What A Difference

Three weeks ago Nathan first entered the hospital. What a journey it has been since then. But even looking back over the past week all we can think to say is "what a difference". A week ago Nathan was just awake from his induced coma, still covered with tubes and iv's and what-not, half doped from sedation and unable to talk because he was intubated. Now when we walk in his room it seems empty (except when dialysis is running). He has one IV still running, keeping him well hydrated. Although he is very tired and cannot commuicate for long periods, he is able to now.

God has so richly blessed Nathan in these past weeks. We feared for his life and then we feared what it would be like when he would wake and the reality of what had happened hit him, and here he is awake and accepting, witnessing to others. Nathan is happy for the life he still has and figures he can't do anything about what has happened so he will go forward with the strength God is giving him. He is so unbelieveably strong and positive and will attest to the fact that it does not come from himself but from God.

The journey ahead is a long one and while he is "out of the woods" now, he is still very ill. His body has a lot to cope with and he continues to need to rest and sleep as often as possible. We realize that an infection or "common" illness could be very serious for him. Today we seen another sign of progress as Nathan was moved out of ICU and into the Burn Unit, which specializes in dressing changes.

The nurses in ICU called him the Miracle Man, but we know who the miracle comes from.

"Surely God is my help; the LORD is the one who sustains me." Psalm 54:4

Donations

I realize that those who are following my blog are also following Nathan's blog, so this will just be a repeat of information.

As family we did look into setting up some sort of Donation Account or Trust Fund, but found out this was a little more difficult then anticipated. Since Sheehan's has taken the initiative to raise funds for Nathan and Aileen then we think it is best to direct people to this initiative as there is no reason why there needs to be two funds going. If you have any questions, would like more information or anything of that assort you can contact me at robnstephfamily@gmail.com

I will just copy and paste what Aileen wrote on Nathan's blog:

I was asked to post this information on behalf of Nathan's employers. Nathan's service manager Marc as well as owners of Sheehan's Truck Center have been working on a fund raiser. Anyone wishing to contribute is asked to send it to:

Nathan Diek
c/o Sheehan's Truck Centre
4320 Harvester Rd
Burlington ON
L7L 5S4

Sheehan's is able to take Visa and Master Card however there is a percentage based premium that is charged per transaction.

"Awake"

Yesterday I got to see Nathan "awake" for the first time in two weeks. What a difference it is to see him opening his eyes and trying to communicate by shaking his head or moving his hand. He suddenly seems "alive". We've known these past two weeks that he was alive, but he just lay there, "sleeping", unresponsive. Now it feels like things are truly improving.

To say Nathan is awake does not mean he's sitting up in his bed and communicating with us. While they have drastically reduced the sedation Nathan is receiving, he is still mildly sedated. They are working slowly to reduce this and as they do he becomes more responsive and alert to what is going on around him. We do not know how much he understands of what is going on, or how much the sedations effect his vision or comprehension, we do know that he still is very tired and sleeps alot, but will wake up and acknowledge that you are there. At the same time Nathan is still intubated. For those who do not understand how this works I have provided a picture below. When a person is intubated a tube is placed in their mouth and down their throat. This tube is hooked up to a machine that provides oxygen to the individual.

A look at the pictures indicates that this is very uncomfortable. While Nathan has indicated he doesn't like the tube and would like it out he has been very good about not touching it or ripping it out. When a person is intubated the tube goes through the voice box and blocks off the throat so that air only goes through the tube. This means an intubated person cannot talk, although Nathan tries. We can only imagine the frustration he must have with it.

