Yesterday was again one of the hardest that Thomas and Natalie have faced thus far. Thom's pain was challenging to manage and has not been able to sleep. So after consultations and encouragement with their doctors, they decided to opt for a Tracheotomy as a way to move things forward. Thomas underwent surgery around 8:00 pm yesterday evening and everything went great! After the surgery as Natalie entered the room, he was waving and smiling at her -- and wanted a kiss! She said that he seemed much improved that he already felt better. They both were able to get a decent night's sleep (Natalie continues to sleep at the hospital).
The benefits of the Trach are numerous: it allows them to wean him off of the ventilator a little bit each day. When he becomes fatigued, or needs to cough, they can connect him back to the ventilator. Giving him periods of time off the ventilator allows him to exercise his diaphragm on his own, receive better nutrition, and is more comfortable. Both Natalie and Thomas are also looking forward to him being able to speak. We are still praying the novena for Thomas' lungs to improve and that the Trach can be removed!
Please keep praying for Thomas, Natalie and all those who are in the hospital with similar injuries/traumas.
Join us in prayer!
Friday, July 26, 2013
6 comments:
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"...for better or worse, in sickness and in health..."
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're using this as an opportunity to put your wedding vows into practice. It's always a good feeling when good words, sentiments, and intentions become more than just good words, sentiments, and intentions. Love is more a verb than an emotion.
6 years ago my partner of 15 years was diagnosed with lung cancer. He was already in stage 4 by the time it was discovered. The next 7 months until his death were spent in and out of hospitals... watching the love of my life suffer like that was the hardest thing I've ever had to endure in my 41 years.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately during this time we had to pretend I was his half brother in order for me to visit him in the hospitals, to speak to the doctors about his condition and yes, I spent the nights there too... where else would I want to be when the man I love is sick.
How lucky for Thomas and Natalie that they don't have to pretend, they don't have to hide their affection for one another. They are able to keep a level of dignity in their relationship which my partner and I were not afforded.
I don't expect my comment to be posted, I know that humanizing us gays doesn't help your cause. Yet I felt compelled to write this since a) I'm genuinely saddened by their struggle, I know how scary those moments can be. and b) If I remain silent then I allow myself to be pushed into a corner and treated less that equal.
I don't expect this to change your mind but maybe you can understand that I'm not pushing a "gay agenda", "shoving it down your throat" or trying to "teach homosexuality to your children". I am simply seeking dignity in the world and society of which I am a part.
Think hard about how your action through this foundation really affect the people around you.
Jerry,
DeleteI'm sorry for your loss. I don't think there is anything in the upholding of traditional marriage that opposes the true and chaste love and concern you showed to your friend. If you had to pretend to be a half brother in order to visit him, that is a shame, and such policies should be remedied.
It doesn't mean that the objective purpose of sex and marriage should be changed though. There are other ways to make hospital visitation rights easier without changing the definition of marriage.
God bless you and the man you love.
I have been praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet for Thomas, his sweet wife, and his family since I read about the accident. Thom's blog was one of the first Catholic blogs I followed as a new convert. May all the good seeds he has sown - now watered with tears - germinate, grow, bloom, and bear a rich harvest of fruit to the glory of God! ~ ~ (Rosemary in Ohio)
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ReplyDeleteMany prayers for your complete recovery Thom...may God bring you, Natalie and all your family and loved ones all so much closer to Him during these trials. God is good - He will give you all that you need.
Thom - you are very brave indeed. Sending continued prayers for speedy and full recovery.
ReplyDelete~Elizabeth