Wednesday April 8, 2009
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:21.
This time in our lives and health is not the place of laughter and joy—at least not all the time. Mind you, we do see the funny side of things quite frequently, and that helps to keep us sane. As most of you will recall, we live a busy lifestyle; after all, we are still only in our early seventies, but to see us both now moving around as if we had one foot in the grave . . .
Ann had her surgery yesterday, and arrived home about 7.00 p.m. quite elated. The cause of her elation? On arrival in the operating room she was given a choice of general anaesthetic or an epidural (spinal injection) and she chose the latter; she was quite proud of herself. Way to go, Ann. The surgeon chatted away while fixing her toe, although she found the sound of the saw a little disturbing. This morning we were slow moving at first, but by noon Ann was walking (carefully) on the foot without even the support of a cane.
Fortunately, we have the option of doing only the necessary things, and resting when we need to. I have taken things easy this morning as I have to see my surgeon this afternoon. I felt good yesterday and as expected, not so good today. Healing is often two steps forward and one back; or overdoing it one day and paying for it the next. But overall, we both feel grateful for the pleasure of the returning strength we feel.
We both enjoy life the life God has graciously afforded us, and he has provided us with a full sense of humour. And as our text says, he will yet fill our mouths with laughter and our lips with shouts of joy. What an awesome God we serve.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tuesday April 7, 2009
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3.
It`s now three days since I arrived home from the Hospital, and an eventful three days it has been. At least now free of IV tubes and gas lines I now only have to cope with drainage from the wound—a hemovac line into a suction container attached or carried somewhere on my person, and of course, that contraption of the devil, a catheter, complete with night bag and day bag. The most simple manoeuvres take on the dexterity of a contortionist, while trying to avoid the twists and turns that remind me of why things are this way!
We made two visits to emergency. Sunday night I found that abominable hemovac line was blocked and the exit wound oozing at about 11.00 p.m. That was fixed by a hospital flush and a return to bed about 3.30 a.m. Monday evening, the same exit wound was becoming infected, and a new visit to emergency produce a couple of vials of antibiotics. Healing is not a straight line!
However, today I am feeling much more in control, able to cope with these latest life games within a somewhat organised framework. Just as well, as Ann is off to surgery today to have a bunion removed. I have the house more or less to myself—some kind folk called in to ensure I was OK—so it is a God given (forced!) opportunity to make sure that I can cope reasonably with the daily round. Of greater joy is that tomorrow the hemovac tube and my staples will be removed. One more step towards liberation.
Believe me, I am intensely grateful for the professionals, equipment and gadgets that enabled my operation and its continuing recovery. But there will be a time when all sickness and death will be wiped out, our own resurrection to new life guaranteed by Christ`s own resurrection and victory over death. No more staples and drainage lines! Thus, however great my thankfulness of the benefits of this life, I can heartily join with Peter in praising ``the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.``
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3.
It`s now three days since I arrived home from the Hospital, and an eventful three days it has been. At least now free of IV tubes and gas lines I now only have to cope with drainage from the wound—a hemovac line into a suction container attached or carried somewhere on my person, and of course, that contraption of the devil, a catheter, complete with night bag and day bag. The most simple manoeuvres take on the dexterity of a contortionist, while trying to avoid the twists and turns that remind me of why things are this way!
We made two visits to emergency. Sunday night I found that abominable hemovac line was blocked and the exit wound oozing at about 11.00 p.m. That was fixed by a hospital flush and a return to bed about 3.30 a.m. Monday evening, the same exit wound was becoming infected, and a new visit to emergency produce a couple of vials of antibiotics. Healing is not a straight line!
However, today I am feeling much more in control, able to cope with these latest life games within a somewhat organised framework. Just as well, as Ann is off to surgery today to have a bunion removed. I have the house more or less to myself—some kind folk called in to ensure I was OK—so it is a God given (forced!) opportunity to make sure that I can cope reasonably with the daily round. Of greater joy is that tomorrow the hemovac tube and my staples will be removed. One more step towards liberation.
Believe me, I am intensely grateful for the professionals, equipment and gadgets that enabled my operation and its continuing recovery. But there will be a time when all sickness and death will be wiped out, our own resurrection to new life guaranteed by Christ`s own resurrection and victory over death. No more staples and drainage lines! Thus, however great my thankfulness of the benefits of this life, I can heartily join with Peter in praising ``the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.``
Saturday, April 4, 2009
SATURDAY APRIL 4, 2009
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.
Of all the texts that I was ready to hear today, this fits the bill completely. There is nothing like a stay in hospital to make you feel terrible even though the physical statistics are encouraging—a practical case of believing facts over feelings. I have to state why there were times of discouragement while I was there. The beds are uncomfortable, the chairs were hardly made for patients to sit in; and the hospital gowns are restrictive to movement and catch on everything. This added to the frequent pokes, jabs and checks at all hours of the day and night just make matters worse. Hospitals are built to serve the efficiency of the system, not the comfort of the patient. A great environment for learning to wait on the Lord!
