Thanks for your thoughts & prayers.
Feel free to leave a comment for DAD.
NEW VIDEO BELOW !
08.21.2008
Today dad received his prosthetic leg. It's not the final one, but a starter. He's excited! He started to walk some, but will have to do a little at a time due to his leg not being completely healed yet. Below are pictures & video we took today of dad and his friend, Pete, who has been working with the casts and prosthetic. Enjoy. : )
08.20.2008
So finally, here is an update on Gene's progress. He is healing well. Two weeks ago dad was fitted for his prosthetic. Tomorrow we take him back up to try it out. There will be a few more fittings after tomorrow, but the steps are moving forward. Dad has been attending physical therapy @ the Good Samaritan Home in Windom 2X / week. He's working hard to bend his knee and stretch out the muscles and ligaments.
Below are pictures I took today. Dad and mom were out fixing fence in the horse pasture. As you can see, he's ready to get back to work. He has 2 wheelchairs: 1 for the house and good, and 1 in the shop. : ) The golf cart that Mike & Audrey Bjerum gave to us has been one of the best answers to prayer! I'm not sure how many miles he's put on that thing, but we've had to charge the batteries several times already! It has allowed him to get out and do things that would otherwise tire him out in no time. Praise God! ; )
Enjoy these pictures and know that your prayers are in full effect. God is taking care of us all each day. Thanks again for all you've done. ; )
07.22.2008
Just wanted to report that last Friday dad had his 3rd cast taken off. His stump is healing very well, so the doctors did not put another cast on. He is now wearing socks that will continue to help his stump shrink, but has an air-cast he will wear during the day for protection and around the house.
Good news! The doctors are beginning to fit him with a prosthetic! He's very excited and optomistic about walking again in the near future! : ) We give all praise and honor to our savior, Jesus Christ, for his healing and faithfulness throughout this last month!
Another praise...dad was able to receive disability through his Social Security for 1 year. This is a huge blessing, seeing as how he can not work for the next year, to start with. The application for disibility was very long and drawn out, and stressful at times. But we all worked together and did our part. Then God did his part and finished it up.
: )
Thank you for your continued daily thoughts and prayers! You are all a blessing to our family and faith!
07.22.2008
Hey all. It's been about 2 weeks since I've updated. Wow! I'm bad! But, dad is doing very well. He will have his cast changed tomorrow, Friday, and the doctors will begin to fit him for his prosthetic. This is expected to be a 2 - 4 month process.
Dad's feeling well. He went off his pain medication today. He's been working hard in the physical therapy sessions, and is getting around well in his wheel chair, and on the golf cart. Look out everyone! : )
Thank you again for all your prayers, support, visits, cards, call, and well wishes. You don't know how much it means to our family!
- Lynn.
07.02.2008
Hey Everyone. I'm sorry I didn't get this updated sooner. We brought dad home on Monday, June 30th. He's doing great! So glad to be here, IN DELFT! : )
He's been driving his golf cart around, loving the beautiful weather we've had. He's also had some therapists coming to the house, which will be a norm now for a while. He does still rest quite a bit, though. But that's ok.
His bodily functions are working the way they should. We praise God for that.
Thank you for all your prayers, and your continued prayers. It will be a long road, but this was the first step! : )
- Lynn Stoneking.
06.27.2008 - HE'S COMING HOME!
Hello family & friends. We have some great news! It is looking like dad will be coming home on Monday, June 30th!
Some more great news: The nurses pulled the catheter out of his bladder...and his plumbing is working! (He's going to the bathroom on his own.) We thank God for answering these requests! But we do have a few more, yet. (That's just like us.) : )
PLEASE PRAY THAT:
1. Mom (Margaret) will be rested when we bring dad home. This is not only a huge change and challenge for dad, but also for mom. She's not young anymore, and this whole process can be draining on the caretaker.
2. Dad will continue to urinate ON HIS OWN! If he comes home and can't urinate, that just means driving back up to Minneapolis to take care of it. And with a catheter, he has to be careful how dirty he gets outside -
which, if you know dad, he likes to be dirty. : ) We are praying that this weekend Dad will continue to urinate
every day and his body will get back to normal ! Please join with us!
3. We as the kids will be able to help mom in the tasks of caring for dad. We are a family that works together
and takes care of each other. Yet we all have our own schedules. Please pray that God will give us kids
strength to support mom and help her out as much as we can.
