Update on Candy
She is as we speak having a test (colonoscopy) done to rule out why her hemoglobin is running as low as 7. We are hoping their isnt anything wrong there causing the problem. Her sugars are looking ok as of yesterday and today, so if all goes well...she may be going home to be with her little boys tomorrow *cross your fingers* for Halloween.
Edited to say that she has had the procedure, it's over and everything is ok there. She is going to get to come home today the doctor said when she wakes up and is more alert. This is good...Im happy she's going home. Continuing prayers will be appreciated. Thanks everyone for praying for her and the family, we all appreciate it more than words can say.
Julie
This message was edited Oct 30, 2003 2:46 PM
Angel's Trumpet "donations" for my sister Candy
did she get home okay Julie? hope everything is still fine.
Best wishes again!!!
She got home today in the evening, it takes forever to get her out when they finally do let her go. I hope she can enjoy Halloween with the lil' ones of her's tomorrow. I hope to go over there in the morning and clean her house alittle bit for her.
I will keep you all posted. She is really in awe of the people at Dave's and how they've been such a blessing for her, her children, husband & all of us. Thank you everyone
God loves you!
Thanks Ludger & Tig :-)
Oh, Delecie, I'm praying for Candy, too! You've so many offers that I don't know what might lift her spirits right now? Maybe just a fresh bouquet or card? I will also have cuttings after this weekend and would be happy to send if you would still like them. Just LMK, okay. God Bless!
Thank You so much Morph...your prayers are greatly appreciated as my sister is very blessed for having all of you here praying along with us. She's a very loved woman, and the kids are also being told as well as the father, that prayers are being said here for the family.
Youre a sweetie Scooterbuggs hon, and thank you, what you said means more than you will ever know. God speed.
Thank you all for you kindness and prayers. I can not say that enough to you. Seeing my sister smile, well...words cant describe the joy I felt. I'm sure her boys love seeing her smile too. Thank you all who have helped me achieve that.
God Bless
Julieanne
Kristi, Jerodsmom, and Delecie, you have mail :-)
This message was edited Nov 1, 2003 6:37 PM
Judith, I dont know how I missed your post...but I am so sorry. Thank you for your prayers and your support. My sister for now is gaining her strength back. Let's pray it will last a while now.
She is hearing all of your prayers, I am reading them to her. I wished she had a computer, but I am happy to relate her to you all. She appreciates all of you, your thoughts, prayers and cards.
If Ive missed someone else that posted and havent thanked them for their prayers and strength...please forgive me.
Im forever greatful for all of you to be my friends. Thank you
Julie
How is your sister doing? For some reason I thought of this thread. I hope she is well, and all the cuttings are doing great!
I WOULD GLADLY SEND YOU SOME CUTTING FOR YOUR SISTER YOU ARE NEARER gOD,S HEART IN A GARDEN AND MAY EVERYBODIES PRAYERS STORM HEAVEN AND HELP HER. SHE IS BLEESED TO HAVE SUCH A WONDERFUL SISTER I LOST MY SISTER THREE YEARS AGO TO A BRAIB ANERIUSM AT AGE 52 I MISS HER SO MUCH. GOD BLESS BOB
Bob, this was from last year, I dont know if she still needs cuttings or not, I was just curious about her sister.
Hi shelly
thanks for thinking of Candy. She has had 2 clots since I posted and it's been awhile. Successfully dissolved and they predict more to come. They were blocking her main artery to the heart, the one single one...combination of a clot and some scar tissue from her permanent shunt site. She gave us a big scare, she turned very blue from her upper torso up. Ears, lips and her face had a bluish hue from the blood backing up and barely able to leak out. The device they attached to her stomach in Atlanta for her Gastroparethesis (paralyzed stomach enableing her stomach to digest food) has been set for 100% shock level to her stomach, that's as high as it goes to help her digest food....I am sad to say that she is turning away from me and my mother. It's hard for me to talk about. But we expect it and try to cope for her because we know it's not really her.
