Update on Debbie......July 30.....7 p.m. by Charlie

Deb's temp continues high today and white blood count  is elevated.  Dr Chauntry thinks meningitis is back.  Dr Yana is replacing the spinal fluid drain and sending it for cultures as this is being written.  She thinks the tube itself may contain the virus.  Surgery is off the table for Monday.  Please keep our Deb in your prayers.  Thanks so much for all each of you have done and continue to do.  We love you! 

Julu 30--By Herb

Debbie gave us a scare yesterday when her blood pressure drop extreamly low for a period of time. The doctors did not know, for a while why, but later desided she might have been dehydrated. Today she is almost back to normal and hopefully she can go for surgery on Monday. Keep her in your prayers that the surgery will be a success. Lots of love.

Julu 29--By Herb

Debbie had a good night with a lot of sleep. Her temp.was down and did not require and med. Her CT scan did not show any infection but did show some ventricler inlargement so they are taking more fluids from her brain to help this. If her temp remains normal throught out the week end they will do surgery to place the shunt in. Pray that she can recover from this surgery.  Love to all.

July 28--By Herb

Debbie sleeps a lot these days but is doing good for the most part. She has ireregular heart beat so they did a Ekg and it was good. They also checked her electrlites and they were good. All of this is try and find a reason for her elevated temperture. Today they did a Xray of her heart and lungs and did a vascular test for blood clot but found none. Right now the reason for her elevated temp. is unkown. Surgery is sometime in the future but we don't know when. Forgive me of my spelling.

July 27 7 p.m. Debbie's Update by Charlie

Debbie has had a good day in some ways and not so good in others.  She started the day with responses to questions by mouthing answers...wonderful!!!  But an irregular heartbeat brought ekg and blood balance  tests which showed no irregularities. She is resting  comfortably now and has been awake for a while.  No word yet on when Dr Vandergrif plans to implant the shunt.  Thank you or continued prayer.

July 26- By Herb

I received a call from Charlie at the hospital and they have called Debbie's surgery off for a few days due to something they found in her blood work. We are not sure what they found but we are pleased they are taking all precautions to make this one a success. Love to all.

July 26- By Herb

Debbie did not have a good day as she sleeps most of the day. She still does not respond to any thing we say but looks very good. Tommorow first thing she will have surgery to put in place another shunt and hopefully it will be a sucess as last time infection required surgery to remove the first shunt.  Please we need your prayers more that every for her recovery.  God bless. 

Ups and Downs....Deb's update......July 26,8 a.m. by Charlie

Deb's night has been on the downside.  She slept most of yesterday and last night and has been hard to wake.  Her temp also elevated overnight but is back to normal this morning with meds.  Drs Varma and Vandergrif are out of town so shunt procedure is on hold due to their absence and also the increased temp.  Deb is also not responding again. So this is titled ups and downs.  She still needs your and our prayers and we thank you so much for them.

Debbie's update......July 25 8 a.m.........by Charlie

This update is  a carbon copy of  yesterday in stats and rest.  However, Deb is beginning to answer some questions by forming the words with her mouth.  Yesterday, she had responded with her Dad some and when I saw her yesterday afternoon, when told who I was and who she was, she responded with "my name is Debbie"!  Praises to our Lord for these signs of healing! And the final spinal fluid test for infection is NEGATIVE.  No news of exactly when the shunt surgery will happen....just continue to lift her up to Him.  We are so thankful for everything you do, but especially your prayers.

Debbie's update....July 24........by Charlie

Debbie's condition remains the same this morning and she had a very good night.  Praying the good rest is helping heal her.  Dr Vargas is on duty today and verified the third fluid sample was still showing negative for meningitis infection and the shunt drain would probably be placed sometime in the early part of this week.  We, as we know you are, are praying that this one works and  Debbie's condition and responses will improve.  Wishing all of you a blessed and worshipful Sunday.

July 23--By Herb

Not much to report today. Debbie is about the same and the last two fluid samples were free of infection with one more to go and if it shows no infection  hopefully they will be able to do surgery to install the shunt and get her back to normal . Thanks for your prayers.

July 21- By Herb

Debbie is about the same and does not respond to our commands. They have almost taken care of her infections and the Doctor said he might do the surgery to install the shunt the middle or later part of next week. Hopefully it will go better that the last. Please keep her in your prayers for her recovery.

