More than meets the eye...

The story of God's interaction with humans does not end with the Bible; it is not confined to the pages of Scripture or merely retold from generation to generation.  God's interaction with us is continuous and real.  That is why this notion of "God" never ceases, but continues throughout the ages.  He cannot be ignored.  His presence is everywhere.  We just have to pay attention to what He is doing and we will see great and mighty things.

When we look back over the past year we can't help but smile.  What comes to our mind is not primarily things of this world.  Yes, when we see Isaiah and have the privilege of squeezing him, holding him and loving him right here in person with us, we smile and we thank.  However, as the story unfolds of his experience those sixteen days in the hospital, that is when we light up with joy.

Not only were we granted more time on this earth with our son, but our son was used in a way we will never fully comprehend or know.  He did battle while in the hospital; a battle between Jesus and "the monsters".  The toy sword that remained by his bedside because it just "needed to" was indeed needed. Isaiah told me then while he was trying to fall asleep after a long fought recovery from delirium, and he tells me now, but in more detail, about the things that were happening while he was asleep.  Jesus was fighting what he calls "monsters" and they continuously fell off a cliff behind Jesus over and over.  Jesus simply slashed his sword back and forth as they came at him and then were defeated.

While in the hospital and he told me, "Oh yeah, Jesus is stronger than the monsters", I assumed he somehow thought his struggle with sleep was like a monster.  I did not think I had used that word when helping him through his challenges.  I was struck at how that simple statement made by this little boy made him instantly find peace and rest.

What I do know about those sixteen days is that they were allowed, by God, to happen.  He knew this was coming for Isaiah.  He chose to use Isaiah to fight this battle and take the hit so that people could come to understand that this life is not all we get.  This life provides a glimpse into something so much greater.

Our deepest prayer was for people to come to know the God we know...a real and active God who wants to be a part of our lives, a God that wants to use us (in all our human normal-ness!).  He wants to comfort us in this hard and sometimes painful world.  He wants us to come to Heaven with him someday.

I believe that is why there was a battle going on between Jesus and the "monsters".  The prayers of many helped Isaiah hold fast and fight until that battle was over.  What I knew in my mother's heart once he was on the ventilator was that he needed our support.  He needed prayer and that prayer would feed him and strengthen him...prayer would do something more than any doctor could.

I had never experienced prayer in such a real way before.  Nothing quite like this.  I had never experienced being on the receiving end of other peoples fervent prayers.  It is indescribable really, but I would say that it was almost physically uplifting.  We were able to do the things we did and make it through each trial and fear because of other people who were praying.  We felt it.  We felt something deep in our souls every moment.  That I know with all certainty.

The prayers fought the battle.  The prayers won.  Who was Jesus fighting for?  What was the devil trying to accomplish during this time?  We, likely, will never know.  What we do know is that lives were changed.  Our lives were changed for the better and Isaiah's was to.  For that, we could never say we wished we had not gone through this trial.  This trial was the biggest blessing of our life.

Thank you, Lord, that you chose us for this.  Thank you that you desire to use all of us to do more than we will ever know, though we fail you at times and fail others.  We do nothing, but it is your power in us that accomplishes much.  "...for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9

Awards and Beauty

While we were in the hospital, some friends observed a family returning to the PICU for a visit.  Our friends commented to themselves that one day that will be Steve and Anna.  A return visit to the PICU was something we hoped would be us, but were not certain of during that time.  The prospect of Isaiah being well again seemed like something so far off to even hope for.

 Strangely enough, during our visit, I felt at home.  It was such a blessing to go and see the beautiful faces of the individuals who walked us through during that difficult time.

 Nurse K, on the left, worked so, so, so, so, so, so tirelessly for Isaiah.  She treasured him and watched him so vigilantly.  She also helped educate us on different symptoms, etc. and helped calm our nerves when we were losing our way.  She commented during our visit that she would leave from her shift and  "just cry" because she was so happy one of her patients had such great support from family.  She is very passionate about what she does and always reminded us when she left that Isaiah would get better and that things would be ok.  Nurse K is so passionate about her job that she is pictured here after giving a presentation on how to improve care for patients.

Miss A, on the right, is the Child Life Specialist.  She made Isaiah's visit, and that of his sisters', exciting when she would bring them endless toys and games to play.  Talking with her is like talking to a dear friend.  What a gift such a job is for both her and the patients.

 Pictured here with him are two of the nurses that took care of him and Dr. J, who was always keeping tabs on Isaiah and would often ask us, "How's mom doing?"  He is tender hearted and brought a strength and peace to the room whenever he would visit.  Doesn't he just look perfect for his job????

