Day One

We would really appreciate your prayers for Mike. He's currently at Kaiser Sunnyside hospital being treated for an unknown infection.

He was driving TriMet bus yesterday and was suddenly overcome with chills, nausea, vomiting for half-hour straight, etc. during a break in Oregon City. He was able to contact his dispatcher who sent EMTs but was almost passed out when they got there. They transported him by ambulance to Kaiser and his temperature was 103.7 around 1pm. After trying to get in an IV for almost two hours, he finally got three bags of fluids in him by last night, his temp has been hovering between 99 and 101, plus was treated for an asthma attack during this time.

The physicians are a bit perplexed since it's not the flu/pneumonia but Mike's white cell count is extremely high. We have found a spot of severe swelling, redness and pain under his left ankle so they suspect cellulitis (deep tissue infection) and that the infection has somehow gotten into his bloodstream. They are worried are about the possibility septic shock and are still running tests. He's currently being treated with two high-powered antibiotics, fluids and medical monitoring. Mike's coherent now and in good spirits other than worried about the unknown. His nurse took an extensive medical history since we're new to Kaiser and was impressed with his overall general health. Even though his weight causes logistical problems and the potential for severe consequences, he has limited health issues all things considered.

We have great medical insurance through TriMet but I'm not so sure about sick leave/short term disability for lost work time. He will probably be off through tomorrow and then has regular days off on Tues and Wed. After that, we'll just see what happens.

The kids all made it up to the hospital yesterday; I think Tatum was the most upset because she couldn't see Daddy while he was in ER but he didn't get admitted into a room until after 9pm and the kids took her home by then. Trevor had just picked up Teressa from Pacific University for Christmas break, was going to take her to work and then help us get firewood when the call came in. Tara was sick in bed herself but drove up from Salem to be with us. Tess let Office Depot know her dad was in the hospital and she wouldn't be in. I'm so proud of my young adults.

Please pray that doctors locate the infection and it's cured quickly, that the details of his work settle themselves and that Mike is quickly on the road to total health. Thank you so much.

In Christ,
Shawnee