Hooray! It's Sunday!

Getting ready for church.

 

Yesterday's dialysis went okaywith a few hitches.

 

Slept a lot

 

Said goodbye to my son Jackie and his family as they went back to North Carolina.

 

It was a great week.

 

I was lax on considering others the last few days.  Hope to get back on the track today

Bloodless Thursday

Hey!  I got out of dialysis today without bleeding all over the place.

 

Other than being completely whipped, I'm doing fine.

 

Please pray for Tracy H. and her family who are grieving on the loss of a loved one last week.

Merry Christmas

I'm so glad that God sent His only Son to save us.  As we meet with our family and friends, remember what this special day is all about.

 

Now, on another light....

 

I finished dialysis day bleeding all over the place.  This is the 3rd time.  After they unplug the needles, it takes about a half hour for the blood to clot.  Unfortunately, I need more time for my body to work. The last time I lost about a pint of blood before they got it stopped.

 

Oh well

 

Have a great Christmas

I'm grateful for friends!

I don't usually look to see who is going to pick me up from dialysis.  That way it's kind of a surprise. 

 

Sure enough one of you smiling friends comes along to pick me up.  I have to say you're all a tremendous encouragement to me.

 

Thank you so much for your faithfulness. 

 

Please remember to pray for Ken since his last bout in the hospital he's been in pretty tough shape and is usually sleeping when I'm ready to leave dialysis

 

If I don't see you before next week I want to wish you a very merry Christmas.  Let's take time to remember the birth of Jesus Christ and the reason He came to this earth for us..

Doing Fine

Good dialysis today. Had a rough week, but better today.
Normally when I go to church, I'm looking to encourage others, and that I will still do. But to be honest, tomorrow, I'm looking for a little encouragement. Yes, I know, feeling sorry for myself. Sorry, hey, you found out, I'm not perfect.

I know that when I hear God's word preached tomorrow, it will be encouraging to me and I'm looking forward to that.

Finally took a shower..

phew!

I had my catheter removed yesterday. Other than a jolt of pain for a few seconds, everything went well.

I took a loooooong shower and it was so good not to have to worry about getting my bandages wet.

Got word that our friend Sherry passed away. She was a great Christian, mother and friend. I'm sure she'll be missed.

Some good news...... Ken from dialysis was here today. He was in a pretty deep sleep so I didn't wake him. I'm glad he's still here. He is now using a catheter for his bladder so that's another situation for him. PLEASE take a moment each day to pray for his salvation. Thanks

My new medications are working better. Less pain, but more tiredness. Is helping blood pressure.

If you have time to pray for me, please pray mostly for my attitude. I want to be a testimony for all the Lord allows me to be with. I love being a Christian, I love going to CBC and I'd like others around me to have what I have!

Thanks for your support and prayers.

Dan

Getting catheter surgery today

Today about 1 pm, I'm going to have surgery to remove the catheter tubes from my chest. The tubes are stuck into my artery and vein. Because of complications from them in the past year, I've had to have 15 of them! So, finally after they remove them I'll be able to take a normal shower (bet you're glad).

The procedure should only take 15 minutes and most of the time it's no big deal, but most of the time when I go in, just before they start the procedure, I realize that this could be fatal. I've woken up during some of the procedures to find that the anesthetic has wore off and they are cutting on me without pain relief! During those times that I feel someone cutting on me, the doctor says, "hold still". Another time, they removed a tube and my artery went squirting all over the room and the blood hit one of the doctors in the eye.

Anyway, these are times that really makes life and death real. But for the most part, it is a simple procedure.

Really enjoyed the privilege to be able to go to church yesterday. We are so blessed in this country!

Love, Dan

The Lord of the Harvest wants you/me

Hi Everyone,

You know if you’re a Christian there is so much for us to do and so little time to do it in. It’s easy to get caught up in our own little world of circumstances. I know I do, but fortunately something jolts me back to reality.

The two people at the dialysis center I have been burdened for have both taken turns for the worse. Ken, the guy who has lost his will to live, has not been back for over a week. The last time I talked to the nurse they said he was in “the hospital”. Because of privacy concerns, that often is all they can say. So, I don’t know whether he is in the hospital or what. I pray he’s in the hospital as he doesn’t know the Lord.

Another person, Joey, who sits next to me went to the hospital and got a “code blue” there. It’s surprising. He’s younger than me, thin and is pretty active, but has had a lot of problems. Please pray for him. Not sure of his salvation. Don’t think so. The way they have us placed it’s not conducing to talking to anyone.

When I first got saved we had some friends we went to church with and enjoyed many times together praising the Lord and just enjoying each others’ company. Monday we got word that one of those friends, Sherry, had taken ill and was told she only had 24 hours to live. This has saddened me much and caused me to be much in prayer for her.

I’m including an excerpt of an email one of her children sent (I think they had 7). Even though I know their hearts are heavy it was a great encouragement to read it and see how a child of God responds when it’s time for them to go home.

God bless you all.
Dan

I am so thankful that my mom is at peace about going home to heaven - she has been encouraging everyone just to stay close to God and to continue to serve him because he and he alone is faithful. It's amazing to see her. There was a nurse that worked with us the first night - her name was Karmmyndie she was the sweetest nurse - totally put up with 20+ people in a hospital room in the middle of the night - brought us a service tray full of food - she was the best. at the end of her shift she came to say goodbye to my mom and my mom just told her how grateful she was for her and the nurse started to cry and my mom pulled her close and just hugged her tight. My mom recieved some beautiful flowers from her a few hours later. my mom is just that way with people - she loves them :)

It's been amazing to see the people come through the door - everyone who she touched their lives in some little, small way. I think I've seen most of my relatives in the last 2 days. My great grandma came in to see her (my mom's grandma) and I think I lost it when she bent over to kiss my mom's cheek. My great grandma looked at me and said "I wish this was me....it's not supposed to be this way....I've lived my life - she hasn't...." Another sweet moment was when my uncle Kenny came - he's my grandpa's brother. He went over and gave my grandpa this huge bear hug and my grandpa lost it at that point...he's been so strong through all of this....

I wish I could personally thank each of you for your words of kindness and prayers right now....but from the bottom of my heart - thank you.”

36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

What a privilege

Sorry I haven't written in a while. Usually that means I haven't been feeling too good, No exception here. I've been into emergency twice among other things. Didn't have to be admitted anyway. Just realized that I must have a high pain tolerance as I didn't really notice how bad it was till I went into the hospital yesterday. They gave me an anti-nausea shot and 3 shots of morphine. Boy did I feel good. And I don't mean in the funny way. Once the pain was gone, I felt great! today at church my mind was going a million miles an hour trying to absorb the message and at the same time thinking what I could do to help in the ministry. The energy level only lasted a few hours more, but it was fun while it lasted.

But that's not what I wanted to write you about today. I really wanted to talk to you about thanksgiving. I look around and see that I live in the greatest country in the earth. I was raised by the best parents, I had the best wife, and most of all I know the true and living God. And even more, He allows me to be part of His great plan.

My power level is going down, but if you need to know the God of creation read this:

Bridge to Eternal Life

Feeling sorry about yourself this week? Life is not about you.... or me. It's about God and our responsibility to bringing honor and glory to him.

In spite of me He still loves me!

Boy, how could I forget a great answer to prayer. But I did and I'm ashamed. You know Ken who I've asked you to pray about the last month or so? He has been so despondent and one of his problems has been that he has been sick to his stomach for months every day. "nothing to live for" he told me and so sick he just didn't see any hope.

At the time I told him I'd pray for him and some of you I know have been also. Well, Tues. I asked him if he was still sick to his stomach all the time like he had been for months and he said "NO"' So I'm sitting here tonight and it just hits me. "Hey we've been praying about this daily and God blesses and I didn't even acknowledge Him. I'm so sorry Lord. Forgive me for being so ungrateful. So, I just wanted to let you know that I'm not perfect. In fact, I'm not even close. in spite of all of this, God still loves me.

Thank you Lord for answered prayer. Yahoo! what a great God!

I talked to Ken!

Dialysis went well today.  I'm starting to get the hang of the new procedure.  They gave me a prescription for a topical analgesic.  Hopefully that works because those needles are big!  Had been doing good till last night.  Lot of pain in the legs, but everything else is okay.

