Pratney Family Update: “Things have been crazy. When Winkie was transferred to general ward, no one told us of the Korean Medical system here – where family members are expected to care for patients. To make matters worse, Winkie was found to have a high temperature and they suspected an infection somewhere in his body. Just when things for us seemed to be settling down, it got crazy really quickly. We learned (around 10:30pm) that we were expected to clean and change him. On top of that, they had already asked us to be with him for the next 48 hours around the clock. Winkie has been undergoing extensive testing- X-rays, CT scans, blood tests AND they have asked us to stop feeding him. He hasn’t been allowed any food OR water all day (it is around 5:00pm).They have him on an IV to maintain his fluid intake. They found a lot of fluid in the space between his rib cage and his left lung. Dr. Han said there was danger of his lung collapsing. They have inserted a drainage tube to remove the fluid and already they’ve drained many cups of fluid out. They also found fluid in his abdominal cavity near his spleen. I slept off and on in the small, Korean style bed next to him last night. I was right on call if he needed anything. One time I woke to hear him coughing, and lept out of bed to his side. He said, “Ninja.” and I realized I was, indeed, wearing black. lol. It’s hard to sleep where he is. Every hour someone had to check his urine output, and every two hours a nurse would come in to check either his body temperature, blood pressure or something, sometimes turning on the lights. So sleeping where he is at right now is sort of like trying to sleep on an airplane, only the lights off until morning rule is NOT followed by the flight attendants. Poor guy. He did NOT sleep well last night at all. I was with him all night, and Mom came in around 7:00am. We found out more about the system here this morning- where to pick up clean clothes, where to put the dirty ones. That we have to BUY diapers and various other things necessary for his care. I have put in a request with the hospital to hire some private nurse aids, that will be able to help change him, exercise him, etc. The cost, I’m told, is only about 50,000 Won per person, per day (about $50US).I’m taking the late shift again tonight, it looks like, so please pray for me that I will be able to maintain my health while surrounded by so many sick people! Mom also needs prayer. It is very tiring not only being with someone day and night, but also caring for them. We were unprepared for the mountainous work load that would be placed upon us during this time in his recovery. So please pray for grace and wisdom for both of us, and for the strength to see this through. Also, please continue to pray for Winkie’s healing- he’s not walking and fully well, yet. Thanks” William Pratney Posted by Israel Anderson