From: levonne morgan Date: Thu Jul 31, 2003 1:43 am Subject: Nothin' but good news today/Lee's update
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What a great day this has been. It started when Lee ate almost all his breakfast. He left his corn flakes and 1/2 a biscuit, but ate all his eggs, drank all his milk(like a good boy should) and had juice. When I returned a little after noon, he was sitting on the side of the bed and his nurse was helping him eat his lunch. I took over and he ate really good. All his potatos and meat, milk, juice, and a piece of cake. We or I, then found out that occupational therapy was going to be in later in the afternoon and take him for a shower. He did really great. Walked from the hall into the bathroom, with help, stood on his own and washed, and washed his hair. He said it felt great, or was the word wonderful? Anyway, he did not want to get out!!! The therapist was kinda rushing him. lol. It was the first shower he'd had in 23 days! And he had been told that they were going to probably take him to another room. He is doing so well that he doesn't need a sitter anymore. Then..... the highlight of the day.... hehehe.... new mr. troublemaker that they put in the bed next to lee that had come from icu. from what we understand, he must have been a druggie. He was raising all kinds of cain, making demands before he had even gotten out of the wheel chair. Ordering nurses around. We almost flipped!!!!!!!! Lee and I went outside for awhile, came back in to meet the therapist for his shower. We came back to the room for awhile and lee got two more units of blood and took some little short snookes. We met with the drs. then and he told us once again, that everything seemed to be healing normally, and talked with us about rehab. They had thought at one time that possibly he might need some. He is still pretty weak. But they believe that he is healing well enough that he probably isn't going to need any. So from the way they talked, rather than send him home now, a little to early, or to rehab if he doesn't really need it, they just going to watch him closely for the next 2-3 days .... from what I gathered, and that by then, they expect him to be well enough to come home and re-coop here. That isn't official, but just by what the dr. said and a little math.... I'm hoping that if he continues to improve like he is that he may be home not long after that. Hopefully maybe I can have him home by Mon... maybe Tues. Oh..... how I would love that. I don't want him to come home to early and he's still pretty weak right now, but I think 2-3 maybe 4 more days will make alot of difference. This was great news from the dr. By the time I left tonight, his blood sugar was down to 105. Perfect!

Now... to end my update... back to Lee's roomie. I had to go back to work at 4 till 5:45, and told Lee i'd be back around 6. When I came back... I slowed down by the nurses desk, like I always do, to check the board to see who lee's nurse is going to be for the night. I noticed that he was no longer in the same room. He had been moved to a freshly redone, floors sanded and waxed etc., just today, private room. Come to find out... after I had left to go back to work, apparently Mr. Roomie, decided he wanted to start a BIG scene. Now.... for those of you who know Lee.... you will plainly see that our old fella is ON HIS WAY BACK!. It started when Lee over heard a comment about "his fat a--", in reference to Lee. Apparently he thought Lee was getting better care than he was... lol, and then he said it seemed liked he laid there forever and listen to this guy curse and bark orders at all these poor nurses. That did not set well with Lee. These ladies and men have given him the best in care while he has been there. Finally Lee could stand no more and he spoke up. He told him something to the following..... "I have sons older than you and if I ever heard them speak to a woman in that way, they'd have to pick their lips up off the floor." Then he preceeded to tell him that HE wasn't the only sick one in the hosp. lol. Need less to say... this guy caused such a ruckus that hospital security had to be called in, along with the campus police. Seems they told him if he didn't behave himself, that the next stop would be Mid. Mo.. Mental hosp. And Lee was moved out of there into a private room. His nurse said she insisted, that he had already been though enough and didn't need to listen to that!!!!!!
Lee and I spent a wonderful evening out on the patio, visiting with our son Landon for awhile, and then getting to spend sometime by ourselves... (the patio was empty... and it was dark....... It was so good to spend that time with him. There was alot said between us. We both realize how close we came to losing one another. He's the love of my life, and God has spared his life. I could never thank Him enough.

Can't wait to let you know what all goooooood stuff happens tomorrow!

Love,
Lev

"Blue skies, smilin' at me. Nothin' but blue skies, do I see."

From: levonne morgan Date: Wed Jul 30, 2003 1:17 am Subject: Good Day-Prayer Needed/Lee's update
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Well, today was definately a good/concerned type of day.

