November 6, 2017

It’s now been 6 weeks and 2 days here in Minneapolis! We are really looking forward to coming home! Michaels progress is an ever changing thing lately. He has a blood draw first thing tomorrow morning to see how his kidney/pancreas function is doing. We are praying for good results as he had some poor results this last week. He spent Friday night at the hospital when they thought he maybe had rejection again. They think, (we shall see in the morning), it was actually dehydration. We have been at the clinic yesterday and today getting more IV fluids. The pancreas and kidney both require a large quantity of fluids to properly function. The combination kidney pancreas transplant is notorious for requiring extra IV fluids for many patienets. Michael is one of them. They are now asking him to drink a full gallon of water every single dary. The doctors said he can’t outdrink his kidney!

The doctors have told him it takes 3-6 months to feel better. He is feeling better all the time! It’s so fun to see him eating a meal and not having to check his blood sugar. No insulin. No more dialysis, having to get up at 3:30 or 4am every morning! God is good!

As we wait for his new organs to cooperate, and as he has actually felt a bit better, we have taken the opportunity to see some really cool sights here in Minneapolis!

The weather here has been absolutely awesome! I went for a walk at 7:30 one evening and it was still very warm. I ran into the homecoming parade! What a great event. We are staying pretty much right in the center of University of Minnesota. It was a beautiful Fall and we got to see the leaves

October 19, 2017

Very quick update...

Journal entry by Debby Ediger — 14 minutes ago

Michael does NOT have pancreatitis! From what I see as the treatment plan, I do believe the transplant team has gone with the diagnosis of mild accute rejection. Even though the biopsy result is indeterminate. He still got an infusion of the heavy duty Thymoglobulin and steroids today (the big guns) today with one more tomorrow. The CT scan showed no pancreatitis and his pancreas numbers went back down to a much more manageable number today! Whew! Oh, and his creatinine (kidney function number) went down to a fantastic 1.55! (Normal, you and I number is 1.25). I personally call that a home run! The plan is to be released from the hospital tomorrow pending no unforeseen problems. Pray. He just needs to be able to eat and drink enough on his own before they will let him go. This is my biggest worry right now. I need to see him thrive! He has to push through this even when he feels so rotten he doesn't want to do either. I just can't imagine being that miserable and it hurts my heart!

October 18, 2017

Ups & Downs 10/17/2017

My how things have changed, and then changed again...and yet again! Ha. i post something, and then it seems obsolete shortly after. BUT, this Caring Bridge thing really keeps me in check, as I can look back on just how far we have come! Michael has come! A double transplant is pretty complicated, and I now know this more than ever!

So, the rejection diagnosis yesterday afternoon, turned into 'undetermined' by this morning. Yet his pancreas numbers went waayyyy up overnight. That's the wrong direction. They are now thinking pancreatitis. Lucky for him, he has no nerve connections in either of his new organs. (this is me looking at the glass half full!

October 16, 2017

A New Day!

Today is a new day! Thank You Lord! Michael is feeling soooo much better.

This last week, in fact just after my last post, he began feeling more nauseated every day. His temps kept creeping up. He started eating even less. I was beginning to panic in my mind. He had been going for IV fluids every day and they almost admitted him to hospital on Thursday....When he woke up with yet another fever on Friday morning at 2am I just had enough. I called his transplant coordinator and she recommended he go to ER.

The docs thought maybe a urinary tract infection. They were thinking it might be from the stent that had been placed in his kidney during initial surgery. It was going to be removed this Thursday the 19th, but they decided to remove it early, as it was a foreign body and a possible source of infection. They did this procedure on Friday and admitted him immediately after.

Things just continued to get worse. He was extremely nauseous and his fevers got worse...by Saturday they had done every kind of culture, blood test and lab work imaginable. The transplant team decided it was time for 'the next level' of probe into the source of these issues. A biopsy was taken of both pancreas and kidney. In the meantime he was miserable!

Yesterday afternoon we finally got an answer. Mild accute rejection of pancreas. This is 'normally' indication of rejection in both organs, however we still are waiting for the kidney results. They began aggressive treatment last evening with IV Thymoglobulin and steroids. This is AMAZING stuff! He has not been nauseous since. He was able to eat and drink within hours of first round!

