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Rev. David Virkler Medical Updates
October 15, 2011
Thank you for your continued prayers for Dave. He is still at the Jefferson University Hospital for Neuroscience in Philadelphia. Because Dave is still unable to swallow on his own, a feeding tube was surgically inserted into the stomach on Friday afternoon. Due to some complications following the procedure he spent the night in intensive care to be monitored. The report this morning is that he had a good night and Lord willing, will be moved to a regular room today. We are hoping that he will be transferred to a facility closer to home soon.
Please continue to pray that Dave will be able to swallow on his own. Dave wants to express his deep appreciation for your prayers and notes of encouragement.
As Dave always says “In these days of care, there is a God who cares”.
Dave was moved out of intensive care on Sunday. The complications set physical therapy back a couple of days. Dave is making progress although he is still unable to swallow. He and the doctors are all anxious for him to leave Philadelphia very soon.
As always Dave and his family appreciate your prayers.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 kjv
October 17, 2011
Dear Special Friends,
Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and cards. I’m happy to be able to share with you some progress and answered prayer.
After 13 days in the hospital in Philadelphia, the Lord brought me back to New Jersey where I am in an excellent rehabilitation facility not far from our home. Though there is much work for me ahead, I am feeling better, my voice is returning, and testing yesterday on the swallowing was encouraging. Please continue to pray for a quick and full recovery.
Also pray for continued ministry opportunities. The Lord has opened doors for witnessing, and I’ve already been able to share the Gospel with nurses and roommates. Though I’m not in a pulpit, in front of a microphone or at a computer, I continue to serve the Lord wherever He chooses.
Thanks again for your prayers for me, Thelma and our family and for the ongoing ministry of Dedication Evangelism as I recover.
Yours, still serving,
Dave Virkler
October 21, 2011
I have made tremendous progress and was discharged from Kessler on November 10. It is very good to be back at home! My ability to swallow has returned, and I am on close to a regular diet just one week after getting the upgrade from the speech therapists. I’ll be receiving outpatient therapy at Kessler to continue strengthening my left leg and regaining my balance. The doctor is confident that I will make a full recovery.
I have had to take a leave of absence from preaching for a time, but other areas of the ministry, including The Word And The World continue. I’m looking forward to being back in the studio later this month.
There have been many answers to prayer over the last few weeks! Thank you for your continued prayers for me, my family and the ministry of Dedication Evangelism. It means so much.
Yours, still serving,
Dave Virkler
November 12, 2011
Dave has had very good recovery following the stroke in early October. His voice and swallowing have returned. His balance still needs improvement, but there has been steady progress. Your continued prayers are so appreciated for complete restoration and also for another health challenge.
Dave will have a quadruple bypass the morning of Tuesday, January 10. While he was in the hospital following the stroke, the doctors discovered a significant blockage in a main heart artery as well as some smaller arteries, which requires bypass surgery. This news was a complete surprise since he’d shown no signs of heart trouble. Although the condition is serious, surgery was able to be delayed until Dave was sufficiently recovered from the stroke.
Please pray for successful surgery, a quick recovery and that Dave will soon be back in full ministry. Thank you also for you’re your prayers for Thelma and their family, and for the ongoing ministry of Dedication Evangelism
January 9, 2012
January 11, 2012
Dave’s surgery went well yesterday (Tuesday, Jan. 10). The surgeon did a quadruple bypass as planned and said it went smoothly. Dave was awake and alert by early evening and was sitting in a chair on Wednesday. He is doing as well as can be expected. If all goes well, he should be home some time over the weekend. Pray that there would be no complications in recovery and that he would quickly regain his strength.
Thank you so much for your prayers. Dave and his family are so appreciative. God has already answered in many ways!
Previous history on Dave's stroke.
Chonological updates on Dave's stroke and heart surgery.
Dave was doing well with recovery following the heart surgery, but he began to have great difficulty breathing on Saturday night. He was moved back to ICU early Sunday morning where a breathing tube was put back in so that he could get sufficient oxygen. An x-ray showed that he had also developed pneumonia, and he is receiving antibiotics for that. He will have to be on the breathing tube at least through Monday, possibly longer,until his breathing is okay on his own.
Dave is receiving good care and is strong otherwise. His heart is good, and his blood pressure, etc. is also good. Please pray that Dave’s lungs will clear and work to their full capacity so that he can return to making a full recovery.
Following his stroke, Dave read this passage to his family, and we know it is his testimony now as well. “And He said to me ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly will I rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I most strong.” (2 Cor. 12:9-10)
January 15, 2012
Dave’s breathing tube was removed on Wednesday morning and he is breathing well on his own. His lungs are clear of the pneumonia, and the doctor said he has made improvement. His heart and other vital signs continue to be good.
As a result of surgery, Dave’s swallowing was weakened. To prevent anything getting into his lungs and to insure that he has enough calories and nutrition, a stomach feeding tube (called a PEG) has to be inserted. The procedure will be done Thursday at noon. Pray that there will be no complications like there were with the PEG tube following the stroke and that he will do well with anesthesia so soon after the heart surgery.
While the last few days have been a setback, we know that this is all in the Lord’s perfect plan. We are trusting that this will be used for His glory and that He will restore Dave to full health!
January 19, 2012
