Many of you will remember our friends Tomasz and Miriam Chmiel who are also serving as missionaries here in L'viv. About a month or so ago, Miriam had to be rushed to L'viv's state hospital with severe abdominal pain. (Even though it is a very poor facility, all foreigners have to go to this hospital. The Chmiel's are Czech.) It was soon learned that she had two ovarian cysts - one on each ovary. After some ultrasounds and a rather unpleasant stay in the hospital, the prescribed treatment was prolonged bed rest. She was told to come back in a month to see if there was any improvement. (!!!) Oooookay. So she started resting, and even had some checkups, but no improvement.
Then, without warning, the abdominal pain hit again - this time even worse. We tried calling an ambulance, but were told they were all busy and we could not expect any help for at least forty minutes. (!!! again) To make a long story short, God opened the door for Miriam to be admitted to a much nicer hospital located right next door to their apartment. Tomasz and I literally carried her down the stairs from their third floor apartment, down the street, and into the check-in area of the hospital. After trying several different treatments, the doctors were unsuccessful in even reducing the pain - let alone determining a course for long-term treatment. Miriam was exhausted and close to being in shock from the excruciating, relentless pain. Finally, that evening, they decided to do surgery and remove the cysts. She lost one ovary, but they were able to save the other one.
At this point, Miriam is still in the hospital, but seems to be doing very well. In spite of some quirks that they have had to endure from some less-than-professional nurses, the conditions are not too bad. Tomasz is able to be with her around the clock. No that's not normal - not usually even allowed here. Why would you want your husband to be with you right after you've had major abdominal surgery in a developing country?! (!!! yet again)
Miriam gets some rest soon after surgery.
Kels and I have visited the Chmiel's several times, and have had fun playing our latest favorite game - Settlers of Catan - in the room together. Tomasz and Miriam have become very dear friends, and we are grateful to the Lord for His protection throughout this ordeal. Please pray with us for Miriam's full recovery and for wisdom as they seek further medical assistance in the Czech Republic.
This article was sent to us from Josh Steeles blog by Tomasz Chmiel. Please remember Miriam and Tomasz in prayer/