 

Now, the good news.  I got to talk to Ken today.  He actually seemed glad to see me (poor guy).  I was just thinking that if you felt like writing him a note of encouragement, I'd be glad to give it to him.  He's in a nursing home now since his last hospital stay and can't walk.  Says he doesn't hardly get any visitors.

 

Dummy me didn't ask if I could visit him or if there is anything he needs.  I'll ask the next time.

 

Thanks for your prayers.  You are all such an encouragement to me.  How privileged I am that God put you all in my life!

 

Good to see Jim C. the last few weeks.

 

It's all worth it

I was going along today dealing with my usual selfish problems and was reminded that life is NOT about me, but about bringing glory to God in all I do.

Since I've been sick so many people have just stepped in to pray, encourage and help out and it has taken be back many times wondering why God has been so good to me. With all the wonderful things He has shown me it really has been a privilege to be sick just to see God working. In my small way, I can see what Paul may have felt when he saw his people serving the Lord. To have a glimpse of God's glory has been such a privilege. So that's why I say that no matter what trials I go through it is all worth it.

I haven't seen Ken lately although I know he's been coming. I've been so whipped after dialysis lately that it's all I can do just to get to the car. Please pray that I'll have enough energy to see him this Sat.

Life moves on

Got through dialysis today. They are now using the fistula in my right arm. Still using smaller needles but nevertheless.... They'll use bigger needles and then once that goes well, they'll schedule me to have my catheter removed!

Right now, I'm not getting as thorough dialysis as they transition to this fistula. Once everything is switched over, there may be a chance that I won't have to go as long each time.

Enough of that.

It was good to see Bill C. at church Sunday.

Please pray for Jim P. and his dad. I know these are difficult times for them. Let him know you're praying and send a word of encouragement.

Sat. 11.03

Went to dialysis today. Not a fun day. My blood pressure has been dropping dangerously low so they have to give me dextrose (sugar) to get it up. By the time I left it was 90 over 60. Quite a bit different from the 220 over 102 I've had in the past!

I went to the doctor yesterday and got some new scrips and some adjustments to my pills I've been taking.

Had an extemely painful evening. On a scale of 1 to 10 it was an 11 or 12.

I'm thankful for your prayers. They give me great comfort and constantly amaze me for your care.

Looking forward to church tomorrow.

Thur. 11.02

Dialysis was rough today. Haven't felt too good the last few days. Going to doctor tomorrow so we'll see.

Still in the transition of moving over completely to the fistula. It kind of hurts but hopefully I'll get used to it.

I woke up at dialysis today and saw Vaughn's smiling face. It was nice to see a friend.

Please pray for my niece and her children. Her husband took his life a few days ago and left the family hanging.

Got to hear my grandson Ryan's voice today. That was great!

Love ya all and thanks so much for your prayers. They mean a lot to me.

Dan

Tues. Oct. 30 - 2007

Dialysis went well.

Since my "balloon" surgery a week or so ago, I believe I'm starting to feel better. Not as whipped after dialysis. I'm still a professional sleeper yet, but who knows?

They started using half of my fistula in my arm and that is going well. They said if all continues to go well, then I'll be able to get my catheter removed. Hooray! no tubes sticking out of me!

Many of you have been asking me about Ken at dialysis. I'm glad to inform you that he is still around. He was in the hospital for a while, but is now confined to a hospital bed so that is why I haven't seen him in his usual location. I went over to talk to him but he was sleeping. One of the techs told me he was going blind. So.... thanks so much for your prayers for him. Please continue to pray for him and for his salvation. I'll try to talk to him Thurs.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support. It means so much to me.

Please remember to pray for Bill C. and also for Jim Pantele's dad and the family

Love you

My hand is wrinkly!

well, 8 hours after they "ballooned" my artery my hand swelling is going down. My right hand after 8 months is finally starting to look like my other hand. hoo rah

As soon as I'm able to just use the fistula they'll remove the catheter from my left side and hopefully prevent more swelling. I'm pretty excited as you can tell. Maybe some of the other problems I've been having will start going away.

Thanks for your prayers!

Mon Oct 22

Just got back from my nephrologist. I've been having a lot of swelling in my right arm and before they would allow me to use my fistula (special arterial bypassin my right arm to enlarge the blood vessels for dialysis).

They performed and ultrasound then an angioplasty. Seems that from all the catheters i HAD there was a 95% blockage to my heart causing a backup of fluids to my arm. The put a balloon in and opened it up to 23% blockage.

So, tomorrow another adventure begins. I get to use my fistula. If that works out then the swelling should go down, then I get to have my catheter removed and then I get to take a real full shower after 7 months. I know you'll be relieved!

Thanks so much for your prayer and suppot these last months.

Love, Dan

sat oct 20

well, I finally broke downand visited the hospital thursday. I've been feeling sick for the last week and thought I should check it out. Blood tests showed my potassium levels unusually high. but after 6 hours they sent me home.
as
still sick today and they had to stop dialysis early because of low blood pressure. but I guess whatever the problem is, it hasn't c0me to a head yet.

Ken at dialysis hasn't been coming so I ask you to pray for him as you generally don't live more than 2 weeis of stopping treatment

thur oct 18

Hi folks,

doing okay. new medication for nausea working. but now I'm hungry again....

Mon. Oct. 15

Went to the doctor today. Found out that due to the kidney disease I have a neuropathy in my stomach. Which basically is that my nerves aren't functioning right so I'm not digesting food completely. This causes me to be nauseas all the time. So the doctor gave me something to force my stomach to digest. We'll see.

dialysis in 10 hours. hoorah!

Oct. 11

Dear Friends,

Tough day today. the Dialysis really sapped my strength.

I'm just going to take it easy tomorrow.

Ken wasn't in today. The nurse said he was in the hospital. Please pray for him.

Tues. Oct 9

Good morning!

Had a nice weekend. My face is swollen today.

Tomorrow I'm going to my vascular surgeon and hopefully he'll tell me we can staRT USING THE FISTULA he put in a few months ago,

You might notice my spelling is off from time to time. I have glasses and they have helped a lot but they just don[t replace my real eyes. It's still a little trouble seeing.

I was thinking about you today. About people that know people who have been sick for a long time. It must get tiring for you to have to deal with that also. Having to listen to my complaints every time you see me. sorry

Thanks for your prayers. Remember to pray for others and that you're not here in this world for you. Don't get discourage in well doing. Jesus knows all about it.

/dan

Sat. 10-06-07

Doing okay today. Just tired.

dialysis going good.

Last couple days were rough, but what else is new?

See you Sunday

Thus. - 10.06.07

I'm doing fine. I'm in dialysis right now. It's 7:40 am.

The last few weeks have been okay. Just the usual.

I went in Monday for a "Gastric Emptying Test". What I thought it entailed and what it was was 2 different things. Basically they wanted to observe how my body digests food. So after having some dye-laden scrambled eggs and a slice of test, I layed down for about 90 minutes while they watched my stomach digest food. Basically the machine kind of took x-rays and nothing actually touched me. Should have the results of that the end of the week.

They're just trying to find out why I'm so nauseas all the time.

Please continue to pray for Ed er Ted er Ken here. I need to ask him what his name really is. The main thing is to pray for him as he has only showed up about half the time this week.

Let's be honest

I don't even know how to begin this blog tonight. "Let us consider one another"... is the theme of this blog so llet's begin there.

There is a fight between good and evil, between God's law and man's law, between what Satan wants or what God wants.

While we are trying to have a sane and sensible life Satan is hard at work trying to destroy the world... and he's doing a pretty good job at it. Fortunately he won't be successful, but he's trying any way

When I woke today my thought was to talk to Ted. Ted is a guy at dialysis that is ready to give up. He thinks life is worthless and has no future in it for him. A man without Christ would agree with him. He's sick all the time and has no hope for anything better.

The way dialysis seating is arranged you don't have much interaction with the other patients. They probably do it that way to keep annoying people like me from bugging you. But sometimes you just can't help it. I've been sitting next to a man I've talked to for several months. We have a small talk or two from time to time. He seems pleasant enough. He went to the Woodward Dream Cruise a few months back and really seemed to enjoy it. And just a few weeks ago went on vacation for a week and seemed refreshed when he got back.

