Yesterday I had a 12:30 appointment with the doctor and a 2:30 appointment with the hospital for the anesthesiologist, the Bariatric nurse, and others. We had to wait for the doctor and only got in to see him after 2:00. He was very encouraging and explicit. I trust him. He said the surgery may take as long as 4 hours. Later the Bariatric nurse said to allow 5 hours. Had to pay $4,000 yesterday.
Then we were sent to the Hospital check in and they only had ONE person working. The waiting area was full. I was in great pain from sitting on my motorized cart. It gets me where I need to go but is almost unbearably uncomfortable for more than an hour at a time. My pain level was over 10! We waited an hour there before moving to the next waiting place.
We then spent a lot of time with the Bariatric nurse and a nurse who will be caring for me. Another nurse came in and drew blood and checked vitals - the 4th time in the last 3 days. Good news: all is well.
Today I am on a liquid diet and will take an antibiotic presription which will result in cleaning out my system (read laxative).
Tomorow we will be at Northside Hospital, Atlanta at 5:30 am. The Vascular Surgeon will install a screen in my neck as a precaution against embollisms. Then the surgeon will laproscopically go into my abdomen and redesign my gut, creating a smaller pouch (stomach) and a smaller area of absorption of calories. I will then to to intensive care for the next 18 hours (after 2 hours in recover) and then to a room.
Only liquids for a month after surgery,.
Then only 2 oz. of food (mostly protien) 3 times a day, 3 protein shakes every day, 64 oz. of total daily fluid intake, daily chewable multible vitimin (Flintstone), daily Calcium supplement, daily chewable tums, and a monthly B12 injection for the rest of my life. No sugars, no carbs - ever.
What is the reward? First it is for this body to be 1/2 this size in about 12-18 months. Second, new knees at 300lbs. Third, greatly increased mobility and overall health. Very importantly, more good years with the most wonderful wife in the world, our most wonderful son and daughter in law and the only perfect grandchild in the universe. Finally, I do not think the Lord is through with me yet. I have a big responsibility for the Seminary in Venezuela. I still need to preach, write and teach.
So the surgery promises these possiblities. I am very aware of the risks and am at peace with that. I know I could die on the table, or have a crippling stroke or any number of unpleasant things could happen. My trust is in Jesus. I will either live in Jesus or die in Jesus, in which case I will live in Jesus. Not a bad deal, it you really think about it!
I appreciate you prayers.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wound Care
I have a wound care home nursing specialist coming to my house this morning at 9:00. It has only taken a week to get this done. Dealing with the medical community is so frustrating in America. However, I have been to several other countries and our system is so much better! I will take the aggravation in exchange for good care.
Anyway, I have chronic lymphedema with open wounds. What this means is my lower legs are swollen due to the fact that I cannot elevate my feet as a result of orthpedic and joint pain. So I sit up all the time. The swelling gets so bad the skin breaks down and "leaks." Fortuately, I have no inflections, just some open places that drain. The home health care nurse came for the first time on Monday and sprayed the wounds with saline solution and blotted them to clean them. She then said she did not know what to do and I needed the wound care nurse. There followed a comedy of errors by the company, but supposedly that nurse is coming today. Fortunately, my primary nurse (translated: wife) had already started using the saline and blotting just like the visiting nurse. So we are making progress.
Anyway, this is one of those things they say will clear up when I can get my legs elevated. I am fortunate that the circulation in my feet and legs is very good. That is a very good thing and promises rapid healing.
We are now counting downs the days of the last week in preparation for surgery. Monday we will visit the surgeon and the anesthesiologist in preparation for surgery. Tuesday I will cut my hair very short, completely shave my beard for the first time in 9 years and shave my chest for the first time ever! Wednesday morning, June 10 about 6 or 7 am we will check in and have surgery at 9, God willing. Bring it on!
In the meantime, I am most grateful for all the folks who are praying for me. It has been overwhelming to hear from so many people. I am blessed.