Thursday, July 21.......Deb's update by Charlie

An uneventful yesterday and last night for Debbie.  Vitals remain great but no more responses to speak of.  She has had a good night's rest which is good for her healing.  Looks beautiful and as if she could speak at any time.  She was watching television when I left this morning and has been listening to her gospel cds.  Dr Varma said the music would be good for her.  We're praying, as we know you are, that she is well soon.  Wishing each of you a blessed day.

Breaking News....July 20..........Debbie's update by Charlie

Another good night for Debbie AND!  She answered a couple of questions this morning by closing her eyes for a yes.  Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful to see this step in the right direction!  This is the way she started her forward progress before the infections set her back.  And we pray it continues as before.  Praise our Lord for answered prayer and thank you all for your faithfulness in your prayers to Him.

Debbie's update....July 19..........by Charlie

Deb's condition remains the same today.  She had a good day yesterday with lots of therapy but still no change in responses and a restful night last night. Her mother, Betty, arrived yesterday  for a few days and she will be good therapy for Debbie. Last time Betty came, she began to mouth sentences and increased movements.  Looking forward to that day again.  Keep praying and love to all of you.

Debbie's update......July18......by Charlie

Debbie has had a restful and non-eventful  night.  Dr Relic took another spinal fluid sample this morning and also informed us that the first sample came back negative for active meningitis infection and we were on the 7th of a 10 day countdown to stop the antibiotics if two more tests came back negative.  Praise the Lord!  Then he said they will be looking at weaning her from the external drain and we pray her body takes over where she will not have to have the internal shunt drain.  She still does not respond but looks great and as though she could get up and walk out of the room.  We pray as the infection is going away, and her brain becomes more rested she will become alert again as she was.  We are so thankful for the small steps. God bless each of you for your prayerful support.

July 17 update on Debbie..........by Charlie

Yesterday and overnight, Deb's condition remains almost the same with good vitals and she has been moved to a private room now (922 East).  She rested well overnight and Janie, her room is decorated again!  Also, finally,  her temp has remained below 100 with no medication all night.  She still responds very little but this should improve as her brain heals from the meningitis. These small steps are so wonderful.                                       Also, more wonderful friends from our church in Crossville came yesterday.  What would we do without family and friends and of course our faith in Christ. We wish you all a blessed Sunday as you worship Him. Thanks again for everything you do.                                                                            

Friday, 7/15, update on Debbie......by Charlie

Another "up" day for our Debbie.  Her vitals look better than before the shunt in and out surgeries and she passed an e.e.g. this afternoon.  Dr. said her brain looked sleepy.  If we were to endure what Deb has been through, wonder what ours would look like?   Anyway, Dr gave us some encouragement....no seizures were recorded.  Deb has had a restful day and tonight looked as if she was ready to respond.  David, her nurse today, said she looked like she was very close.  Pray for continuing progress and that she can be weaned off the external spinal fluid drain without the internal shunt replacement being necessary.  Prayers are being answered and we are so thankful for everyone's prayers and our Lord's answers.  God bless you all!

Improvement update.....July 14....9 p.m. .........by Charlie

Praise the Lord, our Debbie was resting comfortably tonight after Dr. Hayes changed her meds today.  She still has a long way to go but is at least getting needed rest to help her heal.  Dr Hayes says other infections are under control and Dr Varma says spinal fluid bacteria has been identified and is being treated with proper antibiotics.  Sample was taken today and will see results tomorrow.  Vitals were good tonight and "brain storming" (as drs call it, where pulse and breathing cycle up and down sometimes to high levels) was minimal.                             Deb still does not respond but looked beautiful sleeping tonight.  Prayers, Rest, and Time will help in her healing along with our Lord's helpers  provided at MUSC Hospital.  Praise Him for his mercy!

July 14--By Herb

There is not much to report today as she has not made any progress. Her heart rate and temperture continue to go up and down, and it takes a large amount medication to keep it in check. We are at the point that we need something to change for the good to give us hope for her recovery.Please continue to keep her in your prayers.  Thanks. Lots of love.

Our Debbie's update.....July 13........by Charlie

Another rough day for Debbie.  Not much change, but maybe slightly less stable.  Drs and Nurses are really trying.  She was resting and it seemed to be a peaceful rest when we left her at 11 p.m. tonight.   Thanks so much for keeping her lifted up to our Heavenly Father.

