Let me begin by recapping the last week of my life:
Tuesday, April 20th – My brother gives me a long waited for kidney and the surgery goes perfectly. In fact, it could not have gone better.
Wednesday, April 21st – The day after surgery, I walk further than any other transplant patient at Jefferson and the staff is impressed with how well I heal and maneuver through pain. (I really wanted to visit my brother’s room!)
Thursday, April 22nd – I am ahead of schedule in my recovery and doing well. The doctors report that my “new” kidney is amazing. They want me to void 50-60cc’s an hour, I am am voiding over 200. They are hoping I will have a low creatine level (2.0) the rest of my life and on the second day post surgery, I am already at 1.7. Time will likely take it even lower. The day before the surgery I was at 7.4!
Friday, April 23rd – I am released from the hospital earlier than expected. I climb the stairs at home 12 times partially because I have not been able to do that for 10 years. I have pain, but I get stronger each day.
Saturday, April 24th – I have another great day. Lots of recovery pain, but more walks. I had been watching all signs of rejection, taking my temperature, weight, blood pressure and pulse every evening and morning and recording it all. There are no signs of rejection, just health.
Sunday, April 25th – I sneak in and out of our church service because I enjoy being there. It is a difficult trip physically, but spiritually it is uplifting. Later that evening, I begin vomiting. At first we think nothing of it, but when I throw-up my meds, we call the doctor. They recommend we go to Jefferson’s ER just to be safe. When we get there, they do lots of tests and figure it is probably just a little dehydration, because everything looks good. They do an ultra-sound, just to be safe and discover that there is no blood flow to the kidney.
Monday, April 26th – In the early hours of the morning, they run an MRI (actually MRV and MRA) to look closer at what they suspect. The scan is definitive and they plan an emergency surgery. As soon as they can open a table, they will be going in to try to save the kidney, although, the doctor said straight up, he has little hope because there has been no blood supply to the kidney. After the surgery, we find out that the kidney was in good, pink condition and they tried many methods to save it, but ultimately, there was very rare clotting in the inner membranes and they cannot be cleared. They seal me back up after removing the kidney and declaring it dead.
Things That are Strange
1. The doctors said that it never happens this way. The kidney either rejects in the first 24-48 hours or it lasts a few years and slowly rejects. To have the kidney be so beautifully working for four days, then to have immediate death is unheard of.
2. Jefferson has the highest success rate in the country, well over 99% successful. This one had even more reasons to be successful because it was a living, sibling perfect match, the absolute best conditions.
3. They are still trying to solve why what happened happened. It should not have. This clotting can occur but not in patients with IgA (me).
It seems to me that there is something much more than coincidence and bad luck going on here. If you have been following this site, you will see that tons of people have been praying for God’s handy work to be on display through this operation. Large groups of people have committed to pray for God to be glorified through this. Many of the people are from around the world, and we don’t even know them!
So let’s just make an assumption that there is a God and that when people pray in earnest to Him, He hears their prayers and answers. With that simple assumption, I get excited to see what God is up too. I have been praying specifically that God will gain the most glory for Himself through this transplant. I know many others who have been praying the same. Now, if you over lay that with the extremely successful operation, then the strange turn of events, it is not too hard to see that God is up to something. The story is not over and He is cooking up something really special that will bring Him glory. I am honestly excited to see what that will be!!
Now before we begin our gleeful expectation of a miracle, we need to remember that God gets glory in humility. He gets glory in praise through suffering. He gets glory through latching onto hope and persevering through tough times. He gains glory in miracles too, but that is not the only way.
Would you join me in praying that God will continue to work His glory into this story? Will you commit to praying that we will be accepting of whatever way He decides is best? Man, I can’t wait!!!
To God be the glory! We’re committed to praying for your recovery, in full knowledge that God works in mysterious and amazing ways. He is good. We are excited to see how this story unfolds.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Rom 8:28
Wes once again you have blessed me with continuing to be the man of God I know and Love like a brother. You couldn’t have said it better. I will also look for God to be uplifted in this process with eager anticipation and with the undying knowledge that you and your family are His beloved. Attitude is everything and an attitude of gratitude is always best. Looking at your time line and all the reasons for it to succeed it is no small thing to be able to focus on the fact that God is glorified through our humility and perseverance.
