Submitted by Kelsie Steele, friend of Tomasz and Miriam.
As many of you are aware, our missionary friend Miriam Chmiel was hospitalized last week due to severe abdominal pain caused by ovarian cysts. One ovary and two cysts were surgically removed, and Miriam has since been released from the hospital to recover at home.
Tomasz and Miriam Chmiel
Today, however, we found out that Miriam has been experiencing pain in her left calf, which began bothering her shortly after surgery. Medical advisers have said that this is a frightening red flag, most likely an indication of a blood clot in her leg. An ultrasound on her leg today showed that one of the three veins in her leg is indeed blocked, and Miriam is beginning a series of shots tonight to address the problem. Should this clot dislodge, however, it could travel straight to her heart. Please pray fervently that God would protect Miriam and that the clot would dissolve very quickly.
The Chmiels plan to return to Czech as soon as possible to meet with Miriam's regular doctors and try to bring closure to this problem. They need to wait about a week though as Miriam is not yet strong enough to travel. Getting stronger involves walking and moving, but because of the blood clot Miriam has been confined to bed rest. So far, with each step the Chmiels have taken forward in the healing process, they have had to take two backwards. Even more frustrating is the fact that this clot probably would not have developed had proper measures been taken by Ukrainian professionals before and during her surgery.
Our hearts ache for these friends who are having such difficulties. Please pray with us that the Lord would comfort and strengthen them, that Miriam's life would be protected, that no further health problems would arise, and that they would be able to return to Czech very soon.
"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear." Isaiah 59:1
