Your encouragement and prayers have been such a blessing to us during this difficult season of our lives. From the time that Twila was rushed to the states for treatment (Feb. 13th), we have been blessed by the outpour of love that has been shown us. For those of you that may not have known, Twila had a horrible infection in her left leg that disabled her with pain to the point that she was not able to sleep and struggled to walk. We sought help from several doctors here in the Dominican Republic to no avail so it was necessary to send Twila to the States for treatment. After weeks of going to a specialist at U.C. Davis (and several treatments with antibiotics) it seemed that there was very little progress being made. The Doctors where still not sure what the cause of this infection was.
During this time I received an email response to a prayer request and pictures I had emailed out from Heidi Sneath who then forwarded my email to a Doctor friend (in the Netherlands) Ruth Droppers. I have included part of Ruth’s response which turned out to be a perfect diagnosis.
“I saw it in the photo, because she has brown-colored skin next to the wound, which happens from iron-deposits on the skin when the pressure in the tissue is increased because of varicose veins, indicating a problem on her venous site.
If they (the other doctors) are open to suggestions, I would indeed suggest checking the arterial and venous flow with duplex/Doppler-ultrasound.
Wounds because of venous ulcers have a difficulty healing and they take a time to heal, sometimes weeks. But once healed (often with the help with those specialists in a multi-disciplinarily team), with the continuous proper care after: stockings, continuous exercise and good nutritious food, because the skin and venous system always stay vulnerable, it is possible to prevent them. I have seen patients who had them in the past and they never returned. So, please do not give up hope and effort. When you have additional questions, feel free to email and let me know how it is going.
Prayerfully,
Ruth”
After talking with Twila’s doctors at U.C. Davis and sharing Ruth’s suggestions with them, because of their reluctance to consider the duplex/Doppler-ultrasound we decided to change Doctors. Twila’s new Doctors at Sutter Hospital Sac. Cal. agreed right away to do the ultrasound which in turn revealed blockage in a major vein. This was the underlying cause for the ulcer which had got infected and ailed Twila for so long.
Twila, still in the States, is schedule to meet with a Vascular Surgeon on the 28th of this month to consider surgery to improve the circulation in her leg.
Despite all that has occurred Twila is in good spirits yet she wants to get home! As I am sure you understand, Isaac, Shekinah and I miss Twila terribly and appreciate your continued prayers and support. If you would like to drop Twila an email you can send it to twila@tears.org , I am sure she would love to hear from you. God Bless!
In His grace,
Rod Davis & Family
This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 at 8:01 am and is filed under Missionary's View, General, Davis Family Blog (Moved to T.E.A.R.S.), Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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