Scapular and Surgery

[jmjconder]

Please do not comment on how crazy this question may seem – please offer ways that I find peace with this situation.

I have been enrolled in the Brown Sacpular and for 15 yrs and have never been without it other than to replace it. The brown scapular has been a source of comfort/challenge/growth/grace for me.

I am about to have major surgery and the thought of having to remove my scapular during a very risky operation is very hard for me to reconcile. Please believe me when I say I am not being superstitious about the promises….it would be like removing my wedding ring (which I do not have to because they will tape it).

I thought of asking for my scapular to be placed under my surgical cap. Has anyone dealt with this and how have your resolved it?

Again please do not give your personal comment on the question rather offer answers that will grant me some peace in this situation.

 

[Serry]

I was wondering the same. Might ask the apologists for a sure reply; my own view, so far, is that it’s like one who is working: one’s “working” if he’s got a job and regularly goes to work, regardless whether he’s working at this moment—so, he’s one who’s wearing the scapular if he’s wearing it most of the time, regardless if he takes it off for a shower or for surgery. I suspect I’d feel “superstitious” about it if I had to literally be wearing it at the very moment I died, or to reckon with situations such as having a scapular half-on at that moment. Looking to Our Lady’s generous offer, rather than to a strict or “legalistic” view of it.
Maybe the more experienced can say for sure.

 

[JohnDamian]

Ask if you can place it under your surgery cap; if not I am sure it will be possible to tape it somewhere where there is no surgery.

 

[Whitacre_Girl]

May God protect you as you undergo surgery!

If you talk to the surgeon and tell him or her how important it is to you to wear it even as you under go surgery on at least some part of your body, I am certain that they can accomidate you. I am sure surgeons encounter this kind of thing all the time.

good luck!

 

[Barbkw]

The surgery is fearful, but so is contracting at infection from unsanitary objects being in the OR.

The scapular will be waiting for you in your recovery room.

 

[danlaupat]

Please do not comment on how crazy this question may seem – please offer ways that I find peace with this situation.

I have been enrolled in the Brown Sacpular and for 15 yrs and have never been without it other than to replace it. The brown scapular has been a source of comfort/challenge/growth/grace for me.

I am about to have major surgery and the thought of having to remove my scapular during a very risky operation is very hard for me to reconcile. Please believe me when I say I am not being superstitious about the promises….it would be like removing my wedding ring (which I do not have to because they will tape it).

I thought of asking for my scapular to be placed under my surgical cap. Has anyone dealt with this and how have your resolved it?

When my friend had her double radical mastectomy, her surgeon agreed to tape the scapular to her body, I believe on her leg, away from the surgical site and divided by the draping. He was very understanding and agreeable. Just speak to your surgeon.

blessings,
Amy