Those of you who pray please remember a former student of mine and teacher at my school.  Bethanie is the same age as my older daughter, 27.  About three weeks ago she started running a fever and had all the symptoms of the flu, but while viral was not either the regular flu nor H1N1.  She kept spiking high fevers reaching 105+ a couple of times and just didn't get better.  Day before yesterday they admitted her to the hospital as she started experiencing liver failure.  Her numbers reached 5000 and she was airlifted to Loyola University Medical Center for treatment by a couple of specialists and to be on site if a transplant became necessary.  Overnight her numbers reached 11,000. Yes that number is correct.  Last night they did a biopsy of the liver and were unable to find the cause.  They know it is viral, but have been unable to identify it.  The biopsy revealed that only 40% of her liver is functioning.

The good news is that last night her numbers dropped back down to 5600 and her fever did not spike as it has every night for the last two weeks.  It only hit 100.4 and they were able to reduce it without having to use Motrin.

Please pray for her fever to stay down and the liver function to improve.  They are concerned about the kidneys if the liver continues declining.  If it goes down to 30% they will begin looking at transplant.  Pray also for the rest of the family.  Her brother's wife just gave birth to a boy yesterday, so the family is bouncing back and forth between them.  Also, with Christmas being on us it puts a lot of added strain on everyone.

I don't know a place she could get better care than Loyola, but a hospital is still not a very enjoyable place to spend Christmas.

Thanks for being there for us.

Jerry

We've all seen the power of prayer on this board, Jerry.

Prayers on the way from Canada.

Carol

All we have Jerry. [smiley=heart.gif]

Joe

What Joe and Grandma said. :'(

We'll pray for her and her family.

Bless you Jerry, for allowing us to lift her up in this way.

I'll be sending positive vibes her way too Jerry!

Everything we can send, Jerry.

Best wishes,

George

Of course Jerry!  Prayers being sent on up for her~~~

It's a blessing already to be a student (ex or current) of yours Jerry....prayers on the way.

Best,

Jon

Prayers and positive thoughts going out.....asking for a Christmas miracle and blessing.

Please keep us posted, Jerry....

Sending out prayers and positive thoughts.

Beth

You got it Jerry.

Carolyn

Prayers and vibes from up here too.

Charlie

Update:

Thank you so much for your prayers.  The turn around has been just this side of miraculous!  I'll quote the update her sister-in-law put out today.

"God is continuing to answer prayer! In the words of Bethanie's mom, "Only God's grace can turn the situation around when you're at death's door." Bethanie's numbers have steadily improved--enough so that the doctors have said she could probably move out of ICU into a regular room today and possibly go home tomorrow! Although the nurses and doctors at Loyola have been wonderful, resting at home is much more appealing to Beth.

Please continue to earnestly pray! Shella specifically asked that we pray: 1)For the nausea to end 2)For Beth to get restorative sleep 3)For the UTI to heal without an antibiotic and with the cranberry juice. Also pray that 4)Her liver functions will continue to improve.

Last night, Bethanie really enjoyed the comments you all have written. We broke up the reading of them into segments as she had sufficient energy to listen. I would tell her the name of someone who commented, and she'd say, "Oh, what did they say?" It was encouraging for her to hear about your prayers, love and concern and even more amazing to experience how the Great Physician is continuing to answer those prayers.

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16"


Shella is Bethanie's mom.  Please don't quit praying just yet!  THere is still a long way to go, but we are so encouraged.  The family was blown away that a bunch of total strangers would care enough to pray for her, but I told them that is what this family does.  I, too, am grateful.

Jerry

Great news Jerry. She has been in my prayers every night this week. Thanks for the update and the good news. :)

Thanks for the update Jerry.  It sounds as though she is turning a corner now.  Prayers continuing for her full recovery.

Carol

Wishing and praying for all the best Jerry.

Iddy

Callico wrote on Dec 26^th, 2009 at 5:46pm:

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16" Shella is Bethanie's mom.  Please don't quit praying just yet!  THere is still a long way to go, but we are so encouraged.  The family was blown away that a bunch of total strangers would care enough to pray for her, but I told them that is what this family does.  I, too, am grateful. Jerry

Dee-lightful news Jerry...my best Christmas present! It seems the Lord has an ear for this family...perhaps he knows the hearts of those with great need, who pray for others, are truly worthy.

Not much good from ch, but if this be such, if that's part of a plan I do not understand, well, it's good enough for me....when one door is closed, another is opened....

Bethanie/Shella and family....no strangers here...with Jerry's call-out, you became ours....

Best,

Jon

Jerry I am soooooo sorry that I am late to this thread!!

