Elizabeth: Latest News

Visiting friends in the bush

After last week’s excellent and refreshing holiday break camping in the bush, in Kwa-Zulu Natal, this too has been a good week. On Monday, Elizabeth had an appointment with her ophthalmologist who announced himself very pleased indeed with the outcome of the surgery on her retina. He said she could commence driving again and will not need to see him for another six months. 

On Wednesday afternoon there was a visit to the radiologist who carried out a Doppler scan to see if the deep vein thrombosis in her right calf had responded to treatment. It had. It was no longer to be seen.

Then today, Friday, it was back to Dr. John Penhall, our General Practitioner here in King William’s Town, for a further analysis of the scan. Whilst he agreed with the radiologist that the DVT had cleared up satisfactorily, he also noted that the vein had become kinked or twisted, creating a weakness susceptible to the formation of a future DVT. He, therefore, prescribed medication to be taken long term to reduce this risk.

Following the consultation with the GP, it was time to cross the road to the optometrist to discuss new lenses for her spectacles. Rather like our doctor, she too pointed out that whilst the surgery might have been very successful, there were ongoing consequences that needed to be dealt with. So, all in all, a very good week indeed, even if it had a somewhat cautionary ending.

What I have just reported is a very wonderful answer to our prayers and those of our colleagues and faithful supporters too. We cannot exaggerate how encouraging it has been to know that you have been standing with us during the last months. Above all we see clear evidence of the gracious intervention of God in securing a satisfactory outcome to the treatment provided. To be sure, medical science can seemingly work marvels, but we fool ourselves if we imagine it is entirely predictable and mechanical. The Christian is deeply conscious that without God’s blessing things may turn out very differently to what is hoped for, or, indeed, expected. So, now we ask you to rejoice with us and give thanks for God’s goodness and care.

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