I noticed he hasn't been there for a while and asked one of the tech's who know him where he's been. "He's been in the hospital. They're probably going to have remove one of his legs" Well, good morning dan!

Sin shows its' ugly head and reminds us that Satan and the effects of sin are not asleep. Just when you think that things will get better it gets worse! It shows me that man does not have the answers. Only God's through his precious Son does.

Now I'm not tryijng to be a purveyor of doom and gloom but things like this keep jolting me to the reality that life is serious and while we're having our cup of morning coffee there are some who are struggling with life and death.

What can we do about it? Well, first of all we must be saved. If you're not, everything else is useless. If you don't have the right relationship with Jesus Christ,, you're just spinning your wheels. Then, and only then, we must try to live each day in a way that brings honor and glory to God. This would include Hebrews 10:24 which says to CONSIDER one another on how we can ENCOURAGE others to love and to good works. For starters that would be to pray for Ted and now my next door dialysis neighbor Joey. Then as James says to put some legs onto our prayers. "Faith without works is dead". It's not enough to just think good thoughts we need to put some action into those thoughts. And oh, by the way, if you're feeling sorry for yourself, like I'm apt to do. "Get over it" like my uncle always says. We're not put on this earth for our self but to be a testimony for God.

The only way we can renew our minds is to stop thinking about what WE want is to replace those thoughts with what GOD wants.

One day we'll be with Christ and there will be no more tears. (Yahoo!) but for now we (me) need to focus on God and His greatness and His majesty.

Love, Dan

p.s. I'm doing okay. Going for sleep apnea tests and also for stomach poesis tests in the next weeks. Yippee!

Tues. 09.25.07

Doing okay today. Sorry I haven't written for a while.

Kind of lost some ground in the last week, but better than usual.

What a privilege it is to know you and your encouraging words and prayers.

Please continue to pray for Ted at my dialysis center. He wasn't there today. Hopefully I'll see him Thurs.

I'm excited for Bill C and his reversal of surgery this week I think.

Ove ya, Dan

Sat. 09-15=-07

Dialysis went fairly well today.

Actually I've been feeling pretty good the last few weeks.

I'm still reminded of the seriousness of dialysis when such things like a man in dialysis' legs went paralyzed after the last treatment. Not sure what that was all about. The EMS had to come and take him away.

Still thank you for your prayers and also for Ed which I just found out today is Ted. I've tried to stop by each day to encourage him. Thanks for your continued prayers for him.

Dan

Wed. 09-05-07

Hi All,

Doing Great! Best I've felt in two months!

Thanks so much for your prayers. It means a lot to me.

Please continue to remember Ed at Dialysis and for my continued opportunities there.

Also, remember Bill C. and Carolyn (Ken's sister) , and Janet W.

Dan

Tues. 09-04-07

What a blessing!

Had 4 pretty decent days in a row.

Dialaysis machine had problems today for about 2 hours , but got through it okay.

I'm on my way to go trial camping for a day at my sisters' house. I went Sun. afternoon and Monday and it went pretty well. Just trying to find the right equipment for sleeping.

To God's praise Ed, the patient is still taking treatment! He was sleeping when I left, so I didn't get an opportunity to talk to him. Please continue to pray for him. He has no support at all. I don't know how any one can do it without knowing the Lord.

We're not hear for our benefit... What is God wanting you to do?

9-02-07 12:51 am

I'm back.

It's good to be back. Some of you may wonder why I have to tell everything. Because I feel it's my obligation so it may help you not to make the same mistakes I do. I've tried in these blogs not to bring anything bad to my family or friends and apologize if I did.

Through these last years and especially these last months I've realized that other than working to bring honor and glory to God, nothing is about me. It's about God and His greatness and how He is so good to us.

As I have gone down this road kidney failure it has been increasingly hard to have a good day or even a half of day. Spending most of my day in dialysis 3 times per week and seeing doctors once or twice a week and then averaging being in the hospital every 2 weeks for 3-5 days has consumed most of my time. When I was first diagnosed as having only 5 percent kidney function many of the doctors and nurses wanted to know if I was depressed and needed pills or psychiatric help. "No!" I responded. Why should I? There was too much going for me. My faith in God, my family, my church. But as the weeks went into months and not having any good days any more. Feeling nauseus and vomiting most days I started wondering if it would be better to give up. Yes, I know that's wrong, but I'd be a liar if I didn't admit it. Expecially these last weeks it's really been on my mind. But just when I was at my worst, the staff at the hospital were so nice to me. In fact they were so nice that it made me wonder if they knew something I didn't!

I'd get a call or card or visit from someone that would encourage me. My sister who came and stayed with me several days. My daughters who have been angels to me supported me more than I deserve.

So gradually this week I began thinking that "quit feeling sorry for yourself" and start doing something for someone else.

And then, I got home from the hospital. As I lumbered up stairs the girls and my sister were there before me with a video camera. you see, the girls had been working for several months to get me a new tv. Now I'm a gadget guy if anyone is, but it wasn't the TV that got to me as it was my daughters selfless love for me. And that put another notch on the fact that God loves me and no matter what my circumstances He takes care of me. God for some reason has brought to me people that care for me and pray for me and it's the least I can do to reciprocate it.

This last Thursday at dialysis I was in a different location in the center and there was a man who was so discouraged about his situation that he just wanted to give up. In fact, he insisted the nurses unhook him so he could just go home and die. Once you discontinue dialysis you have typically about 1 to 2 weeks to live. I prayed to ask the Lord to give me the right words to say, as I probably would never see him again. "Ed, don't give up. I'll pray for you". and so, we talked for 15 minutes or so about how God loves us and that life isn't about us. we need to set the example for others to show them how to live so they don't have to go through what we did. The easy part is to give up, but then it teaches those around us that when the going gets tough we give up. But that's not God's way. He allows circumstances in our life to test our character, to show us our true attitude toward him and so many other things.

Coincidence Ed was going through this and I was there, I know it wasn't. Saturday at dialysis as soon as I got done I went over to where I saw Ed last Thurs. and to God's glory he was there! Still suffering but he was still there!

I ask you to pray for Ed that he could get the right medical care to help him feel better, but most of all that he would come to know the Lord and the joy He gives to all who proclaim Him as Lord and Savior.
So, Im still here. plugging away and looking for opportunities to bring glory to our great God and Savior.

See you in Church!

aig 10

I'm going to discontinue my blog for a while. LIfe has been a real struggle lately
,

Sun. Aug 11 - 10 pm

Sitting here in my secong home - St Joseph's.

I've got to say that they really took good care of me. I'm still wearing my wings I got from the Med Flight crew.

The consensus right now seems to be this:

. The antibiotics are doing the job and so when I get dialysis at home I'll continue that for a few weeks to make sure the infection is gone.
* The pocket of fluid along my 6 inch scar is probably just left over blood from the surgery and the body should absorb it all. Blood tests have shown that the infection is diminishing and my white blood counts are getting back to normal.
* Thre is a good possibility I won't have to go back to the Botsford surgeon. That's a blessing if it happens.
* I feel bad I didn't say good bye to Pastor before he left. I'm excited for him and for those he will reach.
* I had a couple opportunities to witness while I was here. One was a nurse and the other was a nurse assistant.

I hear Hal S. has been sick, so we need to keep him and his family in prayer.

Looking forward to seeing you all in the coming week.

Love, Dan

p.s. on the lighter side

My grandson Spencer was over with his family this weekend. I asked him if his 11 month old sister Whitney can say anything. "She can say my name" Spencer immediately said. "What does she say" I asked. "She says 'Da Da"". He was serious as a heart attack that his little sister called him by name - "da da"..... That cracked me up and I thought, God is so wonderful for bringing children in my life.

Sat.-11:14 pm

Hey I'm still in the hospital. Doing a lot better.

Ultrasound found I have a cavity about 1-1/2 diam along the 6 inch incision made during surgery. It's filled with fluid.

Right now the doctors are trying to decide whether to leave it or remove it. They don't think it's infected because my blood tests are getting better. But it could get infected before the body absorbs it.

One thing I didn't think of but my son brought out was what if during the surgery they didn't sew up the vein properly and I'm leaking blood into that area! I'm going to bring it up to the doctors hopefully in a way that won't get them defensive but maybe get them to think about the possibility if they haven't already.

