Saturday, January 17, 2009

Pain Block Procedure

Dr. Morgan just finished with the pain block procedure. I do not recall the name of the procedure, but it has to do with injecting alcohol into a region of nerves that control sending pain messages to the brain. This procedure is somewhat permanent, in that if enough of the nerves "receive" the alcohol, they will forever block those pain messages. I know what you're thinking... how will this affect her ability to walk. Luckily, it will have NO affect. She should have all feeling in her legs. We won't know how affective this procedure was until later this evening. The amount of pain medication being given via the epidural pump has been turned down. The hope is the epidural can be removed completely. We're so grateful that Dr. Morgan decided to do this procedure today, instead of Monday.

Shawndra is still quite weak, and prefers no visitors. I'll be staying with Shawndra in the hospital over the weekend. Ella is planning on having fun at Grandma's house. Shawndra and I have a lot to discuss this weekend (or early next week) about the next steps to take for her care. Thank you for your prayers.

- Doug

60 comments:

Anonymous said...

I pray this procedure is effective for her pain and that that God gives you the wisdom and strength when discussing the next steps for her care.

Praying Shawndra gets to come home soon and of course peace and comfort for the whole family.

Kristen

Anonymous said...

May this procedure be the ticket in easing her pain. But most importantly, may the two of you, along with the rest of the family and her Doc.'s, arrive at a plan that is relatively pain free, and that you are all spiritually connected with. You continue to remind me that no day is guaranteed to any of us, and that finding the best in each one we are given is something we all should cherish. Peace & Love to you all.

Anonymous said...

Yeah! I'm glad she got it done today!! Hopefully this will do the trick.

Ang

Anonymous said...

I really hope this eases Shawndra's pain. I think and pray daily for you all! Like the other commenter said, I am reminded by all of this to not take a day for granted in life. Each day is so special. Thinking and praying hard in Tampa,
Christy

Michele said...

Thank you for keeping us updated. Prayers are being lifted up.

Anonymous said...

sending well wishes for the procedure, Ella at Grandma's, and for making decisions. Much love
Beth Patterson

Sarah said...

~~Doug~~ You and your wife have been handed a huge cross...you are an amazing couple!!I pray that you have peace in your decision and that Shawndra is comfortable. I am also praying for little Ella, Andrea and Dustin.
God's Peace,
Sarah in Raymore

Anonymous said...

I will keep Shawndra & your entire family in our prayers!
As I said before she has been a angel to me on this earth, now as I await my cea results...god bless you Shawndra,Doug& lil Ella!
((HUGS)) & PRAYERS!
Naomi

Anonymous said...

I pray you find strength, courage and comfort as you decide your next journey.

Always in my prayers!

Melissa (LSMO)

Anonymous said...

I am so grateful that Shawndra has such a compassionate and competent medical team around her. I hope this procedure was effective, and I hope this weekend bring her renewed comfort and peace. You are both very much in my thoughts and prayers, actually, everyone on Team Shawndra remains there as well.

There is an army of people behind you.

jg in ca

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the update. I pray this procedure will be effective with her pain and that the two of you have peace and comfort in deciding your future journey. God Bless all of you. jb

Anonymous said...

I pray this is the answer to getting her home. It would be so nice for her to be in her own home surrounded by those who love her, of course with as little pain as possible. I think of you guys daily and pray that she can have the best quality of life there is possible for her at this point. Bless you all.
Deb (LSMO)

Amberchlopaz said...

If only there were more we could do..... Joyce

Anonymous said...

Hi guys!

Anything, anything at all that can reduce her pain, and improve her quality of life is worth trying.

I'm so glad one more step has been found.

I hope you have a pain free weekend Shwandra, and recover your strength.

Keep your faith high.

That's what we all joined you in.

It's working.

I'm just back from my prayer group.
I had you in my prayers there, too.

Love,
Roswita

Anonymous said...

Love and prayers to all of you. I hope you can get home soon Shawndra.

Anonymous said...

This proceedure sounds like it just may be the GOLDEN TICKET to finding a way to control Shawndras pain. I am so hopeful that it is.
I pray that God grants you both the knowledge & strength to fully express what you both want & to come up with a plan for the next chapter of this fight, together.
To be so young & newlyweds, new parents..., this is smething that most young people would not know how to deal with & the two of you are truely amazing on how you have handled everything so far. There is no doubt in my mind that you will continue to make the best decisions for your family, as you have since the beginning of this journey.
Whatever you decide, all of your warriors are here. Also, it's never too late to continue your fight. Either way, you are a fighter!!
God Bless, thank you for the update! Cant wait to hear if this worked for the pain! Vickie in J.C.,Mo.

Paulette said...

