Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Healing Heart

Many of you have asked about how my mother is after her open heart surgery on June 15th.  We are still working on a prayer letter to help update everyone but I thought I ought to fill in at least those of you who read this blog.

God answered the many prayers for Mom.  First there was the the heart catherization done a week before surgery.  It showed no blockage of her arteries ("clean as a whistle" was the phrase the doctor used) which meant the surgery would only be to replace her failing valve.
Then the surgery itself went well and the many tubes and wires that are necessary afterwards began coming out within a couple of hours.  She spent about 24 hours in ICU before being moved to a room on the cardiac floor where she continued to amaze all the doctor and staff with her progress.  Although we had been told most patients took 7-10 days in the hospital to be sure they were strong enough to be sent home, Mom was discharged in only 4 days.  A week after surgery I took the photo below while mom sat at the dinner table.
She tires quickly but continues to improve each day.  Now, a month later, it is only because of concern for the sterum bone to heal properly ( they say 12 weeks of no lifting, pushing, or twisting) that she has any restrictions.
We thank you for praying for her surgery and recovery and praise God for His healing. 

Thanks too for praying for Jim and I as we cared for both mom and dad during this last month. Jim has been wonderful to do most of the physically demanding work of my father's care. The first two weeks were challenging but things get easier every day.

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