The transplant doctors here at University of Minnesota are a fantastic group of professionals! We are continually impressed with their expertise and caring treatment. According to 'the team', we have no basis for further worry about this rejection! Michael is tentatively scheduled for release from hospital tomorrow afternoon. He will continue going daily to the outpatient clinic to finish out IV infusions of this anti rejection therapy.

We miss our family! We miss our home! We miss our church family and our community! We miss Oregon and Eugene!

Psalm 28:6

"Praise the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy! The Lord is my shield; My heart trusts in him and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people,..."

AMEN!

October 13, 2017

And the Journey Continues

This is a marathon, not a sprint. We are near the beginning....still....and I must remind myself daily. Day 20 and Michael is soooo much better! Yet he still has a long way to go. It's all in Gods timing! Whatever the timing, we continue to give ALL THE GLORY TO GOD!

-We are amazed every time he tests his blood sugar (he is supposed to continue testing 1X per day for now) and it's right around 100. Even AFTER drinking 4 glasses of sugary lemonade! Ha.

-He does NOT have to get up at 330 am to do dialysis anymore!

-He is NOT a type 1 diabetic anymore! NO diabetes of any kind!

-NO MORE beeping from that darn insulin pump! Too high blood sugar, too low blood sugar. Constantly!

-i won't have to call Eugene TSA before we travel anymore to make sure they have someone who can do a proper screening of medical supplies. Yaayyy!

HOWEVER...Michael is experiencing some nausea and he is having a hard time eating enough. He is drinking plenty of fluid, yet he is continually dehydrated. Apparently this is not uncommon in the kidney pancreas combo transplant as opposed to kidney only. His kidney is emptying the fluids as fast as he can drink them! The answer for now has been IV fluids every day till they are comfortable with his hydration levels. His pancreas seems to be working perfectly but the lipase level (pancreas function indicator) is higher then they like to see it. The kidney is still in the process of 'waking up'. The creatinine (kidney function indicator) is higher than they like to see it also.

He develpoed a low grade temp yesterday and was miserable! I'm pretty sure prayers are why his temp is not back up right now! Amen!

I feel incredibly blessed to see my wonderful husband being healed before my eyes! Daily, he is inching toward 100%! I can hardly wait to get home where we can can lead a somewhat 'normal' life! We want to camp in December at Belknap Hotsprings, enjoy the great outdoors, hiking, biking, head to the beach, etc.

"I need someone beside me, in everything I do..." (Love is All Around)

Maybe a bit syrupy, but I love this man!

Disclaimer: these medical descriptions are my interpretation...I'm trying here.

September 29, 2017

My grandma's (MaMa) favorite song in the world was How Great Thou Art. Personally I love, love this song as well! That being said I am thinking EVERY PERSON who reads this blog MUST hear the Carrie Underwood, with Vince Gill version so here it is! SERIOUSLY AWESOME VERSION and I'm pretty sure MaMa would approve!❤️

youtu.be

It's one of those songs I just cannot hear too many times!

Michael had a long week! Wednesday and Thursday scared me. A lot! He got a fever on Wednesday night and his white blood cell count went up and the output on his ng tube(the one coming out of his nose from his stomach went up quite a bit! They ordered a CT scan, a chest X-ray and upped his fluid drip. They had already been dosing with antibiotics. I am impressed with the level of care, the continuity of care and the individual caring of every staff member!

***Well, apparently Michael now has a peanut allergy, at least until further notice!! As I was typing the doc came in with this news...he is my guy who has LIVED on peanut butter for years!***

Prayer, from so very many directions, has been effective! Michaels CT scan results were completely clear! Blood flow in the new organs is perfect! White blood cell counts down. Chest X-ray ✔️! They removed the ng tube and really that alone raised his spirits a ton! He can swollow again! Today he is smiling! As soon as the docs left he put on his shoes and sox and we went for a walk! Later we even went down to the bookstore to get a t-shirt with University of Minnesota on it! After all he is part Minnesotan now! Gotta represent! Go Gophers! Ha.

September 29, 2017

K. God is working all day everyday healing Michaels body...I have been a bit quiet for a couple days. As his body makes huge strides in recovery, he will not necessarily be feeling great! The steroids and large doses of anti rejection meds have hit him like a brick wall and he is just looking forward. Forward to getting some food in his belly for the first time since last Thursday, forward to getting the stomach tube that comes out his nose removed, forward to his throat not killing him from that darn stomach tube. He is looking forward to not being in bed so very many hours each day!

