01/03/2026
Update from Smith Bibens
This past Wednesday, December 31, I was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO. I was breathing hard to get my breath and my hands were tingling and numb. Upon arrival the ER staff began a stroke assessment. A CT scan was made, and the initial finding was that there was a blood clot at the base of my brain/brain stem. They immediately started me on Heparin, an anticoagulant that prevents or treats blood clots. An MRI within a few hours, however, put that to rest. My neurologist said, if there was a clot, it was very small and the Heparin took care of it.
An echocardiogram was also scheduled, for my symptoms could be related to a heart condition. My cardiologist told me afterward that an “aortic valve stenosis” was detected. This condition requires replacing the aortic valve of my heart at some point. More testing is needed to determine just how soon that happens, Lord willing.
I have been home since Friday evening, and I am feeling fine. Wednesday was the first time I had any symptoms, but I am thankful that I “played it safe” and went to the ER. Both Mitzi and I have had health crises that resulted in serious threats to life being uncovered just in time and then they were fixed. God has blessed us richly in many ways, and we are so thankful for His providential care and for our brothers and sisters and family who have kept us in their prayers. Several have called, texted or emailed, and we are thankful for the concern, and simply ask for continued prayers.