Our Debbie's day...July 12........by Charlie

Debbie is still fighting her infections.  Her vitals are much better than yesterday but she is still being given multiple antibiotics and is in ICU.  She sees movement but does not respond. Dr Hayes says as the infection subsides, her responses will increase. Dr Beth says we have to take it one day at a time and continue to lift her up in prayer.  Love these  drs who believe in Him.   Deb looks much better but has a long way to go.  Thanks to all of you who prayed unceasingly last night during her surgery and all of you who continually lift her up to our Lord.   I and her family love and appreciate every one of you.  More dear friends visited from TN today also.  Such a blessing.  God always provides.                

Our Deb's update.....July 11......by Charlie

It's with sadness that after all Debbie has been through, this has probably been her worst day.  Drs found she had a brain infection, called meningitis, pneumonia in her lower left lung, and a urinary tract infection.  They started injecting her with three different antibiotics and she was taken back into surgery to remove the shunt that was placed in her head and body on Friday. The fluid drain port was replaced in her right forehead to allow excess spinal fluid to drain and also to inject antibiotics directly.  As you might imagine, she is critical  and back in ICU.
Her Dad, Herb, and I were told by Dr Varma that all went well but she did not need any company tonight, both for her condition and she would not know we were there anyway.  So, we are back at the motel and will try to get some needed rest and see her first thing in  the morning.
Thanks so much for all the support and prayers for her and us.  We have been told by many of you that we are not alone and it means so much us. And in addition to that, our Lord is still on his throne and in control.  May His will be done.  May He bless each of you and our Debbie.

Deb's update....July 11 a.m.,,,,,,,,,from Charlie

Just to let you all know Debbie is not doing well today.  Just keep her in your prayers and I will let you know more when we get a Dr. report today.  Thank you all for everything you have done and are doing.      

P.S.  When Debbie is able to relocate, she will be at Smithville, TN at NHC Healthcare for her rehab.

July 10--By Herb

Debbie had a good night with Charlie and was resting good when I came in this morning. The nurse seem to think if they closed the blinds, shut of all the lights that she might rest better. They ask me to go to the waiting room for a while giving her some down time in a dark room might help her. I want to thanks Debbie's church friends from Crossville for coming to see her, though she was not to alert, I think she was aware they were there. Thanks again for your love aand prayers for Debbie.

July 9--By Herb

We had a scare last night when Debbie had an elergic reaction to something after surgery and her vital signs went hay wire. Charlie was with her and thought she might die. Many doctors and nurses rushed to her side and now she is responding somewhat to our comands.Seem like there is a setback around every corner but hopefully this will be the last and she can go into rehab next week.I have stayed with her durning the day and Charlie is staying at night and it has worked out well. Thanks again for your support and prayers.

Coming home soon!.....

While Herb and Charlie are holding down the fort in Charleston.......keeping Deb company....and helping her..... Janie, Betty and Brian L are out looking at a rehab center today here in Tennessee......with a little luck Deb will be COMING HOME TO TENNESSEE!.....maybe as soon as the end of next week!....

Wouldn't that be AWESOME!!!!......

Update: Fri./July 8/ 10 p.m. from Charlie

Debbie went into surgery this afternoon alert and very responsive to us.  Even had a smile earlier before surgery for Wilma who visited her from TN.  The surgery began about 2:45 and went well according to Dr Varma and she was back in her room around 6:00 p.m.  Tonight she is still somewhat sedated but responding  somewhat sleepily.  She is now in x-ray for routine pictures to make sure everything is in place and will have a ct scan at 5 a.m. to be sure it is working properly.
Thanks for all the calls and concerns and visits and expecially the prayers.  More tomorrow.                          
NOTE:  Sat morning 5 a.m.   Deb's had a somewhat rough night with fever and nausea......Please keep her in your prayers today.