I'm thankful for my kids.

By the way, during the surgery they removed about 2 inches of my vein they thought was bad and sewed the vein back together.

I had another interesting adventure today!

My IV site quit working so they had to put in a new IV. after a half hour or hour with 2 or 3 people trying to find a vein, my arm started to look like a golf course with all the holes and such. None of the nurses could find a good vein although they tried very hard. Well, they called in the the medic's that flew on the life alert helicopters (MedFlight). 2 uniformed people came into my room and started working on me to find a vein. After a half an hour and more pain I said "do I get my wings for this" they laughted. They ended up finding several good veins in my shoulder.

When they were done the one life alert person pulled out 4 wings for me, Sher, and my 2 sisters!

What a laugh. Who would have thought the MedFlight medics would come into my room, work on me and give me some wings. They were very nice and considerate to even spend some time working on me. If you come by, I have the wings mounted on my hospital bracelet.

Possibly Monday if it works out, they will do surgery on me and withdraw the fluid. No promises as I had the operation at Botsford and there seems to be some politcal issues involved...

thanks for your prayers. Love, Dan

Sat. Aug. 11

Hey, I'm still here at the hospital. I thought I might get out today, but that's what I get for thinking!

It seems that I might have a pocket of infection in my surgery site, so may have to have an operation to take care of it. hey, I'm not big on hospitals, but if you've got to go, this is the place. I feel comfortable here. I feel like they're going to take care of me in a professional way and in a timely manner. For those of you who have been in my place you know what that means.

I was reading Pastor's email and was thanking God that we have a man like him. Thank you Lord!

I was wondering how Tom M. is doing. It seems he has to go for a checkup and if okay, it'll have been a year free of cancer. Let's pray for that.

Thank you for your prayers. My daughters tell me how you tell them you're praying for me. Thank you, Thank you. That means a lot to me.

well, duty calls, I have to go get cleaned up.

Dan

Aug. 10 - Friday

Sorry I haven't written lately. Most of you know that when I don't write I'm having problems.

Today I find myself at St. Joseph's hospital in Ypsi. I got an infection in my new surgery site and that set off chills, fever, etc. Once I got here they took good care of me. Tabitha, one of the iv nursers drew blood on the first try! I was so happy about that, that I filled out a comment card (or rather Sher did for me). The last time I was here, they took 7 tries before they drew blood.

Why do I keep getting infections? Well several doctors I talked to didn't really know. I guess I'm just more susceptible to having foreign objects inside my body. One nurse told me today that if we knew who would get the infections, they'd just give them antibiotics in advance!

I'm definitely doing better today after antibiotics, etc and don't forget the pain pills. Of course, the ones they give you here at the hospital are through an IV and are almost instantly effective! Hoorah!

Thanks to all of you who are praying for me. It means a lot.

I may get out of the hospital tomorrow after they do dialysis here. They seem to think antibiotics given at dialysis will do the trick.

Love ya all

Wed. Aug 1, 2007

Good mroning world!

Well, I made it through the surgery yesterday.

I'll have to say that it was 3 hours of turture. I wish they would have put me to sleep.

I have a 6 inch scar on my arm that needs to heal.

I'll tell more later but thanks for your prayers.

Tues. - 07/31 8:20 am

Went in for dialysis yesterday. went well.

Today I'm scheduled for fistula surgery first at 11 but now at 10am.

I'm looking forward to when it's over. The lsst time they were doing it I woke up during surgery and felt them cutting on me. "Hey, I'm hurting". The doctor said to be still!

So hopefully the anesthesiologist isn't afraid to knock me out.

Ah for the carefree days!

Sat. July 28 - 12:56 pm

Good dialysis today.
Telt better and hope maybe to head out to the Strugill's later.

If not, that's okay too. Looking forward to church tomorrow.

By the way, if you aren't INVOLVED in a church check out our website and join me tomorrow at 9:30

http://www.communitybaptist.to

Dan

Fri. July 27 - 1:47 am

Good Morning!



Dialysis went well yesterday.



Today I have a doctors visit to see about my nausea and vomiting the last few weeks. One doctor thought it might be from the pain pills.



Got results of my lab tests and if I didn't feel so bad, I'd be elated at the results as the tests came out very good!



The thing that has been on my mind lately is you. I thank God for all your prayers and support. I consider it a real privilege and real honor to know all of you. It's been so good to see how the Lord is working in your life. I've seen some of you grow as Christians and begin to realize that this life is not about you. The Lord has given us the privilege to be in a church that not only teaches the word of God, but seeks to help us put it into our daily life.



I guess that's why I like Hebrews 10:24-25 as it tells us to CONSIDER one another and then it tells us to "STIR UP" or "PROVOKE": one another to love and good works. You all have considered me and in spite of my circumstances you have provoked me to love and good works.



Thank you!

I'm still here

Sorry I haven't writtne lately. Had a rough couple of weeks.

Last dialysis went okay until the end. Blood clotted and they had to stop the dialysis.

My fistula surgery was postponed by the Dr. till Jul. 31st.

Glad to hear they're making some progress on Janet.

Bill C. and Jim P.'s dad is still in my prayers.

Have a good week.

I was just thinking...

The last few weeks have been a blessing and an adventure. Through these many "adventures" I've had since finding out my kidneys only function at 4% I've had a realization that I am VERY high maintenance. Our week is consumed by dialysis, doctors appts., hospital visits, making appts. for new procedures, filling prescriptions, and on and on.

As these weeks have passed I've come to this realization that in another day or time I'd either be dead or in a nursing home. I have nothing against a nursing home if that's what's needed, but hey, I'm only 58! that's supposed to be for older people. Of course, each year my vision of "older people" gets older and older :)

My daughters have sacrificed everything to take care of me. ... Their money, their time, everything. Through this all I can honestly say they have never once complained.

Last night I told them what I was thinking and they said, "Dad, we're not going to put you in a nursing home" God love them both!

I pray that one day God will send to them godly men that will fill their needs. And that's what I'm asking you to do. Pray that God would bring a godly man to each of them. They ask for nothing and I know God blesses them for their attitude and love.

Mon. 07-06-07

Good Morning All!

Hope this week gives you a lot of opportunity to give honor to the Lord.

Had a good day yesterday for most of the day. This morning is looking good too.

I have an appt. this Friday at the eye surgeon to see how I've been doing. I think I have a few more weeks before I can get a prescritpion for new glasses. I desperately need them as it is very difficult to read and write these blogs. I'm mostly looking through blurs as we still just have store bought glasses that just don't do the job.

Sorry I haven't written the last week but I was in the hospital twice, and had Montezuma's revenge and a few other isssues. My body is just trying to get rid of the toxins. And boy I must really have them!

Right now the girls and I are trying to decide where we need to live. I'm a high maintenamce person and seem to be spending the majority of the week either in dialysis or doctors/hospitals, etc. So, we need to maybe get closer to where we don't have to drive so much.

We'd like to get all oour doctor stuff in one location or closer to each other to save driving time, etc. Our dilemma is that we'd like to be closer to our church, work, doctors, hospitals.

Oh, in spite of all of this, we had a great vacation! I fell in love with a wonderful girl (my new granddaughter). Charlotte is my 17th grandchild. God has been so good to me to give me all those beautiful, uniquely designed grandkids. Each one has a special place in my heart.

As you go about the week, I'd ask you to please remember Janet W. in your prayers. She is having some tough health issues and I imagine she could get pretty discouraged about it all.

Also, for Suzatte on the passing of her dad last week.

Have a great week. Take advantage of the time you have. Life is precious!

Wed. 07-11-2007

Hi Everyone!

Well, I've recoverd enough and am feeling a lot better. My hip is still hurting, but Montezuma's revenge is over for a while.

We've enjoyed the last week with Jackie, Kari, and Charlotte. Going to miss them, but am looking forward to coming home.

While we were away there was an addition (?) to our household. My bird Sam(antha) laid another egg. So now I'm sure she is a girl and not just a joke one of the girls friend played by putting a Cadberry egg in the cage.

The tests they took on me at the hospital turned out negative in a lot of areas, including my sugar which was 95. Boy, that is really a blessing not having to take insulin every day!