Three years ago Rob and I sat in a different ICU, during a different circumstance. While seeing Nathan sedated and intubated was okay I found yesterdays visit of him trying to communicate brought back a flood of memories. This is probably also because when I came to visit him the Physiotherapist was with him and I would say she was "torturing" him. She was trying to get him to spell a word by using a chart. It was very obvious that he was far to tired and exhausted, never mind that he had just had extra sedation for his dressing change and probably couldn't see straight and for sure not read the tiny letters she had on her chart. Nathan was moving his hand and trying to indication something but she just wouldn't give up. I wanted to tell her to leave him alone, but it wasn't my place to interfer. He seen me step into the room and then step back when I realized they were still working with him. He raised his head to look, but I have no idea if he could actually see me or knew who I was or just seen another figure come into the room. I guess the nurse had the same feeling as I because she told me Physios time was up and to go ahead in, and then when Physio still wouldn't stop she stepped in to tell her that he had just had extra sedation and was too tired. When Physio asked Nathan is he was tired he had no problem shaking his head yes then. I only spoke briefly to Nathan to say hi and tell him to close his eyes and rest because he looked so tired. He instantly lay back and rested.

I remember clearly those three weeks when James was intubated (with no sedation). At the time we cherished the moments we had with him. We talked to him and tried to communicated and did a pretty good job of it too. At the time my thoughts did not really focus on what he must be going through with the intubation tube. I'm sure it crossed my mind, but it was not until later that I wondered how much it hurt or how wise it was to have him awake through that. James did not want us to move him, hold him, cuddle him, or anything of that assort because it was so painful to be moved. After James passed away it has often bothered me that he was awaking during those weeks of intubation. I wondered how much pain he was in and desired to talk to someone who had been intubated and awake to know more. I'm not sure why, it's not like it can change anything, it's just to know I suppose.

It would appear that I may have my desire fulfilled, although I really wish it had not come in this way. Yet having this desire fulfilled means that Nathan will still be with us and if he can tell me what it was like, that means he'll no longer be intubated. I guess I have to look at the positive of it and remember that while it may be awful to go through, it is still a lifesaving device. What a blessing that these device are available and have been able to assist in saving Nathan's life.

We are so thankful for the medical equipment that is available and working so hard to keep Nathan alive and with us. As Nathan becomes more aware of his surrounding and what is going on the reality of what has happened in the past two weeks is going to start sinking in. We pray for Nathan and Aileen to receive the strength they need to go on each day again and we continue to pray for those who are caring for Nathan that God may bless their work also. We especially give thanks to God for all He has done and continues to do during this trying and difficult time.

Today's Trucking

I thought I would share this article that was in the Today's Trucking.
Colleagues Rush To Help Suddenly Sick Dad
http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.cfm?intDocID=24941&login=&datalogin

Some have asked how to get money/aid to Nathan and Aileen. As you can read at the end of this article, Nathan's work is busy with the process of opening an account. As soon as we have further details we will pass them along so others can also make use of this information also.

Aileen continues to be overwhelmed by the amount of support she has received from those she knows and then to see such overwhelming support from those she does not know is an amazing blessing during these difficult times. God continues to give her the strength to go on from day to day. We can certainly see how the prayers of so many have upheld her, as well as the rest of us, during the past couple weeks.


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Colleagues rush to help suddenly sick dad 11/05/2010

BURLINGTON, Ont. - - Last Monday, Nathan Diek, a technician at Sheehan's Truck Center, the local Volvo truck dealer here, called in sick. Said he wasn't feeling well.
Diek, 32, father of two and resident of St. Ann, Ont., showed up at Sheehan's Tuesday but headed home early. Wednesday he was a no-show.
Thursday, his wife (a nurse) Aileen called to tell his colleagues that Diek had been diagnosed with nectrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) and that he had to have his left leg amputated above the knee. And that he almost died on the operating table.
His heart had stopped the night before and they had to revive him to keep him alive. They were removing affected tissue and trying to stabilize him. Later that same day his kidneys shut down and he was in surgery again. They placed him in an induced coma.
His life will never be the same.
That night, at the monthly meeting of the Kitchener Waterloo Automotive Transportation Service Superintendents (ATSSA), Sheehan's Service Manager Marc Poland passed the hat and raised $800 just like that. And he's only getting started.
Poland says Diek will never be able to return to work in the same capacity as before and the family will need moral and financial support.
"This disease has been a huge burden on this small family and although they have support from their families and their church. I would like to request donations from any/all industry people who are willing. Its difficult to comprehend something as terrible as this."
You can find out more by clicking on Aileen's blog www.prayingfornathand.blogspot.com or you email Poland at marcp@sheehanstruck.com.
He's currently working on opening an account in Diek's name but in the meantime offered his own email address (marcpoland@bell.blackberry.net) for anyone wishing to help out.
His office phone number is (905) 632-0300."Nathan is part of Sheehan's family and has worked here for six years," Poland says.
"In his spare time he repairs vehicles for people and helps out those who are not able to afford to take their cars to a retail shop. He is just one of those all-around good guys."