Isaiah was the recipient of the "Hero of the Month" wish program given out by Kids Wish Network.  He was nominated by one of his nurses.  He received balloons, a t-shirt, and a Walmart gift card, which he intends to use on Legos ;)

Here is what his nurse, who nominated him, said:

"Isaiah was sledding with his dad when he fell off suffering a Grade 5 kidney laceration, renal hematoma, ileus, anemia and ureteral leak.  He was flown to HCMC for treatment which included a surgical repair and stent placement.  Post-surgery Isaiah experienced respiratory failure and remained intubated for a week.  After extubation Isaiah experienced what doctors believed was ICU delirium/psychosis.  He was unable to speak, experienced dystonic movements of his face, withdrawl symptoms that included tremors and agitation and a sore throat that left Isaiah afraid to even take a sip of water.  After several days and extensive support from his parents and hospital staff Isaiah was able to speak again and regain control of his body. He was off pain medications, eating, up walking around and able to watch cartoons in the morning like a normal five year old.  After 16 days in the hospital, separated from his two older sisters, friends and a semblance of normal life Isaiah was finally able to go home.  His struggle doesn't end there, however, as he will continue to need a foley catheter for 10 more days, regain his strength and recover and continue with multiple follow-up appointments.  Isaiah has been through a great deal, but he persevered.  He worked hard at his therapies with speech and PT and progressed quickly.  He never complained but was always a respectful, polite young man."

Nothing in this life will ever make me more proud of my child than to read about his beautiful character and caring nature.  He did impress all of us with his willingness to do whatever anyone asked, regardless of intense pain at times.  He was truly a light in the darkness and put a smile on our faces.

While he was intubated and on heavy sedation medication he would calm when we asked him to. He would reach out and try to hug us and cried when he couldn't quite satisfy his longing to touch us.  We missed hearing his voice and cuddling with him during that time.  Once he was extubated, he asked for a kiss and a hug and kissed us and hugged us for a long time.  He is a joy and a delight.  What a gift we have been given to be able to watch him grow each and every day.  We do not take it for granted.

 Here is Nurse A taking Isaiah out for a walk once he was making improvements.  She was so great and even made this sign so that we could make sure Isaiah got the peace and quiet he needed in order to   recover.  It was great she was working when we came back to visit.  She even showed us that they still had Isaiah's popsicle stick picture in the nurses station.  I'm happy they got to see Isaiah well and experience a bit of his personality.

Six months ago he was released from the hospital.  On that exact day, June 13th, he was dancing the night away at our friend's wedding.  Awesome.

Celebration!

Yesterday Isaiah had surgery to remove the stent in his kidney and to check the status of the "leakage" that was seen in February.  Dr. C, the urologist, was confident he would remove the stent regardless and allow the kidney to heal independently if needed.  On our way to the hospital Isaiah was very excited that this day had finally arrived.  He had been crossing off the days on the calendar.

While waiting in pre-op for the surgery to being Isaiah became more and more nervous.  The anesthesiologist decided to give him medication to help him relax.  The surgical staff suggested this option last time, but by then it was time for surgery.  This time around the doctor added the relaxant to Tylenol and soon Isaiah was "relaxed".  For this momma, it was difficult to see him become disconnected to reality.  He was watching The Jungle Book and kept asking us if it was in 3D.  He saw three eyes, three noses, his body was heavy, his lips tingled and he had no depth perception.  True to Isaiah, he tried his best to fight the sensations and make sense of them.  However, as of last night, he did not remember even watching The Jungle Book.

Surgery was a success as planned.  Dr. C saw no leakage, but recommended an ultrasound in two months to check and confirm that there are no fluid pockets anywhere.  Dr. C described and explained to us again that Isaiah will need to be diligent about checking and maintaining healthy blood pressure throughout his life.  High blood pressure can lead to kidney damage and because of the injury to one kidney it may cause high blood pressure to set it at an earlier age.  We continue to be thankful that high blood pressure is all Isaiah has to be cautious of!  As of today, he is back to normal!

The last three and a half months have gone by quickly.  There is so much praise and happiness to report  about this journey.  Steve and I and our children could not have gone through an experience like this without the unbelievable love and support of those in our lives.  I am thankful we now know first hand and can empathize even better with others who have or will face something similar.  I know without a doubt the power of prayer as well as the power of a simple card or drawing sent in the mail.

I wish that one day I could repay each person who touched our lives and helped carry this load with us.  Every gesture whether big or small lifted our spirits and made this journey into something beautiful.  Thank you for coming along side of us.  I pray regularly that you are blessed in return for your love and support.

 We celebrated with cake last night.  "No more Ditropan!" as Isaiah says.  He no longer has to take any medication.  Wahoo!

Dad helped comfort Isaiah and bring him into the operating room.  Even while under the influence of relaxation medication, Isaiah asked to kiss and hold Ivy before we parted ways.  He is a great big brother.

Surgery and Phase II of 2015

We welcomed Ivy Faith into our family last Friday, March 13th.  She has been such a delight.  Her older siblings cannot get enough of her.  While in the hospital, the kids saw an alarm band on her leg.  They asked what it was for.  A few days later Isaiah asked to sleep in our bed near Ivy's bassinet.  He whispered to me, "I'll keep an eye out for...you know...the baby robbers and scare them away!"  He takes his big brother role very seriously and she is one lucky girl.

Surgery for Isaiah was rescheduled for April 17th.  We expect that everything will go well and Isaiah will be able to be "noodle" free and also finally be able to stop taking an antibiotic, which he has been on since Dec. 28th!  He also takes another medication to help with the side-effects of the stent and he is more than ready to stop that medication.  He purposely doesn't remind us about it if we forget. Besides medication, Isaiah has been running around doing typical five-year old things with no complications.  