“Lord thank you for this amazing man and his family. Father use this to show his children that You are sufficient. Use this Father to stir in others a burning desire to lift you up at all times not just praise you in the good times but to also in tough time. Help us recognize that the “rain falls on the just and the unjust”. Things happen and sometimes they don’t make sense Father but your loving kindness endures forever. Raise up our brother and bless him as he yields to You. Father inject into this situation abundant grace in Jesus name!!”
Wes, We know there is a God and He is good. He loves us so much and wants the best for us that He sent His Son Jesus to die for us. And He doesn’t stop there. He continues to be intimately involved in every detail of our lives. I feel as you do that I can’t wait to see what He will do. Although this isn’t scripture, I am encouraged when I remember what C.S. Lewis wrote, “I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time- waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God- it changes me.” sic Yes, I will count it a privledge to join you “in praying that God will continue to work His glory into this story”. What better way to help you and Karen and those that love you. I can’t help myself…
Everyday Wes! Whether it be with the two-year-olds at Wee Care or my own children at bedtime.
Man had a plan…now God laughs as he is preparing for the best show ever!
Praying for strength and wisdom and comfort as we all await what is to come. Love Theresa
We will continue to pray for God to be glorified. We will also pray that God would strengthen you and your family.
Wes, I’ve been following your sugery after seeing a post on Lana and Dave’s site. When I saw the title of this post, my eyes read “thoughts on the family” instead of “thoughts on the failure.” Interesting eye trick, no? Please know I’m sending good thoughts to you all.
Wes, Kevin was praying those exact things about your situation and for you and your family yesterday afternoon! God is truly amazing in all He does! Looking forward to seeing Him glorified in your journey! Continuing to pray for you aas well!
All our love, Kevin and Heidi Vaughan
Wes and family – our family and our church family @ Main Street lift you in prayer. We pray that He continues to sustain you and yours in the coming weeks!
Wes, thank you…… Your words are answered prayers. Your teaching is inspirational and encouraging. God is obviously telling us how to pray through you. Your excitement is contagious and my heart is leaping to see what He does next through you…… Praying continually for you and your family. Praising Him Forever……
Wes
I absolutely agree with your assessment. As someone who has gone through almost EXACTLY what you are going through now, but 3 years ago (remember me from Haycock?) I think you are dead on! To God be the Glory!!
That said, I am praying for your whole family, especially you and your brother. This is a loss, a disappointment, a frustration, and a source of suffering, no matter how you slice it. I am so sorry you have to go through this, but am so impressed with you and how you are handling it. Again, God IS and WILL BE glorified through this. I can’t wait to see how this will manifest in your life. I can go on for hours about how it has for me!
Please let me know if I can do ANYTHING other than pray, which I am doing now. Willing to come see you at Jeff if you are feeling up to it.
In Him,
Sean Wagner
AMAZING!!! Only by God’s grace and mercy could you write such an uplifting message to speak to hearts of everyone praying for you. Your message revealed a heart of a man totally committed to Christ, not giving up hope, but understanding that God is Sovereign. We are praying with you for resolution and for God to be glorified in all circumstances!
In His grace, Eleanor and Rich
I am praying that He will continue to be recognized and receive the Glory through you Wes. It is actually an ongoing story with you and Him. I can attest to that many times; since you were a youth leader at our church and you worked with my son on your time, in your love for this son that God’s glory was shown. I will never forget. Especially that day at Penny Pack park when you two pressed your faces and tongues against the window of our car and banged on the window, with us inside not even knowing you were there that day. Near scared me to death! Thanks for that memory of down to earth God’s glory with Wes His servant! I also will always remember the class at PBU that I had the most fun and learning as well with YOU and Cam. Glory on with Him!
Wes,
We continue to pray for you and anticipate what God is going to do next in your life! We are certain that even now God is using you and your family to sow seeds among those you have contact with.
To Him be the glory in all things!
Love,
Steve, Robyn, Stephen and LeighAnn
Wow, is your whole family this inspiring?! You don’t know me, but I’ve been following your story because I know Dave and Lana and read their blog. I was sitting on a train in Switzerland when I read that the kidney was dead, and I started crying! We truly are at the mercy of God, and I pray that He does the impossible. And may He keep your faith strong!
Our God is AMAZING and you are learning every day to be more like him in everything you do. Your situation is a teaching experience, for you, the medical professionals, your family, friends, associates and those impacted through praying for you and reading your story. Many lessons will be learned through your and Steve’s story.