Thank you so much for you prayers and words of encouragement. I'd like to ask you to pray for Suzette on passing of her dad this week. Regardless of the age or amount of time a person was sick, it still takes a lot out of you. I know these past years Suzette has been faithful to seeing her dad and trying to take care of him.

Also, please continue to pray for Bill C. and Jim P.'s dad.

See you live this Sunday the Lord willing!

Mon. - 07-09.07 2:32am

Had a nice day today with some friends here and my family. Unfortunately my pain level became intolerable and to the point I couldn't walk any more.

So... I thought, "hey, haven't been to a hospital in a while" so I checked myself into one of the local hospitals. The chief administrator is the wife of one of Jacke's friends.

After a bunch of tests, etc. for the most part they said most of the tests were okay, and I probably had a reocurrenc of my hip problem when I was in the hospital. Whatever. On a scale of 1 to 10, I was an 11 or 12!

Pain pills finally took the pain out of it and they sent me home to recover.

The sad part was that I wasn't able to sit in church long enough
The good part was that there are a lot of nice people that took care of me. They really got down to business quick and found the problem and dealt with it! In less than 1 day too!

Tomorrow I'm off and will just try to recover.

I hear you had a pretty good turnout at church even considering a lot were out of town (like me)

Love ya,

Dan

Ouch!

Sun.

Starting to get an infection, but hopefully the antibiotic they gave me will slow it down or stop it till I get back.

In excrutiating pain in left hip. Tylenol 3 doesn't have much affect on it.

Hopy you all have a great day at church!

See you next Sunday!

Sat. July 7, 2007

Good dialysis today, but may be getting my infection back. This time they acted upon it and gave me antibiotics first. Hopefully that will take care of it.

I wish this dialysis center was up north. This one has just opened about 4 months ago in of all places, Snow Hill. I asked them where the Snow Hill came from but they didn't know.

My other son Scott and his family drove from S.C. to spend the day with us. That was nice.

I finally got a large print Bible so I can read it till I get my permanent glasses in a few months.

Thanks for your prayers. I miss our church people but enjoying my time down here.

Tues. - July 5, 2007

Had a good dialysis today. Very nice place. The people were very friendly. 4 patients to 1 tech.

My doctors' office visit is better left unsaid except something I've never seen in Michigan. When anyone comes into the waiting room they look up and say Hi or Good Morning and everyone says the same back to them. Kind of like going to Mo's except people just do it without being paid.

Thanks for your prayers for me. Keep in mind Jim P.'s dad and the treatments he may be going in to.

Love, Dan

p.s. did I tell you my grand daughter Charlotte knows me? :)

We made it!

Had a nice flight and made it to Myrtle Beach fine.

Jackie, Kari, and Charlotte live about 3.5 hours north of there.

Grand daughter is a cutie and of course she knows me!

Just relaxing rest of week

Sat. Jun. 30-2007 6:40 AM

I'm in dialsysis. Had a good night but had to use pain pills. Looking forward to today. Going to annual family picnic.

3 days till vacation!

The man next to me is right underneath the air conditioner and it's set to the convenience of the techs. Unfortunately, the patient suffers for it.

As you may have noticed, I'm CRABBY! Sorry....

Steps 2 get dialysis while on vacation

What I have to do:

How they see me:

Thur. 06-28-07 7:15 am

Good Morning All!

Feeling good today. Pain pills working good!

Counting the days till we visit my new (4 mos. old) grand daughter)

I've already arranged for dialysis there.

They took blood today so results will be in next week (I think)

Thanks to all you prayer friends!

Thanks also for your faithful support on driving me!

I felt so good Sunday people thought something was wrong with me!

Mon. Jun. 25, 2007

Good Morning Monday!

Got throught some tome weeks. Can't function without pain without a pain patch.

Felt exceptionally well yesterday. Some people say I talked too much!

Dialysis have been going okay.

Looking forward next week to going to NC to see my new (3 months old) grand daughter Charlotte) and of course her parents Jackie and Kari.

Looking for a laugh? See my other blog:
http://delwart.blogspot.com/2007/06/couple-years-ago-my-daughters-baught-me.html

or http://delwart.blogspot.com/

God's grace to me

When I think of how wonderful my daughters and church friends have been to me, it is so amazing how gracious how good God has been to me. I could just cry. Thank you Lord.

Number 15

I had to get catheter numbre 15 today!

After yesterday' s excitement I couldn't get a good dialysis today so had to get a new cathetheter put in on the left side. They took number 14 out on othe right side. Boy that was pleasant.... not.... much pain with that.

Lord willing we'll have a good dialysis Saturday. Right now I'm how would you say....?? hurting...

Dan

There might be some pressure...!

Yesterday I had cataract surgery on my right eye. It was considerably more painful but got through it. I could see better almost right away. When I went home and put the drops in my eyes they recommended I started losing my eyesight! That was pretty scary so Sher ended up taking me back to the eye doctor who said I might have too much pressure built up in my eye. By the time I got to the doctor I could see better. Phew! Today I'm some better so that's a relief.

Then I had an appointment with my nephrologist to have a vein mapping to prepare for my 2nd surgery on my fistula in my right arm. My concern was that since my last catheter was exchanged due to the infection, my right hand started swelling. Since Memorial Day it has swollen 3 or 4 times its' normal size.

When the nephrologist did the vein mapping he said the surgery did good but was concerned that the catheter was blocking the blood flow to my right arm, so....

He recommended I get an angiogram and if necessary an angioplasty to try to open up the clogged blood vessel. His hope was that he could put a tube up my arm and blow up a balloon and open up that blood vessel. Here we go again! After stigning the appropriate papers they wheeled me into surgery and performed the necessary procedure.

It wasn't too bad other than some pain and "pressure". The doctor said we should know in a few days how it did. A week at the most. If the swelling in my arm didn't go down they'd have to remove the existing catheter and put it in my left side!

So the moral of the story is..... I'm happy the church had a picnic tonight that I could go to and enjoy the fun and fellowship. The kids got a big kick out of me wearing my pirate patch.

I am so thankful for the church God has brought me into!

Remember to pray for Carolyn and Jim P.'s Dad anad Bill C.

Had eye surgery today

Just got done with the eye surgery in the right eye. Very painful but ended up okay. I'll write more later. Need to rest the eyes.

Dan

Mon. 06-11-2007 10:24 pm

I've been remiss in keeping you up on the latest happenings. Sorry about that, you deserve better.

I went to dialysis today because tomorrow I'm getting cataract surgery in my right eye. Then Wed. I'm seeing the eye doctor to make sure everything is okay. Then that afternoon I'm seeing my nephrologist so he can do a vein mapping (ultrasound) of my surgery to make sure it's okay then to schedule the final surgery (hopefully).

After the surgery (probably mid July), it should take at least another 4 weeks for it to heal up and then on to a new adventure in dialysis. If that works out okay, I'll get my temporary catheter removed (yahoo!) That should almost (I said almost) eliminate the infection problem. Dr. Rehan (my nephrologist) told me I had set a new record for catheters (14) in 6 months!

By the way, since I couldn't take any blood thinners today (because of surgery tomorrow), my blood clotted after about 3-1/2 hours of dialysis, so they had to stop it. Just in case you're wondering about the blood clotting, NO it doesn't go into my body. The dialysis filter won't allow it to pass (so that's a good thing!).

I did find out why I feel so lousy after dialysis. I thought it was the dialysis, but actually it was either the iron I get for my anemia (and boy I look the part don't I !) . It's a different kind of anemia caused by the kidney failure so they have to supplement it (sorry, can't just eat liver). Plus I get another thing called Epogen. When you have kidney failure your body doesn't produce red blood cells so good so they have to give you that to supplement it.

Anyway, before I got that at the end of dialysis I was feeling GREAT! I wanted to go out and walk or plow the back 40... really! But within a minute or 2 after getting the iron and epogen, I felt my lousy self after that. So now, I'm going to look into that and see if there can be anything done about it. If not, well that's okay too.

Anyway, this was a good day for me and I praise the Lord for it and for you. You mean so much to me and you have such a positive testimony for my family. Thank you!

My sister Linda came to the church picnic and commented 3 or 4 times while she was there what a good group of people you all are. Then the other day she told me again how she was surprised what a good group and how my youngest sister has to come to the church because "you just have to see for yourself". Now that's a powerful testimony and I pray that we would always be in love with the Lord so much that people walk away glad to be there because of how great our Lord is.

