Slow Steady Progress

Things are slowly progressing forward. I have been moved from 2 IV antibiotics to 1 oral antibiotic. I am now on a clear liquid diet, which is a nice improvement after all these weeks of nothing by mouth. I am still receiving nutrition from an IV. I still have the IV back pack which goes with me everywhere. I still try to avoiding being around any aromatic food, it is too hard!

All the numbers in the blood tests look good. We have not been given any idea what the next steps will be. My energy is slowly returning. Of course, I still cannot drive.

It was fun to preach last week. I wonder how many sermons have been delivered with an IV pole next to the pulpit. I was pretty tired after the morning, but it felt good. I plan on preaching every other week for a few weeks. I have been spending time writing two church officer training manuals, some stewardship materials, and some prayer guides (for the project of opening the Sanctuary for prayer and meditation.)

I want to again thank everyone for their love and care. There have been so many people who have sent cards, flowers, lifted prayers, called, visited and sent e-mails. The gifts of food for Rhonda, books and magazines to read, a painting to inspire, a wonderful gift of picking Kellie up from Cedar Rapids and then returning her to college, raking leaves, trimming bushes, and the list goes on. I cannot express the depth of my appreciation. I am deeply humbled. May God richly bless you all.

Some Improvement

The doctor office called this morning and reported that the CT Scan results were stable. As a result I am now able to have clear liquids. I will also be taking an oral antibiotic in addition to the IV antibiotic to evaluate if I can tolerate the change. If I am able to tolerate the oral antibiotic then the IV antibiotics will be eliminated. I will continue with the other IVs at this time.

It is slow progress, but it is still progress.

Bad Day

Today was a bad day. Early this morning my IV lines became tangled and I tripped. I managed to pull the pick line out. This was a big problem. We were able to arrange for it to be replaced in Day Surgery late morning. We were at the hospital from 11:30 to 5:30 pm. I was without my nutrition, pain medicine, and IV antibiotics for most of the day. I became rather sick as a result.

The CT scan went better than I expected. The contrast I had to drink was very unpleasant but manageable.

I am rather exhausted. Please keep Rhonda in your prayers. She continues to carry an incredible load taking care of me. Words cannot express my gratitude!!

A Word from Alan

My energy level is a little better today. There really isn't any major change in my condition. I will have another CT Scan on Monday to tract the progress in fighting the infections. I continue to be fed by IV, although I can now drink a little water.

I have been spending my time working on some training materials for church officers. I have collected a number of resources over the years and am pleased to finally have the time to create a more comprehensive training manual.

I plan to preach this Sunday. It is Reformation Sunday this weekend. We will be looking at the last of the 4 freedoms, The Freedom to Worship. I hope to see you!

Need to lower your Cholesterol?

I learned yesterday that not eating for three weeks is a great way to lower your Cholesterol. My total cholesterol is only 91!!

I don't really recommend this method. This is really pushing the old advice to "look for the silver lining.''

Alan

Tuesday , October 21st

On Monday afternoon I had a CT Scan and a number of other tests. We got word back this afternoon that the infections have been responding to the IV antibiotics. We are definitely moving in the right direction!! Unfortunately I had a negative reaction to the contrast that they used in the CT Scan and have been sick to my stomach most of the day. In addition, I have even less energy than usual. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

I continue to be overwhelmed by people's love and concern. The cards, calls, e-mails and offers of help have continued to flood in. I can not adequately express my appreciation.

May God Bless you all!

A Word from Alan

Hi everyone! It has been a very long three weeks. I went in for a routine test (ERCP) on September 26th after conducting a graveside service. I was expected to be home that same evening. Instead, complications put my life at risk on two occasions. I am grateful to be still be here. Hopefully there are no long term damage.

I was able come home on Wednesday. I am still hooked up to four IVs. I have home health care through the hospital, although Rhonda does much of my care. I am not able to take anything by mouth for another two weeks. The infections are currently responding. The doctors will repeat the CT Scan on Monday afternoon to confirm this progress.

