Victor Ellison

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.  For those who don't know, Victor was in excellent health until a little over a month ago, when he came down with a flu-like illness. The illness progressed to his needing to be hospitalized and then moved to the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) on a ventilator (breathing machine).  Since then he has had several small improvements followed by setbacks that keep him in critical condition. Victor continues to be in CICU. He is still on the ventilator and struggling. 


We moved to LTACH (the long term acute care hospital) for one day last week, but he had a heart attack and was brought right back to CICU. He started dialysis yesterday because his kidneys aren't working. We are hoping it's temporary. His weight is 45 pounds higher than normal  - that's a lot of fluid and it is all third spacing (or leaking into body tissues, so he is swollen). He used to communicate with me in sign language (due to the tracheostomy/breathing tube) but now he only nods his head if I ask a question. 


I can't believe this has gone on for a  whole month. I have literally lived at the hospital, but my family and my friends have helped so much. My sister and daughter have been another set of ears when physicians have come in and have helped with problem solving, analyzing information,  and coordinating communication. Victor was pleased with a visit from his sister, even arousing  enough to tease her a little. We  have been blessed that students and friends have called to inquire about Victor,  pray for him, send text, cards, and emails from India, Jordan, China, South Africa, Mexico, Scotland, England, Canada and all over the United States. Many of the therapists that have worked with me have brought dinner to us at the hospital and sent texts and emails. SIBI has been bringing lunches  to us. I feel supported in prayer and surrounded by love in this terribly difficult time. My heart is broken daily as I see the love of my life struggle and suffer, but I continue to lift up prayer and cling to hope as I dwell on each baby step and morsel of progress. 


- Debbie