Jul 2007
The Adventure Continues
Jul/23/07 08:24 AM
Meeting with another great Auckland surgeon this past
Friday, introduced to us by our friends the Garrets.
We appreciate so much both the Garrets and their
massive investment in our lives, especially in the
early days when I first went into hospital. David
helped arrange Faes’ ticket to Korea, sent
numerous emails to friends alerting them to my
situation and even did things like man the phone at
our home to help free her up to get ready. Mindy
their daughter had had a similar emergency situation
to mine. Although technically done for the night, on
finding out she was their daughter this surgeon had
stepped in to help her. Both his surgery and post-op
care was wonderful and Mindy felt strongly that we
should meet with him for consultation on my proposed
fourth operation.
Ian has a missionary background himself with ten years in Nepal. He still returns each year to help out with an organization in that nation. As another believer, he also knew of my ministry and freed up some consultation time so Fae and I were able to spend a valuable guest forty minutes with him. He also went through the translated notes of the three operations and showed us what he thought had happened to precipitate the crises.
He also seems keen to take on my case personally, and we have set up another visit in two months time to perhaps decide on an operation time and venue. It turns out that there is another experienced head surgeon in a new local hospital also a believer and Ian believes it will be possible for me to have the surgery done as public-funded rather than private operation. This of course would be a wonderful answer to prayer.
I have wanted three things for this operation; that it would be headed up by someone of high competence and experience, so that the huge expense of all the previous surgeries will not be annulled by having the wrong person on the final job; that they would be a real believer, so that the Lord will have someone who listens to Him at the helm; and that we would be good stewards of the gifts of love, time and finance that friends have invested in our lives for this time. We have waited on Him for His peace in this.
One of the great blessings we have seen through all of this is the constant and unwavering care of God and the surprising little arrangements to encourage us He has sent our way. I have always believed that living by faith is living without scheming. Even when we are not traveling or ministering, His faithfulness is ever new and amazing to us.
This past week has been such an example. A district nurse pays us a visit once a week to check on the progress of my wound, still stubbornly holding somehow back on healing. (There remains a small patch about the size of a quarter near the bottom of the wound where the final skin has not yet closed up.) We got a visit from a new nurse a couple of days before the consultation. On talking to her about the possibilities of a public operation, it turns out she served as a nurse under this local surgeon for a year, She said he was the only one she would trust her own body to for this operation. Consultations have been initiated by others who contacted these surgeons for us. We have not had to beat paths to their doors to gain an audience with these skilled and busy men who have helped us get a perspective on what has happened, what is going on now and what is possible. Knowing how difficult it is to set this up, we so appreciate Gods’ hand in this.
Here is the update so far on where I am. No operation can be attempted until I am fully fit and my wound has been completely closed up. I am told I need to be as fit for this last surgery as I was when I went into the first ones. John said that while the operation was “no haircut” and could take up to three hours or more to complete, that recovery under these circumstances is faster and I could be out of hospital in three or four days.
The option to forgo the surgery does not look preferable, although technically the wound allows the body to still be fully functional. Any surgery then would not come under emergency or critical parameters, but be treated as cosmetic. To leave things as they are however, would be learning to live with a 22-cm hernia. At any future time the bowel could protrude out and retract at will, though not be at any great risk for strangulation.
One strange thing about this band that needs somehow to be rejoined to bring my abs back into line, is what is happening to those two internal cut edges. My body seems so keen on being healed that the ends of the cut band are turning into bone. In effect, I have at present two breastbones. Ian says this ossification is rare and they only see one or two cases of this a year. I suggested perhaps that these bone ends might be joined by a titanium chain and I would henceforth have a built-in bullet-proof vest. Fit for future dangerous ministry areas? I don’t think they will take that option. but a mesh is possible.
