Scary moments

After more than two weeks of “scary moments,” it’s becoming more difficult to think that the next incident could be anything but bad.

William suffered a series of strokes on August 13th.  From there, he’s been in two different hospitals several times, has seen neurologists and a cardiologist, has had many tests and scans, all culminating with a diagnosis of PFO (patent foramen ovale).  Normally a condition that most people live with event-free, it must be treated when it causes problems.  Rather than open-heart surgery, the cardiologist felt that device-closure by catheterization was the best and least invasive option.  That procedure was done without complication on Wednesday of this week.

His surgery went as expected and he suffered no remaining side-effects from the strokes, so he was discharged on Thursday.  Within an hour of arriving home, he began experiencing symptoms which included numbness of his hand.  The symptoms resembled stroke symptoms, so he was taken to the nearest hospital.  After tests were done, he was transferred by ambulance to the larger hospital where his surgery had been performed.  He was thoroughly evaluated, and the diagnosis isn’t as scary as we feared!  His medication has been adjusted, and he is being discharged again this afternoon.

The physicians are confident that this episode was an acephalgic or optical migraine.  The symptoms include classic migraine symptoms (numbness and tingling, as well as visual aura and nausea), but do not always include a headache.  Stress is one of many triggers.

I’d say there’s been a fair amount of stress in that household!

That scare is over, but it will take a long time before we don’t panic at the least little symptom or episode.  For now, all is seemingly well, and they will have a long weekend to rest and de-stress.  Perhaps by Tuesday they’ll return to the job routine.

Thanks so much for everyone’s prayers and concerns.  Once again, God has shown His mercy and care by keeping this precious family safe.

I’ve been on the verge of tears today, so I think I’ll find a little corner to let that out and perhaps relieve my own stress.

Once again…

…the phone rang during the night.  They had been home about an hour when everything seemed to go wrong.  Laura called as they were in transit by ambulance from one hospital ER to another.

I’m still waiting for more information…

…and praying.

It’s not funny…

…but I had to laugh anyway.  Checking on the tropical outlook this afternoon, not only do we see Tropical Storms Gustav and Hanna, but there are three other areas of potential development!

This image is fairly poor, but for a better image and more up-to-date information, click here.

More on today…

William’s surgery did go well.  The cardiologist is satisfied.  The neurologist should stop in tomorrow (Thursday) morning.  If all is satisfactory, Laura and William will go home tomorrow. Laura has a bit more info on her blog.

This has been a long two weeks.  We are praying that this procedure and repair is typical, meaning that the PFO is closed and of no further concern.  We are so ready to focus on becoming grandparents!

I am so thankful for the willingness of others to pray for William and Laura and for all the care and concern that has been shown.  I appreciate each and every one of you.

God is good.

In fact, He’s nothing less than Awesome!

Today…with updates

Initial reports are that all is well.

Laura was contacted from surgery and told that William is fine and the surgery was textbook.
After a few minutes, he’ll be moved to recovery and then she’ll be notified when she is able to see him.
Of course, we’ll all feel better when she talks to the surgeon and to William!
(And when we are able to talk to him!)

You are my God, and I will give You thanks;
You are my God, and I will exalt You.
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
His love endures forever.

Psalm 118:28-29, NIV

§§§

Laura just called to let me know that the surgery is getting started about 55 minutes late.
Although she is feeling very anxious, she is also in an upbeat mood.
My brother-in-law, who pastors two small churches about two hours away, surprised her by showing up in the surgical waiting room to wait with her.
Needless to say, this has given her a much-needed and much-appreciated (by me! thanks, B!) boost.
Laura reports that the surgery will take about 1.5 hours…she’ll call just as soon as she’s able.
I appreciate all of the support, prayers, and positive comments!

§§§

William’s (or “Stretch” as he is known by many) surgery is today.
Please keep him and Laura, his surgeon and the surgical team and his care-givers in your prayers today.

His surgery is scheduled for 10:30 Central time.

Almighty God our heavenly Father, graciously comfort your

servant William in his suffering, and bless the means made use of

for his cure.  Fill his heart with confidence that, though at times

he may be afraid, he yet may put his trust in you; through Jesus

Christ our Lord.  Amen.

From the Book of Common Prayer