All this to say he/we are so very full of hope! We praise God together for this wonderful opportunity at a new life! No more diabetes! He doesn't have memory of being a non diabetic! And that dialysis had him extremely anemic. How miserable is that? And just think! He was actually living that way for the past 2 years! Wow! He has blood flow in his new kidney and it's working! And his pancreas is working wonders! The meds they are giving him tend to make your blood sugars rise! His are steady as could be! I pray he doesn't feel so wiped out tomorrow when I get there. He is such a quiet man of strength and I know he is doing everything possible on his end! Gods got this!

Ok. We did get to have a day of fun between the calls for transplant, even if for a day! I'm just gonna post some of my favs. No pics from yesterday or today. Not so fun...

Thanks ALL who have been praying, following Michaels story and are investigated in him and his his like! Amen!

September 25, 2017

New transplant photos! helphopelive.org

September 24, 2017

Day 2, post transplant:

I am sitting next to Michaels hospital bed as I type this morning!

God is so good! He has been in charge this whole time! Every little piece has come together so miraculously that I want ALL to see the power of Christ through our story! Michael has been listed at Georgetown Medstar, as well as University of Minnesota for over a year and then University of Wisconsin was added. (I was beginning to stress out!) He had received 4 organ offers over the past year or so...ALL of which ended up not viable...pretty heartbreaking.

Georgetown called one week ago, Sunday September 17th with what seemed to be a very promising offer! When the surgeon was confident enough to have us begin travel on Monday morning I shared on FB. We really thought this had to be 'the one'! After traveling most of the day and being checked into the hospital, I just knew it was a go. My sister had flown in from St. Louis, and our daughter had called with the surprise news that she would be there by the next morning! That being said, we were STUNNED beyond belief when the surgeon came in the room and told u that an unexpected hematoma had been discovered on the back side of the pancreas....I'm pretty sure my heart skipped a few beats! I felt like I couldn't breath! We cried. Together. Michael and I. We were just absolutely DEVASTATED! I loved Georgetown University Hospital! The nurses, docs and the surgeon, Dr Peter Abrams! A pretty special surgeon by the way. Look him up sometime if you get a chance! He was seriously disappointed as well. He WANTED to transplant Michael! He actually asked us to stay in the D.C. area for a few days, as he planned to aggressively seek new organs for Michael before we had to return home to Eugene. At that point we just thought we really needed to give him a chance! While Michael was still admitted, he DID actually fIND another possible donor. Once again, not viable! Six offers, no new organs!

Our daughter had planned on leaving Friday and my sister was up to remaining in the area to wait it out with us as well. Michael had only packed enough dialysis for one night. A 'just in case'...We did manage to get more shipped, but Michael was required to remain admitted in the hospital until that arrived. After he was released Wednesday afternoon we went to our Airbnb. Our daughter planned to leave Friday morning, so Thursday was our day to tour around the D.C. area and see the sights...there was a bit of a cloud over us, as we were hoping, PRAYING for a call at any moment! We decided to just go for it. We rode the subway, walked miles and ended our day with the Lincoln Memorial and a delicious Mexican dinner!

With her leaving bright and early on Friday, we were all congregating in the bedroom chatting and hanging out. At 1:30 am University of Minnesota Medical Center calls with an offer for Michael! He was still reeling from disappointment over Georgetown and questioned (for a short moment) whether to say yes again, just to be let down again. I am sooo thankful we came here!

You see, God had a bigger plan than we knew about! Of course! We got off the phone, booked a flight, and went straight to the airport. We were here for just over an hour when he was taken to pre-op! It was very fast!

If we had chosen to just go back to Eugene after we originally discovered it was a no go, Michael would not have these new organs! God KNEW! We didn't know, but God was working behind the scenes and orchestrated it all to perfection! HIS perfect timing! Amen!

August 17, 2017

Latest blog entry

April 8, 2017

I've been quiet lately. Hard to post the tough stuff! I've started a blog...www.caringbridge.org

Daily life.

