Journal entry by Stacie Wortley —
I’M WITHOUT WORDS as I write this. I mean literally I can’t talk still but I also just can’t wait to share just how good our God is. Guys, he’s good even when situations aren’t so don’t think for a moment that His goodness rests on our life’s circumstances. But when things go well AND you know it’s because of the prayers around you and how He’s been working, well then it also just feels good.
Yesterday, I did my best to stay calm. I was pretty nervous. My blood pressure always rises when I’m in the transplant area & yesterday was no different. I took my hand warmers in and had my gum to keep my mouth from getting too dry. The only thing I forgot was my chapstick (I found it helps keep me from bleeding lips after the ERCPs).
Mark and I told the nurse (who I happened to have had with my first ERCP) everything from my last one and she was determined to make this one easy. She did my iv. She did 2 actually because we were both not quite happy with the first one. I don’t love any iv’s but I knew I needed a good one for this so I was more than happy when she tried and succeeded in my right arm. Guys, I’ve had many iv’s-not all are bad and painful…neither of these were bad.
Once that was out of the way we talked to the anesthesiologist, who was also from my first one. He was a jolly older fellow who I was so grateful to have. He listened and told me today would be my lucky day! (Ya’ll…it was!)
Then, another nurse came in to take me back and she was one I’ve had a few times. She was also there and remembered my last experience! She spoiled me rotten. She checked my iv and made sure I had the good heat when we got back to the table…we know they have those white blankets that they warm for you (which I think 6 has been my highest number) but I’m talking about the plastic blanket they hook up to heated air that gets pumped in!
I fell fast asleep without an ounce of pain or burning!
When I woke up I had the kindest nurse. I tell you what nurses make all the difference!! I was in and out, but I knew I’d over heard her telling someone else that “it wasn’t there” and I remember praying and thanking God because I knew she was talking about my stint…
Later, when Mark was able to join me Dr. Gromski came in almost skipping! Beaming with joy! He said with a huge smile, “I’ve got good news…well 2 things really…”
He told us #1 I didn’t have to do anything in there because your stints weren’t there! They are making their way out. He explained that they can do this but normally they don’t.
*pause*
Guys!! This mean my body kicked them out because I’ve been healing so much!!
*unpaused
He told us I must have passed one because he could only see one in my large intestines. But he was thrilled! I told him he was gonna miss me he laughed and said not to get my hopes up too high because I could need more later on as we go. I simply replied with, “No more in Jesus’Name! Ever!” He laughed again and said, “or maybe not!” He’s gotten to know me pretty well😉.
Then he said what I’ve been waiting to hear!
#2 all my labs came back and everyone of my liver numbers were within range…Guys, he said I was NORMAL!! I’ve never wanted to be normal, with the exception of my liver numbers!!!! I’m not just barely within range I’m like good in the middle of the ranges!!
Can you please jump up and down and scream for me (it hurts my throat right now to do!), and praise God for Joshua Easy!!
So all the things I’ve been doing; grounding, red light therapy, frequencies, using my Avacen (google it), & all the diet changes have all been working! And God is the one who has beautifully orchestrated and brought me to each and everyone one of these things through some amazing doctors. If you want Dr. Michelle’s info ask!! She’s been amazing!!
God will never leave your side and it does take a village…a village of believers!! This journey is not over, no one’s is until we have passed. I know I still have a hernia surgery and I also know that at any point in time my body could have a number of issues or rejection, but I also know who holds the number of my days.
I want to live each day at a time with gratitude no matter what.
Thank you for walking with me even still. For praying with us and over us. For the encouragement, cards, gifts, money, and hugs!!
Please continue praying:
1-for this second stint to pass easily
2-for our continued healing (the whole family has walked through healing and is still)
3- for God to lead our business in a way that provides
4- help me get this hernia surgery done
5–for those still in their journey, those who aren’t getting the healing, those who are hurting and alone as they walk through hard things.
And please praise Him that He puts us together to pray for each other!
Thank you friends and family!
Merry Christmas
Love,
Stacie & her crazy crew
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