God is here | Carol Foo 珍 ALIVE & KICKING!

Six self-administered injections later, I’m so thankful that I don’t suffer from Trypanophobia—an extreme fear of needles which causes some sufferers to avoid medical treatment altogether. Apparently this phobia afflicts one in ten Americans, and “sometimes people with this disorder faint when exposed to needles or injection, even when the procedure does not involve them” – allaboutcounseling.com

I am blessed in never having to struggle with this fear, for these few days, I’ve had to self-inject the anticoagulant Heparin (Low Molecular Weight LMWH – brand name Clexane) twice daily. It was necessary as I’m undergoing a surgical procedure on 11 June to remove the implanted metal IVC filter—Angels in the Operating Theatre! explains why I needed this. As the oral medication Warfarin takes a few days to start and stop working, to prevent the risk of excessive bleeding during the removal procedure, Heparin is an effective bridge as it’s both quick to act and short-lived.

Isn’t it wonderful that so much useful information is now readily available on the internet?
Here are pictures showing:

An IVC filter trapping a clot and preventing it from moving up into the lungs

The use of a wire hook to close the umbrella-like filter

A closed filter that can be safely removed

Happy News!
An ultrasound scan shows that the remaining blood clots in my legs are only “partial” now so my doctors gave the go-ahead for the precautionary filter to be taken out. It’s advisable not to delay this any longer as retrievable filters may get stuck to the wall of the IVC and cannot be removed. The potential risks of having a permanent filter include its penetrating through the vein and piercing a nearby organ, or even breaking loose and travelling to the heart or lungs. A fresh scan of the Pulmonary Embolism area to review the state of the clots that choked my lungs in February will be done in a couple of months.

I’m so glad the school holidays have started. Here’s a humorous exchange when I was last warded.
Son to Mum in hospital: “Don’t worry, I can iron my own uniform, realised it’s not so difficult.”
Mum: “That’s good. Send it to the Laundry Service if necessary.”
Son to Mum after my hospital stay: “I didn’t iron my uniform, wore it straight from the dryer. Asked around and my classmates said they didn’t notice any difference. I mean, which weirdo stares at people’s clothes anyway?” 😀 …So guess who quickly resumed ironing duties?

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Stuff I Find Funny

Quinn Miller Photo’s creative Wedding Entourage is a huge internet hit!

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You Are Special!
You are unique! You are a special blessing to those you know and you have something to give to the world that no one else can. God created you to be you. As you walk with your Creator and partner with Him, He will unfold a marvellous plan for your life and you will understand to a fuller measure why you are alive on earth in such a place at such a time among such a people.

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My Current Praise & Worship Favourites:

God Is Here – Darlene Zschech
Lyrics/Music: Israel Houghton, Darlene Zschech, Phil Wickham