Posted on November 27, 2009 by Dun Gordy
Trying to impress my grandchildren how dangerous it is to use an axe, I gave a sufficient demonstration. I think I overdid it by splitting my thumb with the axe. The blood and gore convinced them of the lesson I was giving. I won’t be doing much typing until my thumb heals a little more.
Cut up thumb!
Filed under: 1 | 1 Comment »
Posted on November 21, 2009 by Dun Gordy
We had a very encouraging visit with Dr. Morris this afternoon. He had the report from the radiologist with the results of the venous mapping done yesterday. He said that there were a vein and an artery that he can use to do a fistula in either of her arms. This is much preferred to the implanted grafts that Harriet has had from the beginning of her dialysis experience. The two surgeons who had worked on her previously had never even discussed a fistula with us, and had indicated that this was not an option with Harriet.
Dr. Morris said that on the basis of the venous mapping report, he could create an AV fistula in either of Harriet’s arms but he will concentrate on her upper right arm. We will probably be scheduled for this surgery after Thanksgiving. It will be an inpatient hospitilization.
Harriet’s grafts have been either an artificial ‘vein’ or an animal vein implanted in her arm. These are always more susceptible to infection and usually do not last as long as a fistula.
“An arteriovenous (AV) fistula is an abnormal passageway between an artery and a vein. . . . An AV fistula may be created surgically to provide access for hemodialysis in people with end-stage kidney failure.” (from MayoClinic.com)
Filed under: Dialyis, P. S. = Pray Still | 1 Comment »
Posted on November 20, 2009 by Dun Gordy
Harriet had ‘venous mapping’ of both arms and her neck today. IF the radiologist gets his report to the surgeon by tomorrow we will meet with him to determine if, where and when he will schedule the next surgery to implant a new access. Will know by tomorrow PM.
Filed under: P. S. = Pray Still | 1 Comment »
Posted on November 17, 2009 by Dun Gordy
Surgeon looked at Harriet’s arm and ordered a “venous mapping” to determine where he can put the next access. Will get that done in the out-patient lab at hospital. They will call tomorrow to let us know when her appointment will be. Doubt that they will do the actual surgery before Thanksgiving.
Filed under: P. S. = Pray Still | Leave a Comment »
Posted on November 16, 2009 by Dun Gordy
Harriet slept most of the day today. Good to get the rest after 2 full weeks of difficulties. She’s never without pain, sometimes it has been more than others and these weeks have been hard on her. This week we will probably have to meet with the surgeon to schedule having a new access implanted. We’d appreciate you praying for wisdom for Dr. Minga (nephrologist) and Dr. Morris (surgeon). We are praying that they can put an access in her upper right arm but they’ll just have to determine that when they examine her.
Usually they will leave the permacath in for at least 6 weeks while the new access heals and “maturea” enough to use it. The concern with the permacath is the high risk of invection and since it goes directly into the heart, there is little room for risk.
The cellulitis in her right arm seems to be responding to the antibiotics and we are thankful for that! She still has lots of pain there but “I think it’s better” is still her attitude.
And we repeat GOD IS GOOD!
Filed under: P. S. = Pray Still | Leave a Comment »
Posted on November 15, 2009 by Dun Gordy
son-n-law Franz Martens and Raymond Parker
I found out that our children -with the full co-operation of their mother- had planned a “surprise” celebration for my retirement. And they even dragged our pastor in on it. And I threw a fit… well, I didn’t fall down and kick and scream but I did threaten to go ahead with my plans to attend the 50th reunion of my Truett McConnell College class in Cleveland, GA. Pastor Mike told me “go ahead, we’ll still have a good time without you.”
But they did agree to make it a “Celebration of the first 51 Years of ministry” instead of a retirement party. Well, that scared me. I was afraid of what they might say behind my back so I hung around for the shindig. I thought that we were just going to regular service and after anothe great message by our pastor, he’d say “Congratulations Dun. Now lets eat!”
Instead they had my funeral. All our children came- Michael from Oregon, Tom from Colorado and Julieann and Kristie with their whole families from central Florida. Both my sisters and many of our local friends and fellow church members. Raymond and Marie Parker came from Alabama to represent New Tribes Mission.
At the end of the morning daughter Julieann said “You can go ahead and die now, Dad. We just had your funeral”. I didn’t know folks would say such nice things about anyone until they were dead. And never would say such about me! Not only said, but they gave us a whole bunch of letters and notes from friends all over the world. After the festivities were over and things settled down in the evening, Harriet and I sat and read all of those. One moment we were roaring with laughter and the next we were weeping like babies.
Check out some pictures on our “PHOTOS” page on the tab above.
Filed under: 1, Ministry | Leave a Comment »
