|
| Surgery Scheduled For Tomorrow |
|
| |
Hello Friends & Family,Here are the latest updates on my current hospitalization. The MRSA is only in the wound, it is not systemic, so this is a great relief. Also, we just discovered my surgery is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. tomorrow. As soon as I am able to return and send a message, I will let you all know how things went. Please pray I’m able to rest well tonight. Tomorrow is going to be challenging enough as it is.
I’m very thankful for all of you who have visited, called and responded via email to encourage me and let me know you are prayerfully supporting us. It is exciting to know you are here, walking beside us, and it alleviates the weight of the burden. We are grateful to you, thank you.
Some of my friends have verbalized their confusion as to how something like this can happen to someone who is faithfully and obediently following after Christ. Well, it is quite simple, really. It is a common thing among paraplegics. This is not something strange and uncommon, but happens frequently to people in wheelchairs with wounds and circulations problems. This is simply living as a paraplegic. Sometimes it is costly and sad, but Christ knows all about it. Hebrews 12 talks about how he is ‘touched’ by the feelings of our infirmities. And every night for the last several nights, I have counted on this. |
|
| To add a comment to "Surgery Scheduled For Tomorrow" |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| February 23, 2009 |
 |
|
|
| I will pray for you and your surgery. |
|
|
| February 23, 2009 |
|
|
|
| I will pray for you too |
|
|
| February 23, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Jonathan, my heart aches to hear from you more often. |
|
|
| February 23, 2009 |
|
|
|
| I will be praying. I have worked with men who were quadraplegics in wound care. I know the trials. Let us know how you are doing. |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| PRAYING FOR YOU. |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| My prayers are with you. |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Praying for you. |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| praying for you and your loved ones... |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Praying for you |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
Lord Healer, You are mighty and your ways are not our ways. We may not comprehend why Jonathan's life is the way it is, but we trust you in all things great and small and that your word promises 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. God, I am asking that you will guide the surgeons hands today, that you will give him/her your wisdom and favor. Lord, please also do the same for the nurses and attending staff. Bless Jonathan today where he is at, and give him peace beyond understanding, that you may be glorified! Please meet all the needs that are present and those in the future. In Jesus name I pray for these things. Amen. |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
Jonathan, my heart goes out to you even now as you are undergoing your surgery; I pray for your well-being and guidance for the surgeon's hands, in Christ. |
|
|
| February 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Jonathan.....waiting to hear how things went/are going. You remain on our minds/in our hearts. |
|
|
| February 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Praying for you Jonathan. |
|
|
| February 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
Hello Friends & Family,
It looks like they will be discharging me tomorrow. The podiatrist visited today and took out the suction bottle. He says in cases where there is good circulation, the staples usually come out after 2 week, in cases of poor circulation, it is usually 3 weeks. He showed me some exercises to do to begin increasing circulation, so I’ve already begun doig them. I’ve done over 200 just today. Today was also the first day to get up and about. I have in a dual PICC, but didn’t have any IV meds on at the time, so Vicki and I took a short trip to the end of the hall where I could see outside, to the tall pines to the north. It wore me out a bit, but I returned to my room under my own steam and continue to do some exercises.
During the quiet nights leading up to the surgery, I really think God healed my heart, so I wouldn’t experience any long-term sorrow or depression over my leg. Instead, there is a sense of joy that many of the problems I have experienced up til now (long term wound care, wound prevention, etc.) is no longer needed, so it’s almost like a new kind of freedom. I’m very grateful to all of you for your prayerful support, especially those who were with me during the tough spots. You are true friends.
And so it seems I’ll be going home tomorrow. Fortunately, my office has already been arranged and requires no readjustments. I’m not sure how quickly I will be returning to work, but I’m guessing I’ll work some on Saturday and play it by ear from there. I will follow up with the surgeon in 3 weeks for staple removal, hoping he will be incouraged by the signs of good circulation as a result of continued exercise and care to the leg.