Thanks again for your faithful prayers and encouragement. I had opportunity Thursday to go on Radio Rhema, our major Christian station here to thank them and their nation-wide audience. They carried my story (read aloud from our blog for weeks to the nation) and made many aware of my need. Many friends continue to pray for us, some still daily and I hope to be able to contact those I usually minister with around this time to thank them for their support. I have also begun work on Divinity II, the second volume of the Nature and Character of God that focuses on the character of God as seen in His creation. It will cover aspects of our uniqueness as a universe, solar system, planet and as an ecosystem, the wonder of mankind and new areas like the spiritual roots of vocation. It will also contrast the beauty of His making with the ugliness and sadness of the Fall. Volume 1 which has had many appreciative readers, took some 15 years to compile. Hopefully while retaining the usefulness and resource riches of Vol. I with new tools of technology and research, Volume II should be completed in far less time. Volume III, last of the set will deal with the Nature and Character of God in the reconciliation of His creation.
Blessings in the Beloved –
Winkie and Fae: P.O. Box 215 Manurewa, South Auckland New Zealand.
END.
Posted by Israel Anderson
Ian has a missionary background himself with ten years in Nepal. He still returns each year to help out with an organization in that nation. As another believer, he also knew of my ministry and freed up some consultation time so Fae and I were able to spend a valuable guest forty minutes with him. He also went through the translated notes of the three operations and showed us what he thought had happened to precipitate the crises.
He also seems keen to take on my case personally, and we have set up another visit in two months time to perhaps decide on an operation time and venue. It turns out that there is another experienced head surgeon in a new local hospital also a believer and Ian believes it will be possible for me to have the surgery done as public-funded rather than private operation. This of course would be a wonderful answer to prayer.
I have wanted three things for this operation; that it would be headed up by someone of high competence and experience, so that the huge expense of all the previous surgeries will not be annulled by having the wrong person on the final job; that they would be a real believer, so that the Lord will have someone who listens to Him at the helm; and that we would be good stewards of the gifts of love, time and finance that friends have invested in our lives for this time. We have waited on Him for His peace in this.
One of the great blessings we have seen through all of this is the constant and unwavering care of God and the surprising little arrangements to encourage us He has sent our way. I have always believed that living by faith is living without scheming. Even when we are not traveling or ministering, His faithfulness is ever new and amazing to us.
This past week has been such an example. A district nurse pays us a visit once a week to check on the progress of my wound, still stubbornly holding somehow back on healing. (There remains a small patch about the size of a quarter near the bottom of the wound where the final skin has not yet closed up.) We got a visit from a new nurse a couple of days before the consultation. On talking to her about the possibilities of a public operation, it turns out she served as a nurse under this local surgeon for a year, She said he was the only one she would trust her own body to for this operation. Consultations have been initiated by others who contacted these surgeons for us. We have not had to beat paths to their doors to gain an audience with these skilled and busy men who have helped us get a perspective on what has happened, what is going on now and what is possible. Knowing how difficult it is to set this up, we so appreciate Gods’ hand in this.
Here is the update so far on where I am. No operation can be attempted until I am fully fit and my wound has been completely closed up. I am told I need to be as fit for this last surgery as I was when I went into the first ones. John said that while the operation was “no haircut” and could take up to three hours or more to complete, that recovery under these circumstances is faster and I could be out of hospital in three or four days.
The option to forgo the surgery does not look preferable, although technically the wound allows the body to still be fully functional. Any surgery then would not come under emergency or critical parameters, but be treated as cosmetic. To leave things as they are however, would be learning to live with a 22-cm hernia. At any future time the bowel could protrude out and retract at will, though not be at any great risk for strangulation.
One strange thing about this band that needs somehow to be rejoined to bring my abs back into line, is what is happening to those two internal cut edges. My body seems so keen on being healed that the ends of the cut band are turning into bone. In effect, I have at present two breastbones. Ian says this ossification is rare and they only see one or two cases of this a year. I suggested perhaps that these bone ends might be joined by a titanium chain and I would henceforth have a built-in bullet-proof vest. Fit for future dangerous ministry areas? I don’t think they will take that option. but a mesh is possible.
