latest update from rick on his surgery

I’m back! I’m back in a number of ways. I’m back on line, kind of (dial-up at Jeanie’s), not complaining just different. I’m back at home, kind of, I’m actually at Jeanie’s, which is way more at home than at the hospital. I’m back physically, kind of, while not 100 percent, I am on my way back physically. I hope and pray for a fully, complete and speedy recovery.

Thank you so very much for your prayers, support, care and concern. I am where I am because of you and your prayers.

A brief recap of the events of last week, as best as I can recall: 9:30 am, Tuesday, January 13, Jeanie and I arrive at the hospital to check into pre-op. Later, I am joined in pre-op by my mom and a close friend Gerald. I wait there until about 1:00 pm, the anesthesiologist comes in with a “cocktail,” she says, “I have a margarita here for you.” She injects the “margarita” into my IV line, I am able joke, asking for a round for the house, and then I am out.

Next, about 4:30 or 5:00 pm, I wake up in recovery. I am amazed that I am not groggy or nauseous; I am amazed that I feel so alert and aware. My attending nurse asks me to try and cough and take deep breaths. She says that I should be in my room within a half hour. I ask when I can eat. I ask for Zankou Chicken, she thinks I’m crazy and responds by telling me that I won’t be eating anything for a while.

Later, I am rolled to my room. After getting to my room, I lay there wondering where “everybody” is, where is Jeanie, my mom and my friend Gerald? I try to call them, but realize I only know my cell number and my mom’s home telephone numbers. I try both, no one answers my cell and my mom’s home phone is busying. So, I wait about 15 minutes and then they arrive.

While waiting, I am parched. I ask the nurse for something to drink, they bring be a couple of little apple juices. I down them in no time. I ask for more. My thirst seemingly can not be quenched. Before the night is over, I drink at least 10 apple juices, 4 or 5 pitchers of water, a couple of lemon lime sodas and other various juices. I ask for something to eat, I am brought a liquid dinner, more juice, soda and broth. I devour everything.

Jeanie, my mom and my friend are all amazed that I am so alert, talkative and upbeat; hospital drugs are good, the Lord is even better. They and I expected me to be out of it, drowsy, incoherent. My pleasant experience is due to your prayers and support. Thank you so very much. I am a witness and testimony that prayer work. All through the process I felt covered in prayer, enveloped in His arms. I felt great peace and comfort, never anxious or worried.

Later that first evening, Jeanie’s friends Dan and Lillian come to visit, before leaving they pray for me. I know that my mom, Gerald, Dan and Lillian represent only a very small part of the support system that both Jeanie and I are blessed with.

There is so much to share and recount. I will end here with the events of the first day and continue again another time.

For the most part, I am doing very well. My experience is not without its ups and downs. Again more detail at another day and time. Presently, I am unable to sleep while lying on my back. My wound is extremely sore and tender. Getting in and out of bed is a challenge. For the most part my pain is being held at bay by my pain medication. I have had a few episodes of extreme and excruciating pain. I hope and pray that my pain will subside over time.

Please continue to pray for my recover process. Know that your prayers have and continue to make all the difference in the world. Pray that my wound will heal fully and without infection. Pray that I am able to sleep on my back. Pray for Jeanie, my primary caretaker. All of this has taken a toll on her. She is wearier than I am. Pray for the Lord to sustain and strengthen her.

Thank so very much for your prayers, visits, calls, flowers, cards, gifts, cookies, meals, care, concern, support, sacrifice and generosity. I feel very fortunate, blessed and loved.

Extremely gratefully,
Rick