Life, in general, is never easy. When you have had a severe stroke, life is definitely not easy. People ask, “How is Arla doing?” Well, this post sums up one week in the life of Arla. If you are easily disgusted or made queasy by the realities of medical care…. do not read on.

Last night, Arla was taken to the ER when it was decided that she may have a bowel obstruction. Arla has been vomiting off and on all week, and her bowel habits have been reduced during this time. After some x-rays, it was determined that there was no bowel obstruction, but there was a significant amount of stool in the colon. That stool needed to be moved on. I am sure many readers are thinking this post thus far is TMI (too much information). But these kind of situations are the reality of life for a person who is immobile for much of the day. A blocked colon can cause vomiting. Arla’s backed up bowel may have been the source of her vomiting.

Proper bowel function relies on diet, hydration, movement of the body, function of the muscles of the bowel, and using the toilet when you feel the urge. All of these factors are not always in balance in a severe stroke patient who has paralysis, who has inability or lack of desire to eat a regular diet, and who cannot use the toilet as she wants.

After a severe stroke, living becomes a struggle… a series of daily routines that are dependent on others….. a process of mourning the loss of your old life…a series of puzzles that are not easily solved. I can only image what Arla feels as she allows others to help her with her daily needs, as she tries to talk, as she thinks about what is next in her life.

But in all this, there is comfort. Proverbs 3 says: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Some days this is all we have. We have learned not to utter the question “Why?” Instead, we say, “Lord, your ways are not my ways. Use us to your will. Help us in the struggle. Comfort the hurting. Bless the caregivers.” This morning, as Arla rests after a long, late night, we also say, “Thank you, God, for your mercy, your power, your glory, and your LOVE. And thank you for the struggles that bring us closer to you. Amen.”