Back Surgery 'Metaphors in the Christian Life" Part 3

After coming home from the hospital after surgery, I felt good. I did things I never thought I’d be able to do after major surgery. When the stitches were removed, I felt great! However, the next morning I woke in a bloody pool of ooze from the wound, which had not healed. This emanation put me back in the hospital and diagnosed with a MRSA infection. A PICC line was inserted to get IV antibiotics while the wound continued to weep for six more weeks. Plus I had excruciating pain in my right leg!

Complications. My picture should be in the dictionary next to this word. Everyone who has any surgical procedure has signed the page that lists all the possible complications that may arise as a result of surgery, including death. Dwelling on all the complications is ridiculous at this point because you still need the surgery, otherwise you wouldn’t be there! Weeping wound and PICC line followed by over-sewing the wound were the highlights of this trip to the hospital.

I was sent home with IV antibiotics to be administered at home – the strongest available on the planet. Another MRI was required to see if the wound needed to be re-opened to cauterize something in the surgical area.

My third hospitalization took place over the 4^th of July weekend. Diagnosis: Acute kidney failure. This trip included an EEG to see if I’d had a brain emergency. I went home barely able to stand, get out of bed, walk, take care of basic functions. Not what I signed up for.

Then there was the day we called 911 twice: once because I was in and out of consciousness, later because my blood pressure was 220/110. The ambulance ride to the ER was a new experience!

So it’s two plus months from surgery. The problems I had prior to surgery appear to have been resolved. The wound has finally healed. I can be left alone during the day, so Ken can go to work. Tyler, our Jack Russell terrier, works hard at guarding me and inspecting the home health care workers and my friends who come to help. We even survived the appliance repairman’s visit and the plumber’s arrival last week.

So what biblical truth can apply to all this mayhem? Ken feels like Job, but we have good friends who have brought food, took me to doctor’s appointments, sat with me, and encouraged us. All have prayed for us, including online friends as well.

God knows where this journey will lead. First, I canceled my registration for ACFW conference. No way I could do the walking required in August. Second, I released my three classes I was to teach this fall for the community college of which I am an adjunct professor. Both these are of high importance, but practically I was not going to be physically able to do them, and that grieves me. However, my fall calendar has opened up. I wonder what God might have in store.

So I’ll claim Jeremiah:29:11,  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” [NIV]