HAPPY SPRING!

Well, spring is finally here!  Isn't it about time?  As I look around my neighborhood, grass is growing, robins are singing, and the snow shovels are being put away.

Hopefully, all of you have filed your taxes and are planning on how to spend your refunds.

Since my last blog, it has been a rather challenging time for me.  You won't be seeing my latest creations, as they have been put on hold since Easter.  Due to a situation beyond my control, I've come to a dead stop until today.

BACK INJURIES

Some of you know I've been out of commission, due to two herniated disks in my lower back.  To those of you who have been keeping me in your prayers, THANK YOU!  I guess all the years of cleaning houses, gardening, landscaping, shoveling snow, chopping ice, shoveling gravel, etc., have taken their toll.  It all came crashing down on the Monday morning after Easter.

PARTIAL PARALYSIS

My husband and I usually go to the gym to walk the treadmill and do our workout together.  I was all set to bounce out of bed and hustle out the door; but as I tried to step down out of bed on my right foot, my leg gave out from under me.  "I can't get out of bed," I told my husband.  "My back is out and I'm in a lot of pain."

The entire day on Monday was spent in bed.  I had my back problems in the past, but never lost the use of either of my legs!  I have to say that's pretty scary!  We made an appointment with our local chiropractor for the next day.

To make a long story a little shorter, the X-rays showed compressed disks in my lower back.  "Your spine is a real mess," my chiropractor informed me.  "I think you will need to go for an MRI."  I had some adjustments that first week, along with TNS and ice.

The following week, I had the MRI.  The results showed my two herniated disks.

Being a Christian, I began to pray to the Lord, "Jesus, what do You want me to learn from this?  What are You trying to teach me?"  I also began to pray more earnestly for other people who had back issues.

THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR

I was now using a walker just to get to the bathroom and to the chiropractor in the beginning.  I asked God to forgive me for taking my legs for granted--being able to walk, to drive my car, to take a shower and wash my hair, even to be able to sit at my computer and write blogs!

I didn't know if I'd ever be able to do these things again.  I had heard of back issues leading to back surgeries.  The thought of someone cutting on my spinal column scared the daylights out of me!

STILL LEARNING LESSONS

Today, after weeks of treatment and therapy (disk decompresssion, along with other therapies), I am thankful to be in less pain.  This has left my right leg very weak, due to the pinched nerves.  

My advice to anyone with chronic backaches is to have it checked out before you experience what I did.  I was one who didn't take chiropractic medicine seriously until this happened to me.  I'm not out of the woods yet, but I'm on my way.

I am waking up each morning and thanking God for less pain, and to be able to walk and move better.  I also ask the Lord's help to be of service to Him and others.

In my opinion, the medical profession seems too quick to prescribe strong pain medications and then surgery.  At the chiropractic clinic I attended, the therapist informed me that the success rate for back surgeries is less than 2 percent!  I couldn't believe it!

I have a friend whose daughter had two unsuccessful back operations along with a complication (she suffered a stroke).

Also, I realize that I will have to have adjustments for the rest of my life to keep my back in check.  I'm not going to try to carry more than I can bear.  After all, I'm not 20 something anymore.

AGE GRACEFULLY!

This is by far the hardest lesson I'm trying to learn.  Inside I still feel young.  I'm sure you recall the saying, "The spirit is willing, bu the flesh is weak."  This applies to all of us who are entering the autumn season of our lives.  We need to acknowledge our physical weaknesses and NOT be afraid to ask for help when we need it!

Until next time, bye for now!