Vicki and I appreciate each of you and thank you for your prayers. |
|
|
| February 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Glad to hear an update, blessings brother~ |
|
|
| February 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
Amen for this word of testimony and Praise God for your recovery. "Instead, there is a sense of joy that many of the problems I have experienced up til now (long term wound care, wound prevention, etc.) is no longer needed, so it’s almost like a new kind of freedom." Thank you for the update and I'll continue to pray 4 you and your family! God bless. |
|
|
| February 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
Bless you my friend...will continue to pray. |
|
|
| February 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
Jonathan, You are such a wonderful example of praising God in all things. I do understand to a much lesser degree. I had women tell me that losing their womb would make them feel less female. I had no problem losing mine. I am 52 and it was home to my three sons till they were born but outside of that, it has only been problematic. I know it isn't the same thing as a leg, but the self image thing was what many women spoke of. I do not feel any less female without my womb. My father lost his left arm to the elbow at age 17 and he was a mechanic for 35 plus years with one arm. He never slowed over it and has total confidence in who he is even though most of his life he had not interest in God. I will continue to pray for your recovery, no complications and for your wife as well as she cares for your needs. Please keep us posted. I am good with daily reports if you have the time. :) Love and much hugs, juanita |
|
|
| February 28, 2009 |
|
|
|
Well, it's Saturday evening and I'm still here in the hospital, but I think it's only because the family practice doctor hasn't come around yet to complete my discharge summary. I'm feeling pretty good physically and seem to be getting my strength back. I got up in my wheelchair today and made it all the way downstairs where we visited for several hours before I needed to get back in bed.
I'm guessing the doctor will probably let me go Monday morning, and I don't expect any setbacks between now and then, but I'll keep you updated either way. |
|
|
| February 28, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Jonathan, double good to hear. Your words are a major blessing. You have no idea how encouraging it is to hear you talk of joy in the midst of your circumstances. God bless! |
|
|
| March 03, 2009 |
|
|
|
Great news, I’m home! The doctors finally released me to go home (last night), and I’m glad to report I’m able to get in/out of the car and bed without any major assistance needed. While I’m somewhat surprised by the adjustments I need to make for the missing leg, I’m glad to see I’m still portable and mobile. It takes me a little longer to get up and about in the mornings, but once I’m up, I can still drive, grocery shop, etc. as usual. I’m very grateful for your many prayers and encouragement, especially during the quiet times when I am adjusting to the leg being gone. While I am sad about my leg, I rejoice that it does not prevent my mobility and still allows me to join Vicki in the many things that need to be done, like errands, shopping, etc.
Although I’ve been away from work for several weeks now, I still need a few more days to recover from the mental affects of the morphine. Please pray that when I return, the Lord will help me pay close attention to the details, so I can provide a great level of service quality to the company.
Also, the Lord showed Vicki and I how to wrap my leg so that the bandage remains in place while I’m getting in and out of the car, scooting across the car seat to drive, getting in and out of bed, and all the other moving about that I do in a day. If the bandage did not stay in place, it would hinder my mobility. So we’re very excited that this one particular obstacle has been overcome and want to make special mention of it, in thanks to the Lord for his goodness.
Again, we appreciate each of you. |
|
|
| March 03, 2009 |
|
|
|
| You my brother are an inspiration!!!! Bless you my friend |
|
|
| March 04, 2009 |
|
|
|
Today I woke up late, feeling refreshed and somewhat more mentally alert than I have since returning home from the hospital. The physical effects of the morphine are mostly gone, but I can still see where it causes a reduced attention span and foggy memory. My memory seems to be improving, but my attention span still seems very affected.
Soon after waking up I had a business conference call, but cannot recall much of the conversation. It's a good thing I receive meeting notes on the discussion or I would be totally lost because I just couldn't follow along without winding up in a foggy haze.
When the meeting was over I fixed breakfast for Vicki, who has patiently cared for me and the entire apartment while I've been in the hospital. I prepared 2 slices of bacon, 2 scrambled eggs, 1 small apple peeled and sliced, toast and coffee. I was able to get most of it done, but I have to confess, she came to my rescue and helped me finish.
Then it was off to the store, where was had to get a few groceries and medical supplies.
Several times during the outtage, I reached down to adjust my left leg, only to realize it wasn't there. The first time it sort of bothered me, and the second time I just smiled and realized it was going to take a while.
While we were out and about today, Vicki confided to me that I have been different every since my surgery. She says I have a sweeter and gentler disposition, and she feels like we're much closer now than ever before. |
|
|
| March 07, 2009 |
|
|
|
| You are an inspiration to me too! WOW Still praying for you! |
|
|
| March 19, 2009 |
|
|
|
Well, this is my final update.
Went to see the surgeon today as a follow up and he says everything looks great. He took out the staples and says I no longer need bandages or wraps and can now shower again (thank goodness!). He also said there is no need for a follow up visit unless something goes awry.
So it seems the surgical process has completed, so I'm off and running.
It's time to go back to fishing again. |
|
|
Follow this blog