The day started off pretty good. His "sitter" as they call it, is a big guy... bigger than lee with a shaved head, named Joe. He has been one of Lee's attendant... i think he's actually a nurses aid.... when he was on the 5th floor. He offered to shaved lee's head once when he was in for a chemo treatment. Lee says he's gonna have him shave his head tomorrow. I'm wondering if he'll actually do it. He has before. I thought he looked pretty sexy bald. He doesn't have much hair anyway. lol. Anyway... Joe is a great guy. His nurse informed us that they would take his cathater out today.... I thought Lee would be thrilled!!!!!! He was somewhat hesitant. They were going to do it in the afternoon, but Lee said he didn't want to. He had such trama and pain when they inserted it, that I know he was very leary of that. Then he said he wanted to put it off until the night shift came in. When I returned at 6, he informed me they were going to wait till tomorrow. We went on outside for awhile, and deceided to return to Lee's room, get him washed and ready for bed. Plus, when we were outside, Lee said he was starving!!!!! That was good to hear. Anyway... we came in and told his nurse that we were gonna wash him up and could he get something to eat. She came in a little later and told lee that she's pull his cathater, then he could wash up, and then she'd get him something to eat. I tried to tell him..... several times before, that I knew he wasn't looking forward to it, but that I knew he would have to be more comfortable and sleep better if he had it out.....and just told him to get it over with. Well, he fiiiiiiinally agreed and it is out......plus he got some chicken noodle soup....!!!!!

The gal bladder enzymes have gone down, so they decided not to do the ultra sound. They decided to do a chest xray instead.... silly me, I never did ask why. They seem to have become routine. Guess I better find out tomorrow. No dialysis today either.... yippppppppeeeeeeeee.... guess that means the kidney is getting better too.

I do want you to continue to remember him though. We have had a terrible time with his blood sugar today. Lee is also diabetic. It has been high ever since he came from ICU. But today.... it went to 600. They gave him some insulin and As of about 6, it had gone down to 577.... some, but not enough. They gave him two more shots... two different kinds of insulin. When they tried to test it again at about 9.... all the glucose meter would say was HIGH.... which isn't good. That means it was back to at least 600 or over. At about 9:30 or so, he was given two more shots of insulin. Please pray that they can get this sugar level to come down. This high is not good at all.........plus is is very hard/damaging to his kidney, and it is already taking long enough to heal. We don't need any setbacks in that. I just pray that when I get there tomorrow, it has come down considerably.

Lee was a little tired and not feeling really up to par due to his sugar being so high, but all in all he had a pretty good day. We had a nice visit with out oldest son, sitting outside on the garden patio that I told you about. Lee got his insulin.... his pee pee hose taken out(lol).... hot soup..... a nice warm sponge bath, and neetly tucked in and ready for nighty nite, when I left him a little after 10. He was already sleeping like a baby. Just pray that they can get these sugar levels dropped.

I'll let you know more tomorrow.

Love,
lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Mon Jul 28, 2003 11:44 pm Subject: stretchin' our legs/Lee's update
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Well, Drs. gave me permission to get a wheel chair and take lee outside today to get some fresh air. HE LOVED IT!!! We went out this afternoon for about 45 mins., then again later this evening and stayed out for a little over an hour. This was the first time in 3 weeks that Lee had even sat on the side of the bed, then to top it off,stood up and got into a wheel chair. He was a little wobbly, but that's to be expected since he hasn't been out of bed in 3 weeks. He leaned on Landon and I, but he really wasn't putting that much weight on me... so I think he was doing most of it himself. He was getting a little ticked that he couldn't hardly lift himself from the chair... disguested that he couldn't even lift his own body weight. That's when I reminded him, that is why he needed to eat better. So that he could get his strength back up. I'm sure we'll go out again tomorrow and I'm sure he'll be a little stronger tomorrow.

The drs. said his kidneys were doing much better today, so they didn't do another dialysis. Hopefully he won't need anymore. The liver enzymes were also still coming down. I actually got the nerve to ask the dr. today when I was gonna be able to get him out of there and back home. He didn't give me any day, but he smiled and said, "hopefully pretty soon". so I take that to be a pretty positive thought. They are going to do some physical therapy with him, but they weren't sure when they were going to get started on that. They're doing an ultra sound tomorrow of his gal bladder. Those enzymes are elevated a little. They want to make sure he doesn't have any gal stones. They don''t think he does, because he hasn't had any pain.... now that the cathater is fixed. so pray that the test just comes back clear.

