This is Juli Unternaehrer, (Becki's sister) on her behalf. For those of you who have expressed an interest in helping with the current situation, I want to let you know that you can contribute to a fund to defray expenses like lodging, etc. We have sent up a Paypal account for this and it should work even if you do not have your own account. You can click on the link below, or just go to www.paypal.com and click on the "Send Money" tab and then use the email address johnhknobloch@gmail.com - then click Personal, and gift. Thank you for all your continued support and prayers.
— with John Knobloch.Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Aortic Dissection Repair day 13 1/27/13
January 27
It's early Sunday morning...someone asked how I am doing, so, me first! I got antibiotics immediately and am fine, praise God---could not afford to be sick NOW! Never had such a quick recovery cause I always try to fight it first myself! I've had wonderful support from my kids, from my sister, Juli, from Paula, Benita, Gail, and John's sisters, Ruth and Esther. I did sleep all alone last night and it felt scary so I called first my brother and then my sister and then finally went to sleep around 10 and slept till 3, relieving Ruth and Esther about 4.
Deb asked about Paul. He hasn't been here, just Ruth and Esther came on Friday and they are so glad they did!
Sabbath (yesterday) was busy for me...Esther and I got up and relieved Ruth at 4 am. John had wanted someone with him cause some of those nights had been awful for him. Esther kidnapped me about noon, took me for a long walk in the park next to the hospital; enjoyed the ducks in the water, seeing the ice rink, and just being active. Then we went to a nice lunch with Ruth.
Esther has four great kids. David, her oldest, is a Family Practice physician at Loma Linda. He told her yesterday to take care of me....so I reaped the benefit!
Came back to several visitors, most of whom I chatted with briefly and sent away. Even I can no longer deal with them...though I appreciate their interest. But I did have a group of three or four from Rolla that I had planned on and we cozied down in the TV room at the lodge where we drank tea, opened some packages they had brought, they rubbed my feet and I cried...then we laughed! Bev read Psalms 31 with John's name inserted...it was so touching that I insisted we read it to John. He nodded and smiled as she read it.
Another family brought us supper and our kids and I and Ruth all ate together with them. And most important of all, we had a D & M--a deep and meaningful discussion--that was really needed. These girls of ours are so wonderful and their men are top-notch...I am so proud.
I got to bed around 10 and both John's sisters stayed with him till I got back around 4 am. But they have come up with a plan...no more staying all night with John; he may want it but he is well taken care of and to take care of ourselves, we must sleep regular hours. Plus I have to let his caregivers work with him because he will expect me to do too much for him. I keep saying, you can do this for yourself, John (like suction tube, or feeding...simple stuff), and he says I am mean. He will actually perform better for others than for me.
The nurse said he made about 10 ml of urine per hour last night and this has been improving. Perhaps his kidneys are starting to awaken. Right now the biggest problem is getting him to swallow his pills. Most of his meds had gone to PO (by mouth) but last night they started IV amiodorone again--shucks. He's been in A fib again for a while. He is off all IV narcotics.
Physical Therapy worked with him Sabbath and will again today to get him strengthened. So, we are seeing progress, the trend is finally upward, but oh so slowly.
Doctors explained that for an extremely active person to go into ICU like this is very difficult. John cannot detect night and day and has lost all control even of his bodily functions....enough to make anyone crazy! So the hope is that soon he will be able to tolerate normal dialysis and be moved to the Step-down unit again perhaps by tomorrow.
Well, this has turned out to be a long message. But it just kept flowing out of me...thanks for hanging in with us. Your questions are always welcome. Blessings!
Love you all, Becki
It's early Sunday morning...someone asked how I am doing, so, me first! I got antibiotics immediately and am fine, praise God---could not afford to be sick NOW! Never had such a quick recovery cause I always try to fight it first myself! I've had wonderful support from my kids, from my sister, Juli, from Paula, Benita, Gail, and John's sisters, Ruth and Esther. I did sleep all alone last night and it felt scary so I called first my brother and then my sister and then finally went to sleep around 10 and slept till 3, relieving Ruth and Esther about 4.