However, this does not extend to the staff that work at the hospital. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of student nurses that I met in the few days I was in the hospital; it bodes well for a new crop of nurses for the future. Despite their obvious need to impress their supervisors, I really felt their personal dedication and care.
All this to say that I am overjoyed to be picked up by my dedicated and lovely wife Ann and be whisked home to an environment far more conducive to getting better; if only because I feel a hundred percent better already! Still a way to go yet, but I definitely feel that it is mostly downhill from here. Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.
Of all the texts that I was ready to hear today, this fits the bill completely. There is nothing like a stay in hospital to make you feel terrible even though the physical statistics are encouraging—a practical case of believing facts over feelings. I have to state why there were times of discouragement while I was there. The beds are uncomfortable, the chairs were hardly made for patients to sit in; and the hospital gowns are restrictive to movement and catch on everything. This added to the frequent pokes, jabs and checks at all hours of the day and night just make matters worse. Hospitals are built to serve the efficiency of the system, not the comfort of the patient. A great environment for learning to wait on the Lord!
However, this does not extend to the staff that work at the hospital. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of student nurses that I met in the few days I was in the hospital; it bodes well for a new crop of nurses for the future. Despite their obvious need to impress their supervisors, I really felt their personal dedication and care.
All this to say that I am overjoyed to be picked up by my dedicated and lovely wife Ann and be whisked home to an environment far more conducive to getting better; if only because I feel a hundred percent better already! Still a way to go yet, but I definitely feel that it is mostly downhill from here. Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. Ephesians 4:31
At last; a shower! And a promise of release in 24 hours. It is easy to see how anger can build up in hospital situations where pain and hopelessness converge. But this has to be counterbalanced by the kindness and dedication of doctors and staff toward their patients. Although my situation is a passing one, it is easy to become impatient with short term progress, especially when linked to the discomfort of tubes and drip that hinder movement.
The present diagnosis is that I can leave hospital tomorrow (Saturday), with some medication and a couple of drainage tubes! A nurse will come in twice a day to make sure everything is as it should be. I find it difficult to improve strength in the hospital—the food is not all that good!—opportunity for exercise and staff help to move around is limited. But today I have been thankful again for the facilities and people available: particularly the specific doctors God has provided to us.
There will be a time of recovery. Trips back to remove staples and tubing. Must not sound too exciting, but it’s a path on the way to, we hope, permanent recovery. Thanks to all of you who have prayed and sent your warm thoughts our way. Some of you have read our blogs, sent emails, come to the hospital to chat and pray. Both Ann and I feel blessed to have such a supportive community of family and friends.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. Ephesians 4:31
At last; a shower! And a promise of release in 24 hours. It is easy to see how anger can build up in hospital situations where pain and hopelessness converge. But this has to be counterbalanced by the kindness and dedication of doctors and staff toward their patients. Although my situation is a passing one, it is easy to become impatient with short term progress, especially when linked to the discomfort of tubes and drip that hinder movement.
The present diagnosis is that I can leave hospital tomorrow (Saturday), with some medication and a couple of drainage tubes! A nurse will come in twice a day to make sure everything is as it should be. I find it difficult to improve strength in the hospital—the food is not all that good!—opportunity for exercise and staff help to move around is limited. But today I have been thankful again for the facilities and people available: particularly the specific doctors God has provided to us.
There will be a time of recovery. Trips back to remove staples and tubing. Must not sound too exciting, but it’s a path on the way to, we hope, permanent recovery. Thanks to all of you who have prayed and sent your warm thoughts our way. Some of you have read our blogs, sent emails, come to the hospital to chat and pray. Both Ann and I feel blessed to have such a supportive community of family and friends.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Thursday, April 2 2009
Worry weighs a person down, an encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25
Well, they never said it’d be easy. This operation has turned out to be quite an ordeal, despite the caring staff and excellent facilities. The surgeon has been in a few times and indicated that my recovery has been tougher than his usual patients. Thanks a lot! But it is just the way nature works; and he tells me I will recover.
I must admit some to down time yesterday; I had some pretty intense pain during the afternoon, but they were able to get it down. Never thought I’d be thankful for morphine! But I have had a number of “encouraging words” from several friends who have checked in with me. However, I think it will be a couple of more days before I can see my home again.
Worry weighs a person down, an encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25
Well, they never said it’d be easy. This operation has turned out to be quite an ordeal, despite the caring staff and excellent facilities. The surgeon has been in a few times and indicated that my recovery has been tougher than his usual patients. Thanks a lot! But it is just the way nature works; and he tells me I will recover.
