Anglican Bishop details his health condition

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 20:59 by GxMedia

Anglican Bishop of Guyana, Rt. Rev. Cornell Mosson Tuesday detailed his health condition, saying he has been suffering from hypertension, diabetes, lung infection and a heart condition.

He said he was hospitalised up to Monday in his native Bahamas after doctors, during a routine medical check-up, found that his regime of medication was taking its toll on his liver and kidneys.

” Now that I have been discharged from hospital, I have been confined to bed rest and strict medical care for a few weeks. I was very fortunate because while such a serious condition lurked in my body, it was not a factor in the issue of congestive heart failure. However, there was an accumulation of fluids around the heart and lungs coupled with the lung infection which had to be drawn,” he said in a statement.

Moss said he was at home relaxing with his family and hoped to return to Guyana after doctors give him the green-light to travel.

The Rt. Rev. Moss has been the Bishop of Guyana since 8 December 2009.

Following is the full text of his statement:

For several years, I have tolerated hypertension and high-blood pressure. Both conditions were managed under the supervision of my team of physicians and medication. In 2008, I was diagnosed with Diabetes TYPE 2 and congestive heart failure. I have not had a heart attack, nor do I have heart disease. Congestive heart failure (in layman’s terms) means that the heart is ‘congested’ and impeded from performing at its maximum.

This could be brought on by any number of things. With a high blood pressure which affects blood flow, time and time again there can be an accumulation of fluid in the heart and lung regions. The outright symptoms are shortness of breath, uncontrollable coughing and fatigue. I displayed all of these.

In December, 2013 after my Christmas services and having performed my other duties, I attempted to take the balance of my annual leave, with a view of having my annual medical check-up. The day after my arrival in the Bahamas, 27^th December, 2013, I became very ill. Initial tests and examinations revealed that in addition to my existing medical conditions, some of the side-effects of the medications I was using were adversely affecting my liver, kidneys, heart and lungs.

Immediately, my course of medications was evaluated with some being discontinued and new ones prescribed. After three weeks, with changes in medication and a salt-free/sugar-free diet, most of the affected organs were either repaired or sufficiently repaired that they were functioning normally.

My follow-up treatment was scheduled for February, 2014 at which time I had planned to address the congestive heart failure and lung issues.

I returned to the Diocese in mid-January, 2014 primarily to complete arrangements for the Installation at the Cathedral on Sunday, 2^nd February, 2014.

My medical regime continued on 4^th February, 2014 in the Bahamas. As that was being done, it was discovered that I contracted an infection to the lungs. This serious discovery meant immediate hospitalization, and I was admitted to the Rand Memorial Hospital Intensive Care Unit, Freeport, Grand Bahamas, Bahamas on Thursday, 27^th February, 2014.

I was discharged from hospital on Monday, 2^nd March, 2014.

Now that I have been discharged from hospital, I have been confined to bed rest and strict medical care for a few weeks. I was very fortunate because while such a serious condition lurked in my body, it was not a factor in the issue of congestive heart failure. However, there was an accumulation of fluids around the heart and lungs coupled with the lung infection which had to be drawn.

Brethren, in my first memorandum to you, I stressed the need for ‘Clergy Wellness’ requesting that we make it a priority as a Diocese. I consider these instances as ‘wake up calls’. Let us heed the warnings and be more proactive in cultivating and committing to healthier lifestyles.

Mrs. Moss and the rest of my family join me in thanking so many of you for your prayers and gestures of affection, especially during this period.

God willing, I should return to the Diocese immediately after my final course of treatment is complete and I am given clearance to travel. I am anxiously working towards the end of this month.

Kindly join me in thanking Almighty God for this wonderful blessing, which is both mine and yours.

I wish to record in this communication my sincere gratitude to the Vicar General, The Venerable Oscar Bazil, the Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Vanessa Charles, my Personal Assistant, Mr. Marlon Laing and the entire Administration for their loyalty and trusted support.

Please pray for me as I pray for you.

Your Friend and Bishop,

The Right Reverend Cornell Jerome Moss, D.D.

VII DIOCESAN OF GUYANA