Thanks again for your faithful prayers and encouragement. I had opportunity Thursday to go on Radio Rhema, our major Christian station here to thank them and their nation-wide audience. They carried my story (read aloud from our blog for weeks to the nation) and made many aware of my need. Many friends continue to pray for us, some still daily and I hope to be able to contact those I usually minister with around this time to thank them for their support. I have also begun work on Divinity II, the second volume of the Nature and Character of God that focuses on the character of God as seen in His creation. It will cover aspects of our uniqueness as a universe, solar system, planet and as an ecosystem, the wonder of mankind and new areas like the spiritual roots of vocation. It will also contrast the beauty of His making with the ugliness and sadness of the Fall. Volume 1 which has had many appreciative readers, took some 15 years to compile. Hopefully while retaining the usefulness and resource riches of Vol. I with new tools of technology and research, Volume II should be completed in far less time. Volume III, last of the set will deal with the Nature and Character of God in the reconciliation of His creation.
Blessings in the Beloved –
Winkie and Fae: P.O. Box 215 Manurewa, South Auckland New Zealand.
END.
Posted by Israel Anderson
|
Thank you son
Jul/04/07 02:32 AM
It has been a special privilege to have had our son
William with us these past two months to help in my
recovery process. He has been a signal example of the
loving servant heart of Christ to both Fae and I in
all that he has contributed to our family. From the
time he first made his way to Korea from the Sudan
mission-field where he was working with a YWAM Mercy
Works medical team, his life and ministry has been a
constant source of joy and inspiration to all who met
him.
For me, William's gift of service to his Dad was genuinely a God-send. Beginning with his part on his initial arrival in helping the medical team restore a critical function for me as I lay in a coma, he brought a strength and resilient encouragement to us that helped us endure what sometimes seemed a nightmare. His cheerful caring commitment to my welfare in the long night and early morning watches of the lonely hospital ward, and unwavering strength - despite times of great stress and demand far beyond the daily duty of the extra mile - to help oversee my physical rehabilitation have been amazing. Bringing to bear what he has learned in the regimen of physical exercise, his was the thankless task of helping coax my dormant muscles back to function and bringing my protesting failed frame in its weakness and pain back into working order. He has helped me keep up my prescribed nutrition daily, served us every day here at home as a driver and gofer for appointments and commitments, been a strong shoulder and servant minister to his mother, and encouraged me in every needed discipline. Besides all of this he has taken time in the early hours of the morning to post progress reports on the blog to keep you, our friends informed of my condition.
William, you are a true champion and faithful friend, a son who, like the radical Irishman in Braveheart in so many situations proved indeed what you pledged to me: "I got your back." We love you and appreciate more than we can say your godly sacrifice and service. As you return to your chosen field of ministry and your own familiar friends in the US this week, we also thank YWAM Tyler for the sacrificial loan back to us of our most treasured and special loved one. We honor you, not only for all you have done, but for being to the core who you are in Him. Thank you, dear brother in the battle, our son.
Winkie Pratney
END.
Posted by Israel Anderson
For me, William's gift of service to his Dad was genuinely a God-send. Beginning with his part on his initial arrival in helping the medical team restore a critical function for me as I lay in a coma, he brought a strength and resilient encouragement to us that helped us endure what sometimes seemed a nightmare. His cheerful caring commitment to my welfare in the long night and early morning watches of the lonely hospital ward, and unwavering strength - despite times of great stress and demand far beyond the daily duty of the extra mile - to help oversee my physical rehabilitation have been amazing. Bringing to bear what he has learned in the regimen of physical exercise, his was the thankless task of helping coax my dormant muscles back to function and bringing my protesting failed frame in its weakness and pain back into working order. He has helped me keep up my prescribed nutrition daily, served us every day here at home as a driver and gofer for appointments and commitments, been a strong shoulder and servant minister to his mother, and encouraged me in every needed discipline. Besides all of this he has taken time in the early hours of the morning to post progress reports on the blog to keep you, our friends informed of my condition.
William, you are a true champion and faithful friend, a son who, like the radical Irishman in Braveheart in so many situations proved indeed what you pledged to me: "I got your back." We love you and appreciate more than we can say your godly sacrifice and service. As you return to your chosen field of ministry and your own familiar friends in the US this week, we also thank YWAM Tyler for the sacrificial loan back to us of our most treasured and special loved one. We honor you, not only for all you have done, but for being to the core who you are in Him. Thank you, dear brother in the battle, our son.
