Back in the hospital

Last Wednesday evening Rex developed a low grade fever of 99.8 that went away on it's own later that night. We went to clinic later the next day as we do every week and told the doc about it. They weren't too concerned, is incision was looking good and just cautioned us to call if his temp ever reached 100 degrees. The next three nights were the same, he would develop a low grade fever (under 100) and it would return to normal late into the night. He was also having a hard time breathing. Sunday morning Rex woke up and took his temp, it was 100.3 degrees. He took it again 30 minutes later, it was 101.8. We called the coordinator and she told us to head to the ER.

Long story short, Rex has been hospitalized and is currently in the ICU. Sunday night they discovered he had pericardial effusion or excess fluid around the heart. This sometimes happens after heart surgery. That evening he had an operation to remove the excess fluid they also left a bulb type syringe in to continue removing fluid. They also discovered that he had developed an infection in his blood, the cause of the fever. He is on antibiotics for that. Right before surgery Rex began to have very sever pains in his abdomen and now is back. They are doing everything they can to help relieve, but it has been really tough on him.

Please pray that the infection and excess fluid and pain would both go away. Also, pray for wisdom for the doctors and renewed energy. Dr. Smith was with him Sunday evening and has been receiving updates on him at all hours. She and all the other team members are doing an amazing job and I don't know how they do it with so little sleep.

Rex is holding up really well considering all he has been through these last few days. Please pray that God would continue to give him peace in the midst of this storm. I am only home to change and then I am heading back to the hospital. I will update you all when I can.

Thank you for your prayers,
Janelle