Thank you!

Love, Dan

p.s. please remember to pray for Carolyn (she said she was so grateful about you the church and the support you gave her. Plus I'm thankful that Ken followed Heb 10:24 and "provoked" her to come to church. Her son that lives at home with her also told me how good you have been to her and the family. Also, please pray for Jim P.'s dad. He has a long road to hoe and they all need wisdom on all the things he will be faced with. Also, I was thankful to see Bill and Katherine at church yesterday.

Hey, I can't quit typing...... blah blah blah.... Hey, I'm old what do you expect?

I'm saddened today..

... at Dwain O.'s passing.

Please pray for Carolyn and her family

Thur. 06-07.07 6:54am

Good Morning!

Had a much better night with the pain pills.

Trying to get the rest of my surgeries out of the way this month. I have cataract surgery the 12th and maybe my fistula surgery in my arm the 19th (tentative)

We'd like to go down to see my new grand daughter the first part of July

Please pray for Colleen' son.... post-traumatic war injuries and of course please continue to pray for Dwayne.

Have a good day

Wed. - 06-06-07

Rough night, lots of pain.

Some relief this morning and went to the "Friends" get together thanks to the Martins who picked me up.

We had a good group of people. Got to know a few people a little more. We talked about people we know who served in the military and some of the price they paid for us to be able to freely meet together this morning. A reminder to pray for them and their families.

A side note, on the History channel they're talking about D-Day. That's a price that was paid that we/me know so little about.

And just to show that I'm still a kid, I forgot my keys. Going to have to pin them on my shirt the next time.

After I got home, pain set in again an awful way. Guess I quit the pain pills too soon. Think I better listen the next time.

I'm going to the chiropractor in a bit to see if I can get some help. Thanks for your prayers!

Tues. - 06.05-2007

Got through dialysis today. This week I have to stay some extra time to get antibiotics from my infection last week.

Staying over at dialysis really brings out the money side of the thing. Everyone is in a rush to get you out of there so they can get the next person in.

But I am grateful that for the most part they take good care of me here.

I had to get off the pain pills as my eyesight was degrading from one of them. What do I want more? Seeing or more pain? I chose seeing.

I'm going to try to go to the Friends breakfast tomorrow. Looking forward to that. We have a good group of people and enjoy being with them.

Remember to pray for Carolyn and Dwayne and continue to pray for Jim P.'s dad and for the Crawfords.

Dear Friend...

This is ending up as an interesting day.

The good part was that I got to go to church this morning and see Bill and Kathy. Boy, I sure missed them. Another good part was that I heard Carolyn was there also, although I didn't get to say hi to her. Please pray for her as she goes through what many of you have. It was good to hear that she was depending on the Lord.

But now my sob story. The good part for me was that when I went to the doctor the other day, she told me I didn't have to take insulin any more for my diabetes! I hadn't had to take hardly any insuling in the last 2 months as proved out by my lab tests for the last 3 months. I'm thankful for that.

Another good part was that I'm not in the hospital! Close, but not there. One of the problems I had while in the hospital was that I may have a staph infection in my left hip. That causes immense pain. Fortunately, pain pills help take care of about 90 percent of that. The bad part is that those same pills cause me to have blurriness of my eyesight. If you've been keeping up on me, you'll remember that a few weeks ago that I had cataract surgery on my left eye. I had been doing better than usual according to the doctor, but at my last exam he said I lost some of the better vision that I had regained. He didn't think it was due to anything from the surgery but a good possibility was the pain pills.

I've tried to get off the pills but as soon as they started wearing off, the pain comes back... big time! So for those of you that are praying for me. Please pray that this dilemma is resolved. You know I've told many of you that I'm not as concerned about my physical problems as I am about my spiritual attitude. Of course, I'm doing everything possible for the physical health, but that attitude problem is really getting to me. I'm not looking for pity, just trying to share some of the things I'm going through. There are a lot worse things that could happen to a person, but you know, it just gets to you some times.

Thur. May 30, 2007 6:56am

Good Morning Dialyisis Lover!

Doing okay. Had a little trouble with dialyis Tues. They forgot to add the heparin so all my tubing clotted and had to start over after an hour.

Pain in hip is still there. Have appt. at eye dr. to see how surgery is doing.
Also have an appt. with my doctor and hopefully will see reults of culture and mri. We'll see.

I'm leaning towardw a pity party. You're all invited to urge me on!

Pray for Dwayne, Jim P. ' s dad and Bill C. I've been looking for the right kind of pants for Bill but haven't found the right ones yet.

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement. They mean a lot to me.

Dan

Will I get a gold star?

Had an adventurous week and a half. Have a lot of interesting and good things to tell.

It was great to be out of the hospital Sunday and to be able to go to the church picnic yesterday. Boy, do we have a great group of people. Thank you Lord for that blessing!

I'm still having problems but hope to get them resolved eventually. One thing is that I've been endowed with a cane. So I really look the part now! Cane, suspenders, dark sunglasses for my cataract surgeries. I'm movin and a cruisin!

I'm kind of tired after dialysis so I'll share some other things maybe later or tomorrow.

So, what's the gold star about? Well, when I was about 8 years old my parents gave me a choice between learning to tap dance or play the accordion. I took the latter. Every week after accordion lessons, if I did a good job the teacher would give me a red star (booh), a silver start (not bad) or a gold start (oh yah). Well, today I got my results of my blood tests that shows how I've been behaving.

My previous results are posted towards the bottom of the screen on the right side. But here' this week's results.

Albumin - 3.7 (booh) needs to be 4.0 and above. Need more steaks

Calcium 8.9 (8.4-9.4) normal

Phosphorus 4.2 (3.5 to 5.5) normal..... It has been running 8.1 so that is a breakthrough

Potassium 4.6 (3.5 to 5.5) is normal

KT/V UKM delivered .5 (1.4 or higher) booh.... that's from not having complete dialysis

HGH A1C is 5.79 Normal range. A1C is my sugar glucose for the last 3 months. I have been a good boy in other words.

Thanks for your prayers. Now I just need to start eating more steaks!

Love you all. And Please remember Dwayne, Bill C., Jim P.'s dad

Lookikng for a good zombie?

I'm still in the hostpitao. Sometimes I'm a blithering idiot. R I ight nowI an think omewhat. can'tdo tooo good I'll ign offd

Oww!

Man do I hurt!

Got home yesterday from the hospital, and now my left leg and hip is killing me. The girls think I must have hurt myself. Not that I know of. I just got out! So I'm not looking to going back in.

Tomorrow I'm supposed to make an appointment to get my catheter out. So if it's still hurting, I'll make an appt. with my doctor. Oh Joy!

Speaking of Joy, if you have nothing else to do read this

Remember our friends Caroly and Dwayne and Jim's dad.

Stay tuned for more adventures!

I'm Out!

It's true, the doctors discharged me today.

It's great to be out.

I'd like to say I'm doing good, but that would be lying. Better than Friday though.

It seems I'll be getting my 14th (yes 14th!) catheter. My nephrologist said that was a record. Well, if you're going to do something you might as well excel in it!

Monday or Wednesday they'll take out the old catheter and put in the new. The doctor said it will continue to be a problem because the catheter cuts the blood flow in my body and the surgery in my arm kind of added to the problem.

I had some good nurses and aids and at times had some fun kidding around with them.

Don't ask me about the food!

One thing as I suspected, my dependency on insulin for my diabetes is almost nil. Once things get settled down, I'll need to get it rechecked. I haven't had any insulin at home for probably at least 2 months.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. I needed it, believe me.

Let's keep praying for the Osborne's and also I see Jim P.'s dad needs our prayers.

Not sure if I'll be able to come to church tomorrow but I'll try if I'm able.

Love you all,

Dan

Hey, I was looking for something to do...

I can't believe it. After going on almost 4 weeks of succesful dialysis, I'm back in the hospital again. First they said I might have pneumonia, but now they think I have an infection in my catheter! All I know is I've been sick. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired.

They scheduled me for dialysis today at 11 am.

So it looks like I'll be here a few days at least.

It's okay though. I know the Lord will take care of me.

And speaking of being cared for...

