Susan this quickly - only a
GREAT BIG GOD - something to keep in mind, just as God delivered the Hebrew people from Egypt, He is still that "Big D" deliverer today - Praise the Lord!!!
Sunday Afternoon; 18 January 2009
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
God's command here is to rejoice - not "for" our circumstances, but "IN" our circumstances. We are to rejoice not just over HUGE things, but in SMALL things as well. As Kendra and I drove out of the Crosspoint parking lot a few minutes ago, I received a text message from David as follows:
"Mom (Susan) just kissed me and said she loves me. She reached up and got a piece of fuzz off my chin."
Let us rejoice over the kiss between a husband and wife - let us rejoice over the statement she was able to make that she loves David - let us rejoice that she was able to pick a piece of fuzz off of David's chin... "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!"
God's command here is to rejoice - not "for" our circumstances, but "IN" our circumstances. We are to rejoice not just over HUGE things, but in SMALL things as well. As Kendra and I drove out of the Crosspoint parking lot a few minutes ago, I received a text message from David as follows:
"Mom (Susan) just kissed me and said she loves me. She reached up and got a piece of fuzz off my chin."
Let us rejoice over the kiss between a husband and wife - let us rejoice over the statement she was able to make that she loves David - let us rejoice that she was able to pick a piece of fuzz off of David's chin... "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!"
Sunday morning; 18 January 2009
I just got off the phone with David - quickly because we're on the way to worship, and have an all new reason to worship - Susan is doing even better this morning. They turned off the ventilator and she and David were able to talk - she is only whispering, but is talking to him. He told her he loved her; her response "I love you more". She also told David she was ready to go home! Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!!!!!! Rejoice with David this morning in the continued improvement in Susan. Read Romans 8:32 - and worship Him Who did not spare His own Son...
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Saturday evening; 17 January 2009
I just got off the phone with David (around 8:00pm) and he gave another encouraging report on Susan. The doctor told David today that Susan was even more alert today than anything he has seen in her thus far. David also said that Susan, not wanting to be tied down, and not wanting the tubes in her nose and throat, was able to bend over and pull on the tubes to remove them herself. Due to that activity, the doctors have now added some sedation to help keep her calmer so that the ventilator can help her body heal. The nurse told David tonight that they were planning to remove the ventilator tomorrow (possibly after lunch) and monitor her blood oxygen levels to make sure they remain where it should be. If it drops, they will have to hook her back up, but hoping - and us PRAYING that the blood oxygen levels will remain on the high side.
One correction to be made to an earlier posting - the heart cath will not be scheduled to be done until Susan is completely off any life support and is much stronger - so, that will happen at some time later, rather than as quickly as I had indicated in the earlier blog. Keep this in prayer as well.
David also talked about the wonder of the Internet and how word about Susan has spread world-wide in a very short period of time, and knowing that people are praying for them from all over, and...this has not even been announced in a church meeting yet! God IS soooooo good...... David expressed his heart-felt thanks and appreciation for all who are keeping up with Susan's condition and most especially the prayers that are being lifted up on their behalf.
Please continue to pray for David, Jonathan and Julie and the rest of the family as they remain vigilant at the hospital. Pray for God to supernaturally stretch the effects of what rest they get to compound into more "rest hours" than they actually are able to sleep. Also pray that the "picture" memories they have of Wednesday night will fade quickly and what they see in their minds is Susan healthy, vibrant and energetic.
One more thing was shared tonight - God is not only working to heal Susan's physical condition, but He is already at work healing relationships that have been hurting for a long time...friends from years ago are hearing about Susan and rallying around the family during this time. Once again, we see that Jehovah Rapha is the ACTIVE AGENT in our lives - not just a passive God, but an Active, Loving, Faithful, Merciful, Gracious God.....Amen and Amen.....
One correction to be made to an earlier posting - the heart cath will not be scheduled to be done until Susan is completely off any life support and is much stronger - so, that will happen at some time later, rather than as quickly as I had indicated in the earlier blog. Keep this in prayer as well.
David also talked about the wonder of the Internet and how word about Susan has spread world-wide in a very short period of time, and knowing that people are praying for them from all over, and...this has not even been announced in a church meeting yet! God IS soooooo good...... David expressed his heart-felt thanks and appreciation for all who are keeping up with Susan's condition and most especially the prayers that are being lifted up on their behalf.
Please continue to pray for David, Jonathan and Julie and the rest of the family as they remain vigilant at the hospital. Pray for God to supernaturally stretch the effects of what rest they get to compound into more "rest hours" than they actually are able to sleep. Also pray that the "picture" memories they have of Wednesday night will fade quickly and what they see in their minds is Susan healthy, vibrant and energetic.
