Can I Find Peace During My Husband’s Surgery?

Carpal Tunnel Surgery –No Way Around It

My husband, Rich, suffered for over a year and a half with nerve damage in both wrists. He had poor sleep night after night. Numbness, pain and a weak grip plagued him constantly. These symptoms would not ever get better. He loves to work with his hands. He can fix anything. He landscapes our yard like a pro. Facing losing this valuable ability was a blow. The doctors said Physical Therapy would not improve things. Carpal Tunnel Surgery was the only solution.

God’s Comfort –I Could Not find It

I searched for God’s abundant peace through this anticipation. I did not find it. My stomach was in knots. I was sad and scared for my hubby. Tears came easily, as I fought the inevitable. Why did this have to happen to him?

I was consumed with worry over the unknown. We are new to this area, so I did not have any close friends here yet, nor did I know my way around. The hospital was out of town, and I envisioned myself getting lost on the way home, with a suffering surgical patient… I pictured all sorts of negative scenarios.

We sat in the waiting room over an hour, as I tried to distract my husband with his glorious sunrise pictures from a recent camping trip. His blood sugar was plummeting. His head began hurting. I could not make time speed up. I was powerless to get them to call his name. We had to wait our turn forever and ever. We watched a little bit of Family Feud, not too invested in it. We were in the same boat as all the other family members there to support their beloved patients. I learned that I need to work on my patience. And, that I do not control the world. I am not, and never will be, mini-God!

It has been said that worry is like a rocking chair. You can heartily rock back and forth, but you will never get anywhere.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6,7

They Finally Called Him In

I am a chicken about surgery and going under. I’ve only ever had a C-Section, and I was awake for it. I was incredulous that my BRAVE hubby just walked down that hallway toward this! If I were in his shoes, I’d be at home, under the bed, hanging onto the bedsprings! A group of big, burly men would have to yank me out and tie me into the car, to go. Unbelievable that I’m pushing 60 and truly act like a 5 year-old. If and when I have my next surgery, I will need medicine to calm me down. I am a coward.

This reminds me of 2 Timothy 1:7 “For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

If God says these helpful things to us, why can’t I suffuse myself with them? Why can’t I believe? I am working on this. Mark 9:24 “I do believe; help my unbelief!”

They Called Me Into The Recovery Room

I nervously gathered up my stuff, heart hammering, and tore down the hallway, not knowing what I’d find. A man miserable with pain? Dizzy and disoriented after anesthesia? Could I successfully get him to the car by myself without him falling down?

No, on the contrary –I saw a relieved and joyful cutie pie, smiling in his green hospital gown, toasting me with his apple juice. He was happily munching on a pack of crackers. His wrist was bandaged up nicely, and the RN hovered cheerfully with post-op instructions. Oh thank God. Phew.

God Will Do Exceedingly, Abundantly Above All You Ask Or Imagine

 Sarah Young, may she rest in peace, in her powerful series, Jesus Calling, speaks as Jesus. “I have planted peace in the garden of your heart, where I live, but there are weeds growing there, too: pride, worry, selfishness and unbelief…In my Heavenly Light, peace grows abundantly, and weeds shrivel up. Your capacity to experience Me is increasing through my removal of debris and clutter from your heart.”

Oh, to have that kind of TRUST! What I would give…

Relinquishing my fears to God is my life’s quest.

A Beautiful Outcome

My husband, Rich, had a wonderful outcome. He will heal. He will get his strong grip back. He now knows what to expect when he goes back in for the left wrist. He took the steps needed to keep his hands effective for the rest of his life.

I am so grateful to God for this fantastic result. I will strive for more reliance on God and faith in my life. Giving life’s trials completely to God is healthier, indeed!