Update from Barby's CaringBridge site

[Guest guest]

Today is Saturday, about 9pm

went home to sleep last night & was able to force in a 60 mile bike ride in the wind and rain. Gotta take what you can get when its available.

Barby decided to spend Saturday night in ICU because of the one on one nursing care - even though she was offered the option of going up to 6th floor and a regular room. Instead, she's elected to move to a private regular room tomorrow.

Barby's temperature has risen a few times today - but no one seems concerned. A student resident gave orders to change one of her immune suppressant drugs to a lower level. A few moments later the real doctor walked in and learned of what happened and loudly chewed out the resident for endangering the life of the patient in areas he had " no knowledge nor authority " . What fun!

Barby's back pain is better. She is healing quickly. She continues to use much less pain medication than authorized. She always has had a much higher toleration for pain than most persons. She is walking, sitting & attentive. We are watching the Missouri - Oklahoma game together. She was offered the option of walking or not walking and chose to walk - because she wants to keep the program in high gear! Way to go! She has far fewer tubes than yesterday. The only issue she is struggling with now it the depressing affect of the prednisone & some of the other drugs. We were aware of the likelihood that this would occur & are walking through it. This will likely continue for months, until the levels of drugs are brought down.

We are lining persons up for night sitting - from about 10pm until about 7am. The reason is simply to have someone available to convey any needs or concerns Barby may have in light of a short nursing staff & absence of doctors. The majority of nursing/hospital errors take place during this time frame. Anyone doing this should be prepared to sit quietly & read (etc).

Visitors are advised that no flowers or live plants are allowed. If you plan to visit, please do not engage Barby in conversation unless she initiates it. This is simply because it is a supreme effort for her to concentrate & /or talk. You must make sure that your hands are washed. If you have an active virus (cold, etc) please do not visit until it is cleared up. Remember, Barby's immune system has been turned off & she cannot resist simple viruses etc. That is why even live plants are off limits at this time. Weeks later, they will slowly begin to turn her immune system back on - but not now.

Thanks for your continued prayers.

Tentitve overnight assignments are as follows: Sunday- / Monday- Mona / Tuesday- Sandy & Linnell / Wednesday is open / Thursday- Daren Nigus / Friday thru Sunday are open. If your name was mentioned and you are not able to stay, let know asap. If you want to sit with Barby & are able to do so on one of the days mentioned - let know. If you want to visit during the day, please do so within the short set of rules outlined above.

If anyone wants to help out with meals - they would be welcome any time during the next 3 to 4 weeks - especially after she comes home (in about a week).

As always, your prayers are coveted!

I'll touch base again when there is additional news.