Obtaining Mercy

A Week In Review Sort Of

April 15, 2010 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Uncategorized

We've had a busy week:

Monday – We started the process of deep cleaning the master bedroom. You would think that since it is very small, that would be an easy task; but I found just the opposite. Every little nook and cranny was crammed full of stuff! Argh! We plan to finish the process this afternoon.

Tuesday – Doug and Isaac headed back to therapy. Isaac screamed every time someone stretched any part of his body…so you can imagine how festive all three sessions were! Poor baby…he has been going through some changes since his surgery. (I'm planning a whole other post for that subject, though, since we're still observing and taking note of what is happening. The human brain is utterly amazing, and neurosurgery is never a "minor" surgery.) While they were gone, I did some housekeeping on my Etsy site, just generally tidying things up to make room for new jewelry that is being made. I also worked on several new pieces, taking pictures and editing them.

Wednesday – I had a doctor's visit. I am down 3 pounds from my last visit! That is good, even though, technically, I am re-losing those pounds because I put on around 10 pounds through the (extended) holiday season. But, hey, I'll take the 3 pounds! It's still progress in the right direction.

Thursday – Today I went to the dentist. Ugh! I've had a broken tooth for a little while, and was waiting for the funds to have it fixed properly. Then, this past Sunday night, I lost another piece of it. So, today, I made my way to the place that causes my blood to run cold – the dentist's office. I'm telling you, I can get up and sing in front of 1500+ people, and not feel the terror that I experience when I go to the dentist. I think I must have sensory issues, and that's just the place that makes all my senses go berserk – the tastes, the smells, the feelings, seeing the implements of torture…um…I mean, the dentistry tools, and the SOUNDs! Oh, sweet goodness, the sounds alone make me want to weep. Yep…I'd say I have a few "issues" about the dentist. My dentist, btw, is just as sweet and kind and gentle as she can be. You couldn't ask for one better. We put in a temporary fix, and I'll go back to have the permanent repair in a couple of weeks. Btw, the Lord provided for the cost of today's visit! He is so good to me!!!

Friday – I realize this day hasn't happened yet. My visit to the dentist has not completely unhinged my thinking!!! However, I already know what is going to happen tomorrow: They are bringing our new mattress!!! Yay! We are so excited! Of course, the new bedding I ordered hasn't arrived, and I have no queen size bedding at all! So, that could cause a slight bump in our plan; but we are looking beyond that, and will just improvise, if need be, to sleep on our new nest egg, uh, I mean, "mattress" tomorrow night.

Saturday – We are headed to a family reunion. It should be fun and relaxing…we are looking forward to it.

Sunday – Lord willing, we will all make it to church on Sunday. I was able to go last week, and although Isaac was cleared to be there, he did not make it on Sunday morning. He partied most of Saturday night, and crashed beyond waking on Sunday morning. He and Doug were able to make it to the night service, though, so that was good.

I pray your week has been good, and that you will be able to be in church on Sunday too. I plan to be back in the choir, Lord willing. I was able to attend practice last night, so…we'll see. As usual, I will "hold my plans loosely", and see what God has planned.

Blessings to you,

Alesa

A Short Post From Sunny Florida

April 9, 2010 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, Florida Weather, Household, Isaac Update, What's Happening

Isaac's surgery site is healing nicely, and he has been released to his regular activities! That means, Lord willing, church for the 3 of us on Sunday. Praise the Lord!
We bought a new mattress set, and it will be delivered on next Friday. THANK YOU to all of you who gave me your opinions and experiences. I did a lot of research, due to your ideas, and we feel we found the best mattress for us. 🙂 Pictures to follow, after it's delivered.
I had a brutal visit with my chiropractor on Monday, but I am reaping the rewards of that now. My legs are finally the same length again, and – wonder of wonders! – that does miraculous things for my muscles! Go figure! 🙂
We are spending lots of time outside in this beautiful weather. Soon, it will be much too hot to be outside, except first thing in the morning, so we are trying to soak up all the rays we can now. Isaac and I are both sporting pink noses and cheeks, and we look so much better for it! 😉
I pray that you have a wonderful weekend, and that you are able to be in your church on Sunday. I am looking forward - with GREAT anticipation – to being in mine. :~D

Blessings,

Alesha

Just A Note

April 5, 2010June 23, 2015 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, Florida Weather, Isaac Update, What's Happening

…to say that we are doing well. We had a quiet Easter at home, and enjoyed our church's services via the world wide web! Praise the Lord for technology!

We had a scare with Isaac last week…the doctor thought his shunt was infected, sent us for a CAT scan and told us to be prepared for more surgery. Thank God that he was wrong and the shunt was not infected. It was just a skin infection, and he's been on a strong antibiotic for it. The surgery site is looking much better now.