Anyway, I have chronic lymphedema with open wounds. What this means is my lower legs are swollen due to the fact that I cannot elevate my feet as a result of orthpedic and joint pain. So I sit up all the time. The swelling gets so bad the skin breaks down and "leaks." Fortuately, I have no inflections, just some open places that drain. The home health care nurse came for the first time on Monday and sprayed the wounds with saline solution and blotted them to clean them. She then said she did not know what to do and I needed the wound care nurse. There followed a comedy of errors by the company, but supposedly that nurse is coming today. Fortunately, my primary nurse (translated: wife) had already started using the saline and blotting just like the visiting nurse. So we are making progress.
Anyway, this is one of those things they say will clear up when I can get my legs elevated. I am fortunate that the circulation in my feet and legs is very good. That is a very good thing and promises rapid healing.
We are now counting downs the days of the last week in preparation for surgery. Monday we will visit the surgeon and the anesthesiologist in preparation for surgery. Tuesday I will cut my hair very short, completely shave my beard for the first time in 9 years and shave my chest for the first time ever! Wednesday morning, June 10 about 6 or 7 am we will check in and have surgery at 9, God willing. Bring it on!
In the meantime, I am most grateful for all the folks who are praying for me. It has been overwhelming to hear from so many people. I am blessed.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Blessed!
Blessed! That is the best way I can describe my life at this moment. Sure, there is still the inability to walk, the pain and the sense of uselessness. There are still some times of mild depression and blue periods of self pity.
However, I am so blessed. First of all, I am blessed with a wife, child and his family, his in-laws, my mother who genuinely care for me. I am especially blessed with a wife who devotes her life to caring for me.
I am also blessed with an overwhelming number of friends, colleagues and soul-mates who regularly call or write or visit and inquire of my condition and assure me of their prayers. Some call from out of state. Some visit from out of state. Some inquire from Venezuela. Everyone of them is praying for my surgery on June 10 at Northside Hospital in Atlanta.
So I am blessed. However, this weekend I sensed a new blessing in the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. There is a tenderness of soul that is indicative in my life that God is working on me. It seems there will be some spiritual surgery to go along with the physical surgery.
In about a week I will voluntarily lay my life on a table before a man with a knife and tools beyond my comprehension. He will (I hope!) do all he can to improve and enhance my life. But to do that, he will actually injure me, cut on me and do other things that I do not want to contemplate.
In preparation for that surgery I am aware of the Great Physician doing his pre-surgery getting me ready for that day. I trust him completely and know he only wants what is for my good.
I do not know what the physical outcome of the surgery will be on June 10. However, I know in that surgical suite will be a number of doctors, but none more powerful and more competent and more loving than the Great Physician. His name is Jesus, Messiah, Lamb of God, Alpha and Omega, the great I Am, Savior, Lord, Prince of Peace...
Blessed.
However, I am so blessed. First of all, I am blessed with a wife, child and his family, his in-laws, my mother who genuinely care for me. I am especially blessed with a wife who devotes her life to caring for me.
I am also blessed with an overwhelming number of friends, colleagues and soul-mates who regularly call or write or visit and inquire of my condition and assure me of their prayers. Some call from out of state. Some visit from out of state. Some inquire from Venezuela. Everyone of them is praying for my surgery on June 10 at Northside Hospital in Atlanta.
So I am blessed. However, this weekend I sensed a new blessing in the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. There is a tenderness of soul that is indicative in my life that God is working on me. It seems there will be some spiritual surgery to go along with the physical surgery.
In about a week I will voluntarily lay my life on a table before a man with a knife and tools beyond my comprehension. He will (I hope!) do all he can to improve and enhance my life. But to do that, he will actually injure me, cut on me and do other things that I do not want to contemplate.
In preparation for that surgery I am aware of the Great Physician doing his pre-surgery getting me ready for that day. I trust him completely and know he only wants what is for my good.
I do not know what the physical outcome of the surgery will be on June 10. However, I know in that surgical suite will be a number of doctors, but none more powerful and more competent and more loving than the Great Physician. His name is Jesus, Messiah, Lamb of God, Alpha and Omega, the great I Am, Savior, Lord, Prince of Peace...
Blessed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
