Crawl, then Walk
Cindy meets a new friend at Gülhane Park in Istanbul.
Last Saturday, we were waiting for the next steps in the healing journey. We woke up each day hoping that the process would move forward. The week has ground past with phone calls and waiting for others to decide if they want to help.
This has been a discouraging learning process for us - we can’t imagine what it must be like for people without insurance, without voices, without resources to fight back against the “machine.” Cindhy has been a champion and has kept her cool and me far away from the phone. I feel a lot of sympathy for Jesus turning over tables in the temple and am ready when Cindy calls me.
Our Doctor ordered an injection that could help Cindy - it is finally scheduled for Monday the 17th. Why have to suffer 11 more days of pain?
Our Doctor ordered a bone growth stimulator - she was supposed to start it 3 weeks ago. She will finally get it on Monday the 17th. Think of how much further along her healing could be if we had those 21 days back!
Our Doctor ordered a back brace that Cindy must wear for 2-3 months. It was delivered to us in the hospital. We were told that we owe $4,000 for it because the doctor’s office didn’t code it correctly. I could buy the same brace from Amazon for $150. Why does insurance pay $3,850 over the normal price for this item? What a mess!
PAIN. On Thursday (3-13), Cindy woke up, and we followed our morning ritual.
“How is your pain?” I asked,
“If I stay completely still, it is ZERO.” She whispered, not wanting to awaken the sleeping beast.
It would be impossible to stay in bed the rest of your life, but after 44 straight days of pain, Cindy was considering it.
Eventually, biology, life, and responsibility prodded her out of her protective cocoon.
The beast awoke but crept around at about a 3 on the pain scale - irritating but making it possible to function.
All this week, Cindy has begun returning to work. Each day staying longer. On Thursday, she worked 9 hours, and her work ethic tendinces were showing. Each day has had its challenges, but there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel.
FOOD. A host of people have fed our family over this journey. Since the food train reached the depot and we have returned to our normal responsibilities, it is amazingly clear how powerful the simple gift of a meal is. Thanks to all who helped carry the load for us.
MEDICINE. Cindy has been weaning off most of the medicines. She is now taking mostly Tylenol instead of the more serious pain meds. This is a relief because we have heard so many terrible stories that begin, “The got hooked on pain meds after back surgery . . .”
DRIVING. On Friday, Cindy was given clearance to begin short forays behind the driver’s wheel. This afternoon, she will put the pedal to the metal.
“I’m just laying in bed resting & enjoying not hurt in this morning.”
Cindy has been walking each day at the Cain Center.
The dogs have been constant encouragers in this process. They do seem aware and a sensitive to Cindy as she is laying on the couch. They nuzzle her tenderly.
The signs of Spring!