We're still trying to get his bowels in working order, following surgery, and this additional medication is wreaking havoc with them. We're not out of ideas, yet, though, so we'll keep persevering with that.

Isaac playing catch with Grammy on Friday. It was a gorgeous day!

My back is still not well, and I'll be seeing my chiropractor and my doctor this week, Lord willing, for their continued advice. I really appreciate your prayers about that.

We have decided to shop for a new bed, rather than a used vehicle. We're thinking the investment will be more helpful to us in the long run, even though the initial outlay is staggering for a new bed! If you have any suggestions – and by that, I mean, a bed that has worked for you – please pass them along.

The Lord continues to be so faithful, and is showing us mercy on every side. We feel overwhelmed by His goodness, and unworthy of it too. I know He is doing something in us, and through us, during this time; and I am just trying to trust His timing (while letting go of mine – or at least, trying to hold my plans very loosely.) ;o)

I pray that you have a good week, and that you continue to rejoice in the truth of the Resurrection!

Alesha

Back on the Wagon

March 20, 2010June 23, 2015 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Florida Weather, Hallelujah Diet, Isaac Update, What's Happening

…and our frig is full of veggies, too!

We have not been maintaining our eating plan very well since the holidays. So, we are allowing ourselves to begin again.

You have to do that sometimes, you know. It might not be a new year, or a new month, or a new week, or even a new morning.

You can start over any time you want.

It's is always a good time to do what is right.

🙂

~~~~~

Isaac is doing well. We had a couple of sleepless nights (but if you've read my blog for any length of time, you know that is almost "normal" for Isaac!); and we've had a couple of grumpy days. All that is to be expected, I think, after surgery.

He and Doug went out for a walk today, and he really enjoyed that so much. I think he's just tired of being inside and tired of being at home. It is SO beautiful outside, too, that there was no reason for him to stay in. I'm glad Doug took the time to take him outside.

His surgery sites are healing well. He has a post-op doctor's appointment next Friday. After that, they will tell us when we can return to our normal schedule of things.

~~~~~

For those of you who subscribe to my RSS feed via a blog reader might notice an increase in posts over the next few days. I am attempting to move my archives off my old blog onto this new one. My apologies for the multiple posts. I hope they are not too aggravating. 🙂

~~~~~

My back is still doing poorly. I'm getting a little discouraged and …well, to be totally honest…a little grumpy about it! I was hoping to feel better by now. I cannot sit for any length of time; and if I do sit for too long, I cannot stand up straight or walk when I do get up. I have to lean on something and sort of painfully u-n-f-o-l-d, while trying not to gasp with agony.

If you were a fly on the wall, you would hear something like this:

Doug: "Are you ok?"

Alesha: Through gritted teeth, "y.e.s."

Doug: "Do you need some help?"

Alesha: Gasping with pain, "NO."

Doug: "I can come help you."

Alesha: "No. I.got.it!"

Doug: "All right, well take your time."

Alesha: Almost to the bed, "o.k." Then upon reaching the bed, "ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…"

Doug: "Are you ok?"

Repeat ad nauseum. It's quite a comical thing, if you're not involved!!! ;o)

~~~~~

I hope you are going to be able to go to church tomorrow. I know I am missing it so much, being stuck here. I am grateful to have the live video feed, but I do miss seeing everyone. There's just something about face-to-face fellowship that can't be mimicked by virtual interaction here on the web.

If you are stuck at home time, feel free to join our service here. Just hover over "Media" and click "Live Service".

Blessings,

Alesha

He is a Faithful God-an Isaac Update

March 16, 2010 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, Isaac Update

Whew, yesterday was rough! Isaac was not feeling well, and was extremely agitated. We couldn't really put our finger on the exact problem.

Was he having pain at the incisions sites – there are 2 on his belly and one on the back of his head (at least 3 inches long)
Was his system just "coming down" off all the meds and anesthesia from the surgery?
Was his new and improved shunt working too well, pulling too much fluid from his brain, resulting in a severe headache?
Was the acetaminophen taking its toll? It does make him grumpy, and it had been alternated with Motrin since Friday.
Was he simply tired of being doctored and washed and bandaged and medicated?
Was he going through "Mommy-and-Daddy-in-my-room-ALL-THE-TIME" withdrawals?
Was he tired of the HAT?

We never did figure it out. He was awake for 24 hours straight – kicking, vocalizing, slapping (not us, he habitually rubs/slaps his belly and thighs), whining, flicking his hands and arms – just generally not well and not happy.

It was frustrating and sad.

We talked to doctors and decided to wait the night out, and reevaluate this morning.

We did 3 things: took off the hat, stopped the Tylenol and let him fuss without going to check on him.

At 11:30 last night, he was still miserable, so I asked friends on Facebook to pray especially for him. And they did! Shortly after midnight, he was asleep and slept until after 9 a.m. this morning!

