Prayer Request

I just got word from home that my grandfather's fistula has clogged again for the second time in 4 days. The fistula is an artificial vein in his arm that is used for dialysis 3 times/week. In the past, when the vein has become blocked, it was a slower process and they would know that the vein was becoming restricted.

Just a week or two before I left for Ireland, the vein became blocked rather suddenly. The doctors talked about going to a completely new fistula, but instead ended up extending the existing one.

Last week on Wednesday, dialysis went fine with no problems. When they went to start dialysis on Friday, the fistula was completely blocked. Phone calls to doctors scheduled an operation early Saturday morning to clear the block. The operation was successful and Grandpa was back home the same day and did dialysis that afternoon.

When dialysis was attempted this morning, the fistula was once again blocked. Surgery was scheduled for 2:00 this afternoon for a sub-clavical portal (for doing dialysis in an artery near the collarbone). There's the possibility of surgery tomorrow to further extend the fistula in his arm.

While none of this is particularly serious or life threatening in an immediate sense (beyond the normal risks of general anesthesia), at similar times in the past, Grandpa has struggled with depression.

I'd appreciate prayers as the doctors try to address this problem, but especially for my Grandpa's spirits and attitude to remain positive and for his wife and family as these issues are dealt with.