I
feel squeamish and thought I should tell you.
A giant stands before me and I’m using my sword, but ask for back-up. I’m scheduled for surgery, August 25. My journey begins with a left full knee
replacement. I will have to have the other knee done, later.
My
neighbors helped me find the best surgeon!
All she does is hips and knees. I’ve completed the pre-op tests,
attended the class at the hospital to inform me of what to expect, and started
physical therapy. Before surgery I have
to get to an acceptable range of motion.
Let’s just say, I’m not there yet.
I am blessed!
The
PT believes in gentle therapy. He has a
low-key personality with humor. He will
be in my life for a while and I am determined to do whatever he says. I’m improving already. He knows his stuff.
I
can still visualize the surgeon’s finger pointing in my face to get a
stationary bike and demanding: “Get on
it every day—take your Aleve if you have to—but get on it and pedal and pedal
even if you can only do the one knee.”
My
son-in-love repaired his mom’s old bike for me and placed it in my home
office. The ancient Schwinn air
resistance bike has a lot of character.
I’m thankful for the monetary savings.
I
haven’t stayed in a hospital since my last baby, 39 years ago! No wonder anxiety knocks at my door—yeah,
that’s it.
Awesome Kids
My
daughters want me to have a better quality of life. They have been supportive in so many ways
with their unique personalities and compassionate hearts. Amy lives close and accompanied me to all my
doctor’s appointments. I am thankful for
a coach like Amy at my side on the day of surgery and recovery.
No Surprise, I’m taking a blog break!
I’ve
got to roll up my area rugs and get the house ready for my walker paths and
make chicken soup to freeze. And I’ve
got to do my exercises and ride my bike!
I
don’t want Pile of Smiles to turn into Pile of Pain. It’s
important to be real, though. I believe
in a God who heals supernaturally, but He’s a loving Father who allows trials to
teach us even greater truth. I pray with
thanksgiving knowing He hears and wants the best for His children.
What an
opportunity to stretch my faith muscles!
Truly,
this Goliath is right in my face these days.
Just as David, I must open my mouth and declare: “I come to you in the
Name of the Lord. The battle is the
Lord’s and He will give me the victory.”
…But
I need reinforcement.
Here’s the heads
up
I
only take vitamins and herbal supplements every day. I try not to think about the medication
required. Ugh. The meds might mess with my head for awhile
so if I comment strangely on your blog, that’s why. I can use the excuse temporarily at least.
What
about you. Is there a Goliath in your
life?
THIS KIND OF SURGERY HAS A HIGH RATE OF SUCCESS, SO DON'T WORRY. YOU''LL BE ON