I don't have much energy, but generally feel "fairly" good. I really miss eating and drinking! I am so very grateful for all the prayers, cards, flowers, cards, visits, and expressions of love. I miss seeing you and sharing in your lives. Please know you are in my prayers.

Grace and peace,

Alan

October 17

Rhonda called this morning and said that there is now an intercom system at the front door. If Alan is sleeping or not feeling well, it won't be answered (just like the phone). If he's up for a visit, he'll tell you how to get in.

Alan does check his emails, so this is a way of your saying hello to him. He enjoys your cards of encouragement and loves it when Rhonda says "you've got mail."

When he is taking antibiotics, he does have to use the "IV pole" and therefore confined to one area. Otherwise, he's free to roam with his carry bag.

(A small, but rather significant PS from Rhonda is . . . how DO you cook or warm up food without any smell?)

October 16

Alan is now home from the hospital. Fortunately he does not have to drag the big IV pole around with him. Instead he has a bag that he is able to carry. This means that he is not confined to one area of the house and is able to move around when he wants to.

Alan has been especially grateful for all the cards and notes of encouragement and support.

Please continue to pray for his recovery and that the remaining complications heal during the next couple weeks. Also continue to pray for Rhonda while she is home caring for him, and for Chris and Kellie as they return to school.

Anna Parkinson

October 15 Update

Rhonda reports the odds are good that Alan will go home today. As previously noted, he will be on IV drugs and nutrients for 2 weeks (nothing by mouth). At the end of this period, they will do another CAT Scan.
Kellie is planning to leave tomorrow (Thursday); Christopher on Friday.
Once Alan settles in, more information will be posted.
Your continued prayers, and notes/cards of encouragement are appreciated.

October 14th - afternoon

Yesterday's cat scan found that there are still some complications that need to be resolved. An abscess has developed where the perforation of the bowel was. The hole seems to have been sealed off, but it is unclear whether it has actually healed or if the abscess is what is sealing it.
A "pseudo-cyst" has also formed on the pancreas. This is something that sometimes follows pancreatitis by about 2 weeks.
Rather than do surgery at this point, the doctors want to keep him on IV drugs and nutrients - and have him go another 2 weeks without eating. The family and doctors are hoping that he will be able to go home for the next couple weeks and continue treatment and the fast there. At the end of the 2 weeks they will do another cat scan and determine next steps from there.
Continue to pray for Alan and the family during this time. Pray especially that Alan will be able to have the endurance and patience to make it through the next couple weeks without eating. If you've ever skipped a couple meals you know that the stomach starts grumbling, but going as long as he already has and now even longer is very painful. While his body IS getting the necessary nutrients, his stomach still thinks food should be coming through it.
Anna Parkinson

October 13 - morning

Rhonda reported in worship yesterday that Alan is improving, but at this point he is still not allowed to eat. He's very hungry and it is very painful.
Today Alan has another CT scan. After that we'll have a better idea of what this week holds.
Anna Parkinson

October 10 Morning Update

As of this morning, Rhonda reports that Alan’s white count is much better and his temperature is almost normal. The pancreatic enzymes are back to normal. He has another CT Scan on Monday. Alan is better, but has a ways to go. She again thanks everyone for your prayers, cards and notes of encouragement.

Thursday, October 9th

Good afternoon,
Rhonda reports that Alan is stable, they are continuing his medical regimen, and it’s another 24 hours of “watchful waiting.”
His stomach area is less tender, which is a good sign.
Alan is thankful for your cards and encouraging notes. (You can mail these to the house, 309 Colorado Drive, Goshen 46526-1404, and Rhonda will make sure they are taken to Alan.)
Chris got into town last night and Kellie is on her way with Rhonda's parents.

Please continue to pray for Alan, the medical staff, his treatment, and Alan’s family.
Anna Parkinson