January 10, 2017

Well to say this last couple days were a whirlwind is an understatement! Michael got 'The Call' from Georgetown University on Friday the 6th. We were told he was on standby for a kidney pancreas! What a feeling of sudden excitement as well as panic both at the same time! I personally had not packed a thing yet. For some reason with all the time that has passed I just had a hard time wrapping my head around the possibility of a call coming any time soon. God proved me wrong there! I am now fully packed with a small list of last minute items! Michael had done more than I knew. He had everything in his closet ready for the suitcase.

December 8, 2016

We are still waiting! Georgetown hasn't received all the testing results yet. Also they may have one more test for him. When he had his stroke, they did a brain CT scan and a MRI. The notes say he was to have a follow up MRA! We were never referred to a neurologist....I'm thinking he never got one. So bummed! Pretty sure he will need to get that before they list him as LIVE. Pray that we will be able to get this done soon!

December 7, 2016

Michaels stress test results are in and good! Such a HUGE RELIEF! Georgetown asked for one more thing at the last minute. Michael will be having a CT scan on his abdomen and his chest tomorrow morning. Apparently there were some nodes on the previous test they want to make sure are gone. They WILL have results tomorrow so I am thinking LIVE on the Georgetown list by Thursday at the latest.

November 30, 2016

Michael Ediger and I would like to thank all who turned out for Michaels fundraiser at Papas Pizza today!

A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO Oscar Maciel as well as Rosie Nguyen!

Without you guys we would not be able to make an impact on community awareness about organ donation! Also, Big Thanx to Donate Life Northwest, who provided promotional materials and continually provides community support and outreach for organ donation. www.kezi.com

November 24, 2016

Just a quick update. Today Michael heard from Oregon Heart and Vascular. His stress test appointment is on December 5th at 630 am!

November 22, 2016

We made it home from Georgetown University Medical Center.

My best description of our current thoughts is that we are cautiously optimistic about a transplant for Michael!

He is going to have another stress test before they list him as 'LIVE' on their list...he has never passed a stress test yet. BUT with the bypass I have much more hope! I want that stress test YESTERDAY! Ha.

Dr Abrams sounded so very positive! We are praying! This Center is THE choice for Michael! As soon as the surgeon walked out of the room I knew this.

November 13, 2016

Next Saturday we will be in Washington DC at this time. Michael is going to be evaluated for kidney/pancreas transplant at Georgetown University Medical Center on the 21st. We are both hopeful and excited!

Here is a very specific prayer concern that has gotten me really fired up this last 2 weeks. Yes, he IS currently listed with University of Minnesota Medical Center, but that is a 4 year wait! I spoke again this week with his transplant coordinator just to see if she had included the wait time already incurred. She had! She told me that when they did his bloodwork last time he had antibodies, which at the time didn't alarm us because we had heard the result could have been skewed by the Hep B & C vaccines he had shortly before the bloodworkup. He then had the bypass surgery where he was given a lifesaving blood transfusion (irradiated blood though). So still we were not worried about antibodies. We literally just mailed new bloodwork today which was taken yesterday.

When I spoke with the coordinator this week I was shocked when she said she didn't expect much change in the antibody levels this time!

She told me that his body, with the antibodies he has, will NOT BE COMPATIBLE with 43% of the population!

Our prayer is that she is wrong! God needs to work a miracle here folks! We NEED a miracle!

We pray in Jesus name! that he will have less antibodies in his blood, that we get WAY better news from Georgetown, and that God works swiftly in this matter.

In the meantime I have began the process of application in Houston, St. Louis, and Kansas City. Multiple listing will hopefully get him the lifesaving transplant he needs sooner! Pray with us that God will show Michael favor.

We would also appreciate all the prayers we can get in order to get Michael's disability going. He has been officially disabled since beginning dialysis September of 2015! But if you know anything about my husband you know he is not one to sit and do nothing unless he literally cannot! He has been determined to be a productive member of society, working days while doing dialysis at night.

The time where he could no longer work came last June! My income is not covering our expenses. The grace of God has been covering us and protecting us! Please pray that this issue will be resolved very soon!

God Bless!

