Thursday, April 3, 2008

First visit in ICU

Tricia's nurse came out and debriefed us on what we would see in ICU post-transplant. Then we went back, washed up, put on our gloves and gowns and gathered around her. She looks great! She's still asleep and in a medically induced paralysis. But soon they'll begin to wake her. She actually has two nurses with her all the time.

After some time with her I prayed both for her, as well as Nathan, Gwyneth and especially for the donor's family. That was the tough part of the prayer, but we're so thankful.

She has a long difficult day today, with a test to see how her lungs are doing and an epidural for pain. Before the day is over they will take her off the vent and Tricia will breathe on her own with her new lungs for the first time. Please continue in prayer.

We're going to go grab some breakfast and hopefully later some sleep. Everybody's prayers and encouragements mean so much.

I'll be arranging a meeting with a chaplain to arrange a meeting with higher ups in the hospital about the communications snafu.

69 comments:

Tami said...

Keeping all of you in my prayers!

Aspiemom said...

Thanks so much for the update. You all must be exhausted, but a happy exhausted, huh? I will continue praying...Aspiemom

Anonymous said...

Thank you for updating-you are all in our prayers.

Kat said...

Your families are being covered in prayer today. I pray for healing, comfort - for the donor's family as well - and for you guys to get some much needed sleep.

Thanks for keeping all ofb us here in internet land updated.

Karen said...

Your kids are blessed to have you as their Pastor, and father. You know I am praying, asking the Lord to give you his peace, and wisdom, and grace.

You are a hero of mine.

♥Lisa and The Pug Posse ♥ said...

Wow...Thank you for the update. You all get some rest. you are all in my thoughts and prayers~

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

I'm so glad you got to see her... and glad that she looks so great. That, in itself, must be so encouraging.

I'll be praying for all of the new things today -- and the weeks to come -- will bring.

Rebecca

Apple said...

Just absolutely thrilled for all of you and praying for all involved, donor family too.

Another friend who has been following your family's story is in a conference (no computer) today, so I am having to text her updates everytime you or Nate posts. You all are in our hearts so much, right now...thanks for keeping us posted.

~j~ said...

just came over from Nates blog, i am incredibly blessed at the glory that is being given to God for the miracle that we have all been witnessing the past 24 hours but am mindful too the continued prayer that is still needed. Praising God but still praying without ceasing..
thank you for keeping this "blog family" informed!
The Lord bless you,
julia

Melody said...

Hello-

Thank you for keeping us updated the best you can. As soon as my eyes opened this morning I stumbled to the computer to check on Tricia. I breathed a huge sigh of relief when I saw that the surgery was successful.

We are praying hard here in Florida, that today you all get some rest and that Tricia will recover beautifully.

God is Good!
Melody in Florida!

Meredith said...

So glad for the newest update as like so many others, sitting on pins and needles. I have been following Nates and Tricia's stroy since January and I have to say they are both so lucky to have such wonderful family! You are an amazing Dad and Pastor, so if I'm ever in your area on a Sunday morning I will be sure to come to a service. God Bless you all and we will still be praying!

God is AWESOME!
Meredith/Orlando FL

jullylaw said...

Thanks for keeping us updated. Continuing to pray.
Julie

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the updates.


Still praying,
Lauren

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy to read an update but yet sad that the communication ball was dropped. That must have been so frustrating. I will keep Tricia and everyone involved in my prayers.

luvgod2 said...

We are praising God that the surgery went successfully! Praying that the healing and recovery goes quickly and smoothly! Remembering the donor's family for healing and comfort during this difficult time. Praises to you Lord!!!

Marsmile said...

Wonderful! Glad Tricia is resting well and praying she doesn't experience too much pain as she begins to wake up and start the healing/rehab process.

Again, sorry about the communication breakdown with the hospital during surgery-- I thought a member of the team usually comes out to update every hour or so to keep everybody informed of the ongoing process and that all is well... Hmm. Best wishes for the meeting with the hospital officials.

Do get some sleep! Thanks for updating us.

Marissa :-)

Beebe said...

"To God Be The Glory" :)

Thad and Ann said...

thank you so much for updating, I'm sorry things didn't go as planned with communtication, that had to be extremely hard on all of you. I have been keeping you all in my prayers.

Strive to Thrive said...

So glad to hear the news... continuing to pray for ya'll here in Texas.
I have a question,don't know if you can answer it or if Nate can- but when you said she'll be breathing on her own in the next day or two with no vent, does that mean they will take out her trach? Or at least cap it? Just wondering how the process goes.
Your family is constantly on my mind-- thank you for keeping us posted.

Barbara Kay said...

God is so faithful. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and will continue to be. I'm so glad you all were able to see her, and disappointed that an already stressful situation was intensified by the all-too-common enemy, communication. I'll be praying for your meeting today.
Barbara Kay

Rose Casell said...

Thank you for the update!

