Day 8 - June 23 - I TOLD you it was a rollercoaster...
...and the ride takes another twist.
We just spoke with the neurosurgeon. First, he displayed the most positive attitude I've seen on him. He told us a number of things - first, he explained what was going on with Connor's vertebrae. Before, both sides of the vertebrae were out of place. When everything realigned, both sides were back in place. Then one side slipped back, so that's where it is right now. They've got Connor back with 10 pounds of traction to hold things where they are, and the surgeon is confident that the one side isn't a problem for them - it was having both sides out that was the issue before.
He then told us that he and his fellow neurosurgeon, who is also the vascular surgeon, went over today's CT Scan slice by slice, and they both agree - both of his vertebral arteries are "clean and clear". I asked for clarification and he confirmed - there are no tears in either artery, and no clot. As far as the vascular stuff is concerned, they are good to go for surgery. There was an additional positive, in that the side of the vertebrae that remains in place is the side that had the pinched artery, so that's very good. So he was upbeat about that.
He did tell us that there was bad news, too. I tensed. He said "he has had a stroke". I fainted. OK, I didn't quite faint, but I felt like it. The doctor told us that it happened a while ago, maybe as long ago as the time of the injury. It's small, and he says it affected a part of the brain that "doesn't control much, that we know of". He was very upbeat about the potentialities, saying that Connor has been equally responsive all along, and says that he is "right there" when the doctor talks to him. Overall, he described everything as "four steps forward, one step back".
Connor goes to surgery in the morning. He will be taken downstairs at 0700, with the surgery beginning between 0730 and 0800 PDT and lasting all day long. They will go in the back of his neck, make sure the vertebrae are in the proper position, and insert screws and rods to secure the joint. Once that is done, they'll flip him over "like a pancake", in the doctor's words, and go in from the front. In there, they will remove the torn disc between Connor's C4 and C5, replace it with a prosthesis, and then install plates to secure the front.
The doctor has done a lot of these, and seems intelligent and confident. He is sharp, which is a trait much desired in the tools the Master uses.
Please pray that God's will be done in this surgery. Please pray that Connor sustains no more damage from these procedures. Please pray that God sustain him, and us, during the days ahead.
Forgive me for my convoluted, ever-changing blogs. I apologize for twisting everyone's emotions back and forth. I only report what's happening!
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posted by Eric Williamson @ 7:48 PM
34 Comments
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34 Comments:
Please Eric, know you have nothing to appologize for. You are an amazing father, you are keeping us updated. I don't know any of you but I'm right there with you. Just a fellow motorcycle lover. Keep us updated, and no more appologies.
In the past, I have found that God answers prayer even as we pray.As I was driving back to Modesto today after a short visit with you,I could not get your parting words out of my head,"Please pray for me,I'm worried,". Well,I was praying and tears were forming in my eyes and I did not see the signal from the tractor-trailer in #2 lane moving into the #1 lane where I was at.
However, he noticed the jerk who wouldn't move and shifted quickly back into the #2 lane.
This shook me up so,that I pulled off the the next exit until I regained my composure.
Now is a good time to pray,I thought and thank God for saving me yet again.
I asked God to take away the anguish you were feeling and for complete healing of Connor.I then asked God to fogive me for being a selfish dirtball for asking for complete healing rather than His will.I tend to ask for things from Him that I'm not clearly entitled to.
His tendancy is to answer them,in His own way,in His own time.Sometimes He answers as we pray.
Now how awsome is that?
What a ministry is available right in that very waiting room.How can people cope in that oh so traumatic atomsphere of the CCU waiting room without the presence of God at their side?
I will pray for them ,also.
Mark Tury
Modesto
No apology necessary, Mr. Williamson.
-Joshua
We are checking the blog a couple of times a day and continue to pray. I am working tomorrow and will come and visit you. I often think of this for you from the Bible: "The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face shine upon you...and give you peace forever." For Connor and your whole amazing friends and family this is our prayer.
In HIS steadfast grip,
Kristie, Wade, and Scott Robinson plus kids
Fresno, CA
Though we are strangers,I am praying for your son and for all of you--and have been doing so since I heard about the accident. Having recently had this same surgery, I have only good things to report about it and no setbacks or problems of any kind. I pray that Connor's results will even surpass that!
From a fellow believer...
Eric,
We have been praying for good things...we will pray for the surgeons and that God work through them as they help Connor.
John & Connie Oakley
We don't know you, but we'll be praying for Connor all day long, starting bright and early in the morning.
There's no need for an apology about the ever-changing blogs. It reminds me of Philippians 4:11-13,
"...for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can endure all things through Christ who strengthens me."
He who never changes makes it possible for us, and especially for you, to take the changes in stride. This is triumph in Christ, is it not? Be encouraged.
