Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Sawyer Update Wed Evening 8/24/11

     As we hoped, Sawyer was freed momentarily from his bed today.  He has been in bed so long that he cannot walk, but that did not stop him from wanting to go to the playroom.  He had a blast!


     As I stated in the last post, the doctor was forced to start using Sawyer’s peritoneal catheter for dialysis because his femoral catheter failed again.  The good news is it worked. 

      Unfortunately, Sawyer is traumatized by peritoneal dialysis (PD). PD works by filling his belly with a solution, letting it sit for an hour, draining it, and then repeating the process.  Sawyer winces and cries out about the pain.  It probably does not hurt much (according to the specialist), but the sensation is extremely unusual.

     This first dialysis will take 24 hours to complete.  This means Sawyer is essentially stuck in bed again.  We will attempt to stand him up and try different exercises to build up his leg strength, but no playroom.

     When we are doing dialysis at home it will be a daily 10 to 12 hour process that he will sleep through for the most part.

     By an objective assessment, we took a step forward today.  However, it was a difficult step especially as the reality of our "new normal" is starting to sink in.  A big reality check happened during our first session on kidney transplantation. 

     We are leaning way into Him and grateful for His strength.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this update, Boss. I was talking to my prayer partner tonight and she said, "Guess what?! I went to my mom's church tonight and the whole church prayed for your President's little boy. I said, hey, I've been praying for that little boy, too!" So many are lifting him up that don't know you all personally. Toby, Karen, Sawyer, Will, Emma and Ben, you are loved!

Lisa C. said...

Wish I could give you all a big hug...thanks for sharing the pictures. Lifting you all...praying that His strength will continue to sustain you and your tough little guy...you are being held...

Anonymous said...

Oops forgot to sign..... Vernicia ;o)

John "Bo" Bohannon said...

God, set your eyes on Sawyer and the DeBause family and reveal yourself mightily for your glory, Sawyers healing and future, and the family's comfort and joy (2 Chron 16:9). On behalf of Water's Edge, we love you guys and are praying diligently for the God of all comfort to cover you with His great grace and mercy (2 Cor 1:3). Bo

JJ said...

Feeling these ups and downs with you, while holding you and your family up before our Father in prayer. Praying that Sawyer will soon be sleeping painlessly in his bed, with you, as his parent, feeling fully confident in handling his dialysis procedures.

Some powerful prayers went up on Sawyer's behalf in small cluster groups at CCC's Ladies' Bible Study tonight. As you work through whatever emotions come your way over the coming days, may you also feel loved, encouraged, and hope, as we stand with you in prayer.

<3
JJ

Anonymous said...

One of the things I love about God is he is always listening and always awake. The girls and I lift you up driving, cooking, thrifting, watching TV etc. You are in our thoughts and that leads to prayer and praises! God is Good!!!

May Z. said...

I initially heard about Sawyer from a friend from work. Been thinking about him. Praying for his recovery, as well as strength for your family. Asked for prayers for him at church as well.

Unknown said...

It was so nice to see Sawyer up yesterday. The pictures were so nice to see. Just wish I could reach out and give you all a hug. I am going to share the lyrics to a song that has helped me during many a dark times in my life. I heard it again yesterday and thought of you when they refered to our God being a great healer. I hope it helps to bring comfort to you today. It is Chris Tomlins song, "OUR GOD IT GREATER" (vs 1)

Water you turned into wine, opened the eyes of the blind there's no one like you none like You!
Into the darkness you shine out of the ashes we rise there's no one like you none like You!
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!