Katy said...

Thank you for the update. continuing to pray in Ohio...Hope you all get some sleep!

Lee said...

I cant Thank you enough for your updates.. I am and will continue praying for all of you. God is Great!!!

boltefamily said...

I am praying! Thanks for the update! Try to get some sleep. I am sure it will be a long week!

Sonja said...

I am so Excited for All of You. I can only imagine the "snafu" you encountered. Praise God there is a GREATER Physician than some of the staff. God is so GOOD!

Continuing prayer for all of you and for the donor's family. Thank you for helping make more people aware of the NEED for organ donors.

God Bless

Tanisha said...

I came over from Nate's blog...thanks so much for the update. I will continue to keep all of you in prayer.

Stay encouraged! :)
~Tanisha in VA

Patience Leino said...

We're so grateful...not only for the tremendous faith Nathan & Tricia have continued to demonstrate, but that it holds true for their entire family as well! What a blessing to know that such goldy parents surround & support them at this time. Thank you for your time in updating us while Nate cares for his bride. We're truly grateful for the peaks into the halls of Duke today.

Blessings From Above said...

I'd like to thank you for taking the time to update us on Tricia's recovery-- I look forward to reading the posts and knowing how I can more specifically lift her as well as your family up in prayer!

God Bless you.

Christy said...

I am praying for all you mentioned. I feel like this hour will be mostly for Nathan. I know this is a roller coaster for him. With the communication issue, it has to be even more than hard. Please let him know that we are trying to be like Aaron and Hur and hold him up as he carries it the rest of the way through.
Christy in KY
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/sharpcrew

Jenn said...

Thanks for the updates!! Praying hard in New Jersey. I will be praying that you are the face of Jesus to the "Higher-ups" today. May your words be calm yet direct and may you show grace as God would.

Anonymous said...

I found your blog from Nate's. I'm praying for Tricia and your whole family! I am so excited about the new lungs. I know God has already used your family to touch so many and will continue to do so through Tricia's healing and recovery!

Nora said...

Thanks for your updates, too! It's hard to become so attached to people we probably will never meet on this Earth, but it's so worth it to see answered prayer. We are praying and praying and praying, non-stop today.

We'll be thinking of you guys as you talk to the officials about the communication problems--our family knows a lot about that stuff :), and it's important to stand up and voice concerns about that, so hopefully it won't happen to someone else.

Stephanie D said...
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Scott said...

Rick,

We've been praying for you all. I haven't been checking your blog as much because of too many things to keep up with! But you guys are all in our prayers.

Annette said...

Thank you so much for this information. Ive looked at your blog a few times and have nejoyed it in the past- Tricia has so many praying for her & the information is great to hear during this emotional time for all of you. I am so excited that I have the pleasure of walking in her honor on April 19th at the Great Strides Event.
www.smithfamilyx6.blogspot.com

Adrienne said...

Thanks for the details here. Can't get any of you guys out of our prayers!

Sara said...

Thanks rick for all the updates & details. As I've said numerous times before to Nate, your family's strengh continues to amaze me!! Continuing to pray for the donor's family, the doctors & nurses involved, you, your family, Tricia's family & of course Nate, Gwyenth and Tricia!!

Carol said...

thanks so much for all the updates. I know Tricia needs our prayers now as much as she ever did - for strength and healing and will. And I know you all need our prayers for support - blessed sleep might be in order too, if possible.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the updates! Still praying for Tricia!
Stacy :-)

LizW said...

Thank you for sharing this journey. Tricia and Nate are so fortunate to have such a loving strong family supporting them. You are in my thoughts and prayers. As far as your unhappiness with the communication, I think it is very important that the Duke officials know of your concerns. Because of many family surgeries and hospitalizations, I know of what you speak.
Get some rest!

andreawilliams said...

Thank you for the update! We are praying ofr you here in Idaho!
Blessings,
Andrea

m.e. said...

I am new to Nate's blog about Tricia and their precious baby daughter. Just wanted you to know that I am praying for you and your wife (and for Tricia's family) today as you all wait upon the Lord.

Blessings from Pensacola....

Claire Drake said...

I'll be in constant prayer for Trish and everyone that's been involved with this remarkable journey. Mostly I'm in awe of our wonderful God for how good He is to those of us who work to do His will. His love for us still takes my breath away. How awe inspiring it will be when Tricia takes her first breath later today with the lungs that have been so selflessly provided. Blessed is the name of the Lord! Your brother in Christ, Tommy

Anonymous said...

Thank you so very much for all of the updates. Continuing to pray.

The Finn Family said...

We do not know each other except I know about you all through Nathan's blog. I am in tears reading your accounts of the past few hours. Tricia and the rest of your family are in my thoughts today. I am so thrilled to see that Tricia is going to be breathing with her new lungs today. What a wonderful blessing!

Crystal D said...

