Faithful Through It All:
Precious friends,
Well, it’s been a little while since I was able to write.
In fact, only a few weeks ago it took me three hours to construct and type 150 words.
That’s how weak I had become.
And the reason?
The reason was because I ended up in intensive care with a severe abdominal condition caused by kidney stones which had blocked my kidney transplant.
Bottom-line, I’d developed a severe case of pyelonephritis!
My kidney had become intoxicated with a massive sepsis infection caused by E. coli.
Thus, I needed dialysis.
Coinciding with this, my bowel and stomach decided to no longer function.
Basically, I was enduring multi-system organ failure.
As a result of problems with my vital organs, I was very ill, and my condition, unless treated immediately, could have been fatal.
My blood sugar began to climb.
My blood pressure was unsettled.
I had a high temperature.
I was suffering abdominal pain radiating to my back.
This was accompanied with chills and uncontrollable shivering.
My heart was pounding through my chest.
Really pounding, beating rapidly.
I was breathless.
And if this wasn’t enough, I developed a rare form of pneumonia!
Later, I also had blisters filled with “serous” fluid running along the nerve path underneath my right arm!
Yep, I had shingles!
Further investigations found that I had internal ulcers, and to make things worse, within a month of being hospitalised I developed a pulmonary embolism.
The deep vein thrombosis, blood clot – became potentially life threatening, as it could have prevented blood from reaching my lungs!
I say within a month, as between 5 July and 5 September I was admitted, then discharged, sometimes transferred, to and from one of three hospitals, on a total of eight times!
In that time period I actually spent 45 days in hospital!
No wonder I lost so much weight!
And no wonder I need the “occasional” use of a wheelchair!
Still, after having a nephrostomy plumbed into my transplanted kidney: a catheter into my bladder: a dialysis line inserted into my neck: multiple antibiotics piped into the other side of my neck: a draining tube up my nose down into my chest: an oxygen mask virtually covering my face: a retrievable small mesh device implanted in the large vein going from my groin towards the right chamber of my heart: and one of those ghastly intravenous drips in either my hand, arm, or foot: things began to improve for me.
Anyhow, I eventually had the operation to remove the kidney stones on 18 August.
Five or six large stones were removed in total, but apparently there are a couple which could not be removed as they are stuck in the membrane.
Thankfully though, I no longer need dialysis.
My kidney function is gradually improving, currently running at around 44%.
Of course, there is more detail, but let me cut to the chase.
Rachel has done superbly in providing care for me.
And she continues to do so.
However, throughout this episode one may have thought: where is God when I need Him?
Sure-enough, the health challenges I face are wearying.
It takes resources deep within, and a clear faith.
But listen friends, I will never let difficulties define me!
Never!
Remember this, with God’s help, I have already defied medical science and the opinion of some specialists.
And yes, through it all, my heavenly Papa remains faithful.
He will never run out on me.
With a close affectionate and protective acceptance, He shelters me in the middle of the storm.
He holds me safe.
Embraces me with tender love.
He keeps me warm in the cold.
He fixes my trauma.
Empowers me with inner strength.
In Him I trust.
And guess why?
He has assigned me with His name.
Given me His identity.
Determined my destiny.
Yes!
Through it all, God “is” right here, helping me.
Helping us.
Sure, God is ready to help when we need Him.
Rock-firm and faithful.
So, Papa God, praise be!
Now friends, if this message has encouraged you, please click the recommend button found before this post.
Thank you.
David Prince: Full-time Husband To Rachel – Writer Of Stuff – Receiver Of Grace – Drinker Of Tea – & Hearty Neighbour.
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Last Modified: 23 January 2015:
Kidney transplant anniversary: 23/01/98: 17 Years.