Back from the hospital …

I’m sorry I’ve been absent from the blogosphere without any explanation … Last Tuesday, while in SW Florida, I began feeling quite ill and extremely fatigued. I became especially concerned when I could tell my pulse was erratic – something I’d never experienced before. I went to a clinic and was sent directly to the emergency room. I ended up in the hospital the rest of the week. After four days of tests, I got some good news and some uncertain news.
The good news is that I didn’t have a heart attack, and in fact, my heart is in great shape. (This last year I ate healthier than ever, got more exercise than I have in years, lost a lot of weight, etc., so it would have been a bummer to have a heart attack after all that lifestyle improvement!)
The uncertain news is that several of my blood levels are abnormal, which probably contributed to the irregular heartbeat and feeling of malaise. Test results aren’t back yet to identify the cause – hepatitis, Lymes disease, or something else? Hopefully I’ll know more by the end of the week.
All this has meant that I have to miss several speaking engagements – with the Metropolitan Community Church general conference (via skype) on Friday, with my friend Samuel Lee in Amsterdam, Netherlands, this weekend, and through the week ahead at the Slot Festival in Poland. I was looking forward to each of these connections – maybe we’ll be able to reschedule another time in the future.
In the meantime, I’ll be recuperating, awaiting test results, having follow-up appointments, and appreciating life, freedom, and health. Thanks for everyone’s prayers. I am a blessed man, well-supported in every way.
BTW – if you want a great July 4 reflection, check out Shane Claiborne’s beautiful piece here. It only takes a short time in a hospital to feel how interdependent we are … and to cherish the skills, knowledge, kindness, and support of others.