Prayers for all of you, especially for strength for Nate and will for Tricia. Amazing grace. Amazing family.

Julie said...

Just got a chance to read all of your updates. Keeping Tricia's recovery in my prayers. Looking forward to hearing more...

Jenny said...

You did a great job keeping us updated in such detail!

I pray today is even more awesome for Tricia and your family than yesterday. :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you Pastor Rick for keeping us updated. I continue to pray for Nate, Tricia and Gwyneth as well as the rest of you. I know you keep telling us not to forget to pray for the family that lost a loved one so and was able to give Tricia a new pair of lungs but what is the prayer? Everytime I want to pray for them I just keep asking the lord to bless the family for having such a wonderful person in their life that was willing to give a chance for someone else to continue to have a life. Is that wrong? Please help me with this when you get a chance..
Thanks,
Megan

Unknown said...

Keeping you all in my prayers, thank you for the updates.

pam said...

Waiting is so hard. I have sat with many waiting in hospitals. Praying for all of you. This is quite a journey. I always love the waiting rooms that have one part set back with the lights off at night, chairs that convert to mini sleepers. Thankful you all have His grace to sustain you.

Mary said...

Please know that we are praying for your family. The play-by-play of last nights' events was great. (Even the smallest details) We feel like we're there with you all, even though we're not. Our prayers are definitely being sent up though. We're also praying for the donor's family. I hope you all have a peaceful and comforting day.

Mary
Florida

Jarboetwingles said...

Thanks for the updates! I am praying that the meeting you are planning goes well. You sound like a protective papa bear! We all need that no matter how old we are!

Judy said...

Thanks for the update. I'm so glad that you all got to see her. I'm sure that gave you some peace of mind. We are praying! You should have seen all the emails I got last night from friends who wanted to make sure I had checked the blog! You've got an army praying for Trisha!

La Familia Garcia said...

I bet your encouragement and prayers mean everything to Nathan and Tric. Thanks for keeping us all up on what's going on. I guess we're just used to Nathan updating all the time. Thanks for doing that for him...especially since his audience has grown so much.

Coffespaz said...

So very glad that your family and Trisha's family have been able to provide support for Nate (and Trisha) for the last couple of days.

Keeping you all in my prayers, and keeping updates on my blog as well.

HUGS

Stacy said...

Thank you for the update. We continue to keep you all in our prayers!

Erik said...

Praying in Seattle, WA...
God Bless you all!

Erin said...

Thank you so much for your continued updates. We are all so glad to hear that things are going well and continue to pray for everyone involved. I'm sorry that there were communication issues with the surgical team. From previous experience, I know that the wait without updates is heart-wrenching. I hope that you are able to resolve these issues so that no other family has to experience the pain of not knowing.

Still praying in Ohio...

jamie said...

Rick, Thanks so much for the updates. So nice of you when I know y'all are physically and mentally exhausted. I am one of the ones with the transplant insomnia last night, but have had my nap. I only hope y'all are getting your rest by now. I'll keep praying for the long road ahead. God Bless all of you. I pray for the day when your son, daughtr-in-law and grandaughtr are home again. Take care of yourselves. The praying continues.

Jamie in Texas

Het said...

You are all in our prayers! Thank you for your updates.

Robin Schmitt said...

We just learned what's going on with Tricia through Lesley England.

I don't know if you remember Todd and I, but our family has visited your church in Nags Head a couple of times the last few years and we were friends of a couple of your brothers way back when in Lynchburg.

Anyway, we are praying for Tricia and the rest of the family. This sure is an opportunity for God to be glorified and for Him to use you guys to be a blessing to others you meet in the hospital.

Robin Schmitt

Jen Wilson said...

It's so wonderful to hear that Nathan and Tricia have such great and supportive parents. Thanks for all the updates! I've been following your son's blog for a little over three months and I have been blessed through it.

Keep up the good work, and I will be praying especially for your daughter-in-law but also for your son and granddaughter today.

Goodboy Norman Featherstone said...

I can't believe she'll be breathing TODAY with her new lungs. That is just awesome!!

Patty said...

Thank you for updating. We are praying here in Maryland.

Rick Lawrenson said...

I do remember you Robin. Todd's dad was one of my seminary professors.

mjdav said...

Thank you for taking time to keep the "prayer warriors" updated. God is good and we are thankful for how He is working. We'll keep praying! ...a CF grandma

mjdav said...
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Anonymous said...

Praise God you are standing up for all the family members that have ever been in the position of the lack of communication during surgery. I've been there as a family member of a heart patient (my mother in law). Not a word. Now granted, we were told "no news is good news. you won't hear a thing until the end." That was accurate, but it would have been nice to hear something every hour just to know that everything was going according to plan.

And you guys had such a long wait and you guys have been there so long that they should have been more considerate to your family at this time. I am glad you are going to try to talk to the higher ups to get this resolved.

Praying for all of you and the donor's family too.