The surgical procedure last Friday went off without a hitch, but I was not prepared for the amount of pain engendered. Several weeks ago, when they did the nerve block, they infused the nerve bundle with a substance to deaden the nerves; hence I experienced little or no pain. In fact, I was back in the office that same afternoon. This time they infused the celiac plexus with a substance that literally “burned” the nerves, causing a great deal of pain. The regular pain medication that I’m taking kept the pain under control in large part, but I was very uncomfortable all weekend.
The doctor warned me that I must gradually wean myself off the Oxycontin. He said that my body is physically addicted to the medication and sudden withdrawal would be very traumatic. So, I will continue to take the full dosage for another week or so, gradually cutting back. Our prayer is that I can then exist on a much lower dosage and can regain some clarity of thought!
Another member of our Singapore church paid a visit yesterday. He is in the US for training and scheduled his travel to include a visit with us. He brought along some Chinese herbs to make soup which is supposed to provide energy and stamina. He also brought a supply of the infamous “Tiger Balm” and other ointments. I continue to be overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of our friends.
It is impossible for me to respond to all the comments on the blog and the emails that you are sending. I wish I had the energy and time to write each of you. But I want you to know that I read and re-read your comments over and over and am greatly strengthened by them. I am fully convinced that your prayers and good wishes are what keep me going. Thank you so much.
I’m attaching another Along the Journey, growing out of my experiences of last week.
