Monday, November 24, 2008

Health (or the lack of it)

Hello, fellow Kitchen-dwellers.

Could you please pray for my wife, Samantha, who was admitted to hospital today? She's due to have surgery (gynaecological laparoscopy) tomorrow morning. Please pray that the surgery will go well and that they'll find (and fix) what's been causing her so much pain over the past 5 months.

Also, for myself, the chest pain (costochondritis) came back yesterday :o( I do wonder if it's partly stress-related. It's not been too bad today, though the chest area is quite tender to the touch.

Any and all prayers - long, short, ongoing or one-off - are appreciated.

17 comments:

Sue said...

I do like the encouragement to one-off prayers :) It feels more real to me than making a list and droning through it. But that's just me.

Barry, I will certainly pray a one-off prayer for you, and for whenever God brings you to mind. You guys have such a hard weight to bear at the moment, and my heart really goes out to your wife :(

Maybe the costochondritis is partly stress-related. Our minds and bodies and spirits are so closely linked.

Erin said...

I'll pray Barry. I'm sorry Samantha is going through this....I pray the Drs. are able to to determine the problem and fix it without complications.

Valorosa said...

Yes prayers ... :-)

Lord give wisdom to the physicians looking and fill Samantha with the knowledge and feel of your presence.

Deliver healing to them both Lord
in Jesus precious name.

Amen

Nate said...

You got it. Prayers.

Happy said...

Definitely still praying, Barry - keep us posted.

God be with you,
Happy

Tyler Dawn said...

Barry, I am so praying. I had an ovary removed that way 18 months ago, before that I was in so much pain that I would scream -- and no pain meds could touch how bad it was. But after the surgery, even though they couldn't find anything wrong with that ovary, the pain stopped. I pray it will be the same with your wife. You are in my prayers as well. Big hugs.

Barry said...

Thanks for comments and prayers, everyone.

There's good news and not-so-good news. The good news is that Sam is now home, and the laparoscopy revealed that she definitely does not have endometriosis or other gynaecological nasties.

The not-so-good news is that we're still none the wiser what is causing the pain and other symptoms, which means it's back to the doctor ASAP to see what other avenues we can explore.

As for me, my chest has been fairly good again today. I have one more week's worth of my current medication to take, and we'll see what happens to my chest after that.

Erin said...

Although on the one hand I'm glad they didn't find anything, I am sorry that the problem hasn't been solved. I will pray that someone will be enlightened as to what is going on and how to fix it. Chronic pain is not fun, but to not know the cause is worse.

As well, I'll pray that you will feel well and strong, day by day.

Barry said...

It's 4.15 am and I've been awake for nearly 22 hours.

I just got home from the hospital. Sam may have developed complications following surgery, so she's gone back in until tomorrow at least. It never rains but it pours, eh? She's been in increasing pain today - and she has a pretty high pain threshold, so for her to complain of being in pain means that it's very painful indeed.

Looks like more prayer is still needed.

Happy said...

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you for being with Sam and with Barry tonight in all of the awfulness of this situation. I'm on the far side of the ocean, Lord, but that doesn't matter to You - so I speak peace to the pain that Sam is in, and I pray for her doctors, that You would give them your wisdom and insight into what is going on here in her body. You know it, God - You know exactly what this is - and it would only take one word from You. Whisper that word, God, please - to Sam, or to her doctors... However You do it, God, be Who You say You are to her. You are the God who heals. (Ex. 15:26) This cup has been so bitter, God. Please make it sweet. Because You can. And because we're asking You to. Please, Father, I am begging You to do something about this. I barely even know these people, but they are my brother and sister in Christ, and when one part of the body suffers, we all suffer with them. God, my heart is breaking for them right now, and so I am pounding down your door, right now, in the middle of the night. You told the story yourself, Jesus - of the widow who wanted justice, and pounded down the door of the unjust judge until he gave her justice just to get her to leave him alone. You are no unjust judge, God - You are good, and true, and just, and holy. AND You are approachable. And so I approach Your throne of grace with confidence tonight, and I tell you the truth, God. I simply want a miracle. And I do not care what it looks like or how it comes, but I want Sam to be well, God. Please help her. Please, Daddy...

And help Barry, God. He's got to be exhausted. I pray You would bless his sleep tonight with peaceful dreams, and create in his heart a quiet trust in You in spite of this storm. I speak peace, and life, love and comfort into this entire situation, God, and ask that You would help Barry and Sam both rest in You tonight.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Erin said...

Dear Papa Daddy,

What Happy said was beautiful and I second every bit of it. I beg you to share some insight so that whatever is causing Sam's pain can be fixed. Please be tangible to Barry and allow him rest.

Amen.

Tyler Dawn said...

Yes, I agree. Barry we are with you.

Is there anything we can do for your wife? Anything besides praying to cheer her up and take the edge off?

Barry said...

Thanks, guys. I don't think there's anything else you can do for Sam at the moment. Your prayers are appreciated though. She's currently still in hospital, on strong painkillers while waiting for her surgeon to see her (she saw the duty doctor last night).

As for me, I had to drink a lot of Red Bull last night to make sure I was awake enough to drive, so even though I was home at just after 4 am I didn't get to sleep until after 5. I can't describe how exhausted I feel now.

Barry said...

Latest upd: Looks like she's going to be OK. I'm on my way to fetch her from the hospital now.

Tyler Dawn said...

Praise God, how is the pain?

Barry said...

Pain still there but under control.

New problem: as soon as we got home and sat down, I basically broke down. Then I slept for hours and still feel very withdrawn and depressed. Basically, I'm burnt out. I have no more to give.

Sue said...

Oh, Barry :( No wonder you're so worn out. Look after yourself. I pray that you get lots of good sleep.