I must admit some to down time yesterday; I had some pretty intense pain during the afternoon, but they were able to get it down. Never thought I’d be thankful for morphine! But I have had a number of “encouraging words” from several friends who have checked in with me. However, I think it will be a couple of more days before I can see my home again.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Proverbs 6:27
As I write this, it is now over twenty-four hours since I was wheeled into the operating theatre. Yesterday, I was not concerned with what was being scooped into my lap, but what was being scooped out! As you are probably aware, yesterday’s surgery removed a cancerous prostate, and as I am writing this today it is clear that it was successful. In fact, I experienced less pain than I expected although still some awkward discomfort.
The surgeon looked in during the afternoon; he is taking good care of me. While he was pleased with the surgery, he indicated that there were further lumps not detected previously and he had to take out more surrounding tissue than anticipated. This included the surrounding nerves—that may grow back in several months—and some lymph node samples to detect any possible escaping cancer cells.
So, today I am left with various tubes going in and out of my body to sustain and drain me. I experienced no nausea which means I can probably eat again; I managed some clear soup and jelly yesterday. But what I do eat from now on will determine my health in the future, just as scooping fire into our lap can determine a particularly unhealthy one!
Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Proverbs 6:27
As I write this, it is now over twenty-four hours since I was wheeled into the operating theatre. Yesterday, I was not concerned with what was being scooped into my lap, but what was being scooped out! As you are probably aware, yesterday’s surgery removed a cancerous prostate, and as I am writing this today it is clear that it was successful. In fact, I experienced less pain than I expected although still some awkward discomfort.
The surgeon looked in during the afternoon; he is taking good care of me. While he was pleased with the surgery, he indicated that there were further lumps not detected previously and he had to take out more surrounding tissue than anticipated. This included the surrounding nerves—that may grow back in several months—and some lymph node samples to detect any possible escaping cancer cells.
So, today I am left with various tubes going in and out of my body to sustain and drain me. I experienced no nausea which means I can probably eat again; I managed some clear soup and jelly yesterday. But what I do eat from now on will determine my health in the future, just as scooping fire into our lap can determine a particularly unhealthy one!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday March 29, 2009
Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD. Psalm 25:7.
Someone has said youth is a great time for sinning and old age a great time for regretting. Perhaps David our writer for today was, like me, in the latter years of life. As a parallel, it is too easy for us to consider misfortune a punishment for those earlier sins. In fact sin may be enjoyable for a season, but if disaster strikes, or our foolishness becomes uncovered, it can change our attitude towards it instantly. There is always that sense of accountability lurking in the background; we will not get away with it forever.
My personal sickness and surgery tomorrow is the result of sin—sickness and death are the result of sin—but I can’t say I’ve had any direct guilt feelings attached to it. As believers in the atoning work of Christ, there is no fear for the future. Not only has he atoned for our guilt, but he is there to take us through the adversities of life that sin inflicts upon us. I feel at peace, not only in the knowledge that God is good, but also I am the recipient of prayers so many of you that have offered for me.
That’s not to say I’m not somewhat apprehensive about tomorrow. It is more than a trip to the dentist, and I’m not sure how I’ll feel when I wake up, or how I’ll cope when released from hospital about three days later. There are always uncertainties we wonder about. I’m glad to say that my surgery is timed for 7.20 a.m.—no waiting time to speculate! But there will be some waiting time for you as I’ll be out of circulation for a few days. Never-the-less, watch this space for further updates.
Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD. Psalm 25:7.
Someone has said youth is a great time for sinning and old age a great time for regretting. Perhaps David our writer for today was, like me, in the latter years of life. As a parallel, it is too easy for us to consider misfortune a punishment for those earlier sins. In fact sin may be enjoyable for a season, but if disaster strikes, or our foolishness becomes uncovered, it can change our attitude towards it instantly. There is always that sense of accountability lurking in the background; we will not get away with it forever.
My personal sickness and surgery tomorrow is the result of sin—sickness and death are the result of sin—but I can’t say I’ve had any direct guilt feelings attached to it. As believers in the atoning work of Christ, there is no fear for the future. Not only has he atoned for our guilt, but he is there to take us through the adversities of life that sin inflicts upon us. I feel at peace, not only in the knowledge that God is good, but also I am the recipient of prayers so many of you that have offered for me.
That’s not to say I’m not somewhat apprehensive about tomorrow. It is more than a trip to the dentist, and I’m not sure how I’ll feel when I wake up, or how I’ll cope when released from hospital about three days later. There are always uncertainties we wonder about. I’m glad to say that my surgery is timed for 7.20 a.m.—no waiting time to speculate! But there will be some waiting time for you as I’ll be out of circulation for a few days. Never-the-less, watch this space for further updates.
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