It is called "bypass" because the surgery is done to bypass arteries that have been too clogged by plaque to allow blood and oxygen to flow freely in or out of the heart. Plaque is a combination of cholesterol, fat and other substances. When arteries become clogged by plaque, chest pain sometimes results. If the flow of blood is substantially slowed or stopped, one can suffer a heart attack. Thus, the purpose of a bypass surgery is to devise another route and increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart.
In a triple bypass surgery, three arteries are clogged and causing coronary symptoms, so a heart surgeon has to graft three undamaged arteries from another part of the body for the heart to receive sufficient blood and oxygen. Such is the case of my dad. To learn more about triple bypass surgery, click here.
The doctors were astonished by dad’s endurance. They explained that in most cases, people with heart conditions as my dad suffer a serious heart attack that could cause paralysis. God is good. Dad didn’t have to go through that.
In a way, we look at the situation as a blessing in disguise. Maybe, it was meant to happen in the US so dad could get the best treatment. We hear many stories of people actually going to the US for medical treatment because of its advance technology. The surgery can be frightening and I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel any fear at all. But this is what’s best for dad and as I keep on saying, I can only hope for the best.
Everyday, I can’t help but be amazed by God’s healing presence. Indeed, God works in mysterious ways. Yesterday, for some reason, I retrieved an old book from my shelf. The book is entitled “Little Book of Miracles & Answered Prayers”. My daughter saw it and began reading the stories. I was taken aback when my daughter exclaimed in delight, “Mom look, there’s a story about Padre Pio!”. I had mentioned in my previous blog that apart from St. Jude, Padre Pio is one of my favorite Patron Saints. But I want to know him better and that "little" book of miracles is the answer. It has actually been with me all this time!
And today, I believe God led me to St. Jude shrine again. This was after I attended the funeral of the son of my colleague, which happened to be in the same area. Too much of a coincidence? I don’t think so. I strongly believe these are tangible signs from God that his hands are working for me and he is trying to make me feel it through St. Pio and St. Jude. See, miracles do happen!
There is no confirmed schedule yet for dad’s surgery but, on that day, and by God’s mercy and grace, I know that everything will be fine. ♥♥♥
Can you relate to this? Do you believe in miracles? What are the miracles in your life?
No comments:
Post a Comment