We thank you for all of your cards, letters, e-mails, and phone calls. You are a great support to our family, and our faith!
06.23.2008 - Videos (9:00 pm)
Hey all. Our family saw dad on Sunday. We had a great time with him, and here are some videos to give y'all an idea of how dad is doing. He's practically back to his old self. : )
Honestly, I wasn't sure how I was gonna react to seeing dad physically different, but his attitude made us all feel comfortable and leaving encouraged! He was upbeat and excited to have us there, joking around and laughing.
Dad will be in Physical therapy this week, doing 3 hours a day. We're not sure how long he'll be there, but he's working hard and trying to get home fast! He's still not urinating like he should, but they're working on that. His blood pressure has been low at times, and his blood sugars high, but they're working on that, too. It's a week to hopefully straighten out a lot of details as dad is feeling better and off some of the medications he received for the surgery.
THANKS FOR THE CONTINUED PRAYERS AND ENCOURAGEMENT ! ! !
- Lynn. : )
PARALLEL BARS
LIFTING LEG
RACING IN HALLWAY
CAST AUTOGRAPHS
GENE DUERKSEN FAMILY (at beginning of video is Gene's son-in-law, Bruce Miller)
- married to Joey (JoAnna)
06.21.2008; 9:00 pm
Dad had a neat experience today. He doesn't eat in the dining room usually, but decided to tonight. The nurse wheeled him to a table where another gentleman was sitting. Dad started talking to the man. The gentleman has diabetes and is recovering from a stroke. He lost his wife about 8 months ago. She used to read the Bible to him all the time. He misses her a lot, and is depressed. He told dad he's ready to die, and wishes he could just be with his wife. Dad talked with him about being diabetic also and his struggles.
Dad told Tony (the man) that he was from Delft. Tony perked up cause he knows where Delft, Jeffers, and Mt. Lake area are. He met a Mennonite couple a few years ago from Mt. Lake down in Jamaica.
They were done with supper and ready to go back to their rooms. Dad asked Tony if he could pray with him. Tony put his hand out right away. Dad asked God to take away Tony's loneliness, to give him comfort, and to let him know it's gonna be ok. Dad thanked God for Tony. They are only a few rooms away on their floor. So dad asked if he'd like a CD. Tony said he doesn't have a CD player there, but he has one at home. So dad had Tony come back to his room and gave him one of our new CD's.
Dad was so very encouraged. He was excited and upbeat to have this connection. He knows God has him there for some special reason. This was his first experience where God showed him that reason. ; )
- Lynn Stoneking. : )
06.15.2008 - Video
06.15.2008; 10:00 pm
Hello everyone. Dad was moved today to the Fairview Rehab Center to start about 1 week of Physical Therapy. So he will be in the hospital for a while longer. He is doing ok, though. The pain is better. He sounds better on the phone, but still seems to be in and out mentally some. We think it's his medications - and he knows that, too. Of course anyone who knows him would say "In and Out" is normal for Gene!
: )
Dad's physical therapy will be intense - 3 hours / day. He doesn't know his schedule, yet, but this is important for him so when he comes home he will understand and know how to handle himself. And he will be able to explain to mom and us kids how to help him.
Dad still has a good attitude. He appreciates all the cards, prayers, visits, and messages sent to him. What a joy to be surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ who will lift us up in times of need, yet rejoice in the littlest happenings.
There are still prayer requests, though:
1. Dad still is not urinating. It's frustrating for him. He does have a cathator to his bladder and a bag now. He may be sent to a specialist to find out what is going on. The doctors said sometimes in an older man the prostate may enlarge after something like surgery, and he has been laying down a lot, too. Please pray this will be solved.
2. Pray that dad will have strength this coming week as he works to physically redefine his
boundaries.
3. Thank God that he is in the care of such great doctors and nurses!
4. Thank God that mom came home safely and can get some much-needed rest.
5. Pray that God will give dad comfort to know that he's going to make it through this.
IT WILL BE A LONG ROAD!
