Morning Star

No More Shoveling Snow Forever!

I returned home yesterday around noon from the Heart Hospital in Indy. As most of you know by now, Carol drove me St. John’s hospital at about 3:30 Sunday morning. I had been experiencing chest pains for several hours which I initially thought was indigestion but later concluded may be something else. After initial tests (EKG, blood tests etc) were performed it was determined that I was experiencing heart problems and the decision was made to transport me to the Heart Hospital by Community North in Indy for a heart catheterization procedure. This procedure is also known as balloon angioplasty.

During the procedure the doctor determined that I had 2 blockages in one of my coronary arteries. One of them was a 100% blockage. They used the balloon to open the artery and then inserted 2 medicated stints to keep it open. The amazing thing to me was that I was awake and talking to the doctor during the entire procedure, and I was feeling no pain as there are no nerve endings inside the arteries.

My long term prognosis is good. The doctors did say I had a heart attack, From my perspective, I knew I was having pain in my chest though I wouldn’t have said I was having a heart attack (denial is a more than a river in Egypt). I didn’t feel like I was on the verge of dying at any time during this process because the Lord gave me His peace in a remarkable way. While there was damage to the heart muscle the doctor said he felt it was minimal and he felt I would make a good recovery over the next few months. His advice is to take it easy, don’t drive for a week, get in a cardiac rehab program, take daily walks and don’t shovel snow ever again (hallelujah!).

I want to thank you all for your prayers and acts of kindness for Carol and me. They are greatly appreciated and I know the Lord has heard them. Please continue to pray that my rehab goes well and that I will listen and heed the doctors advice instead of just charging back into things as if nothing has happened (this is my tendency).

Blessings to you all,

Ray

Ray Renner update

12:00 PM Wednesday.  Thanks for all the prayers.  Ray was released from the hospital today.  He is home resting, catching up on email and the like. Feel free to drop him a line or give him a call.  He's not allowed to drive for a week, so he will surely feel a little trapped.  Maybe he'll post here soon.

10:00 AM Monday  Met with discharge coordinator, Jan.  She explained in detail what the doctor did during yesterday's procedure.  She informed that two stints were put in. "The stints will not set off any alarms."  "We can't take away your stress, but we can teach you how to deal with it" (walking, bike riding, swimming, talking about things, watching funny movies). Rest for an hour after every meal.  Don't change bed linens and run a vaccum cleaner.  Don't drive for a week.  No muscle building exercises.  Never, ever shovel snow! Talk to people about how you feel. Give yourself a chance to heal. Walk 3 minutes, 3 times a day, building to two 15 minute walks a day.

7:00 AM Monday  Many of you know by now, Ray suffered what the doctors have called a "mild to moderate" heart attack on Saturday night.  His pain began around 8 PM, but he did not decide to go to the hospital until around 3 AM Sunday morning.  He and Carol drove to St. John's hospital in Anderson, where he was stabilized.  From there, he was transported to The Indiana Heart Hospital in Castleton (a part of the Community North campus).  Upon arrival at TIHH, he was immediately taken in for a heart catheterization procedure.  The doctors discovered that one of his primary cardiac arteries was completely blocked.  They were able to insert a drug-coated stint into the artery, and the blockage was alleviated.  The doctor performing the procedure was pleased with the results, but he said it would take time before they knew the extent of damage to the heart muscle.  The doctor also expressed some concern with Ray's kidney function, and has ordered some further tests to determine whether or not his diabetes is under adequate control.

As of Sunday evening, Ray was awake, alert, and in good spirits.  The doctors have estimated that he will need to be in the hospital for a total of three days for evaluation.  Visitors are welcome pretty much any time of day, and the atmosphere at the hospital is very open and relaxed, so do feel free to visit.  He is in room 310.  He also has his cell phone with him, if you wish to call.

Please pray for Ray and Carol.  Further updates on Ray's progress will be posted to this web site, so feel free to send the link out to folks who might be interested.

-eli

Hurricane Katrina relief

Last week Randy Hornbeck from our church traveled to New Orleans with the Madison County Swat Team to assist the New Orleans PD in helping to restore order. They were warmly welcomed by the NOPD. They even returned home with a resident of New Orleans in tow and helped get her on her way to stay with relatives in Michigan. Here is a photo of Dotty in front of her house with Randy.

We also have two families from our church presently serving as missionaries in the French Quarter. They evacuated the day before the storm and are safe with relatives. The Seiberts and the Rouseys were in our service on Sunday and gave us a report on their situation and ministry.

Our church is presently serving as a collecting point for relief supplies for the victims of Katrina. We have a person in our church whose brother has a trucking company. He is willing to transport relief items to the disaster area. We are collecting non-perishable food items, new or used clothes & shoes (as long as they are in good condition), toiletries, baby food and diapers, children's toys etc. Virtually anything that is in good condition and will not spoil during transport is acceptable. If you have items you would like to donate please call the church office at 622-7827 to make sure someone is here to accept your donations.

Blessings,

Ray