Dear Friends
My name is Ruth. Laine has given me the incredible honor of updating all of you who read this wonderful blog.
Two nights ago, she began experiencing more symptoms that were blood clot related, including shortness of breath. So at 2 am she and Guy loaded themselves into the car, and drove, once again, to the hospital. The biggest concern at this point was Pulmonary Embolism. The fancy term for "that blood clot has now broken off and made it's way into your lung". Of course, they did a scan to reveal
Clear lungs.
But they need to do a MRI on her leg to find out why these symptoms were returning. This news, however, was not so encouraging. Not only has the blood clot returned...it is worse than before. While huge last time, it only effected one vein...now it is blocking multiple veins. So what's the next course of action? First things first, they increased the medication they were giving to thin out her blood. Next they discussed the option of having a procedure to place a filter that would block any clots from getting to her lungs. This would entail taking her off of the blood thinners before the procedure ( too much risk of bleeding out) and it would put the baby at risk of radiation exposure. A team of Interventional Radiologists, and Perinatalogists could not come to agreement as to whether or not this was the best way to go. They were split. Half were for the procedure, half were against. They were going to leave this impossible decision to Guy and Laine. Come to find out, if the filter were placed, #1 it would need to be removed with-in a few weeks. Laine would like to still be pregnant in a few weeks for the sake of a growing baby. And if she is still pregnant, there is still risk of clots forming. #2 There is a risk of a new blood clot forming around the filter...kind of defeating the purpose. So this team met again, and after much prayer on Guy and Laine's part...the doctors reached an agreement. Apparently, they each had information the other needed. They all decided against it. The good news here...one of the IRs that Guy and Laine had been working with did not factor in the medicine dosage that during pregnancy, a woman's blood volume increases.
Why is this good news?
Because they then realized that the amount of medication they were giving her would not effect her the way it would effect a non-pregnant woman. Once again. they are increasing the medication and they will be checking the levels to see if it is having any effect. Needless to say, she will be in the hospital for a few more days. If the levels are safe enough, they will send her home.
Laine has gone from concern over the blood clot, to complete and utter joy at God's intervention, back down to more concern and fear over a new blood clot. But one thing remains constant. Her knowledge that God is in complete control over this entire situation, and her trust that His will is perfect. I have said this before, please allow me to say it again.
The God we serve is a kind, loving, faithful, and GOOD God.
He will not leave Laine and Guy to walk this path alone. He has shown Himself in big and little ways all throughout this entire situation, and I believe He will continue to do so. I believe in the power of prayer. I have seen God work in unfathomable ways. I have seen Him heal miraculously, and I have seen Him use the medical profession. I know that when we seek Him with all our hearts, He will show Himself in ways we don't expect. This is my prayer for sweet Laine and Guy. That they will see Him everyday in little and big ways, reminding them that He is there with them. That He will give them wisdom and understanding when the doctors bring new information. I am praying that He will give the doctors wisdom as they put together a plan for Laine's continued care. And most of all I am praying that they will feel His perfect peace that surpasses all understanding.
I have been asking God why this is going the way it has. Why did He remove the clot only to allow another more aggressive clot to form. I wish I had and answer, and I pray that one day soon, we will. But until then, I am praying this verse:
"I will lead the blind by ways they have not know, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them, and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16
4 comments:
We are praying for you Laine and Guy! Love you both!
Like your friend, I am not sure why you must go through this trial but I DO know it is for the benefit of all who surround you. Heavenly Father has chosen your family to be the vessel to send His message of love, or understanding, and of faith. It's one of those annoying situations where God believes you all to be His AMAZING children enough to be put to the test.
You know several people are praying and fasting on your behalf and *that* is obviously part of His plan, too. This may sound cheesy, but it is true nonetheless: it is an honor to know you and your family and to be a part of this faith process with you. You are loved!
You and your family are continually in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless and keep you tenderly in the palms of His hands, showing you His great grace, never-ending unconditional love and sweet tender mercy.
Oh, Dear Sweet Laine, my thousand-mile-far-away friend. Even that can’t keep our hearts apart. I lit this Mama Bee candle and it will be a-goin’ all day today, for you, my friend, your precious baby and loving family. Funny, I have had it lit today before I got your email. All is well. Much Much Love to you all. XOXOXOXO
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