The good news of the day is that, within minutes of Mary’s two chest tubes being removed, her heart rhythm suddenly converted from atrial fibrillation (afib). However, it converted to another form of arrhythmia — possibly atrial flutter, according to her nurse, although sinus tachycardia was also mentioned as a possibility at one point. But we’re generally pleased that, for now at least, the afib is gone. And with the help of medication (amiodarone) there is greater reason to believe that she’s going to end up back in good old sinus rhythm before long.
She continues to sit up and walk (with assistance), evidence more strength and better color, and her appetite is slowly returning (a half sandwich for lunch). She even asked for a book to read (one that she had brought along).
Mary’s surgeon today actually voiced the possibility of a discharge on Tuesday, although that’s still not certain, there’s criteria to meet, and any discharge would be contingent on no significant setbacks between now and then. Besides, we don’t wish to rush things. Going home will involve a host of other challenges. Mary will probably need daily help in some very practical ways (we’re not sure from whom yet), and if a major issue was to to develop, Monson is a long way from Bangor, especially this time of the year with snow and ice soon coming our way.
There have been some low moments. We are both more conscious than ever of our physical limitations and vulnerability to forces beyond our control. That usually also presents an opportunity for greater faith in the One who controls all things. So please pray with us for faith to pass such tests.
This is Sunday, so we had our own special devotional time together this morning, and later Vin Upham (the retired minister from NY who is my caregiver) briefly stopped by to pray with us and for us.
Thanks once again to you for your love and interest in our lives. I’m not able to personally reply to most comments or emails at this point, but I read them all and try to pass most all of them along to Mary.
Until next time.
Daryl E. Witmer
11 Comments
Dear Daryl and Mary,
I’m praying with you for daily recovery and especially for the heart to get into normal sinus rhythm. So thankful she’s out of Afib. I am praying that Mary also will have someone to help her for awhile till she gets stronger. It’s great to hear her appetite is improving and she’s walking some. Love you both!
Aunt Marlene
So thankful that you, Daryl, are keeping us posted with Mary’s progress – thank you so much. Continued prayers for your daily needs, now and then at home. Love you both
Hi Daryl and Mary (& Vin),
We are praying daily for all of you as you get through each challenge knowing that our dear Lord is with you and guiding you in it all! I’m reading all your updates to Steve and your blogs remind us of how God is so faithful and is mindful of every detail that concerns us. Again, we are praying and we love you!
S & D xo
Praying for the heart beats to stabilize. I understand your concern re coming home too soon. I’ll pray for those concerns and your and Mary’s ongoing needs. So great to know Mary is walking.
Love,
Aunt Marlene
Thanks so much for keeping us posted. Our hearts are with you and we are pouring out our hearts to God on your behalf. Love, Gina (for Jack and I) Our kids are also following along and praying.
Cathleen and I continue to pray for you all. Thank you for the continued updates. Looking forward to the day this is just a memory in a scrapbook and fonder memories are being made once again.
Good morning, Daryl and Mary
CABC prayed corporately for you both during yesterday’s service; most are praying individually as well. We appreciate the updates. May all of these “glitches” be temporary and not hinder overall progress. May you experience God’s grace for each day and may you be a witness to His glory to the physicians and staff -testimonies can be doubly affective if given in sincerity during the trials, hard as it may be to maintain on one’s own.
We love you and are praying!!
Leslie and Joe
You both have been stationed firmly on our prayer list. Thank you so much for keeping this of us who care deeply for you, but don’t want to infringe on your privacy, updated on BOTH of your wellbeing. You give enough detail for us to know how to pray (God already knows, anyway) without giving away the bank :-).
We are praying for God’s protection, His divine provision for your every need, for His hand of healing on Mary, for His tangible presence in your midst and for the people He brings to minister in every way to you.
God bless you, dear friends <3
Just a quick note to let you know that Nancy and I are praying for Mary each day. Blessings to you both
We continue to hold you closely in our thoughts and prayers. Hoping today was a good day! Lots of love. Darlene & Joel
I continue to pray for the needs as you mention them, Daryl. Praising the Lord for Mary’s progress. I am confident He will supply at every turn! God bless you both.