No…I am not going to play one of my favorite “secular” songs for you. I usually save that for the last post of the year or the first post of a year.
It’s not the countdown that is already beginning around here for the first day of school. (August 8th…seriously?)
It’s not the countdown toward the Pittsburgh Pirates march to the World Series. (No comment from the peanut gallery).
It’s another type of countdown. One that ends with a request.
As many of you know, I was hit by a car going about 60 mph while riding my bike on November 7, 2016. I rebounded pretty quickly from that… or so I thought. About 2 months ago my left hip started hurting and since then I have been through 4 diagnoses- with the last one the one that matters. A sciatic nerve issue. Nope. A slightly herniated disc (somewhat close). An unbalanced sacrum. (Possible but not the culprit). The final one involved an MRI which showed a bulging disc and bone spurs which were combining to squeeze the nerve in my vertebrae. The hit-n-run did not cause it but did accelerate it. Long story short I’ll have surgery on Monday, July 24th. They will be going in to shave off the bulging part of the disc and shave the spurs to open space for the nerve. People ask me if I’m nervous. The answer is no. If they knew the pain I was in; the sleep I wasn’t getting; the effort it takes to get dressed; and a myriad of other things, they wouldn’t ask that question. I’m looking forward to it. I trust my doctor. I trust my nurses. I trust Jo to take care of me afterwards. Most of all, I trust God to guide the hands and eyes of those doing the surgery. There can always be complications…I choose not to think of that. I choose to look forward to resuming my life. I will be out of commission for at least 30 days, i.e. no cycling, no lifting, no bending at the waist (may be the hardest of all), and generally taking it easy.
There is one downside to it right now. And here is where you come in. No meds. That means (in my case) no ibuprofen for 2 weeks prior to surgery. I abhor pain medicine. The doctor gave me a nerve-deadening med which helped zero…or so I thought. It may have been helping more than I thought. Needless to say I could use some prayers as I wait for the surgery, not for my fear (because I have none) but for some pain relief. And you can also be praying that I will be able to rebound quickly. Thanks.
Bill,
When this all works out. Which it will. With or without the friend in the sky. Will you promise? Not to walk us thru the drama of your bike wreck again? This story has had more verses than Job.
First, he is more than a friend in the sky. And to answer: No. It is part of my story and if I can pass along lessons then I will. this time I am asking for prayer. Wait till you see this in two weeks. I am calling it SAFE WEEK,
Jeff- Shouldn’t you be under a bridge collecting tolls or something?
Like water off a duck’s back. 🙂
Yep, I can help by praying for you Bill. I living daily with knee pain due to needing a knee replacement. The limitations are harder sometimes to take than the pain. Looking forward to surgery probably in Sept. Will pray brother.
Thanks Betty. That means more than you know.
Praying for your pain to be minimal now and your healing to be maximum after your surgery!
Thanks Lisa! I will take that prayer!
I will definitely keep you in prayer, Bill! I know how debilitating constant pain can be, and don’t wish that on anyone. And if you’d like, I’ll also put you on my church’s prayer chain. Just let me know!
Blessings!
Oh Please put me on your prayer chain.
Uncalled for comment Jeff, since I believe it was meant to be snarky. I happen to appreciate Martha offering that. I know u give no credence to prayer or God answering prayer BUT I DO! However u are on my prayer list. I pray u come to know Jesus, God’s Son, as your Savior.
You are on it, Bill! These warriors for the Lord know how to pray!
Thanks Martha. While i have complete trust in the doctor, I have more in the One who is higher than him.
Keeping you in prayer, Bill! It’s been a long, painful journey for you but better days are ahead!
Thanks Pam. I believe they are as well.
You already know I’m praying for you, brother.
Yes i know and i am also aware you know exactly what I am going through.
Praying for you, Jeff. too. May His love and peace surround you!
And THAT, is how you respond to a snarky comment meant to bite.
Yes sir, praying with you, BIll. So thankful you can get it taken care of and get back to everything and everyone you love. Very much appreciate you!