Winkie Pratney
END.
Posted by Israel Anderson
Pratney Family Update
Jul/02/07 11:59 PM
Well, the time has come for me to depart for the
United States. I have a wedding to attend in
California on route to Texas (no, it's not my
wedding!), and then it's back to Youth With A Mission
Tyler, where I work full time in the video
department. Future updates will probably be done by
my dad (which I'm sure most of you will be glad to
hear). I leave him to the grace of God and in the
hands of my mother. It's been over three months since
I left the Sudan to visit Winkie in Korea. I won't be
back here in New Zealand again until December
(provided no future emergencies beckon my attention).
Thanks, everyone for your prayers for us and for me
in particular. Goodbye, and God bless.
William Pratney
END.
Posted by Israel Anderson
William Pratney
END.
Posted by Israel Anderson
Pratney Family Update
Jul/01/07 12:54 AM
Winkie and I met with Dr. John Winsor, recommended
gastro-intestinal surgeon and professor of surgery at
Auckland University Medical Center. He gave us some
interesting news. The first thing he said, is that
Winkie is at this time able to use his abdominal
muscles! True, they are still separated, and only
surgery will correct that, but he said that the
actual muscles are usable! Winkie practically got a
new lease on life! Of course, with any strenuous use
of that area, he will get a bulge, but since the open
space is so large, there's no risk of hernia
strangulation. When the bowel goes through a small
opening in the muscle wall layer and gets stuck, that
is where the danger comes in. But since Winkie has a
large space, there's nothing really for the bowel to
get stuck on.
Winkie is free now to exercise (he is of course, still quite weak, and far from being able to get back out on the tennis court- we're not even letting him drive yet), get well and basically get back into life. You can imagine what mentally, being told by a speciallist that all those things you were told before that you shouldn't or couldn't or wouldn't be able to do you actually can do would do.
Winsor also encouraged him to take time to heal up, get well, and think about all the different surgical possibilities that lie before him. It seems that he has a number of options, but needs to decide if he wants to go through the public system (is free, but takes time, and particular surgeon is not guaranteed) or go private (you can pick your surgeon, but it costs you). If he were to go private, he could pick what type of surgery he wanted (aparently, the same basic purpose can be attained through many different ways- Winsor laid out several- with or without mesh, if with, which kind of mesh and where it's put, if without, which muscle layer is brought together- there are so many options). Winsor told us, however, if we want private, it will cost us about $10,000NZ.
Dad has a lot of time to think about it, and mull things over in his mind. He also will have time to work on written material, and, as I've found out today, is planning to do at least 4 more books- Volumes 2 & 3 of Divinity (The Nature and Character of God), an updated version of Youth Aflame, and a small counselling-type book.
William Pratney
END.
Posted by Israel Anderson
Winkie is free now to exercise (he is of course, still quite weak, and far from being able to get back out on the tennis court- we're not even letting him drive yet), get well and basically get back into life. You can imagine what mentally, being told by a speciallist that all those things you were told before that you shouldn't or couldn't or wouldn't be able to do you actually can do would do.
Winsor also encouraged him to take time to heal up, get well, and think about all the different surgical possibilities that lie before him. It seems that he has a number of options, but needs to decide if he wants to go through the public system (is free, but takes time, and particular surgeon is not guaranteed) or go private (you can pick your surgeon, but it costs you). If he were to go private, he could pick what type of surgery he wanted (aparently, the same basic purpose can be attained through many different ways- Winsor laid out several- with or without mesh, if with, which kind of mesh and where it's put, if without, which muscle layer is brought together- there are so many options). Winsor told us, however, if we want private, it will cost us about $10,000NZ.
Dad has a lot of time to think about it, and mull things over in his mind. He also will have time to work on written material, and, as I've found out today, is planning to do at least 4 more books- Volumes 2 & 3 of Divinity (The Nature and Character of God), an updated version of Youth Aflame, and a small counselling-type book.
William Pratney
END.
Posted by Israel Anderson