Under the Wing of God’s Protection
On February 20, I ended my blog about Lent suggesting that I might be able to make Lent better this year by telling readers how I was doing and if it was better than Lents of the recent past. I was complaining about myself not being conscientious.
Well, I certainly received an answer. The next day, I mistakenly took my morning medications (supplements and prescriptions adding up to 10!) two times. When I realized my mistake, I went to the nurse’s office and asked what the damage would be. She immediately suggested we keep track of my oxygen level and palpitations using an oximeter.
Over several days, the pulse kept rising and mainly was extremely erratic. Finally, another nurse determined that the hospital was the route to go so we could name the problem. No one but me was surprised to find out I had atrial fibrillation (AFib)!
In an overnight, I was released and expected that meds would lower the heart rate and all would be well. But no! My heart is as stubborn as I am! Upon return, I was given test upon test to determine if, for sure, I was still in AFib—EKG, echocardiogram, blood draws, blood pressure tests galore, doctor visits, cardiologist, etc. Finally, after the many doctors and experts consulted, they sent me home again (after four sleeps) and sent along different meds and an oxygen tank to haul around.
It is now past March. I missed the regular routine of Lent! However, I believe I am still in Lent because I am being asked to trust God. Just before typing this blog, I received a message from my primary telling me I am still in AFib!
“Those who dwell in the shadow of the Most High and abide in the shade of the Almighty say to the Lord: “My Refuge, my stronghold, my God in whom I trust!” (90:1–2)
Mary Jane Berger, OSB
