In the last post I explained how I ended up in the hospital needing emergency surgery for a severe intestinal blockage. I’d like to expand on that just a little before I get into what I have learned from this experience. The words in the song in the video above just seemed a perfect way to thank God for bringing me through such a challenging and frightening time.
After numerous tests and consultations with many doctors trying to decide what the safest and most effective treatment would be for this blockage it was decided that surgery was absolutely necessary. Anyone who knows me knows I avoid doctors as much as possible and do all I can to stay healthy. However, there are times when you need the expertise of a doctor and you have to be willing to be willing!!
I was miserable – physically as well as emotionally and mentally. I knew this situation could not continue much longer and something had to be done otherwise it was not looking good. I have a very strong faith and I truly did not believe my story was meant to end here, however, I was at peace. When the surgeon came in and explained what the consensus was as to the best way to resolve this issue I told him to schedule it asap.
The danger was that part of the colon was so distended they feared it could rupture which would complicate things considerably. God was gracious and it did not rupture. The surgery was a sigmoid resection which means he had to remove my sigmoid colon and I had to have a temporary ileostomy until things healed and the colon could be reattached.
That is a major surgery and a major life change in so many ways! However, focusing in on gratitude has been the thing that has brought me through so much more smoothly. I am grateful that the gastroenterologist’s office was attached to this particular hospital; grateful for the surgeon on call and the other doctors who spent so much time discussing how best to treat me; grateful my colon did not rupture and grateful that even though I needed the ileostomy it was temporary and able to be reversed.
Patients in a study who kept gratitude journals actually showed reductions in the damaging, inflammatory chemicals circulating in their blood, resulting in a healthier heart! Gratitude and being thankful for your blessings is a powerful medicine!
How has focusing on gratitude helped you through a difficult time?
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So grateful for your recovery, Ann. Your faith, strong spirit, and wisdom are an inspiration. Praying for your renewed health and continued recovery.
Karen thank you – for your kind and encouraging words and for reading and commenting.
God’s hand of protection was on you throughout the entire process. Knowing you as I do, it was very evident your faith, even in the midst of the trial, was strong. Thankful for His healing power and your ability to now be able to share with your readers the journey you had to walk through.
Thank you Cindy. Your prayers and support throughout it all have meant the world to me.
Ann, I am strengthened by your post today and have asked myself the question “What happens when the unexpected becomes reality” ..and wondered if I would be able to have a “winning attitude” like you Ann; especially in such a challenging and frightening situation. You have proven to me that gratitude is a life-changing, happiness-inducing choice that I should embrace each day. You could have been focusing on the negatives…there is plenty to be grateful for and yes there’s plenty to complain about too….but you made the decision to show gratitude for so many things and God has hastened the healing process….To God be the glory, great things He has done. Blessings!
Amen Evadne! To God be all the glory!
Ann,
High five to you for your amazing courage. And I totally agree with Annie that you have a winning attitude. So glad for your health and recovery.
I have used gratitude to get through scary and tough times. There were times when I was younger that when I would get depressed I would go out and take a walk and thank God for everything I could think of. The sky, the birds, my ability to walk, see, feel. Gratitude is very powerful.
Thank you for sharing with us.
How great that you did that Marcy – intentionally just thanked God when you were down. Gratitude is extremely powerful.
Ann, your attitude during this difficult journey is inspiring. I’ve been away where I couldn’t have internet for over a week. I’ll look for your previous blog. God bless!.
I hope you were on a vacation Deb – I was actually going to email to make sure everything was ok since I hadn’t seen you post to your blog. Thank you!
Ann,
An attitude of gratitude is always a good thing but I think it keeps us sane in the tough times. Gratitude keeps our hope and faith alive.
Have a Victorious Day! Marianne
Sent via phone so please excuse typos and brevity.
Absolutely!