|
Alan's Angels CPL Alan R. Babin, Jr., U.S.A. (Ret.) Bronze Star with V Device for Valor Purple Heart
Journal
Thursday, April 7, 2016 12:39 AM CDT Thirteen years into Alan’s recovery, and 4 years after his last major surgery, it is easy to get comfortable in the (dis)belief that all is “fine.” The past couple of weeks were a not-so-gentle-reminder that my sweet-man will encounter life-long medical challenges that rear-their-ugly-head. As many of you who have prayed for him the past couple of weeks know, the report from the surgeon on Monday was great and there is no plan for surgery as it appears the antibiotics did their job. We counted our blessings, went on our merry way and traveled to San Antonio today for his rescheduled Botox/Phenol shots in his legs/feet to stave off tone and angry toes that go in different directions and can cause pain in his shoes. After being weighed in and confirming with his doctor that his weight remains stable and we should continue with the new “diet” of high protein, low residue, etc., Alan and I headed home full of promise and excited to get his new wheelchair fitted with the bolt that will make it a “one-click” entry into his Suburban. As I settled him into bed and we shared with Al the triumphs of the day, talked about best dinner options, Alan became diaphoretic, clammy and cold to the touch.
Zero to 60, in less than 10 seconds. We immediately went into “anti-vagal nerve or Autonomic Dysreflexia” mode to counteract them and make him comfortable…weighing a 911 call. After some calm, quiet time for him in proper position, he asked to rest for a few minutes (a NEVER with Alan) and we lowered the temperature and light in the room and let him rest. Praise the Lord, after about 20 minutes, the gravity of having his body in proper position, quiet and induced BP program, the sweating stopped and his color returned to normal. And, he said he was hungry. And, it wasn’t long before he was rolling his eyes at Alain and me as if we were being “drama queens” hovering over him and he was asking for some of my homemade “caldo” (my mom’s chicken soup) of which I made about 5 gallons last weekend.
So, I write this post in gratitude for your prayers for his complete healing, but also asking for continued prayers and in my “mom” mode which tells me something is not 100�n his system and praying that we can find the cause and a solution. Alan is a TOUGH COOKIE, which is a blessing and a curse, as his body is resilient beyond measure.
Because I use my Facebook page as a social outlet, I will only update on his health and progress on Caringbridge. For those who want to follow, pray and believe with us for perfect healing, please go to: www.caringbridge.org/tx.alansangels
Read Journal History
Hospital Information: Patient Room: Babin Barracks Home!!!
512-750-9722
Links: https://youtu.be/81ksdXZ1XDw Gary Sinise Alan Babin Profile http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A5450-2004Dec16.html Washington Post Magazine Article on Alan's Journey http://www.purpleheartaustin.org/babin.htm Military Order of the Purple Heart Bio
|
|