This Pain Is Different
I’ve been hesitating to update my status because I’m just not sure what is going on. This pain is just very different from my normal struggles. It feels as if I’m dealing with a further bulged disc or maybe another annular tear. Either way, bending in any direction has been quite a chore. My wife has helped me get dressed all week.
Unfortunately, I’m still waiting on the scheduling of both a Myelogram and steroid injection. I care most about the Myelogram with contrast because I really want to know what is going on with me. The doctor’s greatest concern is the disc above my L5 S1 fusion. Seven years ago my surgeon told me there was great probability that later on the disc around my fusion could need surgery. I’m certainly praying hard that is not the case.
The good news is I do feel I’m progressing and not regressing. I’ve not had to take extra pain medication the past 36 hours. I have taken a few extra muscle relaxers but no narcotics. I’ve been able to sleep well the past two nights. I am having to continue icing and heating my body morning, day and night.
The fact that the rest of my body feels normal, puts all the attention on the area of concern. This pain is very restrictive and alarming. My only memory of this ongoing feeling is how I felt the year before my first back surgery and how I felt the first year recovering from that surgery.
All I know is rest has been mandatory. I’ve spent the last 7 out of 8 days pretty much in the bed or bath. Fortunately, any demands I had scheduled this past week were able to be postponed to later days. Overall, I’m happy with the relief that I have experienced. I just know that I’m still walking on egg shells and consistently in more pain than normal for me.
This Sunday I may have to continue wearing my back brace and look a little stiff. But, God has given me the ability, focus and strength necessary to share with others. Ironically, I will be preaching a message entitled “Let Jesus Stabilize You.” That’s exactly what I’ve been doing every step of the way. I appreciate your continued prayers and look forward to seeing how God continues to work.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
Pastor Craig Crosby 