Yesterday we returned from our trip to Israel. I thought my first post back would be about how great the trip was (which it was), and about how much we did and saw (way too much to cover in one post), but instead I’m writing to inform you that Jody is in the hospital.
First of all, I want to say how very proud I was of Jody throughout this trip. A Holy Land tour is by no means relaxing. It requires lots of walking, stepping, and hiking up mountains with sometimes little breaks in between. There were many times throughout the trip when I (and others) felt tired, or winded from the climb. At such times I would look at Jody, making the same trek, but with only 35% lung function, and my heart would fill with pride and admiration. I know it wasn’t easy for him, and we took “breathing breaks” for him to catch his breath, but he always pushed on, and did so without complaint.
During the last week of our trip I noticed that Jody seemed to be coughing more. I wanted to believe that it was from all the activity of the day loosening things up, but I had my suspicions. Further into that week I thought he sounded “junky,” and seemed to be a little more short of breath than normal. A few random checks of his oxygen level (we had packed our portable SpO2 monitor) showed his oxygen level, although not alarming, was a little lower than normal. All in all, he seemed to be well (not nearly as “sick” as I have seen him with infections of the past), so it’s easy to rationalize things to be okay. But, I have learned that the signs of a CF infection can be very subtle, and I am starting to be able to pick up on those subtle changes in Jody. I also know that left untreated, a CF infection can progress rapidly, and quickly takes a lot out of a person. Because there are no flashing red lights over Jody’s head indicating when he gets sick (although I really wish that was the case), and because I have seen the results of waiting too long to call, I have learned to err on the side of caution, and call the doctor sooner rather than later. This morning Jody made the call, and after being seen in the CF clinic, the decision was made to admit him to the hospital.
It’s hard to say where this infection came from. Jody’s doctor felt he probably had something brewing even before our trip, but that the activity of the trip may have exacerbated it. He was glad we were able to take this trip, and said we should have no regrets about it, which we don’t. How could we? How could we regret walking on the steps that Jesus walked, or being baptized in the Jordan river, or renewing our wedding vowels, or taking a boat trip on the Sea of Galilee? Infection and all, there are no regrets!
CF Wife 
Oh boy! Well I am very glad you had a wonderful time. I can’t wait to see pictures. We will be praying for Jody’s health and you recovering with the girls.
I am so thankful the two of you were able to go on that amazing trip! I thank God for the health He proved while you were so far away, and am asking Him to restore Jody’s health quickly and bring him home to the three of you! Love to all!
Dear Tiffany,
I am sorry to read that Jody is back in the hospital. Please know that Joel and I are praying for both of you.
Anne
Dear Tiffany,
I’m so sorry to hear that Jody is in the hospital. He is so tough. So glad you two can pick up on those subtle changes. I’m glad there are no regrets as far as the trip. As always, prayers are being lifted up for Jody, you, and the girls.
Pat