Well, I arrived home yesterday, late afternoon, from a four day hospital stay.
It all began on Saturday, by our best understanding, when I lifted a LPG tank of cooking gas and three bottles of water. My back was feeling the strain but seemed ok.
When I woke on Sunday morning I knew my back was feeling the effects and I was in some pain. I simply worked through it and spoke at Navy Base in the morning, and Baguio Gold for two hours in the afternoon. I was feeling a bit uncomfortable.
Monday it was still hurting and seemed to be getting worse. Joyce had a PT appointment at 10:30 AM and I drove her up for her appointment and while I was there I tried to walk off the pain and stiffness but it continued to get worse. Finally just by the door to the PT office I had waves of cold sweats and began to get very dizzy and felt as if I was going to pass out. They took me into the ER, where spasms began and I was writhing in pain. Finally the pain reliever was injected and I had relief. I was admitted and remained for the next four days while tests were done, and X-Rays and a CT scan were performed. At first they believed that I had a back fracture, but on further examination by one more experienced at reading the CT scans, it was determined that it is a herniated disk. I really struggled with pain for several days. The Physical Therapy is beginning to help, but I have a ways to go yet.
But it is so nice to be home. I will not be able to do a whole lot these next days and I will not enjoy that, but I know that you will be praying for me.
I was reading this morning; “Though the vine needs sunshine it must also have the darkness." During the night it is said to rest; it does not grow; but it recuperates itself and prepares for the putting forth of fresh energy. During the day it consumes more sap than it can draw up from the root; and during the dark hours of night it is accumulating stores on which to feed. And this may suggest why sometimes after periods of much activity the great husbandman draws down the blinds and plunges us into the black night of hardship…and we need that time in order to recuperate our exhausted vigor and to gather up stores for days to come.”
Encouraging words which my heart needed to hear this morning. He is always so gracious to give what we need when we need it.
Today the assembly at Baguio is down for the chapel retreat down by the shore. Sure wish I could be with them, but our Father knows what is best. I will be out of commission for a few more days. Please be praying that the PT will help ease this problem so that I can get back to work again. I have a lot of things coming up and have left it in His hands.
My prayer is that the PT will get me back on my feet soon. Thanks for your prayers.
I will send another update when I know more.
