While living and working in Sierra Leone, Steve tested positive for malaria (again). In spite of being treated with anti-malaria meds, he was still quite sick throughout the week. He was admitted the hospital in Sierra Leone where he was diagnosed with malaria, worms, and abnormal liver function. Shortly after, since his condition did not improve, it was decided that he should be medically evacuated to Paris, France. On Monday night, Steve was put on a private plane with a private nurse escort en route to France. Upon his arrival he was admitted to an ICU and then transferred to an Infectious Disease Center. Dave flew out early Tuesday morning to accompany him.
Side note: The Salpêtrière hospital, where he was admitted, "was originally a gunpowder factory, but was converted to a dumping ground for the poor of Paris. It served as a prison for prostitutes, and a holding place for the mentally disabled, criminally insane, epileptics, and the poor; it was also notable for its population of rats." -
Wikipedia
Blood tests in Paris soon revealed that, in addition to the malaria, worms, and abnormal liver function, Steve has Hepatitis A. The Hepatitis A was causing the worst of his many symptoms, including gaundis. His liver problems were the most serious. A healthy liver, from what we understood, emits 20-40 enzymes each day. Upon arrival at the Salpêtrière hospital, Steve had an enzyme count of over 2000! Doctors are monitoring his liver closely and taking blood regularaly. He is feeling much better, and he now faces a long road of recovery. Dave is staying with him in Paris until they discharge him from the hospital, at which point Steve will move back to the USA for recovery. Please keep him in your prayers.
We are grateful that...
- Steve's condition was not worse
- Dave was able to fly out so quickly to be with Steve
- Steve was evacuated to a country where both he and Dave speak the language
- Skype has allowed us to communicate so well across continents
- Steve has excellent insurance
- GWA has been so supportive in giving Dave time off
- So many friends, family members, and strangers have been lifting our family up in prayer
 |
| Still not cleared for release - but at least they got to tour paris for a few hours! |
Thanks,
-David & Nicole
3 comments:
Hi - It was good to read this post about Steve and see pictures of him touring Paris! Last I saw him was when I helped get him into the ambulance in Freetown.
Thankful for his recovery and I think the unplanned family reunion will do him good.
Hope to see you in a few weeks Steve.
Thank you for this update! So glad to know Steve is doing better and yes, very thankful God worked out the details for Dave to be in Paris with him.
So glad to hear Steve is getting better. I will keep him in my prayers. Love reading all your posts. You and Dave are so amazing! Mary and Richard are so excited to be there and spend time with you...hope they take lots of pictures and come home with tons of fab stories....hugs
Post a Comment