About a week ago, I had my appointment at the Chiari Institute with the Surgeon. Dr. Bolgonese was fabulous and sat with us for more than an hour to explain everything, including all the factors they are looking at in determining what the best plan of action is.
The gist of what I walked away with is:
1. They want to do a spinal tap in order to 100% rule out MS. This is to cover all there bases because one of my original doctors had said MS is still a possibility. So he feels the responsibility to rule that out despite possible complications with chiari and spinal taps. MS is normally ruled out by an MRI, which they did for me. However, there is less than 5% of MS patients who have MS but it does not show on the MRI. In these cases the only way to rule out MS is through a spinal tap. Unfortunately so far the soonest I have been able to schedule my spinal tap is Dec 27th which again postpones the surgery. I am still working on trying to get it sooner but have not found anything yet.
2. He and 3 other doctors are going to go over my case once more to come up with a consensus as to the best option for surgery. This is a way of double and triple checking as well as providing safety. I really appreciate knowing that they go to such extents to make sure they are doing what is best for me.
So right now the dilemma is to confirm 100% that MS is not a factor which the doctor feels confident is not an issue. The second dilemma is which surgical option is the best. There is one surgical procedure that would be less invasive and require a very short recovery process to attempt to fix the problem. But unfortunately people who have this can 6 months or a year later have the symptoms back and end up with the more invasive surgery. As much as I would prefer to have the less invasive surgery and get relief, I worry that I will be one of the many who has to end up having the second original surgery which means a longer delay and more money.
Right now, I have to trust God to guide the doctors to the best possible outcome. I am asking Him to give me a peace and prepare me for whatever the 4 doctors determine is the best option for me. I had peace about the brain surgery, and felt ready to take on the challenge. However, this new factor is a little tougher for me to handle. I want to be done with all this, the pain and lack of being able to do my normal routines. I miss running, and being active. It is very tough for me to be forced to slow down and take the lounging around that I often have to do because of the fatigue and pain. I feel lazy.
My mom taught me how to knit this summer which is helping keep me busy. Before being sick I thought I would never settle down enough to be able to knit. Now, it is something I can do to keep my mind busy and feel like I am accomplishing something. I have knitted hats, scarves, and now I am working on 2 purses. I will post some pictures of my work soon.
Despite my frustrations, God is ever faithful. I wish I could recount all the ways He has shown Himself faithful on a daily basis. Today in my devotional I read a story that impacted me and I hope it encourages you.
I Thessalonians 5:14
We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
The Weak and The Afflicted
During a visit to an East Africa hospital, I met a 10-year-old boy, Joseph, who is severely disfigured. A nurse explained that when Joseph was an infant his mother set him on fire. Though he miraculously survived, his left leg was burned to a mere stub. His right is permanently bent backwards, with webbed toes that were heavily damaged by the flames. Joseph’s left hand is missing two fingers, and, despite multiple operations, his wrist bone protrudes from the skin.
I held Joseph as the nurse changed his bandages, and was amazed when he confidently said to me, “The Lord’s going to make me well!”
I believe Joseph is right. Though I don’t know when or how God will bring healing to the child, I trust Isaiah who prophesied that one day the Lord will come, “and when He comes, He will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!” (Isaiah 35:5-6).
But for now, we live in an age where homes and communities around the world contain broken, hurting people. These individuals, like Joseph, are in dire need of our love and care. The apostle Paul told God’s people to “take tender care of those who are weak” (1 Th. 5:14).
His words echo the words of King Solomon in Psalm 72 as he implored God’s people to: • Judge others in a right and righteous way (v.2). • Let the poor always be treated fairly (v.2). • Defend the poor and afflicted (v.4). • Rescue the children of the needy (v.4). What can you do today to be a blessing to a physically impaired person in your community? —Roxanne Robbins
Leeann’s 11!
10 years ago
