Several days ago we posted an update on back surgery for Peter Smith, pastor of Hope Valley Community Grace Brethren Church in Red Hill, Pennsylvania. Here are excerpts from Peter’s wife, Julie, giving updates Tuesday and Thursday of this week:
Yesterday and today we have seen great improvement. Peter is still in a dark room in the ICU (one of our nurses wanted to put a sign up that said “Bat Cave”). He is starting to tolerate sound and light much better although he does need to cover his ears often and still does have sensitivity. His intense headache has lifted which is wonderful and a huge progress!
Today was the first day Peter ate solid food since last Thursday night. He had water ice yesterday but today he tried solid foods and it went well.
The antibiotics seem to be fighting the staph infection (meningitis) well but at this point, they are not saying when they even think he will come home. I think they really want to be sure all of the symptoms are gone before releasing him and that is fine with us.
He had a “pick” put into his shoulder and that will be used for antibiotics for at least six weeks after he is released. He will also be on oral antibiotics for probably 3-6 months. He has had chest x-rays every morning now for two days and has another one scheduled for tomorrow.
Thursday:
Tonight, at supper time, he FINALLY was able to leave the ICU and move to another unit where they monitor patients closely but where they are not considered in “critical care.” We were very excited to leave!! He has been there since last Friday after his surgery and it has been a long time.
We had a little scare last night when he developed a fever of 102. He had not had a fever for a few days and since it was pretty high, it also concerned the nurses/doctors and they began ordering a few more tests etc.
Thankfully, the fever went away and today, his condition was really great. No fever, no headache, no vomiting, etc. He is still sensitive to light and sounds but not as bad as before so we are very excited about this improvement.
The tests they ran last night will not be back until tomorrow but the doctor is pretty confident that they will not represent further infection so that is reassuring.
Thanks again for all of your prayers this week and your concern and friendship. It meant so much to us during this difficult time.