Rollercoaster

The past days have been like riding a rollercoaster with the many ups and downs. It's hard to believe it's already been a week since we first gathered here in the ICU Waiting Room. While we as extended family have ridden along on this rollercoaster we cannot even begin to fathom what it has been like for Aileen.

Yesterday was a good day and with it we heard the same question asked often. Has Nathan made the turn towards recovery? Is he out of the woods? Today was a bit of an answer to these questions.

We have been travelling down a road with many dips, valleys, hills and mountains to overcome. It's a straight road and for a period of time we couldn't see any turns in that road, it just seemed like a fog of ups and downs. Yesterday we were given the opportunity to see that there is a turn in the road, it's not near us yet, it's in the distance and there are hills and valleys, and maybe even mountains to overcome, but at least we can see that turn in the distance. Our fear is that somewhere hidden in one of those valleys there might be another turn in the road heading in the opposite direction as that turn we can see off in the distance.

As far as we can tell Nathan has overcome the necrotizing fascitis bacteria. It is no longer spreading and the antibiotics seem to have it under control. And so we can see a turn in the road way up in the distance. But there are so many other concerns yet. The bacteria may be gone, but the hurdles are not. Today we seen fevers and an infection set it. This isn't totally unexpected in a hospital setting, but of course we had hoped he would skip that complication, or at least gain more strength before handling another complication. He also required more medication to control his breathing and heart rate, as well as his blood pressure. It's possible these could be related to the infection, at the same time it could be related to another underlying condition. These things in themselves remind us that he is by far not out of the woods yet. The situation remains very critical.

The road to recovery is out there and we pray that he will soon be on the more stable road with less hills and moutains, although still many valleys and challenges. We continue to pray that Nathan's kidneys will recover and that his right leg may heal and not sustain any further damage. We pray that the medications may work to stop the new infection and that further infections may not set in. We pray and we pray, sometimes we feel like we don't know what to pray anymore. Some times we feel discouraged, sometimes we feel encouraged.

So many have offered help, so many have helped, so many wonder how to help. It's hard to say how to help as things change so quickly, but at this time there are a few thoughts in this manner. Many have provided food, snacks, meals, etc. Originally this was wonderful, until it became overwhelming. While it's great to know that there will be food when we get there and that we don't have to worry about that aspect, it does become a bit difficult to know what to do with all the leftovers, bearing in mind the little space that we have (and even this is a blessing that Aileen has her own room). The best way to help at this time is by providing money for meals, parking, gas etc. The hospitals gift certificate system is not the greatest so cash is likely the way to go, vouchers from the school are also excellent as they have a dual purpose within the communion of saints. Cash is small and easy to transport (unless you have way too much of it :) and saves from Aileen having to worry about where to put the things she receives.

When it comes to visits. The questions is often asked whether to visit. Visits are always appreciated. Just keep in mind a few things. Short and sweet is effective. At this time Aileen is at the hospital 24 hours but occasionally she is convinced to leave for a short period of time ... so there may not be anyone to visit when you come (only family and close friends can go into ICU). If Aileen is sleeping please do not disturb her, sleep and food are the most important things for her at this time. If you are visiting other family members there is a chance they may not be there - they could be in the cafe (main floor) in the cafeteria (level 1) or at home trying to rest.

Please pray especially for Aileen. Nathan is oblivious to all that is going on, but Aileen is travelling this road on her own. We may all be here to support her, but none of us are the same support as her hubby.

"Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always" Psalm 105:4

Prayers

We continue to give thanks to everyone who has been helping our family these last day. We have definitely been feeling the overwhelming blessing of the communion of saints. Our thanks also go to all those who have been praying for Nathan and Aileen. We ask that you please also remember our girls in your prayers, especially Rebecca. While they each handle things differently they are both very much struggling.

