February 10, 2009 6:11 AM
Tripp's surgery today at 1:00
Tripp's surgery is scheduled for 1:00 today.
For new MommyLife readers, here's the in-a-nutshell scoop on why you need to pray for my husband: Tripp had a knee replacement surgery on 9/23 which he'd needed for years but couldn't get because we couldn't afford for him to take off the time from work to recover. Our reluctant status change from homeowners to renters last summer opened up that opportunity - a silver lining to the clouds.
The surgery went well and Tripp was making great progress. It was certainly thrilling to see him standing straight and tall and even as he went through physical therapy, already looking so much better at walking rather hobbling.
Unfortunately, he contracted an infection which resulted in three more surgeries and finally removal of the knee replacement - apparently metal attracts MRSA, making it near impossible for even the strongest antibiotics to work.
Dr. K put in a cement spacer to hold Tripp's bones apart and our bedroom became a medical outpost, with Tripp in a hospital bed on a PIC line giving himself IVs, refrigerated drugs arriving on our doorstep, and an assortment of nurses visiting us several times a week. By this time he was fighting to put back on the weight he had lost - another battle.
If not for the generosity of the Body of Christ - people we knew and complete strangers - we never could have made it this far. Tripp has been unable to return to work and only in January was strong enough to begin to drive our kids places they needed to go - a very uncomfortable proposition, but it gave him back an opportunity to serve.
This surgery is happening just in the nick of time as this has led to too much pain as time has gone on.
Please be praying for Tripp and his medical team today. Pray that they can put in a new knee. Pray for Tripp's recovery - which because of scar tissue and muscle atrophy will probably be longer. Pray for me as I return to solo parenting five kids under 16 - four with disabilities and a disabled husband.
And please pray for this situation: Of all the times to choose, Tripp's employer's number-cruncher informed him yesterday that they will no longer carry his health insurance. They have provided no disability pay, but were kind enough to continue to pay 1/3 of his health insurance (leaving us with 900. per month to pay ourselves). Tripp has called this morning to talk to a manger but has been told everyone is "in meetings."
We need your prayers for some compassion on the part of his employer.
Other ways to help include buying my books or asking your library to order them - and making any purchases you would normally make through my Amazon link. I can recommend this in good conscience because I've used Amazon to buy everything I can for 10 years, saving money on gas and impulse items. When you use my link, a small percentage comes back to support this site.
Thanks to all for your prayers and support! Will update later. And may be blogging from the hospital lobby if there is WiFi there.
Posted in Family, My life | Permalink
Comments
Praying today for Tripp and for you.
Posted by: Cheryl (Copper's Wife) | February 10, 2009 10:43 AM
You will all be in my prayers this week. I hope all goes well, and I'll be specifically praying for no infection and a strong recovery.
Posted by: Karen E. | February 10, 2009 10:57 AM
Praying for you all today.
Posted by: Amelia | February 10, 2009 11:50 AM
Barbara- Many ((HUGS)) and prayers for the family today. Thank you for the update... and thank you for ALL you do.
Posted by: Lisa | February 10, 2009 12:25 PM
Praying for your family Momma!
Keep us updated.
Posted by: LadyLovas | February 10, 2009 12:34 PM
Just prayed for him, Barbara. Hang in there.
Posted by: Susan L from Buffalo | February 10, 2009 1:26 PM
Praying in CA.
Connie
Posted by: Connie in CA | February 10, 2009 1:39 PM
I will be praying for Tripp.
Posted by: lauren | February 10, 2009 1:40 PM
What a hard position. I've prayed for you, and I've been meaning to get something from Amazon from awhile. I'll do it through your link.
Posted by: Mrs. Sprinkles | February 10, 2009 2:37 PM
Barbara, my prayers are with you. My MIL is in a nursing home for therapy from a recent hip replacement, and, oh what a lot of worry that has been. It looks like she is on the mend, but she had a rough time for the first couple of weeks.
Prayers, thoughts, good wishes to Tripp for a successful surgery, easy recovery and no infections or other complications. Cyber hugs to you and the kids.
Posted by: Cath Young | February 10, 2009 2:43 PM
I know God is faithful and will show himself faithful to your family through these challenges.
Our family is praying for you! For Tripp's surgery, recovery, healing and mobility. For provision to meet all your needs including medical costs. For you: that the fruit of the Spirit will overflow from you as you serve your family. And that God will bless you beyond your wildest imaginations.
Posted by: Elizabeth M Thompson | February 10, 2009 3:02 PM
Praying for you guys today...God will provide!
Posted by: Becky Miller | February 10, 2009 4:56 PM
Just checked in and noticed it is 3:00, the hour of Mercy. Keeping you all in prayer.
Posted by: Anne | February 10, 2009 5:41 PM
