October 2008 #1

DELAYED – It is probably about three weeks since I have written and this one will have to be brief to update you on my surgery. I think this is number thirteen and the hardest of them all. Heart bypass surgery is rough, as many of my readers have testified and it will take a long time to help and to begin to get back to normal. Thankfully, my daughter Patty came from Texas to help and she has been a tremendous help. I’m not sure I’d have made it without her help. Gary and Donna have been close at hand as well. Betty’s daughter has been staying with us, helping her with things I am no longer able to do. God is good and always provides and the help has kept me out of some other facility to recuperate.

DETAILS – Surgery was at 7:30 A.M on Thursday and I left the hospital Monday evening five days later as the doctor had told me. It was a three by pass procedure. That ventilator I so dreaded and the tube in my stomach were removed late the same day. They get you up in a chair and walking the next day. Not far but I had a nurse that really pushed me to go a little further each time I walked, usually three times a day. Sure different from so many past observations of this surgery. I remember a fellow missionary having this done in the VA Hospital in Denver, Colorado years ago. He suffered greatly and was in the hospital for many weeks. The science has greatly improved. / I haven’t been in a bed since coming home, as I can’t get myself in and out of one. Thankfully, the Lord enabled us to have a lift recliner that allows me to sleep in it and get in an out with help and now by myself. (Patty should have a sore back helping me up.) She slept in the hospital room three nights and since has slept on the couch to be nearby to help as needed through the night. / A nurse checks me out a couple times a week as does a nurse therapist.

NURSING FROM THE PAST – Years ago I remember nurses giving bed baths and helping with a shave. That hasn’t happened after surgery for a long, long time. This occasion was an exception as the nurse’s assistant, a young woman from Albania was specially inclined to go the extra mile. She claimed to be Muslim, but not practicing. Patty and I endeavored witnessing to her and she was a willing listener but just couldn’t quite comprehend it all. She was so helpful to me and we were so hopeful she would come to Christ. / Several asked my opinion about the election and events of decline in the news. It gave me several opportunities to share my prophetic beliefs about our nation and the preparations for the return of Christ, etc. All were respectful, even a few agreeing and some indicating they had heard some of what I was sharing before. I wish I had been stronger and been able to have defined the things of Christ more clearly but they had other patients to attend as well.

FOLLOW UPS – This Tuesday I had to go in for x-rays and Friday I see my internist and Tuesday the cardiologist. November 14th I will see the surgeon. I don’t know what restrictions will be kept on me or when I will be able to drive again. I am in no hurry and time is what I have the most of these days.

THANK YOU – Your prayers are a great encouragement to us as all.