Lots to Report

Lots To Report

Friday, December 16, 2011
From Bob

Our son-in-law's eye removal surgery on Monday went well. However, he is still in a great deal of pain. The surgeon explained to Jenny that David would have more pain because of all the scar tissue he had from previous eye surgeries. He is also having problems with adverse side effects from the pain medication. We continue to pray that his pain will go away.

Our grandson Andrew had his follow up MRI at All Children's Hospital yesterday. He did better this time although he was still anxious. He received a good report from his surgeon and has been cleared for another year. We are very thankful for this good news and answered prayer.

I had an epidural steroid injection yesterday. The doctor used a monitor to help him guide the needle as he did the procedure. When he finished he said no wonder you are having such low back pain. In addition to the T-12 compression fracture, I also have several new fractures in my lower lumbar spine. I will return in 3 weeks for an injection into that area. While I was disappointed to learn about the new fractures, it does go a long way to explaining the intense pain I have had. I am so glad that scripture teaches that even as my physical body continues to deteriorate, someday I will receive a glorified body!

I have an MRI scheduled next Tuesday so hopefully the doctors will get more definitive information regarding my back. Next Thursday I have my first appointment with a neuroradiologist to discuss a surgical procedure (that many of you have suggested to me) where bone cement is injected into the spine to build up the vertebra and get the pressure off the nerves. I'm not sure if I could even be a candidate for such a surgery with my medical history, but it's certainly worth discussing.

Every Christmas season we ask our children to give us a list of what gifts the grandchildren would like. As I get older, I find that there fewer and fewer items on their lists that I recognize. When I was a boy, one of the best things about Christmas was getting the Sears "Wish Book." I would pore over that book every night and pretend that I could have any of the toys. I memorized pages of toys. My imagination ran wild. In many ways, the anticipation was better than the actual receipt of presents.

My list this Christmas is no longer about things...

1. I want to gain enough strength that I could go to a Bible study class and give my testimony of the goodness of God. (Patra thinks it would be a good idea to be strong enough that I don't pass out. I think it would make my testimony more dramatic and memorable.) Through "the tall weeds" He has never left me. His words in scripture have sustained me, comforted me, encouraged me and challenged me. It is amazing how He has "managed" my care. He has placed doctors right where they need to be. During the most difficult times He has sent Christian nurses to pray with me and to care for me. ( I need to be clear - not all of my nurses and doctors have been Christians yet almost without exception they have been very caring and competent in my care. I am so thankful to ALL of them.)
I want to be an encouragement to others. If my testimony could touch even one person and inspire or encourage them, it would be worth everything I have been through. Please pray I'll get this wish.
2. I wish that I could walk again. I am so unsteady and weak that I can only take a few steps with my walker and Patra holding me up. Even that has become more difficult lately. Not being able to walk really limits my freedom.
3. I wish that I could gain more independence to ease the burden on Patra. The role of the "caregiver" is much more than a full time job. The grandchildren are such a wonderful distraction for her. (They are wonderful for me too. Every time that Avery comes over, she runs through the house and into my room and yells "Grandpa." Makes my day!)

This week Patra and I will "celebrate" our 39th anniversary. My days of "celebrating" are not what they use to be. (I sure do wish it was my 39th birthday.) I always thought we would be one of those couples recognized at church on their 50th anniversary. As Patra and I talked the other night we agreed that life had thrown me a curve ball. So while we may not make it to 50, I will cherish every day God allows me to spend with her.


(Patra and Bob 39 years ago)

Dear God: You are so good. Even in the "tall weeds" You walk right beside us. Your Holy Spirit ministers to my needs. Our family prayer list is long this week. I pray that David will recover quickly. Thank you for the good report on Andrew. I pray that the doctors will figure out a plan to alleviate my back pain. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Until next Friday. God willing.
Bob