Owen’s VNS surgery today went well. Thank you for your prayers!
He now has the VNS device implanted in his upper chest. A couple of wires run under the skin from that to a nerve on his neck. Incisions on his neck and chest are the biggest infection risk over the next two weeks.
Owen is a picker. He has already taken off the bandages from his neck, and tried to eat them. We are concerned about him trying to pick out the stitches, and would appreciate your prayers for him to leave them in.
The neurologist will turn on the device in 2 weeks. He’ll visit the office periodically over the next year to get it adjusted. We’re hopeful that it’ll decrease his seizures.
Time will tell if this was the right decision. We’re hoping that it was.
In other news…
Have you ever had one of those days?
We got home from town and realized the calves were out. We had to repair their pen, and then thankfully my step-dad was able to help get the critters back in while I was picking up the other kids.
Then, after dinner, one element in the water heater went out. All we wanted to do was go to bed after our long day, but repairs had to be done before we could shower, or even do dishes.
Thankfully, Dad was able to help Bryan do some of the work, so I could keep an eye on Owen.
The water heater is down in the basement. To drain the tank, but avoid flooding the basement, Bryan dug a hole in the dirt floor to run a hose into. Yes–our basement is 1/2 dirt floor. It ended up being a blessing tonight!
Our water has lots of minerals in it, and the water heater was filled up with lots of mineral deposits. Thankfully, our old heater has a clean-out. Dad’s hand didn’f fit, and Bryan was headed to get to the store before they closed to buy a new element, so I was up to my elbows trying to scoop minerals out of the tank.
Yuck!
Praise the Lord, we got it fixed (and cleaned)! The water in our house is once again hot.
Thanks Dad for all your help–that’s another benefit of this multi-generational household; we can help each other with projects!
Lisa, I continue to pray for dear Owen and your family. I pray that it doesn’t get infected, that it heals quickly and that God will bless this really difficult decision you and Bryan made.
warmly,
Tammy
Thank you so much Tammy, we appreciate your prayers!
Hi Lisa,
I found your site because I saw your guest post over at horkeyhandbook. Checked out your freelance site first and then found my way over here 🙂 Just wanted to let you know that I’ve been praying for Owen. He’s a beautiful boy! Sounds like he has wonderful, dedicated parents 🙂 Wishing you much success with your freelance business too.
Thank you so much Carrie, we really appreciate your prayers. Thanks for your encouraging words, they really mean a lot!