You always have a wonderful way with words and how you explain everything so precisely and always to the glory of the Lord. That is a gift he has given you.
We love you all and give God the glory for what he is actively doing in your lives.
We’re praying believing that God is doing something incredible and wait with great anticipation of what that is.
Our love and prayers,
Bob & Pat Sarringer
Wes, this is beautiful and so are you. We know exactly what you are saying because we had the same anticipation of God’s glory in a time of crisis and massive prayer when Lauren had her post partum psychosis event. It is an unbelievable experience. We are part of the prayer warrior force for you as you and your family were during our time of need. God bless you.
i am praying wes.
Wes, we at Crossing will continue to pray, not only for your recovery, but your strength and confidence in the Word of God and the will of God in this trying time. Your spirit throughout this whole thing, but especially during the last week, has given Him glory and encouragement to us guys who watch and pray. Много благослави на вас! (Many blessings on you) Greg Shipley
Thank you Wes! You nailed it! Lord help me to see Your plan when I cannot see Your hand!
Wes,
We join you in prayer that God’s great and mighy will be seen in the mysteries of your situation. May He comfort and sustain you and those who love you and hurt with you as you travel through the peaks and valley of this experience. We give thanks for His power in our lives and the fact that He uses all for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). We ask humbly that you would be healed, Wes, and that our Lord would use you and your “platform” to reach the many lives of those touched by you. It is in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, that we confidently ask this. Amen
Geez Wes, trying to make everyone you know cry? I want you to know the I truly value our friendship, the time we have worked and served together. Our family will continue to lift you and your family up before the Lord we serve. I am in awe of God’s ability to allow you to go beyond yourself and look for what He has for you. We love you, Karen and the kids.
God is good….ALL the time. It is encouraging to see you seeking God’s glory in all of this. Many would be discouraged and see it as God letting them down. I am praying that you will continue to bless the medical staff as you are able, that they might see God in you.
Thank you Wes for sharing! God has given you many gifts, especcially the gift to teach in times of personnal struggle. This time He chose not to give you a gift of perfect health, but the gift of peace through Him. Your journey is inspiring many of us, I’m sure it is God’s plan and purpose through these times. We appreciate you and look forward with you, what He has planned. My Savior Lives, My Savior Loves, My Savior’s always there for me…My God, He was, My God, He is, My God is always gonna be…
Wes – So looking forward to hear from you how God is planning on using this in yours and others’ lives. As you trust in Him who is 100% faithful to us in love – that outmatches any doctors success rate or perfect match, or against all odds. God is definitely at work and nothing touches our lives that he doesn’t allow or plan – how exciting to see Him work.
Your positive attitude and trust in our God is such an encouragement. So easy to trust when the stakes are low, but to see you in the midst of these very high stakes – WOW, what a blessing. We will continue to pray.
Our family and friends are praying for you out here in OK! Thank you for the post!
Psalm 27:13-14
Hi Wes! I have a friend who I shared your blog to and this is what she wrote back to me. I thought I would share it with you. Here it is:
What a WONDER~filled blessing to read of Wes’s resting and trusting in GOD’s Best! I’m sure, he will NOT be disappointed! THE LORD in His Sovereign Love is allowing this..perhaps for Wes to be a light to another dyalisis patient.. or to an attendant. GOD will move Heaven and Earth to touch the heart of those whom He has created and use us, The Redeemed, to reach out to those STILL on the way. May the LORD comfort your whole family Sharon and give you His Peace which passes ALL! Isaiah 45!
Trusting in His ALL-Mighty Sovereignty,
Eve
I thought you should know that many are praying. Everyone is excited to know how God is going to use this. I am so proud of you for your attitude about this. Knowing that God has a plan! He is going to use you in a mighty way. God honors those that honor Him. Praise the Lord.
Our family has been praying for you all during this time.
Wes,
Praise God for His work through you and for the faith that he has built and is building in your life. In this alone He is glorified.
