It is now four months since a little critter got me and over two months since I last wrote a blogpost. So I thought it was high time that I posted an update.
Firstly, I am very grateful to the many people who have been praying for me, sending me their best wishes for a full recovery and wanting to know my current state of health. This post is for all of you!
When I last saw my GP, on Friday 5th December, and he saw my leg 😉 , he was pleased with what he saw. Whilst the upper part of my left calf is still a bit swollen, it is vastly improved from three & a half months previously. So I have finally stopped taking anti-inflammatory tablets. The other good news is that my INR has finally settled down after being badly disturbed by taking antibiotics. On 5th December, it was 2.6 – almost perfect, as it is meant to be in the range 2.0-3.0.
As I said in reply to one of the welcome comments on my last post, my planned further hospitalisation on 7th October, to investigate the scabby lump on the bottom of my left leg, didn’t happen, as there wasn’t a spare bed for me. I am now re-booked to see the dermatologist on Tuesday 6th January 2026. In consultation with my GP, I will be slightly reducing my intake of Warfarin in the week before that appointment and then having my INR checked by my GP, the day before the appointment. Hopefully it will be around 2.00 and will allow an incision to be made, without the risk of me severely bleeding.
Last December, as I wrote in this post, I answered a cri de cœur and travelled to Zermatt, Switzerland, to provide Christmas services at St Peter’s Church, known locally as the ‘English Church’. Having enjoyed the uplifting but tiring experience, some months ago, I volunteered to return in December 2025, this time for a full two weeks including Sunday 21st December- Advent 4, and Sunday 28th December – Christmas 1.
Because my two weeks mark the beginning of the Winter Season, the Chaplaincy flat has been vacant since the end of the Summer Season in September. Therefore I have been able to arrive a few days early, acclimatize myself and enjoy the mountains, before my Chaplaincy duty commences.
Therefore, I’ve had a wonderful journey on the Gornergratbahn up to Gornergrat with amazing views of the Matterhorn.
And I’ve travelled the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing from Switzerland to Italy and back, with further amazing views and a delightful Italian lunch in Breuil-Cervinia.
During my two week stint, I will be officiating and preaching at eight different services, as advertised now on the Church noticeboard and on the Church website. With my two earlier services at the Dresden Frauenkiche, that means ten services in December. So much for being retired!
We had Prayer Connect today and I was giving thanks for your recovery and ability to serve in Zermatt this year as planned. Looks like weather is good too and the snow is wonderful to see.
Thank you, Chris, for your prayers. They are very much appreciated. I am feeling up for my two busy weeks ahead. The weather was perfect for my first three full days here. Yesterday & today it’s been cloudy with a little drizzle. But tomorrow is meant to be sunny and further snow is promised at the weekend.
Happy New Year Ricky. We hope you had a very happy and blessed time in Zermatt and wish you all the very best in 2026.
Catherine and Sean McCann.
Thank you Sean & Catherine for your kind words. I got back safely from Zermatt, yesterday evening. Hoping to write & post an update over the coming weekend.