In October, I underwent open heart surgery and initially had a normal recovery. However, after a few weeks I was feeling unwell, my family insisted that I visit the heart hospital as I was exhibiting symptoms of fever and fatigue. While the medical staff weren't initially concerned, they performed routine tests. During this process, one of the heart surgeons approached my family and I and revealed that they had discovered a tear in his aorta, which was leaking. This tear was rather serious, and the doctor stressed the urgency of emergency surgery. The surgeon informed me that my chances of survival were slim even if I was operated, but without surgery, the leak would be fatal within a few hours.
I made the decision to undergo the surgery, which was estimated to last 12 hours overnight. After surgery, I was sedated in the ICU. However, the next day, things took a turn for the worse, and my wife was told that I needed to be rushed back into emergency surgery for a third open-heart procedure to stop further bleeding. The doctors expressed little hope, urging my wife to gather the family. Miraculously, I survived the surgery, but my condition remained very critical, and the doctors also confirmed that I have suffered a stroke, and there would be a possibility of me not walking or talking again. For the next week, I was hooked up to 13 machines in the ICU, and my family anxiously waited for any sign of improvement.
After ten days in the ward, I was rushed back to the ICU due to a severe infection, and my condition worsened. A serious blood infection was discovered, and the doctors warned that there was little they could do to help. I underwent another serious operation to treat the infection, and time in the ICU continued. A t this time there was minimal improvement, and only small signs of progress. As the days passed, doctors began discussing end-of-life decisions with the family.
Over time, with continuous prayers from my church family, friends and loved ones my condition improved unexpectedly, to the surprise of everyone in the ICU including the medical staff. Eventually, I was discharged and transferred to the ward.
After spending two weeks in the ward, including Christmas, I made remarkable progress. My speech, mobility, and ability to eat improved, astonishing both the doctors and the staff. I was then transferred to rehabilitation for another three weeks, where I continued to make significant strides. The medical team, who had followed my case closely, expressed disbelief at my survival through three open heart surgeries, other surgical interventions and numerous treatments, calling me incredibly lucky to be alive. My family acknowledged the presence of God’s hand in my recovery. The family’s prayers for help, strength, advocacy, and a miracle had been answered by a faithful and a prayer answering God.
I have always held onto the promise in Isaiah 41:10, which says, 'Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' This verse has been a constant source of strength for me, and it has always kept me going through the most challenging times.
I returned from rehabilitation two months ago and everyone who sees me including the doctors and the therapists are amazed at the recovery I have made despite me been a dialysis patient as they expected my recovery to be very slow. We serve a faithful God who has been amazing throughout this journey as He has not only healed me, He has given tremendous strength and provision to my family during this ordeal.