George
The Arms That old The Universe by Fee
I know it seems
Like this could be
The darkest day you’ve known
But believe you me
The God of strength
Will never let you go
He will overcome, I know
And the arms that hold the universe
Are holding you tonight
You can rest inside
It’s gonna be alright
And the voice that calmed the raging sea
Is calling you His child
So be still and know He’s in control
He will never let you go
Through many dangers, toils and snares
You have already come
His grace has brought you safe this far
(And) His grace will lead you home
And the arms that hold the universe
Are holding you tonight
You can rest inside
It’s gonna be alright
And the voice that calmed the raging sea
Is calling you His child
So be still and know He’s in control
He will never let you go
You can hope, you can rise, you can stand
He has still got the whole world in His hands
You can hope, you can rise, you can stand
He’s still got the whole world, the whole world in His hands
And the arms that hold the universe
Are holding you tonight
You can rest inside
It’s gonna be alright
And the voice that calmed the raging sea
Is calling you His child
So be still and know He’s in control
He will never let you go
He will never let you go
(He’s) Still got the whole world in His hands
in His hands, yeah
Still got the whole world in His hands
Hey, I don’t really know you or your family but my friend Keith Fernandez asked me to pray for you so I looked into what all is going on. I praise the Lord for the way that you are handling the situation, and I pray that you continue to. I want you to know that I’m praying for you and your family, and I want to remind you all that no matter what happens, it isn’t going to shock God. He has a plan for you all; a plan that as you said will ultimately be for His glory, and all you can do is wait. But you have my prayers.
Hi Wes and family,
Praise God, also remember the excruciating pain you have endured, Christ also endured for us as He hung on the Cross. You have shared in His sufferings and every time you think of the Cross you will understand even more what it means and be drawn closer to our Lord and Savior. God is AWESOME!!! Love, Bonnie H.
Wes,
Your words bring true glory to God, because they could only be uttered by a beloved son of the most high God! We are praying for you and have no doubt that your Heavenly Father is both sanctifying you through this process, as well as widening His testimony through what you and your family are going through.
Wes, the love being showed toward you glorifies our God. We would rather have had you return to your family in full health, but God’s glory will show through all of this. Gail and I will continue to pray that our prayers are in God’s will for a healthy return.
He gives and takes away, when the darkness closes in, Lord, still I will pray… Blessed be the name of the LORD, Blessed be the name of the LORD
I do not know you personally, but I do know your brother. What a testimony to praise the LORD even when we don’t understand why. You are bringing Glory to him.
I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Wes and Karen – Our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with you. Praise God for what he has already done, and continues to do in your lives. You are a continual beacon of his love and steadfastness, and his ability to appreciate humor!!! We will pray as you ask, and for your healing.
Mega hugs from the Burg,
sue
Wes you know we’re praying for you and the family….to God be the glory…may we not get in the way!
We love you all.
Hi Wes,
I am coming here from Dave & Lana’s site to let you know that I have been – and will be – praying for you and your family. What an awesome testimony you have! May God continue to give you the strength you need for each moment and His peace. God bless you all! To God be the glory!
Hi Wes,
I just wanted to let you know that all of us here at Sunrise are praying for you and we hope that you are doing well!! I believe you are right about God having a plan in all of this. Good luck with everything!
You certainly are an inspiration with your extraordinary faith!!
The Lord is using you, your family and your story to touch others already. We will continue to pray for you and for Him to be glorified!
Wes, We continue to pray every day for you and your family. We are sure God will be glorified. He knows you are one of his best soldiers you are needed here! And we want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.-Love Jim and Sherri
Know that the Wood family is praying for you . We have been on tour for last 3 weeks 3-4 states a week- Arrived in Buckingham PA at 3 AM this morning for a couple morning shows then on to a prison in Camden County NJ.
We thought of you guys all day, especially when we were zipping down 95, and all of the good times our families have enjoyed together- so glad God has put you in our lives. We love you all and our prayers for you are healing, strength and restoration. Your trials put any small troubles we have in pale comparison. You have blessed us with your courage and perseverance. Thank you for the example you have been. Special thanks and prayers for your brother, Wes. We know and serve a great and good God that always has the entire picture in perspective. In Him we live and move and have our being. Hope we can intercept you in a couple weeks- All of our love- Jon , Susan, Rachel
Wes and Family,
I just wanted you to know that Northern Frontier Camp and The Studley’s are praying for strength and wisdom for you today. We pray that throughout your day you will continue to seek the face of Jesus and others will see that and desire Christ. We pray the Lord’s healing upon you. Continue to run your race and model Christ to your wife and children regardless of life’s challenges. Your brother in Christ!
Chris Studley