Heart thread - 10/17/2009 - updated

From Mimi we have a Myron Update:

Good Morning Everyone,

Myron spent the last evening in the ER at Christiana because of abdominal and back pain. An ultrasound was performed and a significant amount of sludge was seen in the gall bladder. The doctors decided to wait for several hours then repeat the ultrasound and it was determined he would in fact need to have the gall bladder removed. At this point the gall bladder is too inflamed to remove so they will wait a couple of days until it calms down a bit before surgery. An endoscopy will be done at the time of surgery to make sure there are no stones in any of the ducts.

Thank you all for your continued good thoughts and prayers.

Sue

Strengthen your servant Myron, O God, to do what he has to do and bear what he has to bear; that, accepting your healing gifts through the skill of surgeons and nurses, he may be restored to usefulness in your world with a thankful heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Prayers for Mimi and her upcoming cataract surgery, that it will all go well and that she will have peace of mind through it all.

When my mother had her surgery, I watched the procedure live on TV from a camera fitted with a microscopic lens. At the time, I thought that Dr. B. must be quite sure of his skills to permit a family member to observe, and I was impressed with his dexterity and speed in the operation. Just last year, in "New Orleans Magazine", Dr. B. was rated the best ophthalmologist in the neighborhood by his peers in the profession. He was a pioneer in our area with the small-cut cataract procedure, and I should have chosen him from the beginning. I believe that the mix-up at Ochsner turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

After lunch, GP and I headed over to the office (me driving), and, to make a long story short, my surgeries are scheduled for Nov. 9 and Nov. 23 by a doctor I know and in whom I have great confidence.

The bit of bad news is that I have early-stage dry macular degeneration in both eyes. For now, the treatment is a vitamin supplement, which I already take, and which obviously didn't prevent the condition from developing in the first place.

For Roseann and Gary, ongoing prayers. I have not seen an update on this surgery.

On Monday the 12th, I will have vein graft surgery. This is being done for dialysis purposes. I don't want to do it, there is significant risk of bleeding and clotting, but my doc is insisting. With the catheter I have now the risk of infection is great. It is not a matter of IF and infection but WHEN. So what's a girl to do.

For Eileen's cousin Mary Beth:

Mary Beth made it through her surgery well, but she is in ICU, and her brain is still quite swollen. It will be several days before any damage to her brain can be assessed – the aneurysm was apparently deep and her surgery was quite invasive, so there are concerns about her vision and possible cognitive functions. Her doctors report she is young and strong though, and so they have hope she will make a full recovery.

Many thanks to those of you who have been praying for her.

For Mother Sandra as she continues to heal and recuperate:

Mother Sandra is still at Kindred Hospital and continues to slowly progress in her healing. This will be a lengthy process of unknown duration and it is expected that she will continue to be at Kindred for awhile. Where she will go after Kindred will be dependent upon her healing and strength at that time.

For Bishop Marc who has run into a major complication after surgery for prostate cancer:

Saturday evening, continued difficulty breathing and slightly elevated temperature. Sheila and I decided to go to the emergency room. During a 15-hour stay in the emergency department at UCSF it was determined that a blood clot had broken away from veins in my lower left calf and made its way into my lungs – I had an extensive pulmonary embolism, with one large clot in the pulmonary artery, and smaller ones branching out through the lungs. I was eventually admitted to the hospital, after being put on blood thinners, and was discharged on Sunday evening.

This surprising event means that my recovery has been extended a bit, but I’m still in fact recovering. I’m back under the careful, tremendously competent eye of my primary care physician who mercifully shows me no mercy, and have the best help possible in Sheila.

For the diocesan conventions of California and Rio Grande (and any others) this weekend. May the Holy Spirit guide and renew.

Are you familiar with Ellie's blog Does Not Wisdom Call? If not, pop on over for some lovely meditations and art. Consider it a Sabbath treat to yourself. Please say a prayer for Sister Ellie as you do.

MadPriest is not back so you know he's up to no good. Pray for him anyway.

Mark is healing from sundry injuries and can use our prayers.

Jane battles deadlines and a fresh bout of respiratory crud and a shot of the Holy Spirit's eloquence and healing combined would not be amiss.

Last Tuesday was the 33rd anniversary of the loving commitment of Elizabeth and Ms Conroy. That calls for celebration and prayers for blessings on their years ahead. May they be many, rich in love, health, and joy.

For Marsha who had surgery on both feet on Wednesday:

As promised, I want to let you know about Marsha's surgery today. I just spoke with her: she is back home, the surgery went well, she ate half a sandwich, Max is being an excellent nurse, and she has no pain. Alleluia!

For Joe struggling with many challenges.

Happy Birthday today to my high school classmate Nancy Boghosian and to my U.S. Representative in Congress Martin Heinrich.

For Frank and Carol, for Susan, for Karen, for Kathy.

For the raising up of a new and vibrant congregation in the South Valley at Our Saviour.

For peace in Pakistan where the military has begun a new ground offensive against the Taliban in South Waziristan.

For wisdom and long-term thinking with regard to Afghanistan.

For the people of Zimbabwe.

For the elimination of hunger as we are mindful of World Food Day.

A joyous Diwali to all who celebrate it.

For those threatened by bushfire in central Queensland and those who fight the fire.

For the talks between India and China.

For the people of Guinea and an end to the crisis there.

Voting in Botswana has just come to an end; for the people of that nation.

For legitimate and respected government in Honduras.

For universal health care in the United States and for all who struggle for it.

UPDATE:
For Ralph and Susan.

Still moving/settling in, and dealing with mounting health complications for both of us.

Stay tuned, and humor us with prayers if they come naturally. Seems likely that we’re gonna need them.

--the BB