He has been peaceful and happy and content all day.

I don't know which of those things helped, or if any of them made a difference.

The only thing that I truly know did a work in him was the prayer. God's peacefulness settled in around us here in our home; and we all rested the night through.

I am so amazed – constantly – by the goodness of God. I am always surprised when prayers are answered, and I don't know why that still is! lol! I have seen so many of them answered, you'd think I'd get used to it. I'm glad, though, that I don't take it for granted; and that I am still in awe of the power of my God.

~~~~~

For those of you who have asked: my back is still pretty bad. I was able to get to the chiro yesterday. I am able to walk – very slowly; I really can't do much for Isaac, except to hand things to Doug and help with Isaac's surgery sites. I can sit for short periods of time in my wheelchair. Thank GOD for that chair! So…better than Thursday and Friday, although still not able to do much. Sigh… :o)

~~~~~

Thank you, again, for all your prayer and well wishes. I don't know what we would do without family and friends who care enough to talk to the God of the universe about our small problems. We are so grateful.

Blessings,

Alesha

So This is What Happened (or Isaac’s Epic Tale)

March 14, 2010June 23, 2015 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, How Great is Our God, Isaac Update, What's Happening

This was Isaac about 10 days ago, after getting his haircut. This past Tuesday evening he started vomiting. After determining he did not have a stomach bug, we got in touch with his gastro doctor.

We changed some medication dosages, gave carrot juice (rather than Pedialyte) and watched him for about 36 hours. That was when the gastro doctor suggested a trip to the ER. We called his neurosurgeon before he and Doug headed out.

Isaac has a VP Shunt (link here), and it was determined after many x-rays, and MRI and an ultrasound that the tubing that goes from the shunt to the abdomen needed to be replaced.

The surgery went well. The tubing had become brittle and blocked, and had to be replaced in its entirety. There were some difficulties and some concerns about future surgeries of this kind for Isaac. But those are tomorrow's troubles and we won't borrow from them today!

Naturally, my mind was elsewhere before his surgery, and so I have no pictures. We do however have plenty of pics from afterward.

Isaac giving me the "I-cant-believe-you're-taking-pictures-now" glare, as Mojo the monkey looks on.

Telling Mommy it was time for a lemon swab. His mouth was very dry after surgery.

Sleeping in a hospital is never a great experience. The first night, Doug had the fold out chair, but when I got there, he turned that over to me. I took a walk through the halls for the linens we would need, and I spotted a recliner. I asked if it was being used, was told no, but to give them time to wipe it down, then they would bring it to us.

When I laid down at midnight – no chair. I prayed myself to sleep, asking the Lord for a chair for my tired hubby.

At 1 a.m., no chair. At 2 a.m. At 3 a.m., the nurse came in for check vitals, saw that Doug was sitting straight up in a chair, sound asleep, and decided he needed a recliner. In about 10 minutes, he was ensconced in this little beauty.

Answers to prayer are sometimes delayed, but when they come at last, they are very sweet!

If I had to title the following pic, it would be "The Princess and the Pea"! Only with 7 blankets, a sheet and two pillows did I manage to catch a few winks on this medieval torture device!

I know this pic is very grainy, but it was too cute to leave out. Isaac woke up at 4 a.m. as bright as a new penny. Here he is grinning with that little smirk, and seemed to be feeling so much better.

When you have neurosurgery, you follow up with lots of hair washing. It helps get rid of any germs that might hide there. You can see he thoroughly enjoyed the process and the attention!

Then it was time to go. Daddy got Isaac dressed in his own clothes.

Then he got him comfortably settled into his own personal chariot, and away we went! (After the valet parking finally found our car that they somehow misplaced!!!)

I usually don't include pictures of Isaac drooling, because I like to maintain his dignity as much as I can. But this picture just had to be included!!! He was so delighted to be on his way home!

And how's this one for some beautiful eye contact?!!! It's such a delight to his eyes open and bright!

This is Mommy taking a picture of Daddy taking a picture of Isaac.

I can't imagine why he seems a little more spoiled than usual when we get home from the hospital!!! 🙂

Today (Sunday) he seems to be feeling the aftereffects of the surgery. He is not quite so perky, and had a total meltdown while we washed his hair and applied medications to his surgery sites. That's to be expected, but it nearly kills both of us to upset him. Cleanliness is vital, though, to avoid infection; so we will aggravate him only when necessary for that process.

We have been abundantly blessed. This wonderful outcome was by no means guaranteed, and so we are counting our blessings to be home today.

Thank you for your prayers, your sweet notes of encouragement and blessing. I was overwhelmed by the response here and on FaceBook. We feel very loved and very blessed.

Our God has done exceedingly abundantly above all that we could have asked. He is so good to us!

May He bless you richly,

Alesha

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