Dominoes, Pigs, Vacuums, and Providence Unfolded

An adaptation of some early December correspondences, and a follow up to our January 7th post of a similar name.

In August 2013, I learned that a long-present (since the Spring of 2012) sacral-coccyx (think rear end) pressure sore, to which we wheelchair-rangers are especially susceptible, had deepened to a critical point. I had been trying to manage this independently (not always effectively) before finally seeking professional wound care. In January 2013 I was prescribed Prednisone, an immuno-supressive steroid, for another condition. Over the months, the sore remained uninfected, shallow and generally “healthy.” Doctors hoped a gradually tapering dose of Prednisone, along with pressure management, would permit healing — even if slowly. Given a combination of these and other factors, several of which are mutually complicating, and despite my attempts to relieve pressure on and around the area, skin graft surgery was set for December 9th.

There were in fact three surgeries. The first was a reversible diverting colostomy, the second a same day skin-fold prep procedure, and the third, on December 17th, a final skin fold procedure. I now euphemistically refer to my surgeries derrière as a two-stage life style lift, complemented by a holiday bonus colostomy (nervous laughter).

I must tell you I was, have been, and am still occasionally quite anxious about all of this: procedures, recovery, possible complications, recovery, healthcare administration, insurance, things back home, returning to work, colostomy management, etc. Suddenly, all these anxieties, certainly understandable, were considerably louder than my oft’ proclaimed confidence that, until my time is up, God will uphold, care for, protect, preserve, heal, and deliver me. Positions easily asserted are put to the test when placed under the knife.

God, knowing our weaknesses inspired Paul who wrote to Peter Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.. And to the Philippians “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.. Centuries later, The Westminster Assembly would craft its Shorter Catechism (with which some of you may be familiar): Q. 98. What is prayer? A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.

And so, I have prayed. Others have prayed and wished well. For God’s grace and favor on surgeons (two), nurses, and medical staff administering care. That there would be no surgical complications. That wounds, incisions, etc. will heal quickly, and for freedom from infection. For contentment during a long (for me) period of inactivity – away from home and during the Christmas season. That my time away from home will provide Alice rest and refreshment. That the full outworking of all these plans, events and variables will result in greater independence (self-care, mobility, effectiveness at work, etc.). That I will be back to work in January, as planned.

And God has graciously provided. Procedures have been carried out without complication. I have spent five weeks post-op in hospital and skilled care facilities convalescing. The food, though experimental, hasn’t killed me. House is still standing. Lovely heroic wife is more lovely and heroic than ever. Kids and dog are in good health. I was able to use accrued leave, so as to avoid filing for Short Term Disability. My homecoming date, once scheduled for January 15th, has been pushed back to the 18th. And, my return to work date is tentatively projected (aggressively but hopefully) as January 20th.

Hoping you’ll have found this ramble to be encouraging.