kayaking on Loch Leven near Glencoe, Scotland, 2018

kayaking on Loch Leven near Glencoe, Scotland, 2018

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Pulmonary Function Test

I took Eric to Lake Charles Memorial this morning for a pulmonary function test (PFT) to see how well his lungs are working. I worked in Pittsburgh pulmonary labs for 20 years before moving to Louisiana, so this is all very familiar to me. Despite Eric recovering so well, so quickly, I knew enough not to expect this PFT to be anywhere close to normal. Yet I was still surprised by the results. For my medical friends, FVC 37%, FEV1 41%, PEF 70%, TLC, 55%, DLCO 43%. For my non-medical readers . . . quite crappy! For those out there who still pray for Eric, we need prayers for improved lung function. And this is something that I (hopefully) expect to occur over the course of many years. In the meantime, I'll choose to look at Eric clinically and not focus on the numbers. He hasn't used supplemental O2 in several weeks. He's gained almost 20 pounds. And he rode his bike over 3 miles last evening.

We attended the Governor's Program musical, Grease, this evening. We enjoyed the music and dancing, and Eric had fun seeing some of his friends from last year.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Prayer for the Chronically Ill

O Lord, through the passion of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I beseech Thee to watch over and guide all those who suffer from chronic illness. Grant to us the courage to face our situations so that others may see Your perpetual light shining through us, as a beacon of strength that overcomes setbacks, and reaffirms Your Precious Love for ALL the sheep among Your flock. We are all Your children in spite of our physical situation, and Your Loving Son shepherds those of us who believe. Grant us the spiritual and mental strength to endure so that we may live in Your Divine Shadow. In the name of Jesus Christ, King of Kings, please hear and bless this prayer O Heavenly Father. Amen.

Anonymous said...

I will continue to pray for you, Eric. Still keeping up with the blog and enjoying seeing your progress...