Oct 17, 2006

Interpreting the signs

I have very little information about Ian’s surgery today except that it went well. They didn’t do all that I thought they would do (e.g. reconnecting ligaments, etc.); they just cleaned out his leg and made some adjustments. I’m trying to connect with the doctor for more information and to ask why they didn’t proceed with some of the things I expected them to do.

When I visited Ian today, I noticed that his pulse and blood pressure were down to a level I hadn’t seen in quite a while; he’s been running high in both because of the fever. I asked about his temperature which was also down. They record body temperature in Celsius, so I had to ask whether it was normal. The nurse told me that his temperature was exactly where it should be, and that would explain why his pulse and blood pressure were down to where they should be. The Lord has kindly given us what we requested! His fever is not there at the moment. Please pray it continues…

After my visit today and my conversation with Ian’s nurse (a new one for Ian), I wanted to get a clearer perspective on what we have been noticing. The medical staff is understandably reluctant to commit to any conclusions that are either positive or negative when neurotrauma is such an unpredictable world. So, I called Patty Wallwork (Patty is a no-nonsense ER nurse in our church) who I knew would tell me straight what was happening. She listened to me recount all the signs I had noticed over the past few days, and she was excited about what she heard. For example, he reacts in a reflex kind of way to painful stimuli; this is somehow different than the pain he would be feeling from his injuries if he weren’t in a coma. He reacts to auditory stimuli, like someone yelling his name. He makes movements when he’s touched, especially when Larissa touches him on the foot or face. He reacts to familiar smells by turning his head. He’s being fed and hydrated intravenously, and his digestive system processes both the nutrients and the liquids almost perfectly.

I believe the Lord is preserving Ian; all the signs point that way. Please pray for a new sign: that he would respond to verbal commands (e.g. move your foot or your fingers, turn your head, etc.). It’s what the doctors have been looking for all along.

I can’t tell you how grateful we are for your prayers. So many are praying. Thank you.

Steve Murphy

2 comments:

karawarnock; said...

i read about ian in several different places, hearing that he is a wonderful, GODly young man. and when i found this website, i was just brought to tears, but tears of joy. i am so struck by the fact that the murphy family and ian's friends are so encouraging and comforting.

GOD is so great, is HE not? to read about the improvements that ian has made since his accident, i am amazed at the power of GOD, and how much prayer can do. i continue to spread the word and keep ian and you all in my prayers. i thank GOD for the miracles HE does everyday, and i know that ian will soon be a smiling, laughing, GOD-glorifying miracle. thank you so much for keeping us posted!

[james 5:15] "and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."

Anonymous said...

We are from the Crossway Church of Lancaster and just wanted you to know that we have been reading your blog every day and praying often. Thank you all for glorifying God in this extremely difficult time. God's grace to each of you who have posted and through each of you is so evident. We are grateful for your witness to the medical staff and to all of us who may be reading. You point us to Jesus. You teach us what trusting God really means. We're glad to know how to pray; thank you for sharing your lives. We'll keep on praying, knowing that God loves Ian and holds him in the palm of His hand. Gina Plain