One more thing was shared tonight - God is not only working to heal Susan's physical condition, but He is already at work healing relationships that have been hurting for a long time...friends from years ago are hearing about Susan and rallying around the family during this time. Once again, we see that Jehovah Rapha is the ACTIVE AGENT in our lives - not just a passive God, but an Active, Loving, Faithful, Merciful, Gracious God.....Amen and Amen.....
Saturday morning - 17 January 2009
I just received a text message from David regarding Susan - as follows:
She is able to track movement with her eyes - will follow commands - nods head - squeezes hand, still long way to go. Marked improvement. Still heart very weak.
Know that David, Susan, Jonathan and Julie appreciate and covet your continued prayer support in this situation. Our God is an awesome God - Who still sits on His throne and is still in control... Susan is in His mighty grip....Praise the Lord!
She is able to track movement with her eyes - will follow commands - nods head - squeezes hand, still long way to go. Marked improvement. Still heart very weak.
Know that David, Susan, Jonathan and Julie appreciate and covet your continued prayer support in this situation. Our God is an awesome God - Who still sits on His throne and is still in control... Susan is in His mighty grip....Praise the Lord!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Friday, 16 January 2009
Dear friends and family,
This blog has been created to help you more easily keep posted on the health developments of Susan Herbert. We went over tonight to Baylor Hospital to visit David and the family, and were also able to see Susan briefly. David told us the story, and asked us to set this up for him. He told us that he receives "many" phone calls daily, and loves to hear from each person who calls, knowing that you are praying for Susan and the family. The calls take a toll on the time he has to spend with Susan, however. David said he would call several times a day with updates and I will then post them on this blog - so, check back daily and even more than once a day, and the updates will be posted as they come in.
The following is the story from David of what transpired on Wednesday evening, 14 January 2009. Earlier in the week, Susan had developed a sinus congestion and had been given a steriod shot, but then on Tuesday morning, she was not feeling any better so she went to the doctor and was given another medication. On Wednesday morning, she took 1/2 of the tablet and reported during the day that she was not feeling "quite right". David left work Wednesday night at about 10:00pm and called Susan on the way home (as he typically does and talked to her as he drove home). When he arrived home, Susan told him she had made Jonathan some supper and there was some left for him. As David turned to eat, Susan leaned on the counter and told him she was not feeling very good and said that she thought it was a reaction to the medicine. Before she finished that statement, however, she passed out and fell to the ground, hitting her head. David called Jonathan who came in immediately, and David told him to call 911 which he did. Susan did not have any pulse and no respiration at this time. The 911 operator talked to Jonathan and coached David on performing CPR on Susan. They continued the CPR until the paramedics arrived. Upon arrival they applied shock to get Susan's heart started again, and before they left the house, they had to shock her a total of 6 times. They then transported her to the Greenville Hospital where they were able to stabilize her enough to transport her to Baylor at David's request. The medical staff told David that she had had a cardiac arrest and gave David a warning that there might be some brain damage due to the amount of time she was "down".
Upon arrival at Baylor the medical staff there further stabilized Susan and continued her on life support (ventilator) through Thursday and Thursday night. On Thursday night, she was showing some signs of being "combative" due to the restraints on her wrists. David told us tonight that Susan hates to have her hands held so that she cannot move, even when he is playing around. During the night last night, she was more aggitated, and while a friend was praying over her, Susan made eye contact with David and appeared to be able to focus on him for the first time. David continued to tell her that he loved her, and he noticed that her right hand was making a waving motion by bending her fingers over and over again as if she were asking for some help. He then told her that she should just relax and that the restraints were there so that she would not pull any of the IV tubes out, and she noticeably relaxed at that moment. She became more aggitated later again, but as David spoke to her, she again relaxed. This was the first sign that David had that appeared to be a positive development in her condition - that she made eye contact with him and held her gaze on him as he talked to her. She had also squeezed David's fingers on several occasions when asked to do so.
This morning, the doctor reported to David that she had been communicating with Susan that morning - even though there was no vocalizations due to the ventilator tube being in place, she was squeezing the doctors fingers, making eye contact and indicating that she was understanding what the doctor was trying to communicate to her. They also took off the ventilator for a period of time, but the blood oxygen level was lower than they wanted, so they turned that back on - Susan appeared less than happy at having that back on. David sees this as a "turning" to the positive and is extremely excited about the events of today.
