The Power of Prayer

A couple of days ago, I reluctantly shared about my upcoming surgery on Facebook.   The reason I say reluctantly, is because I didn't want my post to be about a cry for attention or to obtain sympathy.  My primary reason for posting about the surgery was to solicit the prayers of others on my behalf.

I am very glad that I did post about my surgery, because the prayer support I've gained is overwhelming.  And I know that the prayers of others made a difference in how my day went yesterday.  I was filled with an amazing sense of peace and calm, and didn't have a single moment of anxiety or fear as the day began and progressed.  Had this surgery taken place 6 or 7 years ago, I would have been a nervous wreck!  I love how God has been working on creating a more peaceful heart in me.  I was reminded throughout the day of the promise that God had given me the day before in His Word.  My mantra (if-you-will) for the day was:  Jesus . . . unfailing love and faithfulness.  Jesus . . . unfailing love and faithfulness.  Jesus . . . unfailing love and faithfulness.  I soaked up that promise and felt blessed to be where I was yesterday.  I am so grateful for the prayer support I received from family and friends.  I know that made all the difference.

The surgery was successful and I am now recovering.  I didn't have to leave the hospital with a drain connected to my incision site, which, according to the nurses, is very rare.  I say it's a God-thing.  I am still bandaged-up, so I have no idea what my neck looks like, other than the fact that I have bruising, which is emerging beyond the dressing.  It's a lovely shade of green. Tomorrow I can remove the bandage and assess the aftermath.  I imagine it isn't going to be pretty.  For those of you with inquiring minds, the surgery I had is called a Sistrunk Procedure, and if you Google those words, you'll find out how this procedure was used to remove the thyroglossal cyst that I had.

I was hoping to return to work tomorrow, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to.  I think I'll be feeling okay to do so, but until my dressing is off, I'd rather not be at work.  I have opted to fore go the pain medication that the doctor prescribed to me, because I hate how it makes me feel.  It's got some pretty nasty side-effects, and aside from the one dose I had immediately following the surgery, I have only been taking extra-strength Tylenol for the pain, and that seems to be working fine.  The pain isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, for which I am thankful.  My only concern now is keeping the incision clear of infection, and allowing it to heal properly.

Again, I am very thankful for the support of family and friends.  My parents came to get me after my surgery and they blessed us all with supper and a visit to our home, which was great.  Wayne and the boys have been waiting on me hand-and-foot, and I've been enjoying the extra time we've had to just hang-out as a family.

Again I will say I am thankful for the prayers of others.  If you were one of those people, thank you from the bottom of my heart.  May God bless you for blessing me in this way.