Deb asked about Paul. He hasn't been here, just Ruth and Esther came on Friday and they are so glad they did!Sabbath (yesterday) was busy for me...Esther and I got up and relieved Ruth at 4 am. John had wanted someone with him cause some of those nights had been awful for him. Esther kidnapped me about noon, took me for a long walk in the park next to the hospital; enjoyed the ducks in the water, seeing the ice rink, and just being active. Then we went to a nice lunch with Ruth.
Esther has four great kids. David, her oldest, is a Family Practice physician at Loma Linda. He told her yesterday to take care of me....so I reaped the benefit!
Came back to several visitors, most of whom I chatted with briefly and sent away. Even I can no longer deal with them...though I appreciate their interest. But I did have a group of three or four from Rolla that I had planned on and we cozied down in the TV room at the lodge where we drank tea, opened some packages they had brought, they rubbed my feet and I cried...then we laughed! Bev read Psalms 31 with John's name inserted...it was so touching that I insisted we read it to John. He nodded and smiled as she read it.
Another family brought us supper and our kids and I and Ruth all ate together with them. And most important of all, we had a D & M--a deep and meaningful discussion--that was really needed. These girls of ours are so wonderful and their men are top-notch...I am so proud.
I got to bed around 10 and both John's sisters stayed with him till I got back around 4 am. But they have come up with a plan...no more staying all night with John; he may want it but he is well taken care of and to take care of ourselves, we must sleep regular hours. Plus I have to let his caregivers work with him because he will expect me to do too much for him. I keep saying, you can do this for yourself, John (like suction tube, or feeding...simple stuff), and he says I am mean. He will actually perform better for others than for me.
The nurse said he made about 10 ml of urine per hour last night and this has been improving. Perhaps his kidneys are starting to awaken. Right now the biggest problem is getting him to swallow his pills. Most of his meds had gone to PO (by mouth) but last night they started IV amiodorone again--shucks. He's been in A fib again for a while. He is off all IV narcotics.
Physical Therapy worked with him Sabbath and will again today to get him strengthened. So, we are seeing progress, the trend is finally upward, but oh so slowly.
Doctors explained that for an extremely active person to go into ICU like this is very difficult. John cannot detect night and day and has lost all control even of his bodily functions....enough to make anyone crazy! So the hope is that soon he will be able to tolerate normal dialysis and be moved to the Step-down unit again perhaps by tomorrow.
Well, this has turned out to be a long message. But it just kept flowing out of me...thanks for hanging in with us. Your questions are always welcome. Blessings!
Love you all, Becki
Aortic Dissection Repair day 12 1/26/13
January 26
7:25 am. Esther and I just got back here to the hospital. We went to bed around 10 got up at four, and Ruth and Karissa and Winston had stayed all that time. So, we won't be be seeing them for SOME time!
John had some challenges during the night...the nurse mentioned that dreadful word, pneumonia. Not for sure that he has it but just as a possibility....help, NO!
Just hanging on...have been visiting this morning with Esther. Under normal conditions I would want to make the most of every opportunity to talk together. But I feel the energy being draining out of me with too much talking and realized I'd better cool it and take a break. There will be more visitors today and I need to reserve my strength...
Karissa 1/26
Today has been a comfortable day for dad. He is quiet but alert and oriented. Both of his sisters flew out from Oregon and that has been such a blessing... Plus lots of nice people visiting, bringing food, etc....so helpful!! No fever.... So good sign. Again.... There isn't much happening, just waiting to see how his body is dealing with the infection. Thank you for your continued prayers and all your love. I cannot imagine how hard it would be going through this situation without Jesus in my life.... I know the peace I am feeling about this situation is not my own. — with John Knobloch.
Aortic Dissection Repair day 11 1/25/13
January 25.