Psalm 62
5 My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation;He is my defense; I shall not be moved.
This scripture is a great reminder that there is only One Who gets all the information "right" the first time. Only One immovable rock that never changes...and it ain't you!
Don't put undue pressure on yourself. We like your "convoluted, ever-changing blogs." As you share your roller coaster ride, it help all of us pray as we ride with you...on the ups and the downs.
Standing with you as you stand with Him,
Jeff for the Slavich clan in Morgan Hill.
4 steps forward 1 step back... yeah i would say today was 4 huge steps forward! God is in control! I'm so happy his arteries are clear! I'm still praying for you all!
In HIS Love,
Chrissy McGuire
We are praying for all of you. I'll praise God for the good news you have given.
The Denlinger Family
"Four steps forward, 1 step back." That's a net gain of three steps FORWARD! God is answering prayers daily. I'm, once again, in awe (but not surprised) that "both of his vertebral arteries are 'clean and clear.' I asked for clarification and he confirmed - there are no tears in either artery, and no clot."
WHAT?!! Just earlier today, "the artery that was pinched has turned out to be torn as well." And now it isn't?! And there's no clot?! God is doing crazy and wonderful things in Connor's body. He's healing him in miraculous ways. Praise be to God, the Creator of Heaven and earth and every living thing!
I will be praying fervently tonight and all throughout tomorrow (Tuesday). Remember what you said Eric. The doctors are just tools. GOD is the real surgeon here wielding His instruments of healing.
Jenann
P.S. No need to apologize. Rollercoasters are way better when there are lots of people on board. ;)
I'm not sure why God has brought all this together, I just know he has. Today, I had the awesome privilege to spend the day in San Diego with the other family/friends who have been in life crisis (your pastor may have mentioned him - Jay Rickel?) - and here he was, recovering from an aortic dissection that *he should not have lived through* and Jay and his wife were praying for Connor - how awesome is our God and the Body of Christ? I'm still on a stinking high ;-) Just after Jay prayed, I got a call from my husband, Michael, updating me on Connor's blog (at that point, it was at the 'miracles do happen' point. And - they still did, do and will continue....) I got the call, and Jay was up 'taking a walk' with the physical therapist. Wow - I'm still kind of in shock of all of the day's happenings...
I know full well that both Connor and Jay have huge hurdles yet to cross - but just to have been honored enough to witness the word of God in both families. Amazing. Unbelievable.
I sit here, writing this, as my daughter Chelsea, is upstairs, playing the piano and worshipping. How much more of God can He show us of Himself this side of heaven?!?!
I am forever marked.... :)
Still continually in prayer for you *all*
ttfn ~ maureen hinds for the hinds~jackson family
What an amazing God we serve! Thanks for the update, and we'll be praying! Praise God for the mighty work He is doing. There can be no doubt as to Who is in control and Who gets the glory... Praise God!
Lee
Thank you for the updates, and while the happenings there may be resulting in ever-changing blogs and roller coaster emotions, we know that our God does not change, and He is faithful, our refuge, our strong tower. My 10 year old asks about Connor every day, wanting to know how he's doing, and she prays for him every night. We'll definitely be praying for you all tomorrow.
Many of are praying and will be thinking of all of you. Please don't feel any need to apologize. We are the ones who are so thankful to you for taking the time to update us all. Even my children ask during the day, "How's Connor doing mom?" Some day, we hope to meet all of you. We are praying and ask that His will be done and that those surgeons are guided by our Lord.
-another family who cares so much in Morgan Hill
Ditto Jeff and Brent and others--we ride with you Eric, in our small ways.
From Psalms yesterday, today and tomorrow:
22:1-3 My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. O my God I cry by day, but Thou dost no answer; And by night, but I have no rest. Yet Thou art holy, O Thou who art enthroned upon the praises of Israel.
23 (The only Psalm we designate by its number--you know it...)4a,6Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me...Goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
84:5 How blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee; In whose heart are the highways to Zion!(-- dear Connor.)
143:7,8a Answer me quickly, O LORD, my spirit fails; Do not hide Thy face from me, Lest I become like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning...
144:9a I will sing a new song to Thee, O God;
I believe it is the highest of priviledges to enter the fellowship of His sufferings. The emphasis is on HIS, for we enter no room of anguish that He has not already entered ahead of us. It is a mystery that when we are stripped bare, His presence is the sweetest.
Tonight I pray rest, and an ocean of peace to carry you all through tomorrow--esp Connor as his body undergoes the surgery.
Tears and Prayers
Connor is in the hearts, minds and prayers of 1000's of brothers and sisters all over the world! Our God IS an awesome God!
