An Update


I was testing out a new printer yesterday with pictures that we have taken over the years. I came across this one, and looking at it I found myself yet again with tears streaming down my face.

I've been crying a lot the last week or so. I'm scared.

I took this picture of Kara by the ocean near Santa Monica in October of 2005. We were there for an Angel Flight meeting, and had an hour or two to take a walk along the beach. At that time, the gains we thought we had made with Kara's health earlier in the year were quickly evaporating, and we had just decided to send her to the clinic here in Dallas for what we hoped would be a few weeks of treatment.

Now, two and a half years later, we seem to have truly reached an impasse. The doors are closing so fast, and the windows don't seem to want to open. Kara is still not able to eat, and she has been reacting badly to the IV nutrition that she is on.

I have a vivid imagination, and can usually come up with creative solutions to all kinds of problems. Why can't I think of something to make my wife well?

Comments

Nicole said…
Oh Don - your post brought me to tears as well. I am so sorry. I hope Kara knows how blessed she is to have you. I wish I could do something too - I will continue to keep both of you in my prayers.
1/29/08, 10:58 PM
Tristi Pinkston said…
Don, I haven't read all of the posts regarding your wife's health, so I may be asking for information you've already given, but what all are her symptoms and what all have they tested for? If you did a blog putting everything all into one place like that, maybe one of your readers would recognize something they've been through or that someone they know has been through and can get some ideas flowing your way.

Additionally, I wonder if you've been trying both medical and alternative routes, or just one or the other. Sometimes one method will find an answer that another won't.

Those practical comments to the side, I just want you to know that you come up in our prayers often. Ever since I first "met" you here in Blogland, I've been concerned for you and Kara and wish the very best for you and your situation.
1/30/08, 5:36 PM
Don said…
I'll try and work up a better description of Kara's case later, but the main issue here is that she has significant bacterial overgrowth that prevents her from eating, and she has developed severe chemical toxicity which, among other things, causes her inability to tolerate her TPN IV.

We have done both traditional and alternative medicine, and seemed to have hit the limitations of both fields.

Among her infections, and what we now believe to be the root of the problem, is Lyme and the standard co-infections. Antibiotics help some, but as the bacteria dies off she becomes even more sick and loses weight even more quickly. She is currently less than 100 lbs, so there is very little weight left that can be lost.

Nicole and Tristi, your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.
1/30/08, 10:39 PM
Tristi Pinkston said…
Wow -- I honestly can't even imagine what you're going through and have been through. You're a hero to your family, Don -- I hope you know that.
1/31/08, 12:23 AM
Marsha Ward said…
Prayers coming your way.
1/31/08, 5:11 PM
Autumn Ables said…
Don, you are such a good man.

I am so sorry for how life is going for Kara and for your family. You must feel exhausted and lonely and scared to death all the time. May you gain the continued strength needed to care for Kara nd your sweet girls. My heart goes out to you and yours. Prayers will be uttered often for your familys' behalf. I really pray there is something that can be done. Hold on, Don. Hold on.
2/10/08, 12:57 AM
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