Update on My Health

I apologize for not getting right back to Isaiah, but I couldn’t think of a more efficient way to inform those who want to know what’s going on with me.  I promise, back to Isaiah tomorrow 🙂

So I saw the neurosurgeon this morning.  He cut right to the chase, which I truly appreciated. He put me on my right side on the examining table, and pressed on two spots that just about sent me through the roof. One was at my hip joint, the other on my SI joint (sacroiliac joint). Here’s a picture that will help you understand what’s going on:

The SI joints are the red areas.  It’s a pretty good sized joint, and ordinarily it is stable.  That is, it does not move. It joins the spine to the pelvic  bones, which of course needs to be very stable.

My problem, because of arthritic degenerating disc disease, is that the left SI joint has begun to weaken, allowing it to rub against the pelvic bone.  I want to tell you, the pain is most unpleasant, even debilitating. For six weeks, I’ve been inactive, taking pressure off the joint, so it feels better–until the doc pressed on it. Yikes.

So, I will be having  a simple but very effective procedure in which the doctor will  make a small incision right over the SI joint, where he will insert two screws that will immobilize the joint.  I will go home the same day, and there is a two-four week  recovery.during which I can sit, stand, walk, even do stairs.  No lifting, bending, or twisting, though.

The date for the procedure is January 10.  I had hoped it would be sooner, but God knows.  At this point, it looks as if I can plan on returning to work by the first of February.

I am so blessed for all the prayers and concerns that you have shared on my behalf these past several weeks.  Many of you I know only  because you read this blog. It is wonderful to have friends out there in cyberspace 🙂

So–more waiting.  Something I’ve never been very good at, but it’s unavoidable. God is teaching me patience, and I am thankful.