7:26am. Because John's nights have been so miserable recently, I had promised to spend the night at the hospital last night. But in the late evening I started to feel chilled. My caretakers helped me to know that I needed to go to bed and that they would share the night shift for me.
So, my sinuses hurt and I have greenish colored phlegm. Usually this means I am getting a sinus infection. Sometimes I fight these on my own but in this situation I have diagnosed myself as needing a Z - PAC, a Xythromycin 5 day supply of antibiotics. But my doctor is out on Fridays and I am in St. Louis. Obviously, the sooner I get on these, the sooner I can be a help to John again.
Does anyone see a way to get this for me AND get it here ASAP?
If so, please reply all so we don't duplicated efforts.
Appreciate that I can even feel comfortable asking for this help.
Becki
8:45am. Nurse said he had some periods of rest and that the dialysis did pull off some fluids so he is more comfortable...but not there yet to see for myself. Feeling some better but still sinus pressure. Becky V is bringing me some C and garlic and maybe some other helpful natural remedies!
11:45am. After getting sick last night, my caretakers have gone to get my prescription! Both Benita and Paula are here and I am so thankful they covered the nite shift with John while I slept. Have great coverage over the weekend; Natasha and Jeremy are already on their way and should be here by 2; Karissa and Winston will get here near 10 pm; Becky and Bayard will be in and out all weekend; on Sabbath Dom and Marilou and Bev will come in the afternoon. And, I suggested his sisters come and they will arrive this evening from Oregon. So I am blessed. Rhonda will come Monday afternoon as the others all exit...
Here are his WBC counts since some of my medical list asked:
Admit: 8.9
After surgery: 15
Tuesday: 28.4
Today: 18.6
Have not yet talked to the doctor but he continues to say this is a waiting game...
Yesterday's blood cultures showed no growth after 12 hours...that's a preliminary report
Still some fever
Still atrial fibrillation
He did seem to rest well during the night. I'm sitting here with him now and he has walked 50' or so and is sitting up in his chair though he is dozing. He hasn't said much this morning other than: "don't ask me any questions". I think it is just too tiring for him.
My faith remains that God knows our path and John's path. He sees the forest and not just the trees so I can confidently trust Him! This IS excruciatingly difficult but my support team is fabulous and I am so grateful!
This kills me: he told me yesterday that he'd gotten a look at this chest and abdominal wounds and it reminded him of Jesus and His wounds for John........
OK...another day is underway!
Thank you all again...and I love you each one...
Becki
12 noon. I am sitting beside John who took a walk this morning, like about 30 feet. He seems to be getting stronger, bit by bit. I have not talked to the doctor yet today. But mostly he keeps saying time will tell.
We will have a full weekend with his two sisters coming in tonight from Portland. Natasha and Jeremy will be here early afternoon while Karissa and Winston get here tonight around 10. Becky and Bayard Vermilyea will be here early afternoon and tomorrow some other friends will stop by. So, I am well taken care of. I got sick last night, I think a sinus infection, and started just now on a Z-pak so I am wearing a mask...bummer....
thanks for your continued support, love and concern...it overwhelms us!
5pm. This has been a day when we have seen some excellent progress. Dr. Bayard was just with John when our doctor came in. He checked John out and said that he is extremely pleased with John's condition today. There is no fever and no signs of infection, he has had less bleeding, his renal function is slightly improved, and he is getting stronger and can hold his head up a bit better. What can I say except to praise God.
Thanks for your love and care and concern!
Karissa 1/25
Just what I need: “Trust Me in times of confusion – when things don’t make sense and nothing you do seems to help. This type of trust delights Me, because I know it is real. Invite Me to enter into your struggles – to be ever so close to you. Though other people may not really understand what you’re going through, I understand perfectly. Find comfort in knowing you’re not alone in your struggles. I am with you, watching over you continually.