He is just continuing to get stronger and better everyday. God has so answered prayer. I see a miracle everytime I look into his eyes. I asked him today if he knew that he had stopped breathing.... he just shook his head no, and in a few seconds started to cry. But I touched his cheek and said... but look at you now. You're getting better everyday. I told him about all the emails i have kept from all of you who have sent so many prayers and thoughts our way. He was very deeply touched Thank you God for bringing him back to me.

Will be back with more good news tomorrow.

Love to you all,
Lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Sun Jul 27, 2003 10:44 pm Subject: continuing to get better/Lee's update
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Well, with each day, Lee seems to be continuing to improve. Each day his mind becomes a little clearer and his speech more frequent and improving. He still gets a little confused I think... or isn't sure how to respond to things, so he just doesn't answer you. The fact that his liver enzymes are still a little elevated contributes to the confusion. But they are slowly going down. I'm sure, just like his speach, it will continue to improve a little each day. I'm not for certain, but I'm assuming that his body is totally clean of the ativan and other drugs. He hasn't had any moraphine since about 3:30 yesterday, and no valium since day before yesterday. He's had no pain from his cathater today... more discomfort sometimes I think. But he has rested very good today... 4 or 5 good naps, at least. I know when he is sleeping and resting that he is healing.
I couldn't get him to eat much again today. I really wish his appetite would pick up a little. He did eat about 1/3 of a Wendy's frosty, a few bites of baked potato, couple bites of cottage cheese and a couple bites of grilled cheese and some jello. And at one point, Landon told me that he looked behind my back and mouthed to Landon... you're mom is being a b...., when he saw that I was a "little" disgusted with him for not eating. His nurse put in to have him changed to a "soft" diet... rather than pureed.... so maybe tomorrow that will change and the food may look a little more appetizing to him.

He had more visitors today from our church at the lake and his boss, Rob stopped by.

He continues to improve a little each day, so keep praying that God continues to strengthen his body in order for him to fight this,and continue to clear his mind of this confusion... or whatever it is, and lowers these liver enzymes. I'm sure as the liver enzymes continue to go down, that will also continue to improve.

Will be back tomorrow.

Love,
Lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Sat Jul 26, 2003 11:44 pm Subject: Another great day/Lee's update
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Lee had another great day today. He was visited by friends and family, rested well, and was in less pain than yesterday.

There was a prob. with his cathater. It had gotten clogged by a few small blood clots and wasn't allowing the bladder to empty. It had also gotten pulled out a little which was causing a small amt. of bleeding, prob. due to the balloon tearing the urethra a little. They put in a new on, which went in MUCH better than the first. Needless to say, as soon as they got the new one put in, he instantly gushed over 1,000 cc's of urine. No wonder the poor guy was in pain. He was about to BURST! When I left to night, he was sleeping like a baby. I believe that tomorrow his pain will be a lot less, now that the cathater prob. has been taken care of. I can't even begin to imagine what that's like for a man!!!!

He enjoyed seeing my mom and dad and uncle. He said Hi Mom.. as soon as he saw her, and had to give her a big hug. Our good friend sonja came to see him.... again. She was there the day we brought him down from ICU. She couldn't believe how much better he looked. He gave her a big kiss and hug... and a great big smile. He told her it was soooooo good to see her. He got to see his grandbabies today... that brought a big smile to his face. His cousin Mike came to see him... from the lake. We were down visiting them the weekend that lee got bit by the tick. We were staying at their house. his sense of humor kicked in then, when he told mike that the pureed stuff I was trying to feed him for supper was DISCUSTING!!! Needless to say... I couldn't get him to eat a thing, so pray that his appitite picks up tomorrow. Maybe if he's not hurting as bad, he'll feel more like eating. Anyway, he was making just one comedic remark after another and he had Mike and I in stitches... with his raised eyebrows... or rolling his eyes around with that really discusted look on his face. lol He talked to his bro. scott on the phone... for just a bit. Scott asked him how he was feeling. Lee told him.... "i've had better days." It was sure good to see him joke with people a little.

So all in all.... he's had a great day. I know that tomorrow will only be better.

Will be back tomorrow to fill you in.

Love,
Lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Fri Jul 25, 2003 11:54 pm Subject: A pretty good day/lee's update
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Lee had a pretty good day today. He had one pretty bad moment with quite a bit of pain, due to his cathater. But we got him "drugged"... a little valium and some moraphine for the pain, and when I left he was curled up and sleeping like a baby. He really does need his rest. I pray that he can sleep like he was when I left, all night long.