I am so encouraged to hear that the prayers being put forth for Bethanie and Shella are being answered.  Now THAT is some special Christmas magic, the very kind of event that warms ones very soul and allows one to KNOW that there are true miracles in the world.

You have all I have to send out, and I think Jon said it exquisitely:


jon019 wrote on Dec 26^th, 2009 at 8:52pm:

Bethanie/Shella and family....no strangers here...with Jerry's call-out, you became ours.... Best, Jon

That is the absolute truth of this family.  Your call for aid is answered, and Bethanie and Shella are now in the embrace of love from this family.  I've seen my own miracles from the strength this family can send out, and I have no doubt the same will be awarded to you, Bethanie and Shella;

May all their prayers be answered, and may 2010 bring a year of health, happiness, prosperity, peace and love to you all.

*hugs*
Cat

Please add my prayers .......


Jeannie

Sunday afternoon update:

12/27 @ 3:00 p.m.
We were anticipating Bethanie's departure from the hospital today, but test results that came back late this morning showed a bacterial infection in the bloodstream. Because of this, she will need to stay in the hospital longer. To treat the infection, the doctors have started her on an antibiotic that is not supposed to affect the liver. The other numbers still seem to be gradually improving--a definite answer to prayer.

Beth is still very weak and gets nauseated frequently. Simple tasks are very tiring, and it will take some time for her to get her strength back.

Please pray that 1)The medication for the infection will be effective 2)Beth will continue to get good rest 3)Her strength will increase and 4)She will be able to go home soon.

We are awed and encouraged by God's working. As we look to Him to continue to show Himself strong on behalf of Beth, your prayers are vital. Please continue to uphold her before the Throne of Grace. Thank you so much for the encouraging messages you have left. They mean a whole lot to Beth and her family.



the family is really appreciative of your prayers.  They have told Bethanie of them and she has said to say "Thank you".

Thanks again,
Jerry

We'll keep em coming strong Jerry, that's some beautiful news.

Joe

Continuing to send prayers from this little corner of the world Jerry.

Carol

She's HOME!

Got an update this evening that is almost unbelieveable.  Thank you so much for your prayers.  Here is the update as I got it.


Bethanie made it home this afternoon and is thankful to be resting in her own bed! The doctors have her on a very strong medication for the bacterial infection, which, they discovered, was caused by the removal of the picc line. Her liver numbers have steadily improved, but your continued prayers are vital. Bethanie is very, very weak and can hardly even walk a few steps without being exhausted and ready to go back to sleep. She is also facing nausea all throughout the day.

Please pray that she regains her strength and that the nausea will stop. Please also pray that the bacterial infection will be completely destroyed!

Beth is so thankful for all the cards, flowers, notes, thoughtful expressions of concern and, most of all, your prayers for her. She has a ways to go on the path of recovery, but the Lord has shown Himself strong thus far. We look forward to His continued working. Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to lift Her up before the Throne of Grace. Hebrews 4:16



Once again this wonderful family has helped to pull together for someone you don't know, and probably will never meet in this life.  I have tried to explain to people many times about the bond that we clusterheads have with each other and the way we support each other even outside of CH, but they have no basis of understanding any more than they can understand CH.  I believe the severity of our affliction is such that it makes us reach out to each other for mutual support so that we in turn can empathize with others in need to a much greater extent than those who have not faced a similar circumstance.  They cannot understand how a group of total strangers with nothing else in common can bond together in such a fashion.  I know that for myself CH is worth it to have been blessed with such a caring compassionate group of friends.  I am extremely grateful for you.

Jerry

Good thing she is home. Hospitals are for healing and the administration of medicine. Home is for rest, which it sounds like she needs.

Great News!!!

Thank you Lord....

Almighty and Eternal God, You are the everlasting health of those who believe in You. Hear my Prayer right now Dear God for Your sick servant, Bethanie, for whom I implore the aid of Your tender mercy, that she will be restored to bodily health, and that she may give all the thanks and all the Glory to You Heavenly Father.

Lord, I pray for my Bethanie because your Word says I should pray for her healing. I believe you hear this earnest prayer from my heart and that it is powerful because of your promise. I have faith in you to heal Bethanie, but I also trust in the plan you have for her life. Lord, I don't always understand your ways, and why people have to suffer, but I trust you. I ask that you look with mercy and grace toward Bethanie. Nourish her spirit and soul in this time of suffering and comfort her with your presence. Let her know you are there with her through this difficulty. And may you be glorified in her life and also in mine.

Amen, Amen, Amen

Ruthie

Great news Jerry... :) :)




Lefty..!