July 25, 2007, 10:12 a.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Wayne here. I am sorry if I haven't written in here; I have been going through unbelievable stress in my family (my teenaged niece, Susie, nearly died on July 3rd; that she even survived is nothing short of a miracle!), and my own health, as a result, has suffered. I just got out of the hospital from tests and the diagnosis of a mild stroke. This is why I was having the migraine headaches. I kept having what is known in medical terms as a TIA (transient ischemic attack).

The strokes really haven't affected my overall physical health, but I have to be really careful. I could eventually have a massive stroke that could cripple me all the more--or kill me.

I am nw on "light duty", my duties as an anesthesiologist have been downsized (still working, just not nearly as many hours; spending more time at home with my family), and I am not to go through much in the way of stress--or that's what my own doctor, Dr. Tagert, has told me. I am now on blood thinners in addition to all of my other meds; my health is the main topic of conversations right now, both at the hospital, and both out in the community.

People are curious as to what is going on, why I am using my electric scooter more than the crutches, why I look tired, why I appear to have lost weight. The rumors have been flying (it was reported that I may have been suffering from some form of cancer, even AIDS!). I am here to quell those rumors, put them to rest for good. I have been having mini-strokes. That's it. Serious enough, yes, but at least I am getting my overall problems taken care of. When you have a disability like spina bifida, you can't take any chances because you run the risk for all types of health issues that can unexpectedly pop up out of nowhere.

Even doctors like yours truly get sick. We're not immune, particularly in instances like mine. I've battled with my health all my life; I still continue to battle: it's like an unending war that shows no signs of abating.

It's akin to what is going on in Iraq right now: fear, uncertainty, frustration, anger, confusion. I'm very much a war casualty, only my war is on the homefront, with my physical  body as the main battle ground.

Sarah and the kids have been troupers through all this. The girls have been her (and my) mini-helpers; they want to make sure that their daddy (me) recovers. Mwugu has been worried: it's all I can do to reassure him. He really doesn't know why I've been sick, why I have had to go to the hospital so much. He's scared that he'll lose me. Little Rheese, meanwhile, has no clue as to what's going on around him: he's just a baby, a baby not even five months old yet. Life is still brand new for him.

Louisiana has been sending me cards of encouragement, also has been keeping our church family informed of my overall situation, has had them lifting me up in prayer. Church members have been stopping by, bringing me gifts, food (healthy foods, of course), even monetary donations that have been collected in my name, which have helped with groceries and medical bills. The staff from work have been coming over too, for prayer or Bible-study. Everyone has been so wonderful!

Well, I am going to go now, go lie down; am still weakened from my recent hospital stay, not feeling like myself just yet. Take care and God bless!

~Wayne Wright, M.D.

P.S.: Susie is doing much better, but still faces a long haul. She had a stroke that's left her with speech problems; her days are spent in therapy, and she is now homebound for the time being. I'll keep you informed as to how my niece is doing; stay tuned~

~Wayne.