October 22, 2016

Michael just went LIVE on the transplant list at University of Minnesota as of yesterday, October 21st! Big stuff folks! We are so excited that he is healthy enough to finally get on the list! I personally feel such mixed emotions about this one. While truly happy that he finally got to this point, I feel disheartened that we were told not to get excited any time soon because his estimated wait time is 4 more years! I am asking for prayers. And I am also hustling to get him multiple listed at this point. I want to speak with his nephrologist about the wait time to get his perspective. Because the clock is ticking now that he is on dialysis! Do we get him multiple listed then pursue a living donor for kidney only? Please celebrate this huge milestone with us and also keep Michael in your prayers! He needs all the prayers he can get. I love him so very much and I am going to fight with everything in me to get him what he needs.

You know I must say, I do realize we are not in this alone. The Lord our God is holding us up when we feel we can't go any further.

My favorite poem is 'Footprints'.

One night I had a dream...

I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; One belonged to me, and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of my life flashed before us, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life, There was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life This really bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, You would walk with me all the way; But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, There is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why in times when I needed you the most, you should leave me.

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child. I love you, and I would never, never leave you during your times of trial and suffering. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you.

This is the God that I love!

October 5, 2016

Well, yesterday was yet another big day towards Michaels final goal! Being a non diabetic without kidney failure! The cardiac surgeon said 2 more weeks of not lifting more than 20 pounds now and then he will be off all restrictions and good to go for his transplant. So I called the transplant coordinator immediately to let her know. She will be receiving his medical records stating he is released, this week. They are requiring a colonoscopy now also. Which we had put off. I got Michael in for his consult for next Tuesday. I pray they won't make him wait long for that.

In the meantime, Michael is doing really well. He gained 5 pounds in just one week! He is continuing the iron infusions and he was given the 'diabetic kidney failure version' of Ensure. His protein levels were very low. This too shall soon pass!

October 4, 2016

We are beginning the celebration of Christmas a bit early this year, as our Christmas Card Fundraiser begins

As you all know CHRISTMAS is just around the corner!

My dear cousin Diane Powell, was able to secure a very generous donation of some quite lovely Christmas cards.

ALL funds WILL be donated in her name to Michaels kidney/pancreas fund. (See link above)

--We are selling packs of 15 beautiful cards for $5.00 each. Plus shipping if you are not in our area.

***PLEASE SHARE THIS POST WITH AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE***

--Please see samples on my FB page.

Debby Jo Crump Ediger.

Thank You In Advance! And May God Bless You All!

September 17, 2016

Yesterday was a huge milestone in Michaels journey. He has been accruing wait time on the transplant list for 1 year! University of Minnesota told us that his wait could be up to 2 years.

Today he went to his first cardiac rehab at River Bend Hospital. According to his ekg before and after exercise his heart is doing exactly what it was meant to do. Just the right rhythm, just the right of blood flow.

He did lose quite a bit of blood from the bypass surgery. Enough to make him very anemic, or low iron. He is getting IV iron infusions once a week for 4 more weeks. I know he will be feeling so much better when his iron levels are under control. Today he also found out that his hemoglobin in too low. (Hemoglobin in the blood carries oxygen from the respiratory organs (lungs) to the rest of the body. There it releases the oxygen to permit aerobic respiration to provide energy to power the functions of the body in the process called metabolism..) If it's not better by next week they will give him a new med to boost his red blood cell production.

He did develop a blood clot in his left leg after surgery and is now on the blood thinner, Eloquis. His left leg was where they took a vein for one of the bypasses. Please join us in prayer that the blood clot is dissipated quickly. He must take the med for 6 months.

This all said, he really is doing good! He needs to put on a bit of weight, and keep walking regularly. His nephrologist told him today that he thinks Michael may be cleared for transplant surgery by his cardiologist as early as another month from now! We shall see how the surgeon, Dr Koh feels on October 4th. In the meantime we KNOW who the great healer is!

Isaiah 53:5 "and by His stripes we are healed"

Amen!

September 7, 2016

For all who haven't had the blow by blow via Facebook, I will spare you and give a summary of Michael and his latest procedure. August 23rd he had a triple bypass and is now recovering at home at a remarkable pace. He will begin cardiac rehab soon and is already going on regular walks and napping lots. I'm encouraging lots of food, although it can be a challenge at times. Michael has always been an 'eat to live' kinda guy. That may be all good but as he is recovering he needs to make a concerted effort to actually get enough calories for his body to heal and for him to have good energy. God has been right there with him through this process and he continues to be!