The medical staff plans to do a heart catheterization next (possibly Saturday) to find out why there is a lower level of efficiency of the heart than normal at this time. Note: Susan has a history of problems with a prolapsed valve, but the doctor assured David that this did not have anything to do with her experience on Wednesday night, but that it was directly associated with the medication she had taken. The medical staff also told them that the CPR given to Susan at home was the reason she was still alive at this time. David recognizes that the timing was all in God's hands, and that all glory and honor be directed to our Father in Heavan.
One final thing tonight before I submit this first posting - when someone asked David earlier today if they could pray - David said, "No, BEG". David told us that he and Susan have spent 32 years together and he is asking God to give him much more time with his bride. Please join him in that prayer...
Again, we will post information and prayers as they come in. Please leave comments and sign in this blog page for the family to read later.
This blog has been created to help you more easily keep posted on the health developments of Susan Herbert. We went over tonight to Baylor Hospital to visit David and the family, and were also able to see Susan briefly. David told us the story, and asked us to set this up for him. He told us that he receives "many" phone calls daily, and loves to hear from each person who calls, knowing that you are praying for Susan and the family. The calls take a toll on the time he has to spend with Susan, however. David said he would call several times a day with updates and I will then post them on this blog - so, check back daily and even more than once a day, and the updates will be posted as they come in.
The following is the story from David of what transpired on Wednesday evening, 14 January 2009. Earlier in the week, Susan had developed a sinus congestion and had been given a steriod shot, but then on Tuesday morning, she was not feeling any better so she went to the doctor and was given another medication. On Wednesday morning, she took 1/2 of the tablet and reported during the day that she was not feeling "quite right". David left work Wednesday night at about 10:00pm and called Susan on the way home (as he typically does and talked to her as he drove home). When he arrived home, Susan told him she had made Jonathan some supper and there was some left for him. As David turned to eat, Susan leaned on the counter and told him she was not feeling very good and said that she thought it was a reaction to the medicine. Before she finished that statement, however, she passed out and fell to the ground, hitting her head. David called Jonathan who came in immediately, and David told him to call 911 which he did. Susan did not have any pulse and no respiration at this time. The 911 operator talked to Jonathan and coached David on performing CPR on Susan. They continued the CPR until the paramedics arrived. Upon arrival they applied shock to get Susan's heart started again, and before they left the house, they had to shock her a total of 6 times. They then transported her to the Greenville Hospital where they were able to stabilize her enough to transport her to Baylor at David's request. The medical staff told David that she had had a cardiac arrest and gave David a warning that there might be some brain damage due to the amount of time she was "down".
Upon arrival at Baylor the medical staff there further stabilized Susan and continued her on life support (ventilator) through Thursday and Thursday night. On Thursday night, she was showing some signs of being "combative" due to the restraints on her wrists. David told us tonight that Susan hates to have her hands held so that she cannot move, even when he is playing around. During the night last night, she was more aggitated, and while a friend was praying over her, Susan made eye contact with David and appeared to be able to focus on him for the first time. David continued to tell her that he loved her, and he noticed that her right hand was making a waving motion by bending her fingers over and over again as if she were asking for some help. He then told her that she should just relax and that the restraints were there so that she would not pull any of the IV tubes out, and she noticeably relaxed at that moment. She became more aggitated later again, but as David spoke to her, she again relaxed. This was the first sign that David had that appeared to be a positive development in her condition - that she made eye contact with him and held her gaze on him as he talked to her. She had also squeezed David's fingers on several occasions when asked to do so.
This morning, the doctor reported to David that she had been communicating with Susan that morning - even though there was no vocalizations due to the ventilator tube being in place, she was squeezing the doctors fingers, making eye contact and indicating that she was understanding what the doctor was trying to communicate to her. They also took off the ventilator for a period of time, but the blood oxygen level was lower than they wanted, so they turned that back on - Susan appeared less than happy at having that back on. David sees this as a "turning" to the positive and is extremely excited about the events of today.
The medical staff plans to do a heart catheterization next (possibly Saturday) to find out why there is a lower level of efficiency of the heart than normal at this time. Note: Susan has a history of problems with a prolapsed valve, but the doctor assured David that this did not have anything to do with her experience on Wednesday night, but that it was directly associated with the medication she had taken. The medical staff also told them that the CPR given to Susan at home was the reason she was still alive at this time. David recognizes that the timing was all in God's hands, and that all glory and honor be directed to our Father in Heavan.
One final thing tonight before I submit this first posting - when someone asked David earlier today if they could pray - David said, "No, BEG". David told us that he and Susan have spent 32 years together and he is asking God to give him much more time with his bride. Please join him in that prayer...
Again, we will post information and prayers as they come in. Please leave comments and sign in this blog page for the family to read later.
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