But he's done it before, and with God's strength, he'll do it again! : )
Thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes. Dad is in God's hands, and we are not afraid! : )
- Lynn for the Duerksens / Stonekings
06.18.2008; 4:00 pm (Day 3)
Dad sounds better each time I talk with him. This morning when I called mom was cleaning him up and he was shaving. Then I called around 12 noon. Dad was proud. He walked 6 FEET with a walker, and back! He hadn't been out of bed since Monday. It felt like a big accomplishment. : ) He said the cast on his leg is pretty heavy. It will take some getting used to, but I think he's up for the challenge.
He began physical therapy today. That was the walking. His temp has come down some. He's still resting a lot. The pain medication knocks him out.
Though slow, he is making progress. It takes time, and he now has plenty of it. Each day is a new goal and he's not one to quit.
More later.
- Lynn Stoneking. : )
06.17.2008; 10:30pm (Day 2)
I just talked with mom (Margaret) and dad. He sounds a little better. It seems the pain medication is helping some, but now he has a temperature, which they don't want. (A temp usually indicates infection.) The nurses (and Nurse Margaret) are watching this closely. It's a concern we are putting in God's hands.
A cast was put on dad's leg today. This cast is for 2 reasons:
1. To protect the stump (where his leg was amputated).
2. When the leg is healing, his muscles or tendons around the knee will have a tendency to pull back, bending. The doctors want his leg to stay straight because it will be easier to fit the prosthetic in the future.
One of nurses was first to sign the cast. Next was mom. She signed @ the bottom - "NO KICKING!" : ) The nurse thought that was cute. : )
As soon as he is able, dad will be moved from the Hospital to the Therapy ward where they will work with him on learning how to do regular things when he comes home. He will then be home for a time to allow his leg to heal before going back to the U of M for more therapy and regular check-ups.
Please Pray:
1. That dad's temperature will go DOWN and no infection will become serious.
2. That God will use dad for His special ministry in the University.
Dad was excited yesterday. He told me he was talking with his doctor who would be performing the surgery, and he asked the doctor if he could pray. Dr. Payne immediately bowed his head and dad said a prayer. It meant a lot to dad that this doctor would take the time for something that meant so much to him. God is good. : )
- Lynn. : )
Just to add to the info about dad's progress. The cast was put on for several purposes.
~To protect the leg from falls and bumps.
~To make sure the leg stays straight. Without it the leg would contract because the muscles are not being stretched out. If the the muscles contract the prosthetic will not fit properly.
~To help the leg heal and help with reduction of swelling and leg mass.
Dad did sit up at the edge of the bed for about 10 minutes. He had his leg propped up on a chair. This was an awesome step for him. Hopefully, tomorrow the physical therapist will show him how to move around and balance himself during specific activities.
Pray that he will have the strength and the courage to continue his recovery and rehabilitation. We, as a family, continue to appreciate all the prayers on our behalf.
Thank you,
- JoAnna (Joey) Miller
05.17.2008; 6:30 pm - Day 2
Dad is struggling with pain. He had quite a bit last night, and today also. The doctors have been adjusting his pain medication to try and give some comfort. Josh (brother to Lynn) went to see him today with our Pastor, so I'm sure dad was glad to see them, but doesn't last long at all.
He's tired and resting a lot.
Joey (Lynn's sister) was with dad again today. She said the nurses fit him with a cast. What this is for, I'm not sure. I can't give a lot of specifics because things change and we just have to see how he is feeling day-to-day. But he is moving his leg around. He is not passing his urine, so the doctors put a cathator into his bladder. We were concerned at first about his kidneys, but Dr. Payne said this can be a normal side effect of anesthesia.
We do have some prayer requests:
1. That dad's pain will subside and be more bearable.
2. That he will be able to go to the bathroom.
3. That infection will continue to "STAY AWAY!"
4. That God will give MOM (Margaret) strength as she is dad's primary care-taker.
She will be trying to figure out how to help him, and this may be a struggle for them both.
5. That mom will get sleep in the University. She is so good to stay by his side and make sure (at all hours of the day/night) that dad has what he needs.
We are all thankful for your prayers and support, notes of encouragement, and phone calls. Dad is so excited when I read the e-mails y'all have sent. It means a ton to him, and all of our family.
THANK YOU!