August 12, 2016

On Monday the 8th Michael received a call from his cardiac surgeon postponing Wednesday's bypass surgery. Due to his dialysis fistula things have become a bit more complicated. Now I'm no surgeon but to the best of my ability I will explain. The issue seems to be that the mammary artery that they want to use is also connected to his fistula. From why I gather, it's the only artery that's strong enough and big enough to replace the LAD artery that is blocked in his heart. With his fistula the blood flow to his lower left arm and hand is limited. This mammary artery is also connected to the fistula. This could further limit blood flow to his arm and hand. They have had patients from past surgeries actually lose fingers and hands do to gang green due to lack of blood flow. The surgeon is trying to avoid that possibility as he consults with the vascular team, the fistula surgeon, etc. we sure hope to hear something soon!

July 26, 2016

Today was a long but productive day! And then Michaels uncle and aunt picked us up and we got to visit over dinner. Michael hasn't seen him in 23 years! The surgeon said he thinks Michael is a good candidate for PK (kidney/pancreas) transplant and it all depends on how the bypass surgery goes. Everyone kept calling the bypass the 'gold standard ' like it really is the best option so we are feeling good about this! The transplant surgeon said probably 3 months after his bypass surgery his cardiologist will give the go ahead for actively listing him. He was not sure if the cardiologist here in Minneapolis will require another visit after the go ahead from his Eugene cardiologist, so this is a specific detail we would really appreciate prayer about. Our insurance only pays up to $10,000.00 toward travel and lodging. We have already flown to Seattle three times and now Minneapolis. Angel Med Flight is what I have found to be the best bet to get Michael here to Minneapolis when he gets 'The Call'. That is a $17,000.00 bill. Flights coming from Eugene may make it difficult to get to Minneapolis in the 7 hour window they are giving us. Please pray for Gods guidance.

As Taylor's favorite bible verse says in Phillippeans 4:6, 'Don't Fret or Worry...Pray!' (That's her paraphrase)

And I say, Amen!

July 16, 2016

Today was Michael's angiogram. We did not get the news we were hoping for. He has more blockage in his LAD (left anterior descending artery). Because of his long term diabetes the stenting can be less effective. His cardiologist has recommended bypass surgery. I spoke with Mary Beth, his transplant coordinator, and she said this will not effect his elidgability on the transplant list, and as soon as the cardiologist gives the green light for surgery he will be active on the list again. We will still be going to University of Minnesota for his appointment on the 25th and 26th. Then his bypass surgery scheduled is on August 10th. The surgeon said for sure 1 bypass, most likely 2, and possibly 3. Michael needs prayer. He is struggling. Long term illness can start to get a person down.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

AMEN!

July 13, 2016

Ok, we went to Dr. Cook, Michaels cardiologist this morning. The bottom line is that he will be having another angiogram on Friday morning. The doc said he believes the blockage is in one of the stents he had previously placed. BUT, we are praying in Jesus name that this is NOT the case! We really won't know until he has the procedure on Friday...thinking forward, he did say if it's in an existing stent that Michael will need to have a bypass surgery. At that point he would stop and we would make an appointment for the bypass surgery for after we return from Minnesota. IF they still want to even see Michael knowing he will be having a bypass. I had previously asked them about the stents and that was not an issue. Not sure about bypass...feeling scared and upset, but then I read this passage and could not help but be uplifted!

Psalm 77:1-20

1 I cried out to God for help;

I cried out to God to hear me.

2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;

at night I stretched out untiring hands,

and I would not be comforted.

3 I remembered you, God, and I groaned;

I meditated, and my spirit grew faint.[b]

4 You kept my eyes from closing;

I was too troubled to speak.

5 I thought about the former days,

the years of long ago;

6 I remembered my songs in the night.

My heart meditated and my spirit asked:

7 “Will the Lord reject forever?

Will he never show his favor again?

8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever?

Has his promise failed for all time?

9 Has God forgotten to be merciful?

Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”

10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal:

the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.

11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;

yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

12 I will consider all your works

and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

13 Your ways, God, are holy.

What god is as great as our God?

14 You are the God who performs miracles;

you display your power among the peoples.

15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,

the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

16 The waters saw you, God,

the waters saw you and writhed;

the very depths were convulsed.

17 The clouds poured down water,

the heavens resounded with thunder;

your arrows flashed back and forth.