He had a dialysis today and it went very well. He's up to about 1,300 ccs of pee so far, and his blood platelets are up to 156,000. He was a lot more coherient and alert today, and talked a bit more than yesterday. He finally got to eat real food tonight... although it was pureed and looked like baby food. He didn't eat much, but a little. He had some shrimp (that is nasty lookin' stuff pureed...lol), a few green beans, quite a few mashed potatos, his carton of milk, ice tea, most of his broth and a few bites of cherry cheesecake. I doubt if he has much of an appitite yet, even though he hasn't eaten anything , except through a tube, in almost 3 weeks. He said Hi to his Mom on the phone. Needless to say, like me, those were the best words she could have heard and she too is floating on cloud 9. He also said Hi to his brother Scott. I hope this pain with the cathater eases up tomorrow and hopefully they can find out why it is causing him so much pain. But I'm sure that mentally he is going to be even more alert tomorrow. My mom, dad and uncle are coming tomorrow to see him, and my best friend Cheri is coming tomorrow to visit, and then will be taking Moriah home with her for a week. Cheri's daughter Rachel and Moriah are close to the same age.

Please continue to pray for added strenght for lee, and for everything to continue to improve and function normally. Also for a peaceful nights sleep and an end to his pain when he wakes up tomorrow.

I will be sure and fill you in on tomorrow's news. Love to you all.

Lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Thu Jul 24, 2003 9:23 pm Subject: The BEST day ever....
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Other than the day I walk him out of the hosp., today had to be the best day ever!
I walked into Lee's room this morning and his nurse said... somebody's here to see you. When I came around the curtain, he looked me right in the eyes and said, "Hi Baby"! My heart almost melted....... . These are the first words I've heard him say in over two weeks. Before the the day was over, I also got a kiss on my cheek and an "I love you." Two weeks ago, I wondered if I'd ever hear those words again. Thank God I have. And Jean, you will be happy to know that we also heard a few cuss words out of him today. LOL. Something tells me our Lee is coming back. haha

Lee was a little restless today. But he is definately better and much clearer headed than yesterday. he is, needless to say a little aggrivated because he can't make his body do what he wants it to yet. He sat up in the bed a couple of times today, with our help, and once he was up, he'd just lean over and rest his head on my chest. He was definately "lovey dovey" today. He tried several times to put his arm around me, and enjoyed laying his head up against my hand. He wanted to hold hands a lot today too. I do believe I've convinced them to stop giving him the Atavan....they are giving him a little Valium to try and help keep him a little calmer and not so restless. He was resting pretty good when I left tonight. I'm anxious to see how he is tomorrow.

I'm sure I'm gonna be back with great news tomorrow....aren't prayers "wonderful" things!!!

love,
Lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Wed Jul 23, 2003 11:37 pm Subject: another good day/lee's update
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Well today has been another great day! Lee is out of ICU and on "the floor" as they call it. He is in what's called a "sitter" room, meaning that there is someone in the room at all times with him. They have finally given him some pain medication which has helped considerably to ease his discomfort. When I left he was resting fairly comfortably... just stiring a little every once in a while. Of course there's been nothing said about when he might be able to go home, but I feel like it's just going to be a matter of days before he begins to get back to his old self. Just continue to pray that his body keeps getting stronger and that this ativan that they've given him filters out of his system fast. I'm sure by tomorrow he'll be even better than he was today.

Will update you again tomorrow

Love,
lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Wed Jul 23, 2003 3:07 pm Subject: IMPORTANT INFO! Please read and inform yourself
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I know that alot of you, as well as I have been astounded that Lee has had so many difficulties and all from what I use to consider a "silly" tick. It is amazing what this disease can do to the human body. It literally invades all of the blood cells. It can affect the brain, including seizures, heart, kidneys, liver, pancreas and lungs, blood platelets, bone marrow and gal bladder. With Lee we have seen all of these. His blood cells were full which causes adema(not sure of the spelling).... or swelling. Sever bruising occured because of the low blood platelets. They believe him to have had a mild heart attack, although there was no significant damage. His liver, pancreas and kidneys completely shut down and were not working at all. Although there is no permanent damage, his brain was also affected. He has had two lung infections.