I am bathing you both in prayer Doug, may the Lord fill you both with unspeakable peace.
Tell Shawdra I love her.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for taking the time to let us know how you are all doing. Your family is an inspiration. I pray for Shawndra to be pain free and for all of you to find peace.

Pam VA

Robin said...

Praying for Shawndra and your whole family. A very difficult place you are in I'm sure. I hope that Shawndra gets some well deserved comfort and pain relief.

Anonymous said...

Praying the procedure does the trick and for strength for your family as you are faced with hard decisions about the future.

Thanks for keeping us updated, even with all you have on your plate.

Anonymous said...

Shawndra and Family-

Our thoughts and prayers are with you always! God Bless you all! We Love You!

The Mudge Family

Anonymous said...

God is hugging Shawndra and your family today...feel his love! We all continue to be prayer warriors for Shawndra!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update! Still praying for Shawndra & family.

Christie in Ga

Michelle said...

Praying the God of all comfort would bring you great comfort in this time. Praying for wisdom as you all decide the next steps to take. Just remember Proverbs 3 :5-6 (my favorite) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Love ya
Michelle

Anonymous said...

LIFTING YOUR NAMES UP IN PRAYER TODAY AND EVERYDAY....LEAN ON THE LORD AND HE WILL HELP U ALL THRU YOUR DECISION MAKING....MAY U HAVE PEACE AND COMFORT DURING THIS TIME...WITH CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP, YOUR ANGEL OF PRAYER IN KC, MO...JEN MILLER :)

Anonymous said...

I continue to check your site and pray. I pray for the day that you are not experiencing pain.

Prayers from STL

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you, like everyday! :) Just wanted you to know, I was here!! Vickie in J.C., Mo.

Anonymous said...

Shawndra you are in my thoughts and prayers. I don't know you but check on you EVERYDAY and have been for a couple months now. You are so strong and positive and truly amazing. All your strength and charisma will shine through in Ella forever!

Robyn said...

Praying for you daily. Thanks for updating. Hope you get to come home soon.

Anonymous said...

Hi to ALL family and bloggers

Shawndra's mother talked to my husband yesterday and we understood that they all need OUR PRAYERS.

TIMES ARE GETTING TOUGHER.

LET'S PRAY FOR THEM TO IMPROVE THEIR STRENGTH AND FAITH AS SHWANDRA FEELS WEAKER.

All my love

Roswita

Anonymous said...

Hi to ALL family and bloggers

Shawndra's mother talked to my husband yesterday and we understood that they all need OUR PRAYERS.

TIMES ARE GETTING TOUGHER.

LET'S PRAY FOR THEM TO IMPROVE THEIR STRENGTH AND FAITH AS SHWANDRA FEELS WEAKER.

All my love

Roswita

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update Roswita, although I'm sure we are all hoping for better news.

Shawndra and Family, we continue to pray for peace, comfort and strength in these tough times. Keep the faith that the Lord has a plan for all of us!

The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not
protect you.

Prayers and positive thoughts,

Terra

Anonymous said...

Shawndra, we pray for you daily and for your family as well. Many thoughts of you all at this time.

Susan McRae and family

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,

Delurking to let you know my prayers are with you, your family, and your friends. Wishing you a pain-free and love-filled day.

Sharon

Anonymous said...

I'm thinking of you all. If there is anything we can do, always know that we are here.

Anonymous said...

Thank You Roswita for the update, though it is saddening. I can admit that I have prayed for Shawndra so much but not always her family, not on purpose, just because I have hated her struggle & pain. I will continue to pray for her but I am grateful to be reminded that her family needs our prayers just as much.
If Shawndras suffering comes to an end, her familys will begin. I pray for a miracle for this beautiful, intelligent, vibrant, young mother..., I just don't know what else to say. I just want her to be at home with her family, her husband & her dear child. My heart hurts with this whole situation. My heart & prayers are with this family & especially Shawndra. God Bless you all, Vickie, Joey & Brett Wieberg

Anonymous said...

Shawndra and Doug-
Just wanting you to know you are in my prayers, I so hope her pain is better and that she can get some sustenance and increase her strength. I was just getting ready to make a visit & noticed you asked for folks to refrain. I pray you can all get some rest- so hard in a hospital not to mention with such burdens to bear. You and your family continue to be an inspiration to all of us. If you are in need of anything- please let us know. I know Angie has been so helpful- if there is something, anything that we could help with, please let us know or have Angie let us know. Many blessings to you and your families. Adriane & Kevin

Anonymous said...

You are all in my prayers. Everyday, for faith, hope, strength and comfort. I wish there was more that I could say, but know that I am thinking of you always...

Michelle

Anonymous said...

