COUNTDOWN

We're finally nearing the day of surgery. It seemed far out there when we made the decision but now it is at our doorstep --4 days off on Dec 18th. My days have been filled with many doctor appointments. Each one had the possibility of knocking the surgery date out. I am so thankful that each one was fine. The one lingering thing is the huge amount of colds and flu going around. I have asked the Lord many times to protect me from this.

Doug and I saw the surgeon on Monday. It was a wonderful appointment. He spelled out what he would do. His final words were-- the surgery will last anywhere from 7-12 hours and we won't stop until it is perfect. This terminology is different from most surgeons who say ... we will do the very best we can. We have heard from no less then 25 people what an incredible surgeon Dr. Horton is with outstanding results. Only 4 doctors in the US do the procedure he does it. People travel from all over to have him do their surgery. We will be traveling 8 miles! Yes -- 8 miles. God is good.

How are we feeling? We are doing well. We are trusting God to take both of us through the unknown with His peace and His strength. Yes it is massive but we cannot change that. Doug and I have often said that the patient has it easier then the family & loved ones. There is a lot of truth in this.

What will I be doing after surgery? Getting my strength back and learning how to move in a new way. I know much of my time will be to walk and walk and walk. At first I will walk around the house only. Walking is the best promoter of bone growth. At first it will take all the energy I have. The nerves and muscles in my back will be cut so the only things I have to use are my my arms and legs. The polymyalgia rhumatica I contracted in February is still lingering -- leaving my arms and legs aching and stiff. This will be a challenge since I will need them. I am asking God for grace upon grace to carry me through and to surprise me with His care through my recovery. Please join me. Other concerns that I know of are infection and necessary bone growth. My spine will have a bone stimulating material put between each vertebrae from T5 to the sacrum as well as one long rod with screws thru my vertebra into this rod. The rod is to stabilize my spine while the spine fuses. This will eventually fuse into one bone. I will need to relearn how to move since I cannot twist or bend my back. It can be done and I will learn.

This is about all I know for now. Carissa and Doug will update the blog often so check in there. Please please leave posts as these will be your communication gifts to me.

Cheryl