It all started a few years ago. I visited my best friend in FL and she mentioned I was leaning forward when I stood or walked. I went home and started looking a pictures and I saw it too. Now that I was paying attention, I noticed that I couldn't do what I used to be able to do anymore. My stamina was declining and I ended up having to sit on the couch by the end of the night with an ice pack or heating pad on my back and neck.
I started researching for reasons, tried physical therapy (3 months each time with 2 different clinics), used all sorts of prescription pain relievers, exercised, wore braces, chiro care, hot tubbing it (my personal favorite :) and just about anything else we could think of to help bring relief, turn back the clock or gain strength.
After a set of xrays last February, it was recommended I see a surgeon to repair my Harrington Rod placement that had failed from my original surgery in 1985. I was sent to a reputable spine/neurosurgeon. He gave me a grime prognosis without surgery and a risky surgical plan to correct it. It was so risky in fact, that after gathering more information and while developing my surgical plan the surgeon changed his mind and cancelled the August surgery in July.
I was back at square one. I was very depressed and confused. Now what???
Not too long after the surgery was off the table, my current physical therapist asked me to call the Orthopedic Brace specialist, Patrick Flanagan. She thought he could help. I did and he has helped me. He even knew about my case before I ever walked in the door and was hoping I would come in to see him! He has developed a bracing system that is in a clinical trial and is now using me as a test case. I love my brace. It doesn't reverse the clock, but it gives me the support and rest my muscles need to make it through my busy day. I count him and his invention as a blessing on this journey.
Not long after I started working with the brace, a Chiropractor called me. Dr. John Merkling had heard about my case through one of my close friends and wanted to help. He has helped me more than I ever thought possible and I count him as another blessing in this journey.
Today I met with a new surgeon, Dr. Dewald at Rush University. I was not sure what to expect after all we have been through, but was pleasantly surprised. He did agree I need reconstructive surgery on my spine, but did not think it needed to be as extreme as my first surgical consult did. He knew exactly what I needed and has done it many, many times before. He didn't give me a grim future, but cast a vision of hope and help that seems manageable - not extreme. I am still considered 'high risk', but for some reason this time we all have peace about it.
My surgery is scheduled for May 20th. I will be in the hospital for 5-7 days post op, and will be recovering home for several months. I will not be able to drive, lift or do simple tasks around the house for months (God help us all :) I may need a second surgery, but it will be smaller and not as difficult, but we will not know about the second until the first has happened. When the 6-12 months are over I will be straight, strong, and looking forward to many years ahead of mobility and activity that I crave!!! YAY!!!
So here is the update I have promised. Thank you for your prayer thus far.....and please consider prayng for our family in the days ahead. It is a season full of challenges, but most importantly of hope.
“A voice of one calling in the desert,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
And all mankind will see God’s salvation.’
Luke 3:4-5 and Isaiah 40:3-5
