Hey Everyone, this is Austin, I wanted to personally thank you for all your prayers and support on my journey the past couple of weeks. I have been truly blessed to have had a support network like all of you. Today I had my 2nd day of outpatient care, getting my 14th plasmapheresis treatment. Yeah I know that seems like a lot, just to put it into perspective. Here is how one treatment breaks down, the first time I had a treatment I got around 17 bags of new plasma, it took around 2 and a half to 3 hours. As my treatments have continued the number of bags of plasma that I have needed have went down from 17, today I received 14 bags of plasma. So if I received around 14 bags of plasma each time, I have received approximately 196 bags, more likely it is closer to somewhere like 215. I heard about plasma donations before I got ill but now I am not only thankful for people who donate plasma I owe my life to people who do it. I do not think I will be able to donate plasma due to my illness but if I can donate blood I will and will certainly encourage others to do both because of the number of lives that can be saved through such a seemingly simple procedure, hey if you donate plasma, you can even make some money. Yesterday I went to my family doctor and got medicine for my stomach if I have cramps/unbearable pain, however I have not had to use it thankfully. My stomach has been doing ok since two days ago. Today I found out most of the things the doctors are looking at are doing pretty good. My hemoglobin remains around 8.2, which is still pretty low, making me rather tired pretty easily. My Magnesium is down as well even though I am on supplemental medicine. It appears as if my body is still struggling to produce enough red blood cells. I could use prayer for a positive attitude as my recovery continues. I also could use prayer to not worry about things I cannot control and to simply accept my reality as what it is and to not focus on what has went wrong or is going wrong. Prayer for my red blood cells and whatever is going on there would be appreciated as well.
Thanks again
Austin
Hi Austin...we just want you to know you can count on our continued prayers. All that you've been through....wow...we are so thankful you are where you are now and will pray for continued healing.
ReplyDeleteSincerely
Gary and Lisa Yoder
King Austin...or maybe I should say Pastor Austin...the best sermons are always when you speak from the heart! Now instead of taking the "regular" blood donation chair, I'm thinking the next time I need to give up the extra hour in honor of your request to help those who desperately need the plasma. We continue to pray for you and we'll pray for that something we all need some help with...a positive attiude...the Doctor above will help you take it from there.
ReplyDeleteIncreasing Strength & Peace to you...
Cleveland Craig
It's so great to read a post from you Austin! Will continue to pray for patience and healing for you.
ReplyDeleteBetsy
Austin,
ReplyDeleteIt was great to read something that came directly from YOU today. What a long way you have come since 2 weeks ago! And in the midst of all you are dealing with, you still have the thoughtfulness to care for others (Amanda said you sent her a cheering-you-on text!) YOU, my friend, are a blessing! Still praying and still trusting you to God who is bigger and more powerful than any of us can hope to imagine! Rhonda
Austin,
ReplyDeleteWe continue to pray everyday for your healing. Slow and steady wins the race. You are a man of God and I thank God for you everyday. Love, Aunt Phyllis