Google Tag Manager icon The Sound of Silence Skip to main content

Featured

April Update

  It's been awhile since I've posted.  Justin's situation is hard to write about, but I know there are people who want to know what's going on with Justin, my son.  In truth, he is getting sicker and weaker.  For awhile,he made great progress, talking, eating, and getting back into his power wheelchair.   Then he started getting weaker.  His left lung became covered with secretions, and he needed surgery to scrape things out. Then a CT scan revealed more new spine fractures (total of 7).  After that, he just hasn't been able to get over the hump.  This week, Justin decided to discontinue the weaning from the ventilator.  He is on full breath support and can no longer use the voice valve to talk without dangerous oxygen drops.  Pain medication has been significantly increased to help him deal with the pain. It's a tough thing for a 23-year-old to confront one's mortality.  We will continue this journey with Justin to the end to the best of our abilities.  We

The Sound of Silence

They say that introverts gain energy from reflection and lose energy in social gatherings.  Yeah, that's me.  I like being around people, but it does suck my energy.  This past week, we had a house full of invited guests, and it was great to see everybody.  


But when everyone was gone, I found myself breathing a little easier.  One of the things that I really like about our house is the quiet.  We are a long ways from the road and any neighbors.  In the winter, the silence is palpable.  

Justin ended up in the hospital yesterday with extreme side back pain.  He told the doctor that he had sprained his oblique muscle.  Nope, the doctor said, pneumonia.  So they set up an IV with antibiotics and opiate pain relievers.  Today, he's already feeling better, but I hope they can figure out what caused the fluid in his lung.  

He had pneumonia a few years ago, but it was associated with a bad cold and fever.  This presentation was much different with just the extreme back pain.  Young men with Duchennes muscular dystrophy have two big worries:  heart failure and lung failure.  Justin's heart is in good shape, given his diagnosis, but his weakened lungs are a concern. We're all hoping for a quick recovery.  

Oh, in extended family situations or with people he knows, Justin is definitely an extrovert.


Comments

MFH said…
What wonderful smiles!

I'll venture to suggest it's the intensity with which we interact, even when "only" observing, that wears us out.

Did Allie bop through?

Fingers crossed for Justin.

John said…
Before knowing that Julia's side of the family would be in full attendance, Allie booked a flight to Puerto Vallarta with her roommate. She participated by phone/facetime and by sending us lots of sunset and beach photos. Allie will be home for Christmas.

Popular Posts