UPDATED July 11, 2008
From Paul Kieffer, regional pastor, German
speaking areas:
Martin Fekete’s condition continues to improve following his bypass
surgery. He was allowed to go home last Thursday, and he will begin
a three-week rehabilitation therapy at a special clinic on July 15.
The doctors who treated him in Heidelberg were surprised how quickly
his recovery has gone overall. One doctor remarked that Martin’s
positive attitude has been a major factor in his recovery.
Martin and his wife, Denise, want to thank everyone for all the
encouragement they have received. The cards, emails and even phone
calls have reassured them that they are not alone in this trial.
Martin’s sister (she is not a member) remarked positively on the
concern that our brethren have shown.
Jahnstr. 8
69207 Sandhausen
GERMANY
UPDATED June 26, 2008
From Martin Fekete, elder, Germany:
During his first visit after the operation, the doctor explained
what they had done. Two arteries were totally blocked and by-passes
were done to correct the situation. Two smaller arteries were fully
blocked as well, but could not be repaired because they are too
thin. The doctor felt I should not have any bigger difficulties, if
I can cut back a bit and listen to my body carefully.
My wife, Denise, and I were very encouraged when I was transferred
out of Intensive Care within two days to an Intermediate Care Unit.
I was feeling good and was positive until about 6 p.m. that day,
when an abnormality in an X-ray appeared. A pocket of air was in
between the lungs and ribs. The doctor on duty ordered that a
catheter be inserted immediately because if the air was caused by a
small tear in the lungs there was danger that the whole lung wing
could collapse.
We experienced God’s direction and guidance; the doctor on duty was
a specialist in heart operations through the rib cage. The
additional procedure was performed without any problems and we are
sure that God is directing everything for the good.
I will be moved on June 25th from the Intermediate Care Unit, due to
my speedy recovery, to a different clinic five minutes from Denise’s
workplace for the continued convalescence.
We want to express thanks to all the brethren for their prayers for
my healing and pray that God may return the blessing to the
brethren.
UPDATED Friday, June 20, 2008 4:20 PM
We wanted to give you a brief update on Martin
Fekete's surgery.
Martin was admitted for heart bypass surgery earlier today (Friday).
The
surgeons were able to perform bypasses for two of his coronary
arteries, but
two others remain completely blocked. Doctors are hopeful that his
remaining arteries will be able to compensate for the reduced blood
flow
from the two blocked arteries.
As of 3:00 PM EDT, (10:00 PM in Germany), Martin was out of surgery
and in
the recovery room. His condition was stable, and he will soon be
transferred to the coronary care unit for monitoring as he recovers.
Please keep Martin and Denise in your prayers as they go through
this trying
time.
UPDATED Friday, June 20, 2008
1:25 PM EDT
An update was recently received from Martin
Fekete’s wife, Denise, that we wanted to pass along.
Right now Martin is being prepared for, or
undergoing, heart surgery. His regular doctor reviewed the
reports from the cardiologist this morning and felt Martin
should be admitted immediately. Upon review in the ambulance
area it was decided not to wait until Monday, but perform the
operation this afternoon (in their time zone). Martin and
Denise really appreciate all the thoughts and prayers.
June 20, 2008
From Paul Kieffer, regional pastor, German
speaking areas:
Martin Fekete’s examination was not as positive as we had hoped. He
was supposed to have two stints placed in the arteries near his
heart. However, the doctors who were going to perform the procedure
discovered that the affected area was blocked to the extent that no
stints could be placed, and two arteries are totally blocked.
Under the circumstances, the doctors believe that the only medical
solution is a bypass operation. Martin will be consulting with a
specialist on June 23rd in Ludwigshafen. At that point a date for
surgery will be set.
Martin and Denise would like to pass on their appreciation for
everyone’s prayers as well as the cards, emails and phone calls.
Words cannot express how much this support in such a situation means
to them.
June 13, 2008