July 7--By Herb

To all our friends I am in Charleston with our Daughter and will be until we are able to transfer to a rehab center. She will have a procedure tomorrow and hopefully that will be the last and we can get her into rehab.She has had a great day and has improved a lot in her communication with us. We are thankful for all who have supported us during this period when we needed prayers for her recovery. Thanks again Herb and Betty

Deb's Update.....Thur morning, July 7 by Charlie

Deb had a good Wed afternoon and night and was alert this morning.  She went to sleep last night listening to gospel music on her personal cd player. I know she was enjoying it because her lips were shaping the words to the songs.
Today will be a routine day with meds and exercise and preparing for tomorrow.  She will have the shunt procedure Fri afternoon to put in place the permanent internal drain line for any excess spinal fluid to prevent brain pressure.  Dr says it's "done all the time" in these cases.
                                                                             Also, yesterday Deb had a treat.  Wonderful friends from Lake Tansi at Crossville came to visit.  Walt and Wilma Youree and daughter Vickie Jones visited with us and we could tell Debbie really enjoyed their, especially Wilma's, company.  I did also and it was a blessing to see them.     We'll be so happy when we're back home and in church with them again.                                      Miss all of you and thanks so much again for all your prayers and concerns and thoughts during this time in our lives.

Morning update on Debbie....July 6...8:30 a.m. by Charlie

Good morning friends.......Yesterday was a busy day for Debbie with a ct scan early and a trip downstairs later to try feeding her a pasty like substance to check her swallowing muscles.  She did well but not well enough although I can feed her light amounts of ice regularly, which she really enjoys.......as do I. All in all, she had a very alert and good day yesterday..........BUT............(how I've learned to hate this word)              
She had a very restful night with normal wake-ups for meds but this morning at 6 Dr Varma's team arrived and informed me the ct scan showed pressure build-up and they would do a shunt procedure Friday to permanently affix an internal drain to prevent this build-up again.  And we could not wake her up this morning, which is a sign of the pressure.   In the meantime the spinal drain is re-opened to relieve pressure and she should wake up any time now.   So friends and family keep lifting her up to our Heavenly Father.  He can take care of this.   May He bless you all.

July 4th.........Update by Charlie

No fireworks here today.  Deb's condition is basically the same as yesterday.  Dr Varna did clamp off the spinal drain to see if she could tolerate it.  So far so good.  Will do a C T scan tomorrow to check for pressure.
I hope all of you are having a good celebration of the birthday of our country.  I pray God's will to be done in it as everything else.  Enjoy your day and thanks for all the prayers, calls and thoughts.  Deb and I love all of you.

Sunday, July 3........Update by Charlie

Deb had a great Sat. afternoon and night.  She has been resting good and when rested, she is so much more alert and responsive........as most of us are.  But in her case it really helps.  When she becomes fatigued, she just shuts us out.  Her sentences and responses are still improving and we are so thankful for the healing hands of our Lord.  I believe He placed Debbie in just the right place to get the proper and necessary care during her illness and I know he placed her in my life to strengthen me.
May our Jesus continue to bless her and each of you.   

Debbie's update......July 2.......by Charlie

Well, I wasn't going to write today but since I'm out of  Deb's room  for bath and shampoo time, I'll send a note. (Thought I'd swing a bath and shampoo too, but the nurse gave me directions to the car wash)          Deb and I had a good night last night with enough sleep and she had a good sleep again this morning after some pain medicine.  She is about the same....Just slightly improved still giving responses and I'm becoming good at lip reading.  She still has memory problems but she is able to communicate and that's the main thing.  Not much more to tell today........just taking it a day at a time and so thankful for any improvement.  Still no decision on when the move back to TN will happen.......Dr Varna is not rushing it and that is what we want.
To all our friends and family, we love you and wish you a great July 4th week-end.
God bless each of you and thank you for continued prayer.

Overload......July 1...........by Charlie

Sorry I did not get around to writing yesterday but things were somewhat hectic and uncertain and Deb and I were both tired last night.  Debbie was not as responsive yesterday as the day before for several reasons......She did not sleep hardly at all night before last according to Janie and yesterday Dr Varna decided she had become slightly dehydrated and also whe was probably tired from processing what she had remembered the day before and all the activity she had (my theory). Also, a CT scan late yesterday afternoon came back with a good reading. Anyway, she became more alert and responsive last evening and she and I have had a good night of rest and she is again very responsive and alert this morning.  The nurses ran me out of her room at 6 this morning for her bath time and this is the second time I have written this.........Hospital computer took a break on me when I was ready to post earlier......So thanks so much for your continued prayers.......Our Lord is hearing and answering.  All praises to Him!