- Lynn for the Duerksens / Stonekings
06.16.2008; 5pm - Day of Surgery
Dad had his surgery today, Monday, @ 12:30 pm. His doctor, Dr. Payne, came out and talked with mom and Joey (Lynn's sister) around 2:30 pm and said everything went well. His left leg was amputated below the knee, about mid-calf. His circulation looked good there, and the coloring of his leg looked very good. Thank you Jesus. They will now be watching for infection for the next few days. As of 4:30 pm, he was moved out of the surgery recovery room to his hospital bed at the U of MN.
Thank you all for your prayers. Please continue to pray that his body will recover well and fight infection. God is taking care of him.
- Lynn for the Duerksens / Stonekings
From Gene (dad):
06.15.2008
After four months of pain & swelling because of diabetic arterial disease, I will have a below-the-knee leg amputation on my left side tomorrow - MONDAY, JUNE 16 @ 12:30pm at the University of Minnesota. I plan to be in treatment and therapy 4-5 days there. Margaret and the kids are so supportive! Thanks to them and you all for praying! Please look to this site for continued updates on my progress.
Gene (2nd from left) - Gene
THINGS DON'T JUST HAPPEN...THEY'RE PLANNED!
Things don't just happen to us who love God;
They're planned by His own dear hand.
Then molded and shaped, and timed by His clock.
Things don't just happen; they're planned.
We don't just guess on the issues of life, We Christians just rest in our Lord.
We are directed by His sovereign will In the light of His holy word.
We who love Jesus are walking by faith, Not seeing one step that's ahead,
Not doubting one moment what our lots might be,
But looking to Jesus instead.
We praise our dear Saviour for loving us so, For planning each care of our life,
Then giving us faith to trust Him for all, The blessings as well as the strife.
Things don't just happen to us who love God, To us who have taken our stand.
No matter the lot, the course, or the price,
Things don't just happen...they're planned!
- Esther L. Fields
** This poem has been so special & helpful to me in times of trial. **
06.12.2008
Thanks to all who have been thinking of and praying for our family in this last week. Dad (Gene) is scheduled to have his left leg amputated below his knee on MONDAY, JUNE 16 @ 12:30pm at the University of Minnesota. This was a big decision for him, but according to the numerous doctors he talked with and the second opinions he received, amputation seems to be the only good option. There is an infection in his foot and toes, and if it spreads any further, the amputation will have to go above his knee. So please pray:
1. That from now until Monday, God will control the infection to stay put where it's at.
2. That dad will NOT develop a fever, which means the infection is spreading.
3. That God will continue to give all of us a peace about this change, especially mom & dad
(Margaret & Gene).
God has been so faithful to never let us down. We believe thing don't just happened, they are planned. May we continue to stay faithful and true to Christ as He takes us down this road of trial, yet again, to build our faith in HIm and to minister where He puts us!
TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!!! - 2 Samuel 7:18
06.04.2008
PLEASE PRAY!
TO OUR FRIENDS & FAMILY, OLD AND NEW, WHO HAVE VIEWED AND WILL VIEW THIS SITE:
Thank you for your prayers over the years. You all are what keep us going in this ministry.
But we are coming to you today with a little more urgent prayer request. Gene Duerksen (second from left on picture), Lynn Stoneking's dad, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was 16 yrs old. That was 42 yrs ago. He has had many health problems over the years including:
- laser surgery on his eyes
- Kidney dialysis
- Kidney transplant
- Triple By-Pass Heart surgery
- survived the West Nile virus
Dad has had an infection on 2 of his toes on his left foot for the past 6-7 weeks. He thought it was getting better, but then it quit healing. And he's been experiencing a lot of pain. After further consultations and x-rays with his doctors, it's been revealed that there is no blood flow from below the knee down into his foot on dad's left foot. His 3 arteries in that leg are all blocked...it's safe to assume with cholesterol. Just one more thing a diabetic battles. So the doctors are suggesting amputation of his left leg from the mid-calf down. This is a serious and trying decision for dad to have to make. It's very sudden. He's a working man who, despite getting weary and tired very fast, is still working his heart out today. I guess the saying is true:
YOU CAN'T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN !
Our family would be so honored and greatful if you would remember to lift dad up in your prayers today. He is trying to find peace and comfort in his decision, but it's a tough thing to let a part of you go. He knows God is in control, and clings to his faith and trust in Christ, and his doctors.
Thank you for caring, and for always supporting our family. And thanks be to God who continually delivers us from our own follies, yet cares enough to listen to our pettiest cries.