Adventist Crossroads
October - December 2003

Call Upon Me And I Will Deliver You
Lilian Ho
Southeast Asia Union Mission

You made it ,” Dr.Chan said with a smile on that morning while making her rounds.
“You passed through a very dangerous situation. Just before surgery I was discussing with the anesthetist and hesitating whether to give you Fraxiparine. The book says to give it to selected fat people as their blood clots more easily.”
“She is tall and thin weighing only 51 kg. I better give.” Dr. Chan told me later that something was telling her to administer the drug.
“It is the Fraxiparine that saved your life. Your case confirms that Fraxiparine should be given to all surgical patients—thin or fat.”
“Doctor,” I said, “Thank you for saving my life.”
“I thank God,” she replied.
Blood tests showed that I have very clotty blood which clots three seconds faster than the average person. The doctors said that I had blood clots in my lungs. After a week of heavy flow, my condition worsened.
On November 12, 2003 at 5:00 a.m. I experienced trembling and general weakness with rapid palpitation. Test showed my hemoglobin count to be 8.2 (normal is 14 to 16). After receiving an injection, Dr. Chan advised immediate surgery. I declined. The jab lasted till 1:00 p.m. the following day. Again I opted for a jab instead of surgery thinking I would soon be better. That evening I was rushed into surgery following a sudden gush of blood.
After the hour-and-a-half surgery, the doctor assured my husband that all was well. But that night I awoke twice feeling unwell. On both occasions I informed the nurse. Finally she called the doctor. While she talked to the doctor I passed in and out of consciousness. In a semi-conscious state I clung to her with what little strength I had left. At times I felt my grasp slipping. In my heart I cried to God to save me.
Soon I was wheeled into the ICU and remained there for two days. A scan revealed a blockage of an artery in my lungs caused by blood clots.
The thought of what might have happened if help did not come in time was rather sobering. I thank God for His loving kindness and great compassion for sparing my life. During those very critical moments all kinds of thoughts flashed through my mind. The wonder of it all—God awoke me at the time the nurse was checking the drip. My faint condition and weakened lungs would not allow me to call nor find the call bell to summon for help. Thank you, Lord!