Althought this seems very unreal all due to a tick bite, it is very much real as I and Lee have found out. If you need additional information, all you have to do is type Ehrlichliosis into your search engine... you will be amazed. Every one needs to be aware of this information so that you can be fore warned if you or anyone you know starts showing symptoms of this disease. This CAN be fatal if not caught in time. I think we came very very close. A lot closer than I want to admit or believe. I hope that you will find this information useful and please be careful.

Love,
Lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Tue Jul 22, 2003 8:02 pm Subject: HooooooooRahhhhhhhhhhhhh!/Lee's update
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Lee is off the resperator and doing well. He is still a little groggy from the medication but he was better at 6:00 when I went to see him, than he was at 1:30 when I saw him first. And I expect him to be more coherient when I go back in a little bit for my 8:30 visit than he was at 6. The medication is working it's way out. He moans a little when he tries to move, but I know he has to be so sore all over from all that he's been through, and I'm sure his throat is raw. I can see it on his face everytime he swollows. But it is just so great to see his face without that tube coming out of his mouth and his eyes open. He is doing great and I know he's only going to continue to get better, thanks to your past and on going prayers. God is miraculously healing Lee's body right before my eyes as everyday passes. I see him continuing to fight and get stronger from day to day. It is such a relief to have him off of it and breathing on his own now and doing so well. I feel like a ton has been lifted off my chest and shoulders. Please pray that God gives Lee new and added strength everyday. I know beyond a doubt that Lee wants nothing more than to be well and home with his family. We are what he lives for. I have been so blessed that God has given me such a wonderful man and soul mate. I thank you again so much for all the prayers we have received and continue to receive. God so takes care of his children.

I'm sure there'll be more good news tomorrow!
Love to you all...

Lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Mon Jul 21, 2003 11:28 pm Subject: Oh Boy....what a day/lee's update
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What a great day. I came into Lee's room this morning, his eyes open, and completely off the Diprivan... and the Haldol. He is responding to us in jestures, nodding, he'll turn his head when he hears a familiar voice. I could see feeling and love in his eyes again, but I also could see fear and confusion about what has happened and what is going on. He still has the resperator in and that is very annoying to him as conscience as he is. But he is remaining calm. Tonight he had one bad bout with coughing really bad and gagging. He was ready for it to come out RIGHT then! But they want to do an endescope tomorrow and it will be MUCH easier on him if they can go through his resperator tube. So they did give him a little bit of sedative to calm him down and he stopped fighting the resperator. I just kept telling him that it is going to be gone tomorrow. he just has to stay calm. I think he understood me. He had settled down when I left. He isn't completely out. He will open his eyes and look around from time to time... but he isn't fighting the resperator anymore. As soon as the test is done tomorrow, the are going to TAKE IT OUT ...... praise God! And to think at this time last night, I was ready to find those Dr. and give them the "what for"' and find out why they weren't going to take it out yet. And here God took care of it for me and I didn't even have to say a word to them. It was so good to be able and see feeling in his eyes again... even though I could tell that some of them were painful. But he is resting good now and I hope that he gets a good night rest and that tube will be out smoothly, before he knows it. I know he's gonna feel 100% better then. I'm sure the restraints will come off and he will definately be more relaxed and cooperative. Thank God this day is finally coming. God has been soooooooooo good!

Keep those prayers coming. He still has a few small mole hills to climb, but I can tell we're well on our way. Pray that God brings him peace tonight and assurance that everything is going to be ok. I know he has to be scared. But I know that God can give him that peace in his heart and take the fear away.

will let you all know the "great" news tomorrow.

Love,
Lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Sun Jul 20, 2003 10:19 pm Subject: Lee's update....Good day
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Cindy... Lee's nurse, said he had a good day!!!! He rested comfortably. His kidney was doing better today, so they didn't do dialysis. This is a good sign. He has now been put on dialysis/prn.... just as needed. His liver enzymes are still a little unstable.. up then down. His vitals.. still staying good. They didn't take the resperator out today, but I am going to speak to them about that tomorrow to see if they have any ideas as to when they might try. I don't want it out too soon, but it is very hard on him and his throat.

But... he had a good day, and is improving a little each day. Please keep praying that we are going to be able to get this resperator out soon and that he is going to be able to tolerate it and not be aggitated like he was the last time. I'm sure there's been alot more of the drug filtered out of his body by now.

I will let you know the latest tomorrow. Thanks for your prayers.

