September 19 Review and update on Randy

This is the week before Randy's scheduled spine surgery, which is in Indiana this coming Monday. The most recent scans have shown Randy's spine has continued to collapse which explains the increased difficulties he is having upon physical exertion or eating. This has made more problems with his lung compression. The surgeon has agreed Randy needs the surgery more now than ever. He believes it may change how the surgery will need to be performed, but is waiting until he gets into the surgery to make those decisions. It is probable that the surgeon will have to break ribs, and possibly even take out some vertebra in order to give Randy the necessary room. Here is a review of how we got to where we are today.

In March, we became aware that Randy’s backbone is collapsing towards his spine due to a degenerative disk disease, causing his airway to be flattened, his heart and lungs compressed, and leaving very little room for his esophagus. This is a life threatening condition. Our only hope to save Randy would be a complicated spinal surgery requiring 4 specialists in the operating room. The surgeon planned to pull Randy’s vertebrae back from the bottom of the neck to the lower back, and fuse the bones together using screws and rods. He may even need to break a few ribs to accomplish this. In theory, this would open Randy’s chest area allowing him to have ample room for his organs.

Robert returned from Romania near the end of June, with the purpose of being here for Randy’s scheduled spine surgery in June. Just 2 days before the surgery, insurance cancelled their authorization, postponing the surgery.  Needless to say it was a crushing blow to our hopes, of this life saving surgery. Because Randy’s condition continued to worsen impeding on his breathing and ability to perform daily activities, we were forced to file appeal after appeal. Jody was very busy getting doctors’ notes, scans, tests and recommendations for this surgery from a variety of physicians. We even spent some time in North Carolina consulting with specialists in the field of spinal reconstruction and thoracic cage deformities. They both affirmed what we had already been told by the specialists here in Indiana. With the new information, the insurance company overturned the appeal and authorized the surgery for September 25. 

We covet your prayers, as this has been quite an emotional time for Randy and all those who love Randy. Please continue to pray that the Lord sustains Randy before and through the surgery. We rest assured in the sovereign plan of God, however, our sinful nature of doubt and fear tries to overcome us at times. We all must remember 2 Timothy 1: 7 “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”