Long-term trials can drain you of energy and hope, making it hard for you to keep trusting Me. But I have given you a wonderful Helper, the Holy Spirit, who never runs out of strength. You can ask for His help, praying: “I trust you, Jesus; help me, Holy Spirit.” Instead of trying to resolve all your problems, simply rest in my Presence. Trust that there is a way forward, even though you can’t yet see it. I am providing a good way for you, though it is bumpy at times. When the road is rough, cling all the more tightly to Me. As your soul clings to Me, My right hand upholds you.”
Aortic Dissection Repair day 10 1/24/13
January 24.
9:30am. 2nd bad night, think we need to be here all night. Lots of pain and nightmares...crackly lungs but thank God no breathing tube. so we got to talk clearly for 30min or so...now dosing again. Less bleeding from drainage and that's good. He got to look at his wounds and it reminded him of Jesus' suffering. Gail with me until Paula arrives.
2pm. Yesterday's blood cultures show no growth. On antibiotics of course. He just stood up three times and is now in the chair working hard to hold his head up.9:30pm. In bed after tea and hot and cold shower...a bit on the puny side. Benita is with John and Paula with me. Well cared for. Vitamin C and garlic coming in the am.
Karissa 1/24
I drove back down to school for a couple days because I needed a break from the hospital... from the ICU... from the good reports, then the bad reports. I felt so torn leaving but I was emotionally/physically exhausted and wasn't much help after the adrenaline wore off. Now that I got some sleep, I'm going back tomorrow with Winston and counting on a miracle. I believe that Jesus wants him to be healed. Thank you for all your kind words, phone calls, texts, visits, chocolate, hugs, and support......means more than you know. — with John Knobloch.
Karissa 1/24
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Aortic Dissection Repair day 9 1/23/13
January 23.
7 am -- Juli shared something with me that I totally experience, too. When John is awake and conversant, all seems well and good, like we are making progress. Conversely, when he is "under", we feel like it is all bad. But NEITHER is necessarily true....
She and I left here about 10:30 last night, slept like logs till 5:15 and got here just after 6am this morning. Juli leaves today...what will I do without her beside me, knowing my needs, and helping in so many way?. In the last couple days, she's gotten more involved with John's care, helping him keep his legs moving and with breathing treatments, including getting secretions out of his lungs. It is a difficult job to do alone and it means the world to me that she came to help me. I just walked her down to the Metro station so she can get the train to the airport. Gail Coridan comes today and is already nearby. She will be with me till tomorrow, when Paula comes. Gail will be a marvelous help too...can't wait to see and hug her!Once again, his two arterial lines are out so there are less tubes. He still has two central lines in his neck. They just took him off dialysis a bit ago and that feels like progress.
Today we look forward to asking our doctor some questions and getting some more answers. Our second anointing is this evening, with Robert Wagley, John's boss, and we're inviting some of our local elders for the opportunity and privilege of praying with him. EVERYONE feels so much better when they have seen him, though it is also utterly shocking and perplexing to see this vital, strong, exuberant man laid low.
We're well taken care of with food being delivered every day...such a blessing! We slept better on our mattress pads and flannel flat sheets, rather than the plastic mattress and thin sheets...thank you, Angela! For the food, too!
Blessings all around!
Becki
10am. Dialysis removed at 8 or so. Just removed NG tube so he can have some clear fluids soon. Ice cream? Not sure...WBC count up, fever is 99.1...just done with rounds. Gail here with me. John alert for a while this morning but dozy now.
Aortic Dissection Repair day 8 1/22/13
Morning rounds...It's 9 pm. John's breathing tube came out this afternoon and he was awakened. He's been comfortable and talkative for these four hours. Our girls and both his sisters and our sister Heidi called and talked to him and they were all delighted. Tomorrow the dialysis will be turned off and they will be able to see if his body is feverish, which of course is a sign of fever. His blood tests also show the status of the fever. So, we're watching and praying for progress with eradication of this infection. He just now said, "Tell the devil I hate him!"
Appreciate you all!
Karissa 1/22
Infection did end up spreading to the graft. Feels like I'm in a bad dream. We will pray for a miracle. — with John Knobloch.
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