Love,
Lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Sun Jul 20, 2003 5:56 pm Subject: Lee's update
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I was able to come home for awhile again today. My Mom, Dad and Uncle came down today after church. We went out for dinner and then to the hosp. to see Lee. He is continuing to be stable. He still has the resperator in, but he is able to rest comfortably, which I know the rest is good for him. They've decided not to take it out today, probably not tomorrow. He is still coughing up a lot of junk out of his lungs, and if they take the resperator out, they will not be able to suction any of that out if they need to. We thought they might do another dialysis today, but his kidney has gotten a little better so they chose not to do that today. He's still peeing like a horse and his enzymes are still coming down. He is slowly improving, but it is evident that it is a slow process. I guess when you consider that practically every organ in his body was affected... and some of them completely shut down... they're going to take a while to repair. But it is evident that all your prayers have done wonders. Please continue to remember him. I will update you again tomorrow .... hopefully with more good news. Thanks again for all your prayers.

love,
Lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Sat Jul 19, 2003 7:13 pm Subject: Lee's update a little early
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Well, I decided to run home for a couple of hours, throw in some laundry and do a few things around this house. It has been soooooo negelcted the past couple of weeks. I figured while I'm here I'll go ahead and update you on the latest with lee.

They didn't take the resperator off today, but they are starting to wein him off the Dipipan. There is talk of getting the resperator out tomorrow maybe... that's the word from his nurse, but the dr. said they are just weining him off the meds. so they can get it out.... she didn't say when. I told her to make sure he was ready, that if he wasn't I'd rather wait another day to make sure. When he's off this time, I want him off for good. No more of this in and out and in business with the resperator. That is too hard on him and his throat and can also cause problems. The dr. agreed. I'd rather see him on it a extra day or two than to have it taken out and then possibly have to redo it at a later date. so I am ok with their decision not to remove it today. His enzymes are continuing to come down. And he just keeps peeing better everyday... lol The results from his LS(lumbar puncture) came back good. Thank God there were no problems there. Now with that and his MRI and catscan good... it appears that we're on the road to recovery. It's just going to take time i'm sure... who knows how long, but just whatever it takes. When I left he was resting comfortably. I will go back and see him again tonight when visiting hours open again at 8:30. I'll probably only stay 15-20 mins or so. I just get the latest updates and talk to him and hold his hand for a bit and I always remind him that he has a lot of people praying for him. So once again, Lee has had a GOOD day! I've been getting home about 9 or a little after. That gives me a chance to unwind... and spend the rest of my evening here on the puter with you guys and have a chance to read your emails.

If there's any new info. to add I'll make sure and let you know that good news. If not, I'll update you again tomorrow night. TTYL

Love,
Lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Sat Jul 19, 2003 9:41 am Subject: Fwd: READY FOR SOME GOOD NEWS?/Lee's update
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levonne morgan wrote:
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2003 21:22:25 -0700 (PDT)From: levonne morgan Subject: READY FOR SOME GOOD NEWS?/

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches Lee....(this was mary's lyrics today...hehehe) You're song must have done some good mary..

PRAISE GOD....! Lee's MRI and Catscan came back good today! Hallelujah! We will know the results of the LP tomorrow morning, but drs. really aren't expecting to find anything there either. He has been in and out of lala land today... even with the sedative. It only takes a few seconds of being without it that he begins to wake up. He's had a gooooood day! They are keeping him on his Diprivan/Deprivan...tonight (robin, you'll have to tell me which one it is... I'm not for sure). Then tomorrow morning they are talking about getting him off the resperator. I'm getting that feeling again like I did the last time, that when I get there tomorrow he'll not have that tube in him... and I think we're going to see a different response than we did the last time. He isn't near as agitated as he was before. So, I know tomorrow is going to be a "good" day too! God has soooooo answered prayer this week! He has seen Lee safely through each day. He's given me the strength to get through this, and believe me at times I was so scared. But I just knew that I had to keep my cool. He was depending on me. Mom... he was watching over you too....Thank God you didn't have a heart attack. He watched over lee's dad... He is doing well. He has sent me friends and family that have been so supportive. Cheri and Jean, I know when you get here Monday... he's gonna be awake to see you!!!! Now he may not be talking much... I'm sure his throat is going to be quite sore after having the resperator for so long, but I can bet you'll get a few groans out of him. lol.

Once again God saw Lee and I through today.... tomorrow He will do the same. it's only getting better everyday! Again... thank you all so much for all the emails, thoughts and prayers. They have meant so much to me..... I have them all saved to show to Lee when he gets home.... and show him how much prayer and support was there for him when he needed it.