Marietta is our strong one, while she may cry occasionally she can go on and she is our helper. Rebecca has spent the last (almost) three years struggling very much to get over the loss of her brother, James. While the blog has been silent on this, mostly for the sake of Rebecca, it has been a long and difficult battle for her, struggling through grief, depression, counselling and doctors. We have been very thankful the last four months that we had finally made some serious progress towards her feeling happier and coping better. At this time she has been snowballed back into the reality of this fragile life that we live in. While we are all struggling and we all have our questions and doubts at moments, and we all are in need of your prayers at this time, please say an extra prayer for the girls, especially Rebecca, that they may be able to cope and make it through this difficult time.

Blog

http://www.prayingfornathand.blogspot.com/

Please Pray

For some time my blog has been on the backburner. As I try to prioritize my time I have found I had to put it aside for some time while I tried to catch up on other things. I thought that once September was over things would settle down, but here it is the end of October. Time certainly flies, just like I said in my last post.

This week we have been reminded again how fragile our lives are here on this earth. So often we say how we never know our time, but how seriously do we believe this? How much do we think about how in a matter of minutes or hours our lives can change drastically or be gone completely?

I sit behind the computer in the waiting room at ICU at the General. As many of you know my brother, Nathan, is critically ill. He has just left for surgery and we do not know if we will see him again. What we do know is that he is in God's hands and we must trust that God knows what is best.

On Wednesday Aileen (Nathan's wife), brought Nathan to the local Emerge with what was thought to be a virus. By the end of the day he had been transferred to the General and was in surgery. What was first treated as a bad infection was in the end diagnosed as a life threatening bacteria infection, streptococcus A (what you and I commonly know as a bacteria that causes strep throat), which is a tissue eating bacteria. Nathan has a form of Strep A called necrotizing fascitis, which is better known at Flesh-Eating Disease.

This bacteria is extremely aggressive and quick. Within hours Nathan went from looking "normal" (as well as normal can be when one looks extremely ill and is in a lot of pain) to the skin and flesh opening and dying on his legs and arms. By time he went into surgery his entire left leg was bursting open and showed signs of dead areas. Going into surgery it appeared there was a good chance of losing his left leg.

Late Wednesday night/early Thursday morning we gathered together in the ICU and waited for what seemed an eternity but in reality was about two and a half hours. The news was not good. The doctors had to amputate Nathan's left leg, as well as remove skin, tissue and muscle of his right leg and arm. The procedure had to be aborted when his heart stopped and it took them about a minute to bring him back. While we were thankful he survived we realized that he was still in extremely critical condition.

Thursday evening brought some positive news when the dressing changes went much better then they expected and so they decided to wait another day before going back into surgery. We were all able to go home and get some much needed rest. God knew we would need that rest as this morning we received word that the bacteria had spread into Nathan's abdomen.

After much consulting and reviewing of CT Scans the doctors decided there was enough positive to attemp surgery again with the hope that they can remove the tissue that is infected and that the bacteria has not entered his organs. The biggest concern is whether the bacteria has reached his organs, if so, there is nothing further that can humanly be done. There is much concern for his heart, but it is in better condition then Wednesday night. The other very major concern is whether he will be able to handle the blood loss from such a major surgery. There is also concern for his right leg.

While there is so many concerns and so many unknowns we know that Nathan is in the Lords hands, without His will not a hair can fall from our heads. We must rely on this comfort as we await the results of surgery. At this time all we can do is pray and we covet all prayers that go up.

"My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" Psalm 73:26

School

The saying we have been hearing constantly the past couple weeks is "I can't believe the summer is almost over". Yes, it's true in less then a week the kids will be back in school. The summer did fly by all to quickly. I had great intentions and wonder ideas of what relaxing time we would have, but it seemed we were often on the go trying to keep up with things. Not to say we didn't have our relaxing times or an enjoyable summer ... we had both. But as usually the summer holidays went to fast.

