Tues. a.m. Update for Preston

Well, it was a no-go. Preston's external shunt got clamped off at 1:36 yesterday (Preston made sure he knew the exact moment) and he did pretty good at first. He seemed nervous and high strung, but alert. But fluid was building up in his neck under the shunt and he started feeling bad and got angry at the nurse, etc., so she called the dr. and he said to turn it back on. I was relieved, because he was getting hard to handle. Now we know the intense problems we had been having with violent outbursts in the past several months were because his shunt was not working properly. As long as he has the external shunt hooked up, he is relaxed and happy, even though he has to be in bed most of the time, and we are starting our 3rd week here. He laughs and jokes and is our "old" Preston, before the violent behavior started.

His O2 sensor was messed up about 5:30 this a.m. and finally it made a continuous noise and I turned it off and called the nurse, but I was wide awake so am up and ready for the day at 6:45. I know I will be tired, as I didn't get to sleep until after 11:30.

Many called yesterday to check on him, and we had some visitors as well, and we appreciate that. It helps pass the time to have friends to visit with throughout the day.

So will see what dr. says when he comes in. I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE HIM HOME UNLESS HE HAS A WORKING SHUNT, OR TWO OF THEM IF HE NEEDS THEM.

I just praise the Lord that He helped us to realize it was the shunt causing problems.

Jr. worked 6 hrs. yesterday, and will work 8 today probably. By Wed. p.m. I will need to sleep at home to get some good sleeping in, so I don't crash. Missie is in Greer with Jr.'s aunt, uncle and cousins, and having the time of her life. She has been here and yon, and is worn out too.

But the Lord continues to uphold us and give us strength. I look for Preston to have more surgery tomorrow or Fri. of this week. Will let you all know when I know, for sure.

Pray for a dear family in FL. A young mother died this a.m. of brain cancer, leaving her husband, and 3 young precious children, her parents, and brother. I became acquainted with her brother and his wife who live in Pickens. My heart goes out to her precious children. Her children are 14, 6, and 5.

Keep praying for us. I am so confident that you all have been praying and will continue to do so. It means a lot to us, more than words can ever say.