2 years ago...

It was two years ago yesterday that Steve had back surgery.  He had a micro lumbar discectomy. I have written several times on my blog about the process and his recovery.  You can look under my blog labels and looks under "Herniated Disc Surgery" to see them if you are interested. 

I thought that I would write about it now to give an update of how he is doing since his surgery.

Steve starting having back pain a good five years before he had his surgery.  He hoped that his back would heal itself and just get better.  He didn't realize that he had multiple herniated discs as well as some arthritis in his lower back and neck.  Needless to say, his pain got worse through the years.  His sciatic nerve would get pinched by the herniated disc and immobilize him. He tried epidural shots, pain medication, and cortisone and eventually nothing was helping the pain. It would mask it temporarily. He spent many years in pain and he looks back now and wishes (although he agrees God's timing is perfect) that he would have had surgery earlier.

We began our search for a surgeon about 4 months before the actual surgery. Of course we had to have the necessary MRI's done in order to properly diagnose him and know exactly where the worst bulge was coming from as well as multiple professional opinions on what should be done. It turned out that he had an 8MM bulge in his L4/L5 spine area. In order for his pain to go away that disc needed to be fixed because that was what was causing the major pain.

We settled on a very well known Neurosurgeon (who has actually been written about and on TV for his miraculous surgeries he has done. We didn't know this when we chose him though.)  Before we settled on him we had seen an Orthopedic surgeon and we were warned that the solution that kind of surgeon would give would be to have a spinal fusion done. That surgeon did recommend a fusion. We did a bunch of research on that and prayed and decided that was NOT the way to go.  The problems down the road with a fusion could be awful.  If you are in a similar situation now please consult an Orthopedic Surgeon AND a Neurosurgeon.  They go about the "fix" very differently.

We felt peace about choosing the Neurosurgeon.  We prayed a lot about the actual surgery since there are risks. On the day of the surgery everything went as planned and the bulge in his disc was "cut off" and the nerve was placed back in it's proper place. You can read about the week after surgery at the links on my blog.

It took Steve about 3 months to get fully back to life.  He was back to (light duty) work within a month of the surgery which was a praise.  He made baby steps all along the way in healing.  The muscles all had to heal and the inflammation had to go down. Once that did his sciatic pain went away.

Now, two years later, he has a full life.  We find ourselves reminded of all the things he can do that he couldn't do before.  Wrestle with his boys, mountain bike, lift weights, lift heavier things (not too heavy though) and more - all without pain.  He will always have to be careful of picking something TOO heavy up, and twisting his torso too much. In the mornings he is usually a little stiff in his back and when he has long days on his feet his back aches a little.  Other than that he has no pain and the sciatica is gone.  He has a quality of life that we certainly don't take for granted.  We thank God for leading us to a top neurosurgeon who was very skilled and meticulous with a great bedside manner. We thank God for healing Steve! We do pray that the other bulges he has in his spine and arthritis stay pain free as they are now - Lord willing! 

While I was typing this an old hymn came on Pandora.  I thought it fit perfectly what I was typing about and it is one of my favorites.  Click on the link below to hear it. (I have been SO blessed today listening to sweet old hymns while doing my work. I absolutely love them.)

To God Be the Glory

To God be the glory, great things he hath done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
and opened the lifegate that all may go in.

Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
let the earth hear his voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son,
and give him the glory, great things he hath done!

2. O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
to every believer the promise of God;
the vilest offender who truly believes,
that moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

(Refrain)

3. Great things he hath taught us, great things he hath done,
and great our rejoicing thru Jesus the Son;
but purer, and higher, and greater will be
our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

(Refrain)

One week ago today

Steve was home from the hospital for only a few hours.  In extreme pain and barely able to move at the pace of a turtle.  Today he is moving a bit more freely although very achy and still in a decent amount of pain.  Sciatica pain that is.  He is taking less pain medication and able to get around and do most things independently though.  It has been a roller coaster for him each day physically and mentally.  Some days he wakes up achy and with no shooting pain, some days waking up with no achiness but instead a headache and sciatic pain.  It varies so much.  We can't wait for a follow up appointment on Monday to find out what is normal and what is not.  This week we ran into a person that had almost the exact same surgery.  Talking to him put Steve at ease and gave him some encouragement because the man we ran into was surprised that Steve was out of the house 9 days after surgery AND he was in the hospital for three days with his surgery.  It was a divine appointment.  Thank you for your continued prayers, we need them.

Have a great weekend.