18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,

your lightning lit up the world;

the earth trembled and quaked.

19 Your path led through the sea,

your way through the mighty waters,

though your footprints were not seen.

20 You led your people like a flock

by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

June 15, 2016

As we wait, God has it all under control! Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I hold tight to the promise of Gods word!

Michael now has an official appointment for evaluation at University of Minnesota! July 25th & 26th. He can go "live" on the double transplant list after this if all goes as expected! AND he loses NO wait time on the list since last September 15. Along with many other tests Michael will be getting a CAT scan of the specific veins they will use to attach the new kidney & pancreas. They need 6 good veins. This test will show any blockages &/or crystallization. I am insisting on this specific test as my dear friend did not get that scan and the surgeons only found out as they were getting ready to transplant her. We will be coming from a long distance and we want every precaution taken to ensure he is a viable candidate before the call comes.

Michael still has the stress test coming up on July 8th. We are trusting God on this one. He is working miracles in our lives Every day! Because of Him, we have hope!

A favorite hymn comes to mind from my childhood..."Because he lives, I can face tomorrow, Because he lives,

All fear is gone, Because I know, He holds the future, And life is worth the living, Just because he lives!" I remember singing this as a child in church and it brings tears to my eyes even now.

Thank You all for continued support. We couldn't do this without all the love and prayers!

May 9, 2016

I have been a bit late on the update, I know... We are extremely hopeful he will be listed at University of Minnesota Medical Center. He has been assigned a transplant coordinator already and we received 'The Packet' in the mail yesterday. We filled out everything and he signed on the dotted line. I'm mailing it tomorrow. His nephrologist sent the referral last week. Our insurance has approved the facility, and now we wait to see if they will want to see him in person before or after the daunting July 8th date, when he does his 6 month post stent stress test. That test is a biggy!

U of MN does a much higher volume of pancreas/kidney transplants than anyone on the west coast. (Over 50/year). They take patients with maybe a little higher risk than a facility that does say 8-10 per year.

Please continue prayer. Michael is experiencing a lot of pain in his knees. He cannot bend them more than 90 degrees lately and they seem to be getting worse. The doctors say this is a side effect of diabetes and dialysis. An irreversible one...

Blood sugar control is difficult these days also. High blood sugar and high blood pressure are 2 things that are really hard on his heart. The doctors finally seem to have a handle on the blood pressure thing.

I want to thank all who ask all the time about Michaels health and our plans! Keep on asking...we know our friends and family have Michael in their prayers and thoughts! We love and appreciate you all!

April 27, 2016

I am writing a temporary update for now...Today Michael spoke with the surgeon we had seen last week. UW will not be doing a pancreas/kidney for him. He sees his nephrologist on Friday at 1pm. His case will be transferred for now to Legacy hospital in Portland. Kidney only. Michaels goal is to find a different transplant center that will do the double transplant. We feel very saddened and it was a tough pill to swallow, but as our pastor once preached from 2 Chronicles 20:12, when Jehoshaphat heard of his impending battle he turned to God! I loved this quote so much I wrote it down..."Oh our God...we are powerless...We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on you." Michael is NOT ready to give up! God brought Jehoshaphat to victory when he bowed his head to give thanks to the Lord and sing and praise His name. And Psalm 23 says "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.." That little gem is something I can take to the bank! I SHALL NOT WANT! Thank you Jesus!

I will post again after Friday's appointment.

April 19, 2016

Well today was a big day! A lot of info. We will find out by Monday at the latest whether Michael gets 2 organs or 1.

We did get some info we were a bit shocked about.

He had a small TIA stroke before he had the bigger one.

He had 2 stints put in 3 months ago, not just one. They were in the same artery. The LAD

The surgeon we met today sounded like he totally recommends the double transplant.

He is on the committee that will say yes or no.

They won't put Michael back on the 'active' list until he passes the next stress test on July 8th, 6 months post stint. The reason for this is the Plavix. He is required to stay on Plavix for 6 months after a stint. BUT, they really want him off the Plavix for the transplant. Michaels cardiologist, Dr. Cook, said 'lightning doesn't strike twice'. We are counting on that! God will see him through this!

Michael may have to come back to Seattle to see their cardiologist. This too will be decided on Thursday when the committee meets. If he has to come for that, they want him to see their neurologist. If not, he will see one in Eugene.