My daughter Joy informed me that I wss put on the "geriatric" ward! She's such a brat! They told me I was going onto the pneumonia floor. Joy said, well dad, mostly old people get pneumonia! The only comfort I have is that time will fly for her to.... she's right behind me.

Her and Sher take such good care of me that I have to let her get in a dig every once in a while.

I ask that you continue to pray for Carolyn and her husband Dwayne. And if you think of it for my attitude that I would be a good witness.

Stay tuned! Thanks for your prayers

Tues. May 15 - 7:05 am

After 3 succesful weeks of dialysis, it's getting harder to remember the bad days of dialysis (about 4 months worth!). I'm thankful to you who prayed for me (and still do) and to those who encouraged me. I thank the Lord for sending you to me.

This week my mind is on Dwayne O. and Carolyn. If anyone need prayers it's them. They are going through real difficult times and my heart goes out to them. I know God will give her the grace to get through this. She mentioned a request for prayer to me Sun. and I'd like to ask you to pray for God to answer it if it's His will. What is the request? For now, let's just know that she and God knows the request.

We have a wonderful God whose grace is sufficient at all times in all ways.

Have a great day. Be a testimony of God's goodness today@

Tues. May 15 - 7:05 am

After 3 succesful weeks of dialysis, it's getting harder to remember the bad days of dialysis (about 4 months work!). I'm thankful to you who prayed for me (and still do) and to those who encouraged me. I thank the Lord for sending you to me.

This week my mind is on Dwayne O. and Carolyn. If anyone need prayers it's them. They are going through real difficult times and my heart goes out to them. I know God will give her the grace to get through this. She mentioned a request for prayer to me Sun. and I'd like to ask you to pray for God to answer it if it's His will. What is the request? For now, let's just know that she and God knows the request.

We have a wonderful God whose grace is sufficient at all times in all ways.

Have a great day. Be a testimony of God's goodness today@

addition...

Doing good today. I've added a way (I hope) for you to get any new blog I post automatically through email.

• Scroll down to the lower right of this site to where it says "Subscribe via email"
• Enter your email address, and the "word verification"
• You'll get an email asking you to verify you want to get emails from me
• You'll only receive emails from me if/when I add a new post to my blog

This should save you time from having to see if any new updates have been posted.

Let me know what you think.

A Maverick Molecule?

"There is not a maverick molecule in the universe...

...God's plan is all inclusive"

quoted from Pastor Ken Brown

Lest We Forget

I'm happy to report that my dialysis days continue to do good. Other than some operator errors it has been smooth sailing. In that part I'm grateful.

...but lest we forget how I got here, I'd like to refresh your memory.

Several years ago I had a streptococcal infection in my leg that required hospitalization. After 3 days in the hospital with antibiotics given, the nurse came in and told me they'd have to discontinue the antibiotics as it was damaging my kidney. After I was out of the hospital my dishcarge required follow up care at the doctor that was taking care of me in the hospital. I did follow up for several visits and the Doctor told me that I was "border-line diabetic" and to "watch it".

Now fast forward a few more years where I ended up in emergency with extremely high glucose reading that caused me to pass out. After the dust settled and I was told I was diabetic and had kidney disease and told to see a nephrologist (kidney doctor), the doctor said that we should first see what was causing the diabetes and kidney disease. After all, there may be a possibility of some kind of blockage that could be corrected.

When the tests came back the nephrologist told me that my diabetes was from the kidney disease rather than the kidney disease was from the diabetes, and further, that I had the kidney disease when I was seeing the doctor after I was in follow-up care after the leg infection! He stated that my diabetes and kidney disease was not from "being overweight, or other usual suspects" but was caused by something more immediate. I asked him if it was from the antibiotics and stated that I wasn't interested in suing and he said, "well that doesn't matter anymore. The good thing was that you probably won't progress like most kidney disease patients" because of reason I got it in the first place.

Unfortunately, the original doctor didn't tell me I had kidney disease and just told me to be careful because of the "border-line" diabetes. So this is why my disease did not progress as normal diabetic patients were doing.

Last year I went to the doctor due to my failing health and the doctor after looking at my previous records said, "I'm not big on suing but because of the antibiotics that were given to you, you'd have a good case. (I was actually given the antibiotics at 2 different times and told both times about it damaging my kidneys)".

Well, folks, I'm not that kind of person. I realize that the doctors were doing their best to try to help me at the time. Unfortunately it had dire consequences. I'm not bitter about it as I realize doctors are human beings. I'm a little upset about the doctor that had the reports that showed I had early kidney disease but just told me I was "border-line" diabetic.

Why am I telling you this? Because sometimes we jump to conclusions. "Dan's overweight so that's why he got diabetes and that ended up with kidney disease and then kidney failure" But that's not the case at all. Medications given in good faith damaged my kidneys and brings me here today with kidney failure. The end result, of course, is still the same. I'm in dialysis 3 days a week. But the way the failure is progressing is not like most normal dialysis patients. I'm thankful for that.

I think that there are many fantastic doctors and health care professionals, but they are all human beings with human flaws. Through this whole adventure I've come to appreciate the professionals that are serious about their job and are not so arrogant to forget just who they are. But more than that, I'm even more in awe to the God that made my body and how wonderfully made it is!

I thank the Lord for good doctors, nurses, and technicians, but I don't put my faith and trust in them, but in the God who controls their minds and life. And if the results don't end up the way I want it to, well, then I ask you to pray that I accept it with the right attitude and use the circumstance to bring honor and glory to Him. We're only in this world for a short time.

This has been hanging over me for a while and I just wanted to let you know.

Dan

Going for a record

Heading for 3 continuous weeks with good dialysis!

Eyesight continues to improve after cataract surgery!

I can see clearly now the rain must fall!..... la la la la la!

... or as the song goes. Actually it is raining and I can see better.

Vision is getting better in the left eye. Still blurry, but I don't have that white cloud that prevailed over everything I looked at. Evidently most of the problem was the left eye as that has cleared up about 80 percent compared to yesterday.

And yes, being the medical critic that I am, I can honestly say that this was one procedure that I really don't have anything to complain about. Not that I'm a complainer... actually yes, I am a complainer. Must have forgot :)

I went to the "friends" breakfast this morning with a nice pirate patch over one eye. I should have got a sword and a nice sash to complete the wardrobe.

I know there's a lot of people to remember in prayer, but Dwayne and Bill C. comes especially to mind today. Of course we need to remember to prayer for their families as well.

Hope to see many of you at church tonight!

Dan

Out of Surgery!

Tues. - 05-08-07

I'm out of cataract surgery! Everything seemed to go well. Took about 3 hours, no pain or discomfort.

I have to wear a patch over the eye, so not sure what kind of results yet. When taking it off to put on eye drops everything looks blurry, which they told me it would at first.

Stay tuned!

Signed,

One-eyed Dan

Mon. 05-07-07 - What a Life!

Good morning all!

I'm in dialysis today instead of tomorrow because tomorrow is my cataract surgery. I'm trying not to get my hopes up but the thought of being able to read and see better has a certain attraction to me. Whatever the end result, I thank God for loving me and watching over me.

The dialysis are still going good. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. If I could be so bold to ask you to continue to pray for me. I value your prayers.

Last night was without pain and without pain pills! Amen!

I enjoyed church yesterday. It's always great to hear God's word and to be with His people.

I told some friends of mine last night that my illness doesn't bother me as much as having the right attitude. That's where I need your prayers the most. I owe everthing to the Lord and it's the least I could do to be a good testimony for him.

Love friend in Christ, Dan

Sat. 04-05-07

Good day at dialysis - 8th in a rowt

The machine was going off about every 5 minutes for a about an hour and a half, but not sure why.

The only big thing I have is pain. Either in my legs at night or my right arm in the day.

I got a nice surprise after dialysis. Two of my grandsons came with Sher to pick me up. We went out to eat afterwards. They are very polite, but they crack me up with some of the talk.

I was talking to one of the techs today about children and after talking to her, it made we want to break out an praise the Lord for my daughters. They have been excellent caregivers to me and my wife previously. I have been blessed in so many ways it still causes me to wonder why the Lord takes thought of me. I know He loves me but it certainly is because only because what His son Jesus Christ did for me.