I'm sure I'll be back with more wonderful news tomorrow....

You all do so good at that prayin' stuff, you can just keep it up.... lol!

Love,
lev

From: levonne morgan
Date: Fri Jul 18, 2003 12:11 am
Subject: What's helped get me through these past few days... levmorgan
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After I wrote my update on lee/and me... I got to thinking. I've just been so determined to look on the positive side of things ... this situation with lee. It's not always been easy, but I just new somehow it had to be done. And I knew in my heart that he would do the same for me. And I just continued to rely on my faith that God had everything in his hands and under His control. And that is not always easy to remember either.

There is a garden patio at the hosp. I spend alot of my time there. It is quite and i enjoy looking at the flowers and watching the people walk by. A mother robin has been tending her nest there and today I got to see a fluffly little baby waddle across the grass and flowers. The sparrows come and pick the crumbs from around the tables. Never a day goes by that I don't remember that old gospel song.... "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me". That's one thing I've constantly prayed about and reminded myself over and over the past several days, is that God knows what i need... He knows what Lee needs, and he provides for us just like he does the sparrow.

"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, Will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"
Matthew 6:26-30

"Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows".
Matthew 10:29-31

Love,
Lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Thu Jul 17, 2003 11:09 pm Subject: lee's update and mine
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Today was kinda full of mixed feelings. In a way it was difficult seeing lee on the resperator again, but I also felt myself feeling more at ease knowing that he was comfortable and resting. All his "#'s" are continuing to improve. Tonight they did an MRI, and when I left the hosp. about 9, they were getting ready to take him down for a catscan. They also plan on doing a lumbar puncture, but I'm not sure if that is planned for tonight or tomorrow. They said by tomorrow morning, they should have the results from both of those test. I just pray that they all come back good. "WHEN" they come back good... I just know that things will be on the up and up and it will be a matter of just a few days. Everything is improving nicely and I'm confident that as his filtering organs continue to work better, that soon this sedative will be cleaned from his body. Please continue praying.... we've/he's come soooooo far. God has been good!!!!!

Everyone's wanting to know about me. Am I ok? Am I taking care of myself? Am I sleeping and eating? I suppose I'm doing as good as I can under the circumstances. I've had people tell me that I'm handling this great. Sometimes I wonder... lol. I have been sleeping pretty good. I'm getting at least 7-8 hrs. It has bugged me a little that I've slept this well without Lee next to me. I usually don't sleep well when he's gone. Which hasn't been in sometime. Maybe that's just a sign that I know he will be back beside me soon.
I'm eating at least 2 meals a day. I know, I don't always get that "most important" breakfast. I'm a Micky D's breakfast burritto fanatic! There's one on the way to the hosp., so I try to stop there when I can. It's just that the past couple of mornings, I haven't been able to get there before 10:30 when they stop serving breakfast. I may have to try and make that tomorrow morning. Despite the fact that I am eating... and ate like a pig I might add, while Lee's mom and brother were here, I have still lost about 7 lbs., and I sure didn't need to lose any. I've been trying to put weight on, I lost so much when I was sick a couple of months ago. I had finally got up to 105 again, now, I'm back down to 98. I don't know what to do but eat, and I'm definately doing that... not to mention the calories that I'm drinking in sodas each day... I am a pepsi nut.... lol. I'm still quite worried about Lee, with a few things still uncertain, but I know that when I'm sure everythings alright, I will feel much better. I'm sure it's all this worring that caused the weight to come off, despite the fact that I'm eating ok. I just remain steadfast in my faith, that soon this will all be over and lee will be home with me, completely well. It gets me from day to day. I pray each night... God, you got us(me and lee) through today, now get us through tomorrow. We can only go one day at a time. I've had alot of support from friends, like you, and family. That has helped so much. I thank all of you again.

Tomorrow is gonna be a "good" day...in Jesus name! I look forward to coming home to tomorrow and telling you what a great day Lee had. Talk to you all soon. Keep praying!

Love,
Lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Thu Jul 17, 2003 10:01 am Subject: lee back on resperator
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we received word early this morning that they have put lee back on the resperator. As much as I hate to see him back on it I know that he couldn't continue the way he was. His rolling and flailing about was exhausting him not to mention that all that exercise was making his blood sugar go crazy...(he's diabetic), along with his blood pressure and heart rate. Although I have not heard anything yet, we are assuming that now they may go ahead and do these test that they were talking about. I just continue to pray that they don't find anything wrong with his mental capabilities. Please continue to pray. I'm still doing my best to remember that God knows best and that Lee will be back with us when God knows the time is right. Please keep his drs. and nurses in your prayers that God gives them the wisdom to do what is right for Lee. Please don't forget me... i'm doing my best, but it is getting difficult... it is so hard. I will update you tonight.

