February 23, 2007
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Dear Friends,
We come to you with praise for our Lord’s continued mercy to our Alison! As we shared in our last update, we went to see Alison’s cardiologist, neurologist and pediatrician late last week. After Alison’s appointment with her neurologist, we were able to enjoy a few moments with some of her primary nurses at Woman’s Hospital (it was special time for all involved—thank you, Lord). Unfortunately, we had to reschedule her appointments (set for earlier this week) with her endocrinologist and ophthalmologist—due to a gastro-intestinal virus.
Alison’s cardiologist was pleased with her continuing progress. He said Alison’s heart is healthy (there is no evident thickening of the heart tissue from her early challenges, and that her blood pressure was good). Praise be to God! He discontinued one medicine Alison was taking daily, reduced a second medicine from twice daily to once daily (it will be discontinued in two additional weeks), and said he would talk with Alison’s pulmonologist regarding the third medicine he had prescribed for Alison’s heart and blood pressure. He later remarked to Alison’s pediatrician that she is a totally different baby from her stay in the NICU. Praise be to God! Please pray a prayer of thanksgiving and praise for the Lord’s mercy to Alison and our family.
Alison received a good report from her neurologist. Praise be to God! She was pleased with Alison’s continued neurological development--the only caution she noted was that Alison’s fine motor skills (independent control of each finger to grasp items) could develop late. She then remarked at how the Lord had protected Alison’s brain throughout her early health trials and encouraged us to pray for her fine motor skills. Please pray that the Lord would bless Alison’s brain and its’ control of her fine motor skills.
Alison’s pediatrician was pleased with her continuing progress as well. Praise be to God! As Alison showed off her cooing, facial expressions, leg strength, and curiosity, her pediatrician checked her thoroughly and updated us on her discussions with Alison’s various physicians. We have much to be thankful for as Alison continues to receive good reports from her many physicians. Praise be to God!
Alison spent Friday night with Stephanie’s parents (to allow us some needed rest). Unfortunately, Alison began to dry heave early Saturday morning (twice). Sunday morning, she began to spit-up with more regularity (her stomach reflux can sometimes cause her to vomit). Late Sunday night, Alison woke up in bed vomiting (she had never done that before). In addition, she developed a low-grade fever. As Monday wore on, Alison’s fever began to climb, and she developed diarrhea. Monday night, the frequency of vomiting began to increase. Tuesday, Alison quit eating, and the vomiting and diarrhea became worse. She was visibly weak and uncomfortable, and her cries were often and weak. I called Alison’s pediatrician, and Stephanie’s dad and I took her in for a visit. Her pediatrician diagnosed her with rotavirus gastroenteritis (a serious virus for a baby because of the possibility of severe dehydration). Alison, Stephanie’s dad, and I went straight to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center to admit her for dehydration. She received intravenous fluids for 41 hours to help rehydrate her body, and was released late Thursday afternoon. Alison is still not completely well from the virus (she continues to suffer from diarrhea), but is doing substantially better (no fever or vomiting). Please pray that the Lord would grant His healing to Alison regarding the rotavirus (in particular, that she remain fully hydrated). Please pray that the Lord would protect Alison from all viruses (as we continue to visit her many physicians’ offices). Please pray that the Lord would protect Stephanie, Stephanie’s parents, and me from all viruses (so we can care for Alison).
During the next week, Stephanie and I are going to try to step away for a few days to recharge our batteries, and to spend some quality time with the Lord. We are battling physical fatigue (due to a continuing lack of quality rest since August). Stephanie’s parents have graciously volunteered to keep Alison in our absence. Please pray that the Lord would bless Alison and her grandparents with joyful days during our retreat. Please pray that the Lord would provide His strength to Stephanie’s parents as they keep Alison. Please pray that the Lord would protect Stephanie and me as we travel. Please pray that the Lord would grant us physical renewal. Please pray that the Lord would grant us His favor as Stephanie and I seek His continued will.
Alison is scheduled to be admitted to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center the morning of March 7th to undergo an EGD, a bronchoscopy, and a pH probe to study her ongoing battle with gastro reflux. Please pray that the Lord would protect Alison during the procedures. Please pray that the Lord would grant His wisdom and knowledge of Alison’s body to her physicians. Please pray that the Lord would grant His healing to Alison’s ongoing battle with gastro reflux.
Thank you for your continued willingness to stand in the gap for our family. Your love and concern for our daughter, and our family, continues to be a tremendous blessing and encouragement. May the Lord richly bless you (for His glory and on our behalf) for your continued sacrifice of prayer.
Blessings to you,
Langston, Stephanie and Alison
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