Back into the Fast Lane

I have been home from the hospital now for just over one week. I am doing very well and
I am not experiencing any pain. It is good to be back to full speed again after being so in-
active for the twelve days I was under medical care. I had entered the Aberdeen Royal In-
firmary June 1st for surgery on my right eye June 3rd. I expected to be released from the
hospital one or two days after the operation. People who undergo the same procedure I
was scheduled for usually report to the hospital the evening before the operation and leave
the day after. But since I have a mechanical aortic heart valve, I am taking warfarin every
day to thin my blood.

I take the warfarin to prevent blood clots from forming. When blood clots break off and
are circulated to a vital organ, they can cause a stroke or heart attack. I am grateful for
warfarin because it helps keep me alive and healthy. Warfarin hinders the ability of the
blood to coagulate and form clots. People who take warfarin often experience bleeding
that is slow to stop, sometimes with tragic consequences. There is no place for that dur-
ing surgery. I  went into the hospital two days early to take medication to thicken my
blood for the operation. The operation on my eye was successful and the bleeding was
not a concern.

After surgery, I was put back on my medication to thin the blood. I expected that my
blood level would be back to normal after one or two days, perhaps three at the most.
But that was not the way it was. My blood's recovery was painfully slow. Perhaps it
was good that I was still in the hospital. Late Friday following surgery, my right eye
took a major step backwards. A doctor was able to observe what was happening. Sur-
gery was scheduled for the following Monday. Again I was put on medication to thick-
en my blood for the operation.

The surgery on Monday was successful. My eye appears to have been repaired, at least
for the foreseeable future. Not long after surgery, I was put back on the medication to
thin my blood. I cringed at the thought of more time in the hospital. But it was not to be.
The blood level quickly rose and I was allowed to return home two days after the second
surgery. I was stunned, but happily so. I was in the hospital for twelve days.

Whereas one part of me was anxious to get out of the hospital as soon as I could, a bigger
part of me really enjoyed my twelve day stay. I never was in any pain and I quickly recov-
ered from both operations. The medical care and the staff were top rate. I was actually im-
pressed with the Scottish meals that I could chose. I enjoyed talking with medical staff and
fellow patients on the Ward. I had time to read, journal, listen to podcasts, and chat with
people to my hearts content.

During my unexpected extended stay in the hospital, I was able to hand off the few duties
and commitments I had to other people. Because I actually felt good both physically and
spiritually, one voice in me really moaned and groaned about being inactive in the hosp-
ital for so long, but a more dominant voice was quite grateful for this time. It was a much
needed time of rest that the Lord had granted me. I felt a sharp sadness saying goodbye to
the staff as I left. I was still savouring the mince and tatties that I had for dinner just before
I left.  

As I write this, it has been just over a week since I returned home from the hospital. Agnes
and Jim next door have made sure that I am all right. My eye is doing very well and I have
enjoyed being back in the village and engaged in ministry again. The food at the hospital
was surprisingly good, but it nowhere begins to be compared with Agnes's  cooking. She
and Jim make sure that I am ok.  Even though I feel great, I must admit I have been thinking
of ways to take advantage of their neighbourly goodwill. Meanwhile, I am back in the fast
lane, as busy as was before the surgery. There is still a lot to catch up on, especially emails.
As usual, I ask for your prayers on my behalf.

Blessings to you and yours,