Day Six

Well today has been the best day for Steve.  He is still in a good amount of pain but it is shooting pain and it is not constant.  He was able to step in the shower today and stand for quite a while.  That is progress for sure.  Still a lot of resting and taking is easy and that will be the way of life for a while for him.  Rest is good.  Please continue praying for our family.  This is tough but God is healing Steve.

Here is one of my favorite songs that has helped get me through more than one tough time in my life:


I will walk by faith by Jeremy Camp (my favorite)


Come by for a visit tomorrow for Menu Monday's return!

Many Blessings

Day Five

Today has been more peaceful.  Being at the hospital stresses me out for multiple reasons.  I am glad that all things are at home right now.  Steve is more comfortable at home too.  Sleeping for him last night was tough.  Trying to get comfortable and being in so much pain has been a challenge for him.  He is sleeping a lot and resting and allowing his body to recover.  He has been up multiple times today though and been able to eat a few meals at the table with us.  Today was the most mello day we have had in quite a while. I pray things just continue to get better. 

Day Four

Steve came home today. He is grateful to be out of the hospital and it is always good to be in the comforts of your own home.  He has made a few more strides in the right direction today like shower, in and out of the car, etc. He is still in a good amount of pain and basically has to treat his body as if it is a log.  One continuous piece, not twisting, turning, bending, leaning, etc.  Very tough.  Try to do is and you will see how much we take for granted the movement we have in our bodies.  

Thank you so much for your prayers and please keep praying if you would times are extremely tough.  I will keep you posted.  Thank you SO much!

Here is another Hymn that is one of my favorites that I have been listening to:

It is well with my soul (click on the link to hear it)
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul. 

Day Three and an encouraging hymn

Day three and he is still not home.  Given that we were told to expect him to come home the day after surgery this is a bit frustrating but there are extenuating circumstances requiring him to stay in the hospital. There are also some things happening at the hospital that Steve and I are not thrilled about. This is hard on both of us, VERY hard.  He is improving in small ways and that is encouraging.  I saw him walk a bit today and sit in a chair for a short period of time.  That is a step in the right direction (literally.)  I am not sure if he will be home tomorrow or not.  He wants to be home and I want him to be home but only if I can give him the care he needs.  Right now I can't do that.  We will see what tomorrow brings.  This along with some other complicated things going on in our lives make for a weary Mommy and both physical and mental exhaustion have set in.

Lord - I don't know how much more I can handle.

A hymn that encouraged me today while driving to and from the hospital was
 What a friend we have in Jesus (click on the link to hear the hymn)

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.

Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

Psalm 61: 1-4
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I LONG to dwell is your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Selah

Day Two and Red Light Praises

Today is day two of Steve's recovery.  He was supposed to come home from the hospital today but was not able too.  He is in a lot of pain and it is a good thing he is staying under 24/7 care because the kind of care he needs right now I cannot give him.  He wants to come home though and I am sure he will soon.  The doctor tested his leg strength and it is good.  Both legs have the same strength now whereas before the left leg was weaker.  That is great improvement already.  He has been up walking a couple times today and that is a good thing.  The physical therapist will work with him again in the morning and see where he is at and if he needs to stay another night in the hospital.  This is a bit of a tougher journey than we expected.  You prayers are appreciated and we want to thank you for your prayers so far.  They have been felt.

So, on another subject.... what are "Red Light Praises?"  Well they are something I heard about from a lady named Carol Hopson.  She said that when she comes to a red light while driving she praises the Lord instead of grumbling.  I decided (since I have a problem of grumbling at red lights) that this would be a good idea to implement.  So today on my way to the hospital I found myself starting to grumble while stopped at a red light and I remembered this idea.  It is totally fun and it works!  It took the focus off me and my dumb ole' impatience and put the focus on the Lord.  So cool!  Corbin got into it (although reluctantly at first) and he really enjoyed it.  He said the funniest thing.  One of his praises was, "I praise God for two kinds of cameras.  One that takes pictures if we do things illegally and one that takes normal pictures."   Again - there is my ten year old speaking.  "Illegally?"  He cracks me up.  It is also funny that he even knows about these red light cameras because I seriously have never gotten a ticket from one.  It was so precious to hear all of his praises and awesome because he thinks of things that I don't.  I highly recommend trying this, it really is a wonderful idea.  Thank you Carol for this!

Day One

Today went well for Steve.  The surgery took about 45 minutes and the 8MM buldge in the disc was removed.  He is in pain due to inflamation and the incision but is recovering at the hospital under good care.  I am a bit fearful for when he comes home because I hope I can provide the care he needs and that he will not be in very much (or any) pain.  We are both glad that the surgery is in the past now and look forward to seeing how recovery goes.  Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray for our family and Steve's healing.
Thank you!