I know we all have what we call ěone of those days.î Sometimes it seems we have more than one, and some are more eventful than others. To those of us with disabilities, our health often determines which day is ěone of those days.î Well, this day was another one. A lot of things had led up to August 18, 2011. The biggest issue was pain. For at least a month, I had been having more and more pain between my elbows and shoulders.
I was referred to Dr. Wilson at the Pain Clinic. He had performed an epidural on my lower back around four years ago and Iíve had minimal pain there since God granted us a miracle. As this new pain continued to escalate, I prayed through some tough times of extreme pain and even some humorous ones. Because I could no longer stand up to reach things in the upper cabinets, I had someone move my dishes to a low pantry shelf.
After a speaking engagement, some folks donated cards for our soldiers. I stayed up until after midnight working on the cards (through the pain). Then I rolled to the pantry to get a trash bag off the bottom shelf.
Even though I do use both hands, I am not ambidextrous and reached out automatically with my right hand. It is, of course, the one that has always suffered the most pain. I jerked it back, squealed like a pig, and threw my left hand out to brace myself on the next shelf up. I backed away and watched as the bracket broke and my dishes slid out on the floor. The only thing that I could tell had broken was my favorite chopper so I used my grabber to put the glass in the trash. By then, every part of me was hurting so I left the whole mess in the floor, knowing the dishes would still be there in the morning.
Through those hot days of pain, I had to give up even my little bit of playtime in my yard. I was getting very concerned about my dry plants, so I called my friend Jenís husband and asked if he would come do the watering. Jen came in, saw the dishes, and even though it was painful for her with her disability, she jumped right into getting the dishes off the floor. I told her someone else was coming later but she wanted to help me.
The following day I had to ride the RITA disability van to get the epidural as the doctor knew I would be too sleepy to drive home. The preparation of getting my body on the table and having to lie on my stomach was difficult and the pain got worse. As Dr. Wilson started, I had spasms and he said if that continued, we would have to cancel the procedure. I could not let that happen as I had hope that this would be another miracle. I held very still praying. Thinking that I was talking to him, the doctor asked what I said. I told him I was praying there would be no more spasms since I cannot control them.
In a matter of moments, the procedure was over and Dr. Wilson and his assistants had me back on my scooter. Was it my imagination or my faith that indicated the pain was already less severe?
In the Bible, Hebrews Chapter 11 is known as ěThe Faith Chapter.î Hebrews 11:1 reads: ěNow faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.î
Hebrews 11:6 tells us: ěBut without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (KJV).
My friend, Lou, came over to help me with lunch and finished up some laundry and dishes for me. I was almost asleep when I got home but, of course, we had some things to thank God for and a few joyful laughs before my nap.
Lou thought there might be something wrong with my air conditioning but I was too sleepy to be concerned. Two hours later I woke up to find the temperature at 85 degrees and I knew Lou had been right. (Sheís right about a lot of things!)
I started calling businesses for help ASAP, explaining my health problems but several were so busy. I was blessed that Richard from Stout Heating and Air Conditioning was just finishing a job on Gheen Road so he turned right and came within minutes to help me. Thankfully also, God sent a nice breeze, and I went out to wait in the shade while he checked to see what was wrong. By now, you are probably wondering what else could possibly happen.
Oh, I forgot to tell yaíll that Iíve had a persistent problem with tiny ants in my kitchen sink this summer. I should have called the exterminator but things have been tight so I tried to solve the problem myself. Now I know you all think I am chasing rabbits again but can you believe it, ants had caused the problem with the air conditioning; it was cooling again and I was back to my physical recovery period in less than an hour.
The doctor said it would take up to a week to know if the epidural would make a difference. Well, I had hope and now Iíve thought more about faith.
After having the procedure done, just 12 hours later I was using my right hand to write this story. The pain has probably already dropped from a 10 to an 8 and as soon as I finish a time of faithful prayer, it will be lights out for a time of peaceful sleep.