Andy's Update - Day 21

Tuesday: January 20, 2009
By: Tom Determan

We finally have figured out that Andy has a UTI and that, most likely is what has caused his multiple fevers that we’ve reported about in previous posts. We’ve been told that Andy will be “shipped out” to a rehab center in the next few days, most likely to Tampa General Hospital (TGH).

We are beginning to hear several good things about the TGH facility and another big plus about this place (besides it being the closest rehab facility to Lakeland), is there is a Ronald McDonald House for parents close by. If that proves to be accurate, then Mom & Dad will have a place to stay as often as needed, which will allow us to be there with Andy throughout a good portion of his physical therapy.

In the meantime, though, Andy had over 600cc's of fluid removed from the cavity around his left lung today. The chest tube that had been recently removed was taking fluid out of his right lung, which reportedly, has nothing to do with this fluid build-up.

Almost immediately, Andy felt the difference in his ability to breathe. The doctor said that this fluid was probably caused by the surgery, so hopefully he won’t have this same scenario happen again. He has this breathing exercise thing they call an I.S. that he’s supposed to use multiple times per hour to help keep the build-up to a minimum also, but it’s incredibly painful for Andy to do as it expands his lungs against his broken ribs. However, I think he’s finally realized that the pain is worth it if it helps his lungs get healthy.

Well, as you know, as of 12:00PM today, we will have a new president. President Obama has unbelievable challenges ahead of him and he definitely needs our prayers. Our nation needs our prayers. As a matter of fact, this is a day when our nation must come together and pray or else the consequences in the years to come will be worse than we can even imagine. Of course, God is able to protect His people in any circumstance; no matter what seemingly impossible situation will arise in our nation or in our lives.

That’s it for now and we humbly ask that you continue to lift Andy up in your prayers, especially during the next phase of his restoration. We sincerely thank you for your prayers & we’ll pray for God’s richest blessing to be upon you & your family.