See ya later, Dan

Thur. - 04-03-07

6:47 am- Good morning! I'm in dialysis, hooked up and ready for my 5 and 1/2 hour adventure,

Dialysis has been going good. My nights have been very painful with this neuropathy in my legs. The doctor gave me some medicaton for it and I took it one night and it still hurt. Talked to the nephrologist (kidney doctor) the other day and he says you have to take it for about a month for it to start working. Oops!

Surgery in my arm seem to be healing good. My arm is still swollen. Not sure if that will stay like that. Final surgery in 2 months.

I've been enjoying the series Pastor has been doing on Wed. night. He's doing a summary of the Bible and how to apply it. I'm sorry I haven't taped it for you, as it is so useful. His mastery of God's word really is enjoyable. You know, I've read and heard these things through the years, but looking at it as an overview really makes it pop out. God really knew what He was doing. We sure have a great God!

Well, I'll talk to you later after dialysis and let you know how it went.

1:36 pm - Another succesful dialysis! - Other than the tech forgetting to turn the heparin (blood thinner) on it went well! I could get used to this!

Thur. - 04-03-07

6:47 am- Good morning! I'm in dialysis, hooked up and ready for my 5 and 1/2 hour adventure,

Dialysis has been going good. My nights have been very painful with this neuropathy in my legs. The doctor gave me some medicaton for it and I took it one night and it still hurt. Talked to the nephrologist (kidney doctor) the other day and he says you have to take it for about a month for it to start working. Oops!

Surgery in my arm seem to be healing good. My arm is still swollen. Not sure if that will stay like that. Final surgery in 2 months.

I've been enjoying the series Pastor has been doing on Wed. night. He's doing a summary of the Bible and how to apply it. I'm sorry I haven't taped it for you, as it is so useful. His mastery of God's word really is enjoyable. You know, I've read and heard these things through the years, but looking at it as an overview really makes it pop out. God really knew what He was doing. We sure have a great God!

Well, I'll talk to you later after dialysis and let you know how it went.

a, b, c

I had 3 things in mind today when I was in dialysis today. Now if I could remember what they were!

Dialysis went well today. That makes about 6 in a row! Thanks for your prayers.

The 2nd thing I was thinking about today was to ask you to be alert when you drive. Your life is important to me.

The 3rd thing is that I have been building up my anticipation for my eye surgery next Tues. I know I shouldn't but I'm lookiung forward to seeing again. Thanks to Bonnie who gave me a Bible on DVD so I can listen to the Bible. I transferred Philippians to my portable player for use at dialysis.

Have a blessed day.
Dan

Sat. -04/27/07\8

Good dialysis Thur. Lot of joint pain the last 2 days. Doctor says its from the kidney failure.

Thanks for your prayers. Hope to see many oif you Sunday!

note: Back from dialysis. Went pretty well, just whipped but otherwise okay.

While I was in dialysis the technician taking care of me was busy hooking me up and I looked at her and said, "How's your son's teeth"? She said okay. Later I realized that I was talking to another lady whose son had his wisdom teeth out last week. Great!

Towards the end of dialysis The lady with the sons' wisdom teeth came by and I said "How's your sons' teeth"? I did it again! It was the same lady! I said, "I'm so sorry, I was thinking you were this other tech". She still had a puzzled look and said "I was wondering why you kept asking me about my sons' teeth".

For some reason when I told the girls on the way home they just cracked up!

Thurs. 04-26-07 - 6:45 am!

I'm at dialysis trying out my laptop. Unfortunately my battery is about run down. I'll have to get a new one eventually.

I've been feeling good.

Went to the surgeon yesterday and he said my 1st of 2 surgeries went well. 2nd one in 2 months to complete it and then another month or so before we can use it. Use what? My fistula (click on this link if you care to learn more)

Boy, it's been nice feeling better. Thanks for your prayers. They mean a lot to me.

Let's make a concerted effort to pray for our friends who are sick at CBC. When life seems out of control, I know who IS in control!

I was looking for a picture to put on today's blog and typed in "God is in control" to look for a picture and found some that said "If God is in control why do we pray" and such other sayings to put a bad light on God. First, God IS in control. Second, we pray because it's a way we can talk to God. It's a way we can reaffirm our faith in Him. God doesn't need us to do His work. He just allows us to be part of it.

I watched a movie "Facing the Giants" tonight. Worth watching if you like movies.

Well, I'm ending the day. Good dialysis, nice lunch with some friends. Rough afterward.

I am so glad that I am a Christian. This adventure I'm on would be hopeless without Him. It has made me aware that so many people have so many needs. My prayer for them is that they would draw closer to God through their most difficult times. He has all the answers. He is in perfect control. Nothing comes as a surprise to God. He the be all and end all.

Good Night and may God bless!

Tues. - 04-24-07

Dialysis went well today.

Still having some pain from the arm surgery.

Will see the surgeon tomorrow to see how it's progressing and probably schedule the 2nd (and I hope last surgery) for this permanent access site.

I'm finally starting to feel better during dialysis so spent some time praying for Pastor's father-in-law and Carolyn's husband and others that come to mind. I'm looking forward to more good times like these.

Another blessing- Sher and Joy hooked me up so I can have internet access at dialysis. I'm hoping to use it to maybe update my blog, etc. We'll see how long the laptop goes. We have electricity there of course but they don't encourage using it. I think my laptop will go 10 minutes but we'll see.

I'm usually at dialysis for about 6 hours so I'd like to be more productive. Right now, I can sleep, watch tv, or listen to my satellite radio that I got from the girls for Christmas. It also let's me record the Sunday messages and listen to them. I put Phillipians on it that Bonnie gave me on DVD to listen so I can meditate on it. Last week I listened to Pastor's message on "Good for Nothing". Boy that was a good message on grace vs. works and a good salvation message. Coming from my religious background that was works-based I really enjoyed it. If you have someone you're trying to witness to, send them a link to the CBC audio pages on the website. http://www.communitybaptist.to/CBCMedia.htm .There's probably a hundred or more of the past messages. Each one is about 5 megabytes (on a cable hookup that takes about a minute or 2 to load) and are a great tool when you're trying to explain something about Christianity to a friend. Of course, first hand testimony is always a good way also.

It was good to hear Tracy's mom had somewhat good news from the doctor. Friends, you've been so good to me to pray for me, please pray for our friends at church. If I learned one thing through this adventure, is that besides the people Pastor asks us to pray for, there are a lot of "silent sufferers" in our church that aren't in the public eye. Take a moment even right now to pray for them before you leave this page.

Love in Christ,

Dan

Sun. - 04-22-07

Had a good day today
It was great to get out and go to church.
Feeling good overall still

no words necessary

Sat. - 04-21-07 - Dialysis

Good dialysis. Week started out rough but ended up great! Looking forward to church tomorrow.

Welcome Friends!

Last year I was told I had kidney failure and it was necessary to go on hemodialysis to live. So this blog is for those of you who are praying for me (I appreciate that so much), for those who encourage me (hey we all need hugs!), and for those who take me to dialysis or doctors' appointments (couldn't do it without you!).

Initially my 2 daughters took me everywhere (and they did it willingly, and still do I might add), but they were missing so much work some friends volunteered to help drive.

If you're not familiar with dialysis, you generally got to dialysis clinic 3 times per week for 4-6 hours). Here's a link to the place I go and has many informative articles and videos on the kidney and dialysis if you're so inclined - http://www.davita.com

One of our church members, Tracy volunteered to keep a schedule of the drivers and email them to take some of the load off my daughters. She did such a good job that on my dialysis day, I don't normally even know who's picking me up. I just go down to the main floor about 5 minutes before they come and wait to see who will drive.

This blog is about considering one another to stir up to good works, but actually for the most part the last several months quite a few people have been doing that to me. I'm so grateful for their help and find myself scratching my head almost daily about the enthusiasm of the 18 or so people who volunteered to drive along with many others! What a great God we have!

So, I'm going to try to update this through the week and let you know how my adventure is progressing and fill you in on upcoming special attractions (like surgeries, etc).

Along with the status of my adventures, I'm going to try to give you some things that may encourage you also.

Once again, thank you so much to my daughters, Tracy, and the many people that have gotten involved. It humbles me, and makes me thankful for such a great God that watches over me and has sent so many to encourage me.

I hope I may be an encouragement to you through this all.

Dan