An update on the health of Abbot Tryphon
Abbot Tryphon went to see his primary care physician on Wednesday, following the advice of Abbess Markella of the Monastery of the Life Giving Spring in Dunlap, CA. Father had served as the keynote speaker for the Orthodox Christian Fellowship’s annual college retreat, and struggled with lack of breath, and exhaustion, during much of his time at Saint Nicholas Ranch.
Following his return to Vashon Island, and the advice of his personal physician, who voiced concern that he may have suffered a “secret” heart attack, Father was admitted to Saint Joseph’s Hospital on Wednesday afternoon, with symptoms of fatigue and shortness of breath. Abbot Tryphon was found to have a very high heart rate (between 94 and 170), consistent with atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a type of abnormal heart rhythm that can cause shortness of breath and fatigue. Laboratory results came back and thanks to God, many of his labs results were normal, including the labs that indicate whether or not one has had a heart attack.
The internal medicine physician who admitted Abbot Tryphon wanted him to have an echocardiogram, which helps one to see how the heart is pumping. A cardiologist also came to talk to Abbot Tryphon and decided he should have a cardioversion procedure. Cardioversion helps reset the “wiring” of the heart so that it can beat normally again and not in atrial fibrillation. Ultimately he did not undergo the cardioversion during his stay at the hospital, so this will be performed on an outpatient basis in coming weeks. He had his echocardiogram and catheterization procedure to help see the inside of the arteries of the heart) on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
Glory to God Abbot Tryphon was found to have no narrowing of his arteries and will not need heart bypass surgery. His echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of 40%. An ejection fraction is a measure of the heart’s ability to pump blood out of the heart. A normal ejection fraction is between 55-70%. His ejection fraction of 40% is consistent with mild symptoms of congestive heart failure. As a result, Abbot Tryphon was put on medications to help control his atrial fibrillation, blood pressure, and heart failure. He is also on a blood thinner because he will have his cardioversion procedure in 4-6 weeks. The cardiologist informed Abbot Tryphon that with the medications, a regular exercise program, and a healthy diet, his symptoms should greatly improve and could maybe even reverse.
Abbot Tryphon returned home to the monastery late Sunday afternoon, feeling much better and having lost 9 lbs! He is forever grateful to everyone for their prayers and well wishes. He is very happy to be home amongst the brethren and in his own bed. He looks forward to taking some time to recover and getting back to health so that he may continue to pursue his ministry and outreach. Father asks that his blog readers, and Ancient Faith Radio listeners, pardon him for taking time off to recuperate.
In Christ,
Dr. Alexander Garrard
Director of Washington Poison Center
and one of Abbot Tryphon’s spiritual children
God is ever faithful and loving. May He be praised.
Thanks be to God! Rest well, we look forward to your return.
Praise God.
Tell Father thank you so much for this update. We have all been worried and praying, yet felt hesitant to deluge the monastery with phone calls.
We will continue to pray and to thank God for the good report on his health.
Yay! Glad all is OK and on the mend! OX
Thank you for this update. I will patiently pray for the Abbot’s full recovery and return to his wondeful work which feeds me from afar.
Yes! May He be praised. Thank you for the much appreciated update.
Glad you’re feeling better- Merry Christmas!
Dear Fr Abbot – You and your brethren have always been in our prayers, and more so since we learned of your condition. We know how challenging it can be following Doctors’ orders – yet we know they have your best interests at heart – forgive the pun! Try to relax, enjoy a good book. We look forward to seeing you once you’re back on your feet.
The time off was more than forgivable! Be well, Father! IC XC NI KA
Glory to God for everything. So glad that our prayers were answered. We will continue to remember Fr Tryphon in our poor prayers.
Praise God. Dear Father Abbot please rest and heal.
Stephen in Canada
Dear Abbott ~ I was diagnosed with
a-fib in 1996 ~ my cardiologist determined the cardioversion would not hold on me and I would just return to the condition ~ so I have been on meds and lost 100 lbs, some came back, but know you are not alone and you can have a life ~ prayers for you
Thanks for the update. Will continue to pray for Abbot Tryphon and the others at the monastery. Get all the rest you need and recover Abbot Tryphon!!. In the interim
I will gladly re-read past blogs.
Welcome to the pharmaceutical world of my beloved husband. Lasix (furosimide) also affectionately known as “vitamin P” is the gold standard for congestive heart failure. Digoxin (warfarin) is the anticoagulant (blood thinner) to prevent clotting from atrial fibrillation. Seraphim has been on both for many years. Our pappa John was on them for decades before going home at age 96. They can make a BIG difference in the quality of your life. So glad you are home and on the mend. Listen to yiur
Welcome to the pharmaceutical world of my beloved husband. Lasix (furosimide) also affectionately known as “vitamin P” is the gold standard for congestive heart failure. Digoxin (warfarin) is the anticoagulant (blood thinner) to prevent clotting from atrial fibrillation. Seraphim has been on both for many years. Our pappa John was on them for decades before going home at age 96. They can make a BIG difference in the quality of your life. So glad you are home and on the mend. Listen to your monks, obey your doctors and rejoice in the gifts of God and modern medicine. We rejoice and continue to pray for you and yours. Many years!
P.S. Are ya’ll going to have a Nativity service?
The Nativity Liturgy starts at 9am on the 7th.
Glad to hear the good report. Will continue to pray for the Abbot’s complete healing.
O Lord have mercy.
Dear Fathers Tryphon and Paul…..Thank you for sending the excellent update on Fr. Tryphon’s medical condition. I consider it to be positive news….thanks be to God. Father, I know how busy you keep but I am encouraging you to mind the doctors. I know you’ll bet antsy but it will pay off in the end by preventing you from any relapse. The Lewis’ and I will continue to include you in our prayers. Love to you both in Christ, Candace Elizabeth
I join this grateful chorus of glorias and alleluias! And by all means, Fr. Tryphon, get some rest!
Dear Father Tryphon!
God Bless you and keep you. Merry Christmas! and HEALTHY New Year!
You are in our prayers!
please , please , please rest, Fr., Tryphon, and listen to whatever the doctors tell you ……
recover slowly…………steadily……so you can be back on your feet in a reasonable amount of time….keeping you in my prayers……
Oh, sorrow and joy! Fr. Tryphon: I am sorrowful that you have had a serious health scare, but joyful that you are feeling better and are resting. Prayers and hopes for your full recovery are in transit…. May God grant you many, many years!
Thank you for the medical update and Glory to God, it could have been much worse….
Father please take all the time you need to recover and to get in good health for your next procedure… Please take a good care of your self so we can enjoy you for a long time in the future…. May God bless you with patience for a good recovery.
You are always in our prayers…
Bless in His name!
my beloved father Tryphone,even if time and distance separate us to be together and to pry to the olmaghty God,i still can hear your sweet holly words and sounds like a mountain echo.Father,how is your health? i’m very sad when i see an information posted on this site about your health.is everything ok right now? Father, i wish i could be beside you at this time.but, it is a matter of distance that separate us to be together as a father and a son.any way all i can say is that “God be with U”
God bless you.
your son Daniel Arega(shumet)
Where in Ethiopian are you now living, Shumet? The last time I saw a photo of you and your beautiful family, was many years ago. Please use my email address, and send me some updated photos, so I can see you, your beautiful wife, and your wonderful children! I remain close to the Ethiopian community of Seattle, and to my beloved Ethiopian clergy brothers.
With love and blessings,
Your Father Tryphon