Tuesday, March 22

Evening update....................................Dave's pain continued to stabilize this afternoon. This evening Dave started the nutrition drink through his PICC line. Dave is running a low grade fever. Tomorrow we hope to discuss the long-term solutions with the doctors. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Afternoon update....................................Thank you for your faithful prayers! Dave has been more comfortable this afternoon. Right now, his pain is at a 3 out of 10, and that is with no pain medication! We have not heard anything back on the x-rays, in this situation, we figure no news is good news. He has been able to catch a few naps here and there. Mom was also able to get a little rest. Doctors have stopped by, but no plans have been discussed for long-term solutions. Dave was able to walk around the halls and take a shower. Please pray for relief from the rash.

Morning update....................................To be completely honest, Dave had an absolutely horrible night last night. He rated his pain at a 10 out of 10 and if you know Dave, he is a pretty tough guy. He wasn't able to sleep at all as the abdominal pressure and pain was unbearable. At 3:15am Dave's blood pressure was 209/102! At 4:35am Dave was given pain medication and felt immediate relief (7 out of 10). We tried to explain to the doctors and nurses that this is NOT Dave and that he has never been in this much pain, but for some reason, they didn't really 'get it'. I guess they are not used to having such tough patients. :) Dave's pancreatic enzymes are elevated, indicating he does have pancreatitis. We are unsure at this point how much of the pain is caused by the pancreatitis and how much is caused by air being trapped in the abdomen from the ERCP. Dave did have an abdominal x-ray around 5am and then again at 9:30am because the 5am one was not clear. Dave is currently getting a PICC line since he hasn't had a meal since Thursday.

Praise:

• Dave's temperature is normal which indicates the infection caused by the constricted bile duct is clearing up. It appears that the stint is working properly.
• Dave no longer has a headache.
• Dave's blood pressure is now down to 173/84.

Please pray for:

• Wisdom for the doctors as they assess the best treatment for Dave now and long-term.
• Comfort for Dave.
• Pancreatitis to subside.
• Rest and strength for mom, she was up all night with dad.