Nige's Surgery - Update #13

(Click on image to enlarge)

Nige with his surgeon, Adam Bartlett, and the two on the right are two of Nige's nurses - Katrina (top) and Mable (bottom). Sadly Nige doesn't remember these two nurses too much but that was because he was not really with it when these ladies were on duty. But I remember them because they were with Nige during those rough first days and took wonderful care of him. They were so lovely to me, and caring too. One night I teared up on Katrina when Nige's breathing wasn't good and she took the time to come give me a hug. So much appreciated. All the nurses were great in Ward 78 and I didn't think early enough to get pictures of them all.

So yesterday morning we met with Adam for one last consultation and he again reiterated how pleased he was with the surgery. Adam explained to us a bit more about the cocoon-like scar tissue. It's quite amazing really! When the body senses that an organ is not well, the organ next to it attaches itself so that if the unwell organ perforates the second organ is there to protect the body from nasty discharges. In Nige's case, the stomach had attached itself to the pancreas, and the bowel had attached itself to the stomach, so the three organs had 'cocooned' themselves together. WOW! As Adam was explaining this Psalm 139 came to mind, especially these verses:

"For You formed my inward parts;

You wove me in my mother's womb.

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Wonderful are Your works,

And my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from You,

When I was made in secret,

And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth"

Psalm 139:13-15

We truly are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Initially, Adam only made a 12cm cut as he had planned but when he discovered this 'cocoon' he had to cut wider to be able to get in and separate these organs. He said that by now the organs have probably gone back into protective mode and re-attached themselves already but this won't create any problems for Nige.

So here we are back home in Hastings. Nige is still to take things easy for another week or so, not returning to work until late next week and then only half days. He's not allowed to drive for a couple more weeks either and no heavy lifting for about six more weeks. Nige is happy that his laptop bag weighs less than 5kg which means he's allowed to lift that!

Three of our five favourite faces (the other two were at school) were again smiling and waving at through the Napier Airport window as our plane landed, welcoming us back from another flight and driving us home (I'm talking about the Hendos of course). Phil and Natalie have been wonderful to us in this way for all the trips we've taken in the last 6 years. Friends from church have offered us evening meals for our first three nights home. Snail-mail cards had come while we were away - some had even come to us in Auckland too. The Lord has blessed us with people who care for us in many ways and for these we truly thank Him!

The posts about Nige's surgery and recovery will be less often now that we're home and the worst is over. We both have appreciated everyone's concern for us during this time and for those who have faithfully prayed for the surgery and Nige's recovery.