One year after Amy’s liver transplant, we find ourselves back at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for another important step in her recovery journey.
Many individuals who experience severe ascites (fluid buildup) as a result of liver disease develop weaknesses in the abdominal wall that can lead to hernias. Once the transplant has restored liver function and the body has had time to heal, these hernias often require surgical repair. By God’s grace, Amy’s transplanted liver continues to function very well, and she has recovered to the point where her transplant team believed it was the right time to move forward with this restorative surgery.
The doctors originally expected Amy to remain in the hospital for two to three days. During the procedure, however, they discovered that the repairs were much more extensive than imaging had initially indicated. Instead of repairing a single area, they found and repaired several hernias. While this made the surgery more involved than anticipated, we are grateful those additional issues were identified and addressed.
As Amy begins her recovery, we would greatly appreciate your continued prayers.
Please pray:
- For complete healing and restoration.
- For protection from infection and any postoperative complications.
- For wisdom for the physicians, nurses, and medical staff caring for Amy.
- For strength, comfort, and patience as she recovers in the days ahead.
We continue to praise God for His faithfulness throughout this entire journey. From the uncertainty before the transplant to the many milestones over the past year, He has sustained us every step of the way. We remain deeply grateful for Dr. Abt and the outstanding transplant team at Penn Medicine. Their skill, compassion, and dedication have been an incredible blessing to our family.
Our hearts are also continually drawn to the anonymous living donor whose extraordinary gift gave Amy a new opportunity for life. Although we do not know this person, we regularly thank God for them and pray that He will continue to bless them and their family.
Thank you for continuing to pray for Amy and for our family. Your encouragement, love, and faithful prayers have carried us through many difficult days. We are trusting the Lord once again as Amy heals, confident that the God who has faithfully led us this far will continue to sustain us.
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”
Psalm 138:8 (ESV)
Dr. James Long Jr. is pastor of The Chapel at Warren Valley, a professor at a Christian university, and a Board-Certified Counselor and Certified Biblical Counselor. For nearly 35 years, he has equipped individuals and families to pursue emotional strength, relational wisdom, and spiritual clarity. He is the founder of Lessons for Life, an online coaching community designed to help people take actionable steps toward lasting change through Christ-centered teaching, practical tools, and guided coaching pathways. Explore courses, resources, and coaching opportunities at jameslongjr.org