Love,
Lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Wed Jul 16, 2003 10:43 pm Subject: lee update
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Lee remained about the same today. His liver and pancreas enzymes went down a little, but nothing significant. He was at 370cc's when and left. His dialysis went very good today. They did give him something to relax him and he did very well and held still so they were able to complete the full 3 hours. He is still very restless. He rolls and groans and moans and when he finally calms down, he is breathing as hard as if he just finished a marathon. I am really concerned that he is simply wearing himself out. He's not resting at all. They have orders for 1 mg. of Haldol if he needs it, but give me a break... we are talkin' a 6'1"/225lb. man.... 1 mg. isn't touching him. His nurse tonight told me he was going to try and speak to a dr. to see if they can up the dosage a little, or if there's something else than can give him so he can get some rest. I'm still very concerned about his state. I just so wish he would pull out of this in the next couple of days so we know that there is no possible sign of brain damage. I just hate for him to have to go through all this again, them having to sadate him again, and possibly use the resperator again in order to do these test. I feel that would be such a set back. We just need to pray that these drugs get out of his system so he will be back to his old self again...It is killing me to see him like this. I just pray that God touches his body.... tonight.... right now... in Jesus name.

Lee's mom and brother went back to Fla. today. It was very tough for her to leave lee in the condition he's in, but she wasn't doing physically well at all. It has been very rough on her this week, physically and mentally. I just pray that I can call her soon with good news.

Please continue to pray for lee. I know all the prayers have gotten him this far. Pray for a healing of his entire body.

I will fill you in again tomorrow night.

Love,
Lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Wed Jul 16, 2003 3:12 pm Subject: prayer/sedative out of lee's body
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Yesterday, drs. were somewhat concerned that lee was not coming out of his sedation like he should and they were worried about possible damage to the brain due to lack of oxygen during his seizure. his renal drs. tend to believe that since his kidney, liver and pancreas are not filtering as they should, it may take him a little longer than usual. Today I was told that after they due todays dialysis, that they will give him approx. two days and see how much he improves. If he is no better, then they are going to do a spinal tap and other brain test for possible damage. Dear God.... please no! We have to pray that this dialysis kicks something into gear and starts filtering this sedative out of his body within the next couple of days.... even sooner. Please pray that God touches his body and that before long we're going to start seeing a great change and miracle in his metal capacity. The next two days are crucial. Thank you so much for your prayers. I just have a gut feeling that this is just taking his body longer than usual and I just pray that soon he starts coming out from underneath this. I will update you tonight hopefully with news that lee is much more coherient.

Love,
Lev

From: levonne morgan Date: Tue Jul 15, 2003 11:56 pm Subject: Morgan update
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Well, today definately went better than yesterday!

Lee's dad came through surgery ok and is in stable condition. Lee's mom was released from University today... there was no heart attack. Thank God!

Lee is continuing to slowly improve. He is still growlin' like an ole bar... lol... and doing his best to come out from underneath this sedative. Dr's say it is going to take him a little longer than normal since his kidney, liver and pancreas aren't filtering quite like they should, and not getting it out of his blood stream as quickly as they would if they were working normally. His kidney is continuing to produce more urine everyday, up to 360cc today, and counting till midnight. Drs. say it is starting to work a little better. It still isn't filtering the way it should, but hopefully that will continue to get better with more antibiotic. The fact that they're producing urine though, shows that the kidney is starting to work again, and the filtering should come later. We were concerned about pancreas and liver enzyme level, they have been quite elevated. Today those #'s are starting to go down. This is a very good sign. His platelets were down to 20,000 today, so they gave him another infusion of platelets. We will know what his levels are tomorrow. It is a very slow process, but he improves a little everyday. He will open his eyes and look at you when you talk to him, but he isn't responding.... except to growl. hahaha.

Keep praying for Paul's steady recovery and remember Lee's mom still. She is not well with other physical problems. And continue to remember Lee that he continues to improve on a daily basis. I will let you in on the latest news tomorrow when i get home.

Love to you all,
Lev