Next week Tuesday the girls return to school, Marietta off to Grade 5 and Rebecca to Grade 3. And a week later Rob will join those of student status in our house. Yup, Rob is returning to school. We are often asked if he intends to return or when he intends to return. I guess we have just lived on the assumption that he is returning this September without much thought of it being any other way, so we just assume that those who know he took off for a year also know that he is returning this September. But given how often we are asked if he is returning, I guess I should just take a minute to clarify this.

Yes indeed we will be returning to the life of a student family. Do I look forward to this change in lifestyle? I think I can answer yes to this. There is no doubt that I do not look forward to being a student's "widow" again, but I do look forward to this change simply because it means we are back on track with our goal. We have three more years to go and it would be nice to carry on with the process.

The past year has been wonderful. It has been wonderful to have my hubby around again, even if much of the time he was either working long hours or busy with other things. I have to face the fact that no matter what Rob will always be busy, he simply doesn't know how to sit still or relax but believes that a person must always be busy fixing or doing something useful and/or productive. I suppose there is a bit of that blood in me also, but not quite so much. And I must admit that it does seem there is always a million things to do and so there is no room for sitting back or relaxing. With a large list of thing to tackle before he returned to school Rob always found himself busy around the house. But at the same time, there was the freedom to let things wait, to just drop something and head out for an evening, to socialize on whatever day or night worked, to be involved in things other then study books and school work, to have a lower stress level, to spend time with the kids.

Ah yes, we are going to miss Rob as he returns to his books for what seems like 24/6 but is more like 17/6. Rob will admit that he isn't the "brightest" student. While I don't think he's slow or dumb in the least bit, we have come to accept that he can't quite study as quickly as some of those more gifted students. I wouldn't say he's a "dull" student though, but more average as other students at the College require close to as much hours as Rob needs at his desk.

I won't deny that I have my jealous moments when speaking to those wives whose husbands do not need to be at the desk quite as long, but I am always comforted knowing that there are just as many wives who must survive without seeing much of their husbands either. I won't deny that I get frustrated when people don't get how much time it takes for the College guys to do their studies. There is nothing more frustrating then talking to someone who likes to tell me that their husband works a full-time job and still has time to do this or that or whatever it is that we're talking about. I have learned to bite my tongue if people don't get it ... or don't want to get it ... really Rob's at his desk from 6am to 12am a good part of the school year - usually with a break for meals, a bike ride home (when we lived in the city) and time to tuck the kids in. There is no time for bible study, choir, Council, or any of those other things he'd love to partake in, and for sure not time for hanging out on a weeknight. We usually start the school year with me reminding him that he needs to take at least a 4 hour chunk of time off on Saturdays for his family, as well as 1.5 hour on Friday evening for game night. While he faithfully attends the game nights (except during exam time), the 4 hour Saturday time usually ends by the end of September. Sunday is social day, but sometimes it's better to just not socialize as it is also rest day, unwind day, refresh day ... and how about some family time? It's a bit of a struggle trying to have some sort of social life still, while also getting the proper rest and family time.

With the kids older and the recent year off I am going into this year a bit revived (or is it forgetful of what it was like). The recent year off was a wonderful treat and good for the family. Now as Rob returns to the books we can focus on the end of the road again. The past 4+ study years have gone amazingly fast, we can make it thru these next three years also.

Chatham

We decided to take advantage of the August long weekend and headed off for some visiting for the weekend. Rob's side of the family usually gets together on the Civic Holiday and since it was in London this year we figured we'd drive a little further beforehand and spend some time visiting.

We don't get together too often so it's always neat to see how the kids have grown, especially the little ones - with Matthew and Annika being a month apart in age

Cooling off with water ... add a little water and oh how much fun the kids can have

Matthew's watergun (he got for his birthday) became quite the well used toy that weekend.

BBQing time

The girls enjoyed a swim in a "real" size pool (not that they've ever complained about our pool).

It was too hot in my opinion for the hot tub, but they quite enjoyed themselves

It's always a good weekend when we head off to Chatham ... to bad we don't get to do it more often ... and with Rob heading back to school it will likely next summer before we get a chance to get away for another visit.