Thank you Roswita for the update, such sad words. I am praying hard for Shawndra and her family at this most difficult time.
Shawndra you are such an inspiration, I have learned so much from you sweet girl. I pray you have peace and precious time with your family.
Deb (LSMO)

Alaina @ Three Ladies and a Dad said...

...praying for all of you...

Anonymous said...

Love you all the time, Shawndra.

Love, dustin

Anonymous said...

Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I have read your story and hug my daughter every day as you never know what life will bring you. Your family is a true testament to love and strength.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of your whole family. I'm hoping for the best.

~Jennifer K.

Anonymous said...

Would like to let everyone know that when I saw Shawndra last night, she was looking better. Much more alert, smiling, even joking some. Much more the Shawny we know and love. Yes, she is still in the hospital and we are still considering all options. But her pain is getting better under control and her kidney levels are starting to go back down some. So, thank you for your continued prayers for Shawndra and our entire family. We still need them to get Shawndra in a more comfortable situation. Prayers for decreased pain, improved kidney numbers, decreased edema, continued output, comfort and peace.
In Christ,
Andrea
(Shawndra's sister)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update, Andrea. We will pray for all of those things plus all of you.

Susan McRae

Anonymous said...

Thanks Andrea for the specific news.

You are all in our minds and prayers.

Love,

Roswita

Anonymous said...

Thinking and praying for all of you.

Baranczuk Family

Anonymous said...

I read Shawndra's blog everyday and have for as long as I can remember, yet I never post. I just wanted to say what everyone else is saying. My heart goes out to Shawndra and her family and I hope for strength and peace! As a cancer survivor with small children I can relate to what Shawndra must be going through and my heart is breaking.

Anonymous said...

Stay strong my friend, you truly are the most courageous person I know. I am praying that this procedure works and that you will have some relief very soon. You are ALWAYS on my mind. Keep up the great work Doug!
Love,
Michelle B.

Anonymous said...

Our words leave us bereft at times like this. So little they can do... But thank you, dear family, for keeping us posted. Love to all, Joyce

Anonymous said...

Andrea,
It must be so hard on you as well to see your sister like this. Thanks for updating the hundreds of people out here praying for Shawndra. I am very sorry and I will continue to pray for Shawndra, Doug, Ella and your entire family.
Love,
A prayer warrior!

Anonymous said...

THank you thank you, Andrea for the update. I think of her constantly throughout the day - and of your whole family. She has such an amazing group of friends and prayer warriors...

Praying for peace and comfort for all... Mandy Hamlin Featherston

Anonymous said...

Shawndra, hoping this pain block did the trick for your pain. As always, I am praying for you and your family.
Love always, Julie

Anonymous said...

Shawndra and family,

I will continue to keep you in my prayers!!

Sincerely,
Kitty

Paulette said...

Hey Doug and Shawndra,
The Lord led me here early this morning to pray for ya'll.
I am hoping the procedure is working so Shawndra can be pain free.
I am here.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Andrea for the update, I will continue to pray for Shawndra and your family, and specifically for the points you mentioned in this most recent note.
((HUGS)) to you all!
Your faithful prayer angel
Deb (LSMO)

Rachel Dominguez said...

Shawndra and Doug.

I use to read your blog every day back when Jennifer Ireland was still with us, but I switched companies since then and lost your site.

I read alot of blogs and was happy find that Eric Vest posted a post requesting prayers for Shawndra. I was like....oh oh oh I know that site. I came right over this morning to see what was going on.

First, I am so so sorry for all that is going on with you Shawndra! I hope the pain will subside and you can get back to your darling Ella.

Speaking of Ella, I almost wet my pants at how big she has gotten since the last time I was on your blog (Over a year ago)! She is so beautiful and I cant believe how strawberry blonde her hair has become.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am local, living in Lee's Summit, MO and if you ever need anything, help with anything, dont hesitate to shout! My email address is luvfor9@gmail.com. I do have a blog, but it is private so if you'd like to see who is lurking and praying for you just leave me an email address and I'll invite you!

Love and Prayers,

Rachel Dominguez
lovefor9.blogspot.com
luvfor9@gmail.com

Paulette said...

Dear Family,
Just coming by to say a prayer for you Shawndra and your family. I am praying that you are not in pain. Doug may the Lord give you and the family a peace as you minister love and care to our beloved Shawndra, I love her.

Paulette said...

Dear Shawndra, Doug and Ella,
I came by today to check on Shawndra. I am praying hard that she is pain free and spending quality time with the family.
May the lord hold ya'll in his arms.
Blessings to you.

Paulette said...

Came by to pray for Shawndra, I eagerly wait to hear how she is...
love and prayers to you all.