Just a brief update here this morning to let those of you who are interested know that Mary continues to make good progress in healing from her aortic valve replacement procedure on November 1.
The one persistent challenge has been getting a good night’s sleep due to discomfort in her back and near her primary incision. To date the surgeon’s office has discouraged her from sleeping on her side and, because she is normally a side-sleeper, this leaves no real options but either lying on her back or sitting up most of the night. Neither makes for a very restful night’s sleep. Pain has been kept in check with Tylenol, though; there have been no wound infections, and we’re pleased that she otherwise seems to be steadily healing inside and out.
Winter has arrived early here in north central Maine. Yesterday we were planning to attend church for the first time since Mary’s surgery, but services were canceled due to a wintry mix which, as it turned out, didn’t become much of an issue until later in the day. Tomorrow a much larger storm system is coming in which makes it unlikely that we will be able to keep an appointment with Mary’s primary care physician.
Snowbanks are already piling up. In previous years we’ve seen far less snow in mid-December than we already have on the ground today. There have also been days when the thermometer didn’t make it about 10 degrees above zero (Fahrenheit). So the wood stove has been fired up and doing its job most days.
Because of Mary’s hospital stay, snow, ice, bitter cold, and holidays, I have been working from my home office more than usual over the past four weeks. Still, with Beth May’s help, I’ve been able to spend enough days in my office at AIIA’s Study Center to keep up.
In terms of Mary’s specific medical progress and her ability to resume daily tasks, driving, and routines, the results of an appointment with her surgeon, Dr. Klemperer, on December 5 in Bangor will probably be more definitive.
Meanwhile, thanks for continuing to track along with us on the journey back to what will be “normalcy.”
NOTE: Although Mary and I read all of the public comments made in response to this blog, we typically only reply to personal email. If you choose to send us personal email you can address it to AIIA@AIIAInstitute.org and put the words “Personal to the Witmers” in the subject line.
Daryl E. Witmer
3 Comments
Thanks for updates. Good to hear of Mary’d progress. Will pray she can get rest even while lying on her back until she is completely healed. Again not sure what I can do from here, but don’t hesitate to ask
Love
Debbie
Praying and will keep at it for Mary and you Daryl. Understand the back pain and sleeping. God has wonderfully touched me in that area several years ago. He has that for Mary too! So thankful to hear of the strength and progress!
Love to you both!!
The Johnsons
So good to hear of Mary’s continued progress! I’ve been keeping track over the last several years: snow hits on Sat/Sunday, Tues, Wed. Almost invariably. I’ve noticed this over the years because it aggravatingly interrupts Sunday worship and weekly Bible studies. It’s a definite pattern. If you need appts. In winter, try on Mon, Thur, Fri.