Michael is feeling a very anxious and heavy hearted right now as he is unsure of his future....

All prayers appreciated!

I will post again as soon as we have more info!

April 12, 2016

Well. One week from today Michael and I will know...pancreas/kidney??? Or kidney...this is an extremely stressful time of waiting. Please join us in prayer this week! We are trusting God knows His business. After all he is the Almighty Creator! The Lord of Lords and the Great I Am! The King Above all Kings! Psalm 23 was brought to my attention by a dear friend this week. "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want". I have repeated this all week! My dear friend Has prayed for us all week, interceding on our behalf. I BELIEVE He brought her to me with this because I have NEEDED it! AMEN!

April 2, 2016

God cares about every detail! I have felt Gods presence surrounding Michael as he goes out and works...still. He has never been one to sit. He will work as long as he can as this helps him in more than one way.

In the last couple months this has gotten more difficult for him. For some reason his knees are giving him pain. He went to the doc yesterday finally. They did X-rays and said his tissue looks ok. But he has a hard time even bending his knees up to 90 degrees without a lot of pain. We would really appreciate prayers to diagnose and treat. That there is actually a treatment! That God could just take this one thing and make it better! It can become quite discouraging when things keep piling on. Michael is my hero!

March 19, 2016

New pics! My vision must be going because they are a bit blurry, but I did want to document the occasion! Papas Pizza Fundraiser! What a fun night with our dear friends and family!

March 15, 2016

We have an appointment date folks! April 18th at UWMedical Center. This will be a very critical evaluation, as the surgeons meet with Michael to make a decision as to whether he is still up for the pancreas part of the transplant, now that he has had some artery issues. Pray! Please!

He will go back on the active list, waiting for a call after this appointment. The question is whether it will be for the double kidney/pancreas or just kidney.

This is a CRUCIAL distinction, as he has now been a type 1 diabetic for 41 years and is now on dialysis. We need your prayers and support more than ever!

February 17, 2016

I was incorrect on the when part of our trip to Seattle. End of March, beginning of April. We should have a specific date in the next couple days!

February 10, 2016

We heard from the transplant coordinator in Seattle yesterday. They plan on doing Michaels 3 month checkup themselves. So we will be heading to Seattle end of the month or beginning of March. He will then be placed back on the active list!

January 26, 2016

Wow what an outpouring of love and support for the fundraiser tonight! Michael and I both were completely AMAZED by all who turned out! Thanx to ALL!

I will post pics as soon as I figure out how to from my camera. Ha.

January 19, 2016

You can print your Papas Pizza Fundraiser flyer from the link below, 'Fundraiser', or simply let them know when you order that it is for the Michael Ediger Fundraiser.

Please join us with our friends and family for food and fun!

January 10, 2016

Michael had his angiogram on Friday the 8th. They put in another stent and he is all good again! Will be having stress test test again in 6 months! Prayers that he will remain all good! He is on a temporary hold for active transplant list for 3 months. Till the cardiologist signs off then will be back on active listing. He will NOT lose his place on the list though!

January 7, 2016

Michael will be having another angiogram on Friday. January 8th. Please pray all is good!

Papas Pizza Parlor Fundraiser

W. 11th and Chambers

Eugene

January 25th.

All day!

Come join us for Food, Fun, and Good Friends & Family

December 14, 2015

Michael was on the morning news! www.kezi.com

December 9, 2015

Michael is finding himself more tired than usual. He just had bloodwork again on Monday morning...waiting for results. Praying for Gods healing hand upon him! I really hate seeing him this way. We got a puppy which is gonna be good therapy though!

December 1, 2015

Michael is trying just 2 X per day dialysis now! We are praying this is a good fit as he can actually have a bit more of a life

November 13, 2015

If you don't have money to give, you can still help us by donating your time, your energy, or just your love and support. Reach out to me on Facebook to get involved: ow.ly

November 10, 2015

Michael is now doing on Pariteneal Dialysis at home! No more hemo dialysis at least for now. Big blessing. He will work on getting his 'prescription' of dialisate correct for a few more weeks and then be able to plug into a programmed machine to dialyze overnight. As of now he is doing home PD 5X/day....

Keep praying that all goes well so he can continue on the transplant list!