The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still. (Exodus 14:14)
hi - my name is marian and i posted a free "bone growth stimulator" on craiglist. within moments i had an email from your friend helene lee. i would like to send this to you. please ask the neurosurgeon 1) if he will be given one, because he probably will and 2) if so, is it okay for him to use this. it is a "biomet bone growth stimulator pack" and costs $1500. the doctors are not allowed to recycle them, each gets tossed, which is rediculous. he could be sued for malpractice should he accept it on your behalf and hand it to you, but maybe if you ask the correct way he will allow you to accept this. it will save you a few bucks at this time of horror and the years to come, when the bills present a new flavor of horror. if you can accept this and want it, please email me asap at marianiscrogran@gmail.com - i would like to get this to you as soon as possible, although your son will not need it until he is out of the hospital. lets hope and pray that that is soon. my thoughts are with you all - marian ford
=
From Psalm 27
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?
4 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
And a song for you to sing...
In the battles, Lord
You are my peace
When I'm broken, Lord
You are my strength...
You're my strength,
You're my love,
You're my life,
You're my joy
My song in the night
How I marvel at your mercy
And I sing...
I sing
Praise! Praise to the Lord!
Praise! Praise to the Lord!
For He is good
and merciful
His love is great
He's so wonderful
My Lord
Your words and thoughts have been so articulate, we are riding this roller coaster with you. It is awesome that you are taking the time and energy to keep us on track with this situation, your feelings and letting us be a part of your family's hurts and hopes. Every morning and every evening we check in with you so we know how to pray, how to laugh and how to cry with you. Blessings and the strength of the Lord to you today. Jann Hija
No clots. No tears. Vertebral arteries are good to go.
AMAZING! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!
Our Rock is on a roll......
Go Jesus go!
We know You can do anything.
Thank you for showing us that.
Hang in there Williamson family!
Our God is perfectly faithful.
We continue to pray for all of you.
Osborne family
Virginia
We will pray all day long and look forward to positive results at the end of the day with more to come. No need to apologize, this is one rollercoaster I will ride on without fear.
Baby steps......
Ginny
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." ~Lamentations 3:22-24
Pinkie is praying that the surgery is going well this morning!
Standing in the gap in prayer for Connor and the family.
"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, 'says the Lord Almighty." Zechariah 4:6
YAY God! I love that He is at work in and through yours and Connor life. What an awesome display of His handiwork- We will be praying and praising Him all through the day today on behalf of Connor body and your peace.
-We are very much in awe of Him-
He keeps him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee- Isaiah 26:3
It's 7:36 in the morning right now. Praying that God guides those surgeons as I write.
"Do not fear I am with you. Do not be dismayed I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will UPHOLD YOU WITH MY RIGHTEOUS RIGHT HAND." Is. 41:10
God is holding the surgeons, Connor, and all of you in His gentle hands.
May His Presence and Peace be Mighty for you alltoday.
I am a friend of one of your friends .... I live in Indiana. I want you to know I will be praying for Connor every day and for your entire family.
Jeremiah 29:11
Eric,
We are praying................we are weeping and rejoicing with each of your messages and, overall, we continue to pray for Connor, you, and your family. We love you all and desire that God pour his love and grace over you, grasping Connor now with His healing touch.
Timothy Wrye for the Wrye Family
As parents that have handed over our tiny baby over to the operating room and neurosurgeons more than a few times, we wait and hope with you and your family in our hearts during this critical time. We lift all of you up in prayer....
With Love,
Mike and Kathleen Froess
MHBC
Fence Family and Friends with the Acker's
(Lorin is friends with Joelle and Connor)
San Martin
Conner came to mind as I was reading Psalm 139... but my mind was flooded as I particularly read verse 16: "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."
AMAZING... EVERY DAY OF CONNER'S LIFE HAS BEEN RECORDED IN GOD'S BOOK... EVERY MOMENT LAID OUT... Conner's story has already been written, edited, published, copyrighted, and read over and over by his Father! And He knows how the story ends! Such knowledge is too much for us to comprehend!!!
You all have been such an inspiration to me as I keep reading your updates and seeing the amazing strength and faith your family possesses! What a blessing you are!!!
Sometimes things happen for the benefit of the doctors and nurses who see and understand only through medical science--THEY need to see God's all-powerful and mysterious hand at work. From that perspective, it does not seem so odd that these unexplainable changes occur. "Salt and light" needs to be sprinkled everywhere, even in hospitals. Sometimes our suffering is the vehicle God uses to open blind eyes and melt hearts of those involved in the healing process, and also those who wait on the sidelines, watching in awe.
Our prayers are continuous. May God be glorified!
Sandy Sturch (Karen Williamson's mom)
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