We are so thankful and blessed for what the Lord has done in our lives throughout this journey.  It is difficult to comprehend how protected Isaiah was from permanent injury during his accident.  Our time in the hospital was fast, in the scheme of things, and furious, but over now.  From ventilator/hospital discharge to holding his baby sister all in the span of just two months.  I think I'm the only one in the family still a little shell shocked and continue to turn my fears of Isaiah turning a corner for the worse over to the Lord.  The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy...Psalm 126:3

Returning to boyhood

Isaiah returned to school full-time today.  He was very excited!  He could not wait to play Zombie tag with his friends out on the playground.  When I picked him and his sisters up from school today he began crying (overtired maybe?).  He said he wanted his baby sister to be born today and he was upset that she had not.  I think I will need to keep him home for a nap earlier rather than later in the week ;)  Needless to say, but this kids are excited for this next phase of 2015...a baby sister to kiss and squeeze!

We have to wait until Thursday to hear back from urology as to exactly when we can reschedule Isaiah's stent surgery.  It was decided by all that giving it a little more time won't hurt anything.  It sounds like the stent will be removed regardless and not replaced unless the contrast-dye study reveals something out of the ordinary, which is not expected.  His kidney should seal/heal up even without the stent if it has not already.  The lower portion of his kidney that is dying will simply turn into a scar tissue type mass in his body and not cause any trouble at all.  Long term, Isaiah will simply need to keep track of his blood pressure and avoid things that are heavily filtered through the kidneys.  Otherwise, once the stent is out he can be off the two medications he is currently on and be completely normal again...something he is happy to be returning to.

We remain in awe and thankful for this recovery.  We are thankful to all that we have met and who shared their gifts, knowledge and talents with us.  We are thankful for the journey God laid out for us and being with us each step of the way.

Good job, Isaiah! Your kidney is looking good!

We had a great visit today with the trauma surgeon.  He was delighted with what he saw on the ultrasound and will remain in the loop with the other doctors, but does not need to see us again at this point.

The ultrasound showed that his kidney no longer has the hematoma of blood surrounding it.  It did reveal that the lower 20% of the kidney was severed and has more than likely been disconnected from blood supply and has atrophied (begun to shrivel up).  The body will take care of it and, as is, will not effect him adversely at all.  The main section of the kidney looks great and seems to be working with adequate blood supply, etc.

The surgeon described to us for the first time something they suspected upon arrival to the hospital, but could not conclude for sure.  Isaiah's laceration (cut) on his kidney was so severe and blunt that when his kidney began to bleed the blood (hematoma) that filled in around his kidney filled every space possible and circled around the kidney to actually pinch off the ureter (see image below).  That is why they saw clear urine  during his first few days at the hospital, which often indicates the kidney has stopped bleeding.  However, his had not stopped leaking/bleeding, but rather filled the pocket surrounding the kidney with so much blood it simply cut off that kidney from draining urine into his bladder.  The urine we did see from him was only coming from his healthy kidney.

On day three of his hospital visit we knew he was not making progress or turning the corner that doctors look for.  We began discussing options with the resident overnight doctor.  That lead to more imaging and the determination that a stent was needed to assist the injured kidney so backed up urine was not mixing with blood.

The surgeon defers now to the pediatric urologist to decide when it is best to remove the stent. He feels that more time is better than less.  The stent has a time limit, but continues to be of use to the kidney, so the urologist will have to evaluate and make his best guess as to when to try the removal again.  We will speak with them tomorrow about what today's appointment revealed and go from there.

Once the surgery is confirmed the urologist will compare the contrast dye study to see if the leakage is less than it was in February.  If no change, then possibly they would need to do surgery to help the kidney seal up, but that would be the last resort if the stent was no longer a possible option.

When that surgery occurs it will help us know more about his kidney.  We can all only guess at how long it will take for the damaged tissue of his kidney to completely heal.  The best case scenario would be that the kidney will heal up completely with no leakage before the stent surgery so that once the stent is removed Isaiah can simply return to a normal lifestyle...with no more sledding accidents ;)

The surgeon drew a picture on the bed liner of the clinic office to explain things to us.  I wish I had taken a picture, but below are two drawings that are similar to his ;)

Second visit with the surgeon

We will head up to the cities tomorrow to have a second follow-up visit with Dr. Chad, the trauma surgeon.  Isaiah will have an ultrasound done before the appointment in an effort to decipher the size and status of the hematoma and kidney.  It will be interesting to find out what the insides look like now, two months after the accident.  Isaiah asks us, "What if they tell us it is good?  Then I get to rough-house again!"  He is excited to be getting better and better each day.  We do still have the stent surgery next Friday, which will also be a telling time whether or not the kidney is making progress, but Isaiah isn't too interested in thinking about that right now!

We are thankful each and everyday for the gift of being home and regaining health.  Each day we are closer to a full-recovery!  Wahoo!

Having fun in the silly glasses he won with his Happy Joe's arcade tickets!