For the last 2 or 3 weeks I have been battling a chest infection with broken nights because of a rattly chest and cough. Julia thought it was due to reflux, where my 2-hourly feeds come back up and get dumped in my lungs. So she asked for a feed pump that basically delivers feed at a lower rate over 12 hours. We start it at 8am so it is done by 8pm and we charge it overnight so there are no leads to trip me up.
I like it because once I have got up at 8am I can go back to bed and sleep all morning with the pump feeding me – no 2 hourly feeds.
My sister Jo says it looks like butterscotch angel delight; if only.
I had another trip to EMU in Abingdon on 22 November where they did a chest x-ray and took bloods and said the infection had gone. All the rattly chest business is old stuff that I would need to clear.
This time Julia got a cuppa tea and a chocolate biscuit. 
Prayer Group was round our house last Friday. All the kit we would have had to put in the car and the tiredness meant it wasn’t practical to have it at church. We were left with a calm and peaceful feeling in the house which was due to more than Dexter sleeping at his Mum’s that night.
A good friend Brian popped over to pray after having been woken in the middle of night before with me on his mind and since he prayed for me it has been easier to clear my chest; no more panic to get my breath. I’ve slept really well since then and I’m feeling a bit more human.
The day after Brian came over to pray for me we had a ventilation appointment with the physio. The lovely Anna tweaked my scream extractor (cough assist) to take 2 breaths in and out before the cough phase and then as I cough it is oscillated to try and move all the stuff up. She also trained Julia to do what I can call professional GBH: manual cough assist.
I will have to use my BI PAP (overnight breathing machine) again as Anna said my bicarbonate levels were up a bit showing I wasn’t breathing deeply overnight. Now that the saliva is under control I think it will work better.
When last at EMU they raised the subject of the lilac form. Basically we discussed whether they would jump on my chest if my heart stopped and we decided not to, which seems a good idea.
Julia told the doctors we had a back-up plan…….
In the Bible (Matthew 10 v 8) Jesus commands us to heal the sick and raise the dead. I haven’t seen any people raised from the dead but I’d like to set a challenge for few friends. We called them team Lazarus. (John 11)
I haven’t got the strength in my arms to shave so Andrea my sister in law shaved my face. It was a bit scary but no blood..
I got a head, neck, and shoulders massage this week from the lovely Kath, a holistic therapist, which was sheer bliss. I’m planning to make it a weekly occurrence. https://www.kathannholt.co.uk/
If you’re into praying: please pray for no more rattly chest and getting used to my overnight breathing machine in a few days.
Plan A 
I love you loads brilliant brother in law xxx x
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I shall ask all the gods of Shinto – that is to say, all of Nature – to move on your behalf. All the best to you and yours 🙂
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As ever you continue to amaze us all, how you both cope with everything. May the support and love from family , friends and our lord be always with. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Moira and ken.
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Much love from us all. The Lord bless you and keep you. May he make his face shine upon you and give you peace. And a continued sense of humour.
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Dear Mike, you are a great encourager to me and so many others who know you. God our Father has hold of us in his hands, for we are his treasured possessions, Exodus 19v5
So much love to you and julia. XX
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God bless you, Mike. Thinking of the butterscotch Angel Delight and Jesus turning water into wine… Praying for healing and as you’ve asked. Big hug.
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Mike, we’re so proud of you! Fizz and I release healing on your chest, and more! We love you both.
Patrick & Fizz
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Dear Mike an Julia you faith and trust in God in inspirational. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God has a much brighter future for you Mike whether it be here or with Him in heaven. Love you lots
Christine xx
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What A brave son-in-law we have. He still has a sense of humour which is admirable. X
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Glad to hear you’re feeling better, big hugs to you and Julia x
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You are a constant source of inspiration. You still inject humour in to you Blogs, which sums up the strength of character you have. Hope the breathing gets easier. All our love, Grant and Julie
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Hi Mike, sending a hug and lots of love, going to look some funny photos out to bring a smile and will pray for you both stay strong superman ! xxxx
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You and your lovely family and positive attitude are an inspiration. Thoughts and prayers coming all the way from Oz.
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Lots of love to you Mike and to Julia .. Life throws very strange hurdles at us but it is truly amazing to see how you attack them all so positively .. xx
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Hi Mike, I just think you and Julia are amazing and if there’s anything we can do for you guys in any way please let us know. You know where we live!
Ant & Em
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You are a legend Michael. Miss your sense of humour in the office. Saying a few prayers for you and your breathing. xx
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