But of course the gravel makes her sleepy. So being awake enough to eat is also an issue. So normally she isn't able to eat much. Somedays she is too weak to even bring a cup to her lips. However yesterday she had a really good day and was able to eat a plate of food. This she hasn't done for longtime. So that was nice.
They have her on a hydration drip each day and will be starting to give it to her two times a day.
Confusion and inability to express herself is more frequent.
They are starting to have help come in to give Don, (Dad) a break. This will start on Saturday and will likely happen more often, so that Dad can have more frequent breaks.
My parents, Don and Elva really appreciate all your prayers, e-mails, phone calls and visits.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
* Continue to pray for strength for Don as he cares for Elva as well as processes his own emotions.
* Pray for strength for Mother, as she deals with pain etc, and I am sure the frustration of not being able to express herself at times.
* Please also pray the family who are far away and wish they were able to be there with her on a regular basis.
* Pray that the Lord will continue to use these trials and pain for His glory.
*** PLEASE PRAY FOR MY SISTER SARAH & BABY
I would also like to use this update to send out another request for my sister, Sarah. (Elva's daughter). She has developed a condition called ICP, a liver issue. (I, Rachel, had this with my last pregnancy but I was much further along that she is). I, Rachel, know prayer to be powerful, so the more people praying the better. Here is what she posted on her Facebook page this week:
"I'm now 29 1/2 weeks along. The baby is doing well so far.
However, I was diagnosed with a condition called ICP ( Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy) .
Basically it's a liver condition that causes the bile acids to build up in my blood stream.
This causes itchy skin, and complications to the baby, worst of all being high rate of still birth. I saw the specialist today. He said based on initial blood work I have a moderate to severe case, esp since it has started so early. I will have weekly and possible 2x week checkups & ultrasounds to follow how the baby is doing ( risk of premature aging of placenta, & build up of bile acids in babies system). I am on a medication that will hopefully bring the bile levels down , decrease itching etc. We will also have to plan for an early induction - usually 36-37 weeks but he said in my case it might have to be even earlier. ( depending in my blood work & babies health)The itchiness is worst at night , so makes sleep hard.We would appreciate prayer. It's overwhelming to think about the potential complications, but also the more immediate dealing with the night time itchiness & lack of sleep.
I have been reminded over and over about God soverenty, His ability to provide for our every need, and the wonderful truth that HE is knitting this little one together , & already know the number of its days.
The Link below has more details on ICP for those that want to know. http://www.icpcare.org/what-is-icp/overview/ "
---Rachel VandenBerg
