A Healing Touch

 

Within the span of a few weeks’ time, my view has changed from that of an endless horizon where ocean blends into sky, to the inside of a building…especially the ceiling! After getting home from our trip to the Caribbean, it was time to prepare for another experience—a sinus surgery! One right after the other; however, perhaps the first was a preparation for the second!

The sinus surgery had been scheduled in January, after suffering through several bouts of sinusitis last fall and winter. Finally, an ENT ordered a CT scan of my head to determine what could be the cause of the recurring infections. Through the marvel of the CT scan, it was determined that there was calcification inside some of the sinus cavities, a sign of fungal activity.

Fungus in my sinuses? That was shocking, but understandable after being an outdoors person most of my life, with gardening, hiking, backpacking and camping providing many opportunities for exposure.

 There were some structural issues that also contributed to creating a habitat for bacteria and other things. Surgery to clean out the infection and open up clogged passageways seemed like a good option.

When the surgeon came into the preparation area where I was waiting that morning, we talked a bit about the procedure. “Bread and butter” he called it. He had already completed two tonsillectomies and had removed the adenoids from a young lady. I was next in line.

Al asked the surgeon if he could pray before the operation, and the doctor nodded that it would be okay. Al commenced to acknowledge God as the Great Physician and asked that He would oversee the surgery, that it would be an uneventful one! It was easy to say “Amen” to that prayer!

I felt very safe and secure…that is until I was in the operating room, still conscious, and an anesthesiologist put a very tight-fitting mask over my face. In the past, the anesthetic drugs had been administered through a needle in my arm.

Feeling claustrophobic, a wave of panic came over me. Before I could do anything though, everything got dark and I fell asleep.

About two hours later, it was done and I was back in the same room. When the doctor came in to brief us, he commented that it was very uneventful! An answer to Al’s prayer!

I was sent home with orders to rest for a week and a protocol of meds to follow each day that would help with pain and keep the sinuses irrigated. Complete healing would take about six weeks.

Al and I have switched places as the main caregiver after surgery. Often I have been the one to take care of him. This time, it’s his turn, and he is taking good care of me! At present, my main duties involve sleeping, eating, very low-key activities like answering phone calls and emails, and plenty of time for prayer and Bible reading.

When I am tempted to complain or am focused on pain or feel like going back to bed after just getting up, the Lord has helped me. He has carried me through the down times; and His power has given me strength in my weakness. I know that I am not alone.

 Several scriptures have helped me to be a “patient” patient during the period of recovery:

“A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” (Proverbs 18: 14)

“If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!” (Proverbs 24:10)

“…The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary; and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 41:28b-31)

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (Ephesians 3:16-17a)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10)

 Praise God, the Great Physician, for touching me, for touching each of us with His healing hand!

(Above verses are from the NIV Bible)

Pictures: Lunch and a scumptious dessert with Grandsons definitely does wonders for healing! :)