A Gift from God

Those are the exact words my pain management doctor used 2 weeks ago when I saw him last. He asked to what percentage my last injection had helped: 95%. He asked how long it had helped: it's still working. That's when he said, "Well, that's a gift from God. Nothing I could do would give those results. It's almost reportable that you're still pain free".

What a gift.

About 1 year ago I finally gave in and called my doctor for an appointment to deal with the back pain I had been experiencing for far too long. He referred me to physical therapy. I did about 2 months of that with zero relief. My doctor referred me to a back doctor. She took X rays & did an MRI. Results? Slight deterioration of my L5 disc - she called it 'barely clinically significant'. So, she sent me to a different physical therapist who dealt specifically with issues relating to back pain and childbirth. The thought was that my pelvic floor was too weak and I was overcompensating with my back. A few more months of physical therapy. Lots of money down the drain with no relief.

Next doctor up to bat was Dr. Winston at the Michigan Pain consultants. There's something defeating about going to a pain doctor. It seems like no one can figure out what the cause is, so we'll just try to get rid of the pain. He was the most helpful of all, however! He had a bone scan done and determined the same deterioration of my L5 disc, as well as some issues with my sacrum. Then we started various injections to pinpoint which of the 2 issues the pain was stemming from. First injection was about 30% helpful for about 3 weeks. Second injection wasn't helpful at all. Third injection didn't work. Forth injection...ahhh that glorious forth injection! I stood up from the table & had to sit in the wheelchair to recovery. I stood up to get into the recovery bed & the nurse asked me to do a little back twist, which normally caused pain immediately. NO PAIN! I started bawling. They thought it hadn't worked, but through my tears I said, "No, it worked, I don't feel any pain!" Lo and behold, that 'barley clinically significant' deterioration of my L5 disc was indeed the culprit!

In September, I started a Bible study at church & was asked to write a letter to God about the longings of my heart. Our Quimby house was first item on the list, followed by pain relief. I'm amazed at how God has listened to the desires of my heart and answered. Sure, my back isn't 100% better, and there is the likelihood that more injections and possibly surgery will be needed in the future, but I've been pain free for 8 weeks straight! And we found out today that our sale on Quimby was approved. We will still owe money on it, but the payments we will make are interest free, and it's still a much better situation than what it could be.

I am blessed with the gifts God has given me!