14 DAYS

I just returned home after spending two weeks in the hospital. What did I learn about myself? I learned a lot!

My significant medical history begins 10 years ago when I had blocked arteries and required a five-by-pass surgery. Since then I have had a problem with fluid buildup causing ankle swelling and in my chest cavity that caused shortness of breath when I exerted myself. Doctors tried to control the problem with medications.

After returning from Florida in mid-February I did not feel well. My doctor changed my medications and ordered an Echogram of my heart. The body fluid level was going up dramatically but that was deceiving because my weight did not increase. The results of the Echogram were not good – My heart before had been at an efficiency rate of 45 (50 is Normal) but was down to 25 and falling. My kidney function was dangerous high at 2.2; over 2.0 can cause irreversible damage. Next was an office visit to Dr.  Nickelbine, a Cardiologist, who did not even examine me but offered two alternatives – seeing other doctors or going to the hospital to find out what was going on in my body. I providentially chose the hospital. He arranged for the admittance for the next day and highly recommended Dr. Alovira, a cardiologist who specializes in fluid buildup. “She is very smart and skilled,” he said, and he was right.

 Lura made calls and sent out Emails to family, relatives, friends, our Small Group and the Small Group Administrative Team at Wooddale to pray for me. Brynn’s kindergarten class also prayed. I had at least 50 people praying for me, maybe 100.

At the hospital I had a team of doctors – Dr. Alovira a cardiologist, Dr’s Kern and Fadden Urologists, and Dr. Legris a kidney specialist. They worked very well as a team. Then there was an army of others: nurses, techs, physical, occupational, and respiratory therapists, a dietitian, and social worker. All were very professional and exceptionally caring.

After just a few hours of my arrival at the hospitable they found the cause of the problem. My bladder was full due to an enlarged prostate gland despite the fact that I could partially relieve myself. They began the draining process, 1600 cc. the first day, another 1,000 cc. the second. The total fluid removed from my body was 20 pounds or 2.4 gallons. My bladder was so full it backed up to the kidneys and pressed into my chest cavity. My heart was trying unsuccessfully to remove the fluid.

 Dr. Kern advised we should not rush into surgery but 2 days later he offered my alternatives: Either wait for medication to shrink the prostate or have surgery to hurry things along. I providentially chose surgery. Because I knew so many were praying for me, I was at peace with the decision. Just before surgery my blood pressure remained at my normal rate (124/64) indicating no stress. I told Dr. Kern because so many people were praying for me when he did the surgery his hands would be “the hands of God.”

Surgery consisted of removing 70% of my prostate gland and cauterizing the surgical wound. After that surgery began, the irrigation process that went on for three days. IV’s ran 24 hours per day with three liters of solution per hour. After three days the output still contained blood. When Dr. Fadden, one of my urologists, came into my room, I surprised him by telling him I was running out of patience. He had a puzzled look on his face but he really was considering my options.  When I asked him if he wanted time to consider my case, but he quickly listed the options. I providentially elected another surgery. It was the right decision because he found a blood clot of 500 cc, the size of a grapefruit. From that point on I was on the road to recovery.

What did I learn? I had put my life Bible verse to the test. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.” Because I knew so many people were praying for me I had confidence and peace in all the decision-making. I believe that I will live as long as the Lord plans, no less or no more. Some may call it wise decision-making, others luck. I call it answered prayer.