Monday, December 10, 2007

A Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

Linda has listeria meningitis - so say the lab results from the spinal fluid. Listeria meningitis is an infection that tends to find immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, and pregnant women. It is a food-borne illness that is most often picked up from deli meats and soft cheeses. Linda will be treated with the powerful (and potentially risky) antibiotic, gentamicin. She has received morphine a couple of times today because of pain in her neck, shoulders, and back. Tonight, the pain even spread to her legs.

Thank you so much for praying that Linda would be more lucid today. She was! She continues to crack jokes in her pain. I had slept last night on the pull out chair that sits beside the bed. I slept well, but my back paid the price (pray for Terri, Linda's sister, who will sleep here tonight!). I told Linda that we would perhaps switch beds tonight. Without blinking, she looked up at me and asked, "Do you like shots?"

Linda and I have read a great deal of Scripture this past year, often concentrating in the book of Colossians and in the Psalms. A particular passage that has blessed us of late is the second half of Romans 8. This disease is battering Linda's body, but God is in charge - and He loves us! He is conforming us to the image of His Son, the Son He gave up to suffer on our behalf. And what of us in such dire times? We are more than conquerors, no matter how these days conclude! How can this be?

Christmas!

And, Easter!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praise God for a diagnosis and treatment plan! I rejoice in your thankfulness - a good night's sleep and Linda's alertness and sense of humor. I'm praying now and throughout the day that the treatment will be successful and for your and your family's endurance and patience. Love, Joy B.

Anonymous said...

How our heart hurts reading about the circumstances Linda is enduring and what you as family are dealing with. I have many memories of Linda growing up at FBC in Roanoke Rapids and even directing the double wedding when you and Linda, Terri and Buddy were married. I pray God's will be done and you will have the physical strength as well as spiritual strength you need now and in the future. We love you both! Ann Draper Martin