Sad News on Judy Burk

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Many of you have written to ask about Judy’s condition and to say you are praying for her. Your concern and prayers are greatly appreciated.
After two months and two weeks in a Pittsburgh hospital, Judy’s physical condition has improved, although it still has much improving to do. Her mental condition remains essentially unchanged.
Judy’s heart, liver and kidneys are functioning essentially normally. She still has a small amount of fluid in her lungs, which are working well. She continues to receive ventilator support, but recently has been breathing part of each day without the ventilator, for periods as long as 11 hours.
Since I last wrote to you, doctors inserted a feeding tube into Judy’s stomach. Unfortunately, the tube leaked into her abdomen, and doctors required several days of her spiking fevers to realize the leak was occurring. Likely as a result of erosion caused by the leaking material, a micro-hole developed in her colon. Doctors then had to perform an “ileostomy” to insert a tube, called a “J” tube, to feed her through her small intestine and rest the colon. They believe they hole has closed or, at least, diminished.
Judy’s nutrition is poor but improving. When the feeding tube leak occurred, Judy went for nine days without any nutrition, except some occasional sugar water. With the “J” tube, her nutrition is improving. Something called “pre-albumin” is a measure of overall nutrition. The bottom of the acceptable range of 18, and at least 20 is considered desirable. Since she started receiving “J” tube feedings, Judy’s level has risen from 6 to 8.
Judy remains more or less comatose. She continues to open her eyes, and when we mention the names of various friends to her, she opens her eyes wider. She does not follow commands and does not move. Lately, we may have seen her shift or focus her eyes somewhat, but she does not do so consistently, and we are uncertain. Hope remains that her brain will heal as her body continues to improve.
Many members of the hospital staff have been helpful and supportive. I have come especially to appreciation the compassion and medicine of one doctor. In a recent conversation, he said he is praying to a “higher doctor” to provide help for Judy that transcends his medicine.
Your continuing prayers for Judy’s recovery will be greatly appreciated. -- John