The dark-haired younger woman came through my front door holding bright-colored flowers in a unique glass vase, handles on both sides she held tightly. Her smile filled the room, and her presence was one of a wise woman beyond her years. I’m thankful for Jennifer, and I am grateful for her sacrifice of time.
Thank you
There are few women I feel comfortable with while still spending my days in pajamas and inappropriate emotions stemming from medications. But those who’ve visited with me are giving my husband a break to run errands and a chance to breathe beyond the walls of our home.
Whether it has been dropping off a meal, drying my hair, or simply sitting with me, I appreciate every one of you. Thank you. It seems inadequate for your love and friendship. If you know me well, you understand that handwritten notes are a thing of the past. Your acts of kindness are appreciated.
Trust me when I tell you that my husband has cared for me well. His love for cooking has come in handy, and I am singing his mama’s praises for his domestic abilities! He has a special alarm set for meds and does well to encourage the surgeon’s instructions.
Update by Blog
Jennifer reminded me that my blog is a big part of my ministry and that everything I attempt to do feeds into the next, whether blog writing, counseling, Bible study, or education-based workshops. She’s right, you know. In light of her words, I’ve chosen to update by blog.But there is more. There is a physical instrument of the body of Christ-You! Your love, your tender care, and words are invaluable.
But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 30:17
This verse offers reassurance that the Lord is more than able to heal and restore health, even in the midst of physical afflictions like surgery. It emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all things, including the human body and its healing process.
I cling to this verse as I recover. However, to emphasize my sound theology, I am fully aware that many times God’s perfect healing is not in this life but the life yet to come.
Long Story Short
I’ve promised an update on my recovery, and with the update, I will give a little more detail now that I know from your messages that you are reading. Some of you are asking for details, many of which were vague or mentioned in previous posts some time ago.
Long story short, I had a spinal fusion and cyst removal. It’s a little more complicated than it sounds, but my most pronounced symptom was foot drop. You can skip to the last few paragraphs if that’s good enough.But here are the details as I best understand:
Long Story Long
Shingles onset in the spring sent me to the e.r. on the weekend following Easter Sunday, and the doctor explained my X-rays: “Your hips are fine, but your spine is rotten.” He forbade me to ride in a car back to Russellville and said the problems there would need to be fixed.
A week or so later, I saw a family physician in a nearby town who prescribed medications and fully agreed with the ER doctor, but in addition, added the diagnosis of post-herpetic neuralgia. My attentive husband purchased a plane ticket, and weeks later, as he was packed and driving the long road home, I was in the air.
Since my return, it’s been a good while to get to the root of things.I saw my nurse practitioner, who advised me to see my rheumatologist with whom I had a scheduled visit the very next week (I’m a complex patient with multiple autoimmune diseases). She ordered an EMG and an MRI. I will spare the results but they weren’t good. After review, the rheumatologist said I should contact my neurosurgeon. I’m a rule follower and did so.
Somewhere in the mix, 3 1/2 months of physical therapy was ordered and completed. There was also an epidural injection and an attempt to drain the cyst. The foot drop was still present but mildly improved as I had learned to overcompensate with my steps. The lower back pain from the spring never left.
By fall, my gait had changed. Once, the medication became my only option for pain, I had no mental clarity. I began to clear my calendar just before the holidays. The neurosurgeon explained that there was no recourse but surgery, or I would lose all function of my left foot. In addition, by winter, the back pain was even more severe.
I am not a medical professional, but as I best understand what was presented, surgery consisted of complete removal of a disc, bone graft, and putty (made from my bone) that was inserted and used for the fusion that will eventually come together. Then, rods, and screws were used as a cage to act as a cast, and cyst removal was from a difficult place.
Surgery was Successfull
Honestly, I feel like doing cartwheels but that would be a nightmare. But, you read it right: Surgery was successful because as best I can tell, the foot drop is gone. You have no idea how happy that makes me. I have two other issues with my feet but the surgery was not for those diagnoses. If I can just get rid of the foot drop, I believe I can walk again for much needed exercise.
I know we will have to wait for some healing to know if the back pain is better because as of now the back pain is not good. As my pre-op paperwork did tell me, I am on strong medication but it does not control my pain. Hey, I was warned.
Recovery in Process
This ordeal has been going on since April, and to be perfectly frank, there are days when I question the purpose. But let me be clear that I have not once questioned my God. He is Sovereign overall. He has a plan and a sense that spans beyond my years.
Recovery is still in process. I will see my surgeon on February 1st, and we will know more then. The next eight months will be appointments of scans and X-rays that will determine further instructions. I hope that this painful part of my story, which is such a small part of His, will bring glory, honor, and praise to the God I serve.
As is usual, when you read my words, I pray they will lead you to the better Word, Jesus. As you pray for me, let this be your prayer: May our Lord and Savior use every detail to grow me, give me compassion, and draw others to Himself for Kingdom purposes. I believe God has been merciful beyond what I deserve, and that I am doing the very best I should be at this point.
I will soon share more of the scripture passages you graciously shared on Facebook and in the blog comments. I’m slowly studying them as mental clarity allows. I shared the first in a Facebook post on my wall instead of a blog post.
Thank you for reading.
Debbie Swindell 