When I had my port surgery in April, I mentioned that my surgeon was also going to replace my j-tube to a new one while I was under anesthesia. Sadly, this “new” tube has been causing a lot of abdominal pain, and the pain has gotten especially bad these last several days. The tube is most likely stuck in the abdominal wall (I had this same issue called “buried bumper syndrome” back in 2014). I didn’t post about this recent problem in my previous blog update because I was hoping it would resolve soon, but it hasn’t. 😢
It really hurts to walk, cough, laugh, sleep, etc. So my surgeon is squeezing me in for an urgent appointment on July 5th. Unfortunately, they have to order the tube I need, and it can take up to 5 weeks to be delivered. My surgeon’s team has been looking around to see if other clinics may possibly carry my tube size, but they haven’t found one, so the plan is to place a temporary tube. Tube replacements are incredibly painful (especially when my intestine is raw from the “buried bumper syndrome”). And since it will be done in clinic, I’ll have to be completely awake (which is why I try to coordinate these when I’m already under anesthesia). While I can’t wait for this bad tube to be removed, I’m also dreading it at the same time……I would really appreciate your prayers that I’ll be strong in the Lord and that the pain from the procedure won’t be unbearable. 🙁
When the correct tube comes in later, I hate that I’ll have to go through another tube change while awake. I know the Lord will be with me for these upcoming tube replacements, and I also remember His grace is sufficient. But I wish this debacle didn’t happen. 😭
Sometimes during painful procedures, tears automatically leak out of my eyes. And it makes me think of this beautiful verse from Psalm 9 that I hand lettered a while back. Thank you, Lord, for not forgetting the cry of the afflicted. ❤️