Just when I thought things were going well...

The last post was based on information I had Sunday evening. Apparently, Sunday night/this morning Mother had some nausea and was sick -- several possible reasons have been suggested, but nobody really knows why -- and has felt bad all day, even though she had some anti-nausea medication.  

Then, her doctor noticed more sounds of fluid in her lungs, and this evening she had an ultrasound to see how much was there.  Turns out it was a lot, and they drained about 400 ml (a bit less than 2 cups). They use a big long needle with local anesthetic, and of course that's going to hurt more when the local wears off. She may be able to breathe a bit better, though.

Apparently this is a common problem after major surgery, and nothing to worry about. I am worried, though -- I feel like I left Austin at just the wrong time, and I should have been there to take care of her and help support her through this.

Anyway, please pray for:

• less pain, both from the surgery and the draining procedure -- she can take more pain meds, but one of the nausea theories is that the narcotic is making her sick, so she doesn't want to take very much.
  
• easier breathing and less need for oxygen, since the fluid is mostly gone. Also that the fluid doesn't build up again
• energy to move around more - this will help the fluid situation, apparently
• freedom from nausea and other digestive problems
• good spirits -- this has understandably upset mother and she's feeling pretty down.  "I'm supposed to be getting better!"  She understands that setbacks are a part of recovery, but both these things in one day is pretty frustrating.  Apparently, depression is common after heart surgery, so please pray that she will be protected from that.

Thanks.