As for the cuttings, I had to tend them (the one's that survived) because she is in the hospital so much, they would die. To all of you who gave cuttings to her, you will be blessed. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thanks so much for asking, I can't tell you how much that means to me that you thought of her. She's a blessing to all of us, even when she does act like she hates me now. She calls me a tattle tale to my mother cos' mother and I are the one's who care for her, and we have to communicate her condition and state to each other when it's our turn. She call's it tattling...bless her heart. It hurts me deeply.
God bless you
This message was edited Aug 23, 2004 4:21 PM
BrugAddict,I'm so sorry,things are the way they are-you & your family are in my prayers!!
This message was edited Aug 24, 2004 1:32 PM
Awwwwwww Christmascactus that's so nice of you to say that, and I do appreciate it. Unfortunetely, they are. It's important for us to live each day one day at a time and make the most of each and every moment we have with ALL of our family and our friends.
Thank you so much for your prayer's. I just feel blessed to have her as my sister and no matter if she is trying to reject me, I'll just keep on trying. I won't give up.
BrugAddict:
I am so sorry for all of you going through this. I cared for my Dad (diabetic) through 7 operations in 4 yrs. While he was in the hosp in acoma, I was taking my Mom for chemo. Lost both of them in 2001. I know how much it means to have people care .
Also, know that your sister may be acting differently because of her diabetes. It made my Dad do some very uncharacteristic things. Just keep treating her with your love like you have. You have had a long road. I know people are praying for your sister and her children and husb.Ii will pray for you and your Mom.
Jay
Thank you Jay, that means alot. You've had alot on your plate too, and my prayer's are with you too. Know that You will be rewarded one day for your taking care of your mom and dad. I know that God is in control and it's been a long hard road for us and still more to come but I don't question why anymore, and I once did...I am ashamed for that and ask forgiveness daily....but I have come to a peace about it and know that whatever happens, I'll always know and be proud of myself for hanging in there and doing all that I can. I will always be there for her....and I know that she isn't herself because of her diabetes but I love her just the same. I am so sorry about your dad and your mom. Did you dad have type II or type I diabetes? She is having heart problems. I've found her a few time's in seizure's but got the Emergency glucose shot out in time so she didnt go into a coma...Thank God.
One day she said to me, "Julie, did you ever think that I didn't want to be found like that?" she went on to say, "I'm ready to go now Julie" That's when I prayed, prayed and prayed some more because I still don't think I could just let her go like that.
Thank you for sharing and keeping us in your prayers.
Julie
BrugAddict:
The last 3 yrs my Dad kept telling me he didn't want to live anymore.(He was type 2). I used to get so mad at him. Now I understand. He was just so worn out-They have so many tests (and no food to get ready for the tests) and then the drs think of something else to do.The only ones who seem to do well are the drs wallets. Guess this seems so neg, but looking back, the drs had a heyday.
Still, how do you tell them it's OK to give up?
The only thing we can do is make sure that the drs are keeping the patient in mind as a human being and doing what's best for the patient, not the dr.
The hardest thing for me was my Dad begging to come home and not being able to take him because I already had my Mom there (and I couldn't lift him ).It still hurts my heart. Never told anyone this before.
Still praying for you and your Mom.
Well you can't tell them it's OK to give up. She has 2 little boys that can't live with her but they have they're daddy. The doctor said she couldnt care for them in her state. This is what I tell her she has to live for....those little boys who love their mommy and miss her deeply.
I totally agree about the doctor's and how they are always thinking of something else to do. She is like a human 'pin cushion'. But with the shunt she has in her chest that cut down on the big stick's for IV's. Her vein's couldnt be found due to so many up and down's of sugar levels, leaving them to be the size of a premature baby. That's why they tapped into the main artery that leads down into her heart for the shunt to draw blood. Now she's forming clots there and scar tissue....the Gastroparesis can't be helped by the device they experimented with from Atlanta's Peidmont Hospital that's attached to her stomach wall helping her to digest food. She started out with a voltage of 25%....now it's to 100% jolt (voltage) and it's back to not holding down her food again. The list does go on with my sister. She is spilling keytone's more frequently, she's on cumadin for her blood and is being monitored weekly.
Ya know, I've had so many talks with her doctor and I'm not really pleased with her at all. I feel as you do there too. Her doctor's solution was she has done everything she can do for Candy. Even telling her she may need to find another doctor and that she would be dismissed from her...which put my sister into panic mode cos' noone else know's how to do or the list is so long of experiments for her that it's crazy anymore to even suggest that...Good Grief!!! I wanted to crawl her when she said that...Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....boy doesn't that sound like just the thing for her to hear right now, and the thought has crossed my mind so many many times that they just need to open up their pocket books when they see her coming. She could retire just on my sister.
Jay, please don't beat yourself up about not being able to bring him home when your mother was sick. You did what you could do...you did all you could...and you will be blessed and I bet your dad is looking down on you right now and smiling and he is proud that he had you for a son and all you did to help him and your mom. My prayer for you is that you will gather your strength and know that God love's you. You and I were/are blessed to have had/have the honor to care for them and do all we could/can. Does this make sense? You are in my prayer's Jay and I hope that talking about it helps, it does me. I'd explode if I didn't. I'm sorry this was so long. I don't have anyone to talk to about it that actually know's what I'm going through besides my mom. She has enough on her as it is with her heart condition and worry with Candy. She doesn't need me adding to it. So I choose to go find a quiet place...and talk to our Lord. He comforts me....alot!
Praying for you still....and thanks for all of your prayer's for me and moma :)
((((((Jay))))))
BrugAddict:
My favorite Bible verse is the one that says "And the Lord is with the brokenhearted".
It has helped me to know He is there.
Your sister's doctor may just feel inadequate at this point-but that does't make you or your sister feel like you should put your confidence in her. Maybe the Dr could call someone she knows for some advice.
This has been going on for such a long time-you must feel like it will never end. I know your sister wants to get well-but she must be utterly exhausted too. You and your Mom must maintain your health, also. It is easy to get run down when you are so stressed.
Is your Dad still alive-does your Mom have to turn to? Are you married?
You can talk to me anytime. I haven't had anyone to talk to in 2 yrs.
By the way, I know Jay is a man's name, but it is my nickname for Judith,- not that it matters. What is your first name? My email is: judithwoody @bellsouth.net. Jay
Thank you so much for sharing that verse with me Judith, and that's a pretty name...Mine is Julieanne, they call me Julie most of the time though. Yes it's been going on, well since way before this post...the very first one, and it does seem like an eternity. But ya know what? ....like I said before, God is in control...he is doing something and I have to believe that through my sister Candy he is making something wrong out there right. It's faith that I have to keep telling myself ...well reminding myself, cos' you know it get's hard and I do fight it alot as you did. God had mercy on your mother and father in their sufferings...My mom is re-married as my father died in 1985 of Mesothelioma (asbestosis caused from his occupation) and Melanoma caused by his occupation and batteled that in his early 30's until his death of both cancer's. He died one week shy of being 50 years old. Bless his heart. She leans on the Lord alot, her husband now who is a Christian man, and me. Their are alot of siblings but I'm the only one not working and able to help my mother.
I am married to a wonderful man...and I would love to talk to you sometime if you feel like it. I don't want to bring up heavy hard things for you because they are over and are not for me and I don't want to depress you. But I would like having an ear sometimes to talk to. Thank you for offering, you are a really sweet lady and very kind.
It is so nice to meet you Judith and my email is bruglady@charter.net or abgabby@charter.net. Also, I will email you my phone number if you'd like. I don't pay long distance as my husband has a concession plan with Bellsouth, his employer. So it would be easier if I called you so there will be no charges.
I am so greatful to Shelly221 to have opened up this again...this thread. I went to DG's the other day and saw my sister there and thought oh my goodness, but it helped me to make a new friend in you and ChristmasCactus. I see people reading this again, but noone else is saying anything...I want all of you to know that it's ok. I love all of you.
Julie/Brugaddict
BrugAddict, I wish I could send you what you need the most strength and Gods love. I know in my prayers I will ask for Gods love for you and your sister,I will also ask for him to renew your strength as you will need it. I am a diabetic and I know of the blood sticks and the food problems and just feeling so darn tired all the time...along with things that go on and on.You have been a GOOD sister and God knows this. Again I will put you and yours in my prayers.. Blessings cinnabor
cinnabor:
I am diabetic also, type 2. You were so kind in what you said to Julie, and of course it is all true. Maybe we should pray for all diabetics once in a while. What does cinnabor stand for? Is it a flower?
Julie:
I will email you my phone #. I would never get tired of listening. My heart is with both you and your Mom.
Maybe someday soon we will be sending your sister plants again. There are at least four candys or candidas for your zone.Wouldn't that be wonderful? I don't have any brugs yet, but I will.
You don't live far from me. I am right outside Charlotte. Take care of all you love.
Jay
Awwww Cinnabor, bless your heart. Thank you and my prayer's are for you too. I do need strength and I pray for that and courage to put on that face everytime I'm around my mom and my sister both. Funny, it seem's I can remember way back long ago, as I'm 10 years older than she, (she was 2 and I was 12) when she was found to have diabetes, getting her to eat all of her lunch I had prepared ....I'd do the airplane thing with the buzzing noise until it landed in her mouth...lol...but she ate it, if you can picture that....or every October was dreaded by me for my sister, because when everyone younger was getting 'Tricks or Treats', she would get apples, oranges, or fruit, and sometimes she may have gotten some sugarless candy. The hard part was trying to hide all the candies the other's got from her. Putting on that face had become a struggle but needed to be done, It was a torcherous thing...even back then. And still I find today I am putting on that face that all is well. When I get nervous I start joking around, I'm the clown I guess and noone takes me seriously. But God knew I would need that later on....so he blessed me with it early in life.
How long have you been a diabetic? She takes two shots a day, and more sticks than she can afford. We've been where we've found her not sticking herself and checking her blood sugars because she didnt have the money to get sticks....or reusing the needles....(this was early on) All of that is no more, I , with alot of persistance delt with SS and a long wait and alot copying medical records the size of a 4-5 thick books combined...got her SS. She was reimbursed (retro) from the time that I started trying to get it for her which was also when she was deemed totally disabled. (She was never able to get insurance because of her diabetes condition, so she took what she needed from that and made arrangements for her burial and chose her funeral and requests of funeral home) She gets a check for each of her two boys and herself. She is 35 now. She is so brave to have done that, that was 1 1/2 years ago.
Here I go again ....I don't mean to write a book everytime, but I want you to know, you are in my prayer's and not only can I be a good sister, I can be your friend too. Thank you Cinnabor
((((Cinnabor))))
This message was edited Aug 25, 2004 2:01 PM
BrugAddict:
Sent you an email. hope you receive it.
Jay
I got it Jay, and vice vera mine is on the way.
The name should have been cinnabar which is a bright red mineral...some how it was spelled wrong, so I didn't know how to change it so now I'm cinnabor. Whats in a name. Julie take care or yourself as well,If you do not remain strong you will be the one needing help. Again my prayers are with you cinnabor
I remember your posting about your sister in the prayer requests forum, BrugAddict - I'm glad this thread's back up again and to learn how you all are doing. All of you caring for loved ones have my heartfelt prayers. Did you know there is a Caregivers forum at DG now, too? http://davesgarden.com/forums/f/caregivers/
gardenwife:
Have cared for both my parents in 2001 and lost them both. Sometimes, I'm good at encouraging others and praying for them, and sometimes it's a little too close to home and I can't handle it. Am still grieving .
Spoke with Julie (BrugAddict) about her sister and she (her sister) wasn't doing well, but I prefer for her to answer you. She needs your encouragement and prayers. She is a really great person.
I love your pet and garden pictures. They make me feel so good. Thank you for taking the time to share with so many.
Jay (smooth)
Hi, Jay - I've never been through what you and other caretakers have faced, not with any family member who did not get better fairly soon. My heart is so tender toward anyone taking care of their loved ones. I'm praying for Julie, her sister and family.
My prayers go out to you and your sister, I cared for my husband when he was bedridden for over a year with cancer, I know how it feels, and I also know that prayer is a great comfort, you will be in my prayers every day.
gardenwife:
Thank you so much. Your words and photos mean so much. It gets me into a kinder gentler world.
Jay
Thank you Gardenwife for the kind words and directing me to a thread I didn't know of. I think that's great that there is a forum for those who care or cared for sick or loved one's that are in need of support. Just someone to listen to them or know that a prayer is being said, that's so comforting just knowing that you have friends going through things and being able to help other's also can get our minds off for a moment of our own things.
I've talked to Smooth and she is adorable. What a lovely lady and she did just that, She listened and we shared back and forth things we are going through and what we've gone through together. At the end of our conversation there was a laughter that I so needed to do for such a very long time. Thank you Jay, I hope you know that I truley enjoyed our talk, and I do feel like I've known you all my life. Almost like best friends can go away from each other for a long time and one day one come's back and it's like taking off right where you left off if that makes sense. In other words, I feel we had so much to share in common that it was a healing experience for both of us.
My sister has gone back into the hospital again. Her youngest son tried to awaken her at 6:30 a.m. to find his moma unresponsive. (Doctor's have told her she can't care for the boy's anymore alone but she does let them spend the night when she is feeling better) Her sugar had dropped to 17. She has two sons...which called my moma and alerted her and from there she went to the hospital. They have discovered she now has some staff infection, they don't exactly know where it is coming from but it is continuing to grow in culture. It may be from her shunt that accesses her pump to deliver insulin or her stomach device from her gastroparesis. They don't know.
I'm sorry sometime it's hard to deal with and I just clam up and try not to think about it.
Gardenwife, Cinnabar, Smooth (Jay) and Kareoke....thank you and you're all great to have as friends. ALL of you. Prayer's are received well on my end and mine are with you also.
(((Hugs and smiles)))
AnnaBelle,
Will be praying for your sister. Sorry she is under such a heavy load with
her illness.
My brugs are babies, just not big enough yet for cuttings. Sorry. Wish I
could help out.
MJ
((((Hugs))))
MJoyce, Thank you for the prayer's. I am sorry for her, and her little boys, and I wish I could do more but it's in God's hands, we all know that. I guess the best thing I can say that brings comfort to my heart and soul, is she is ready whenever the Lord wants to take her home.
I must know you from another name if you know my old nicname 'AnnaBelle'. I love that name so. It's so Southern Belle'ish lol...I'm not asking for Brugs though...this is an old thread and someone was wondering how she was doing and it brought it back up. But do know that your even offering is so nice of you. Thanks so much for just the prayer's and being nice enough to add her to them.
P.S. I got your email Jay 'Smooth', and I'll write you in the morning during my coffee if that's ok. :)
Goodnight
To all of you:
It creates a big lump in my throat to read all of this. I thank the Lord for all of you.
jay (smooth)
Just an update on my little sister Candy...
She went into the hospital yet again....bless her heart. She went in due to among sugar's were 17 and up and down uncontrollable, but she also had an infection...staff infection but they didnt know where it was at. It was not visible for some reason I don't really understand. She's not been holding down her food which they had to address that once again. Her pump wasnt working to help jolt her stomach so they had to run a tube down her nose and throat to bypass her stomach and go directly into the intestine again.
Before they put it in in Atlanta, GA and they stopped it...but it was a J-tube into her abdomen. They will be doing the surgery on Friday to make the incision to place the J-tube back so she doesn't have to have the tube running down through her nose and throat. *sigh*
They are having to ween her off of the cumadin she is taking before the surgery. They tell us that she may clot during surgery but we are praying that won't happen.
PLEASE PRAY FOR MY SISTER, I love all ya'll and I'm having a moment, so I'm signing off for now and thanking God for every little thing I put in my mouth and take for granted I can swallow and it digests.
I'm back at square one again....God please have mercy...please..no more suffering, just a good day
Julie
This message was edited Sep 7, 2004 2:20 PM
My prayers are with you Julie and that the lord will work a mircle on Candy. May she be a beacon to everyone around her. Have faith in Jesus for we can not see the whole picture of what he has planned. Ted
Julie, in my heart, I'm weathering the storms alongside you. Candy's in my prayers, you bet.
Julie:
Hadn't heard from you, and knew something was wrong. I'm so sorry you all are going thru this. It is so much to bear!! Am praying for all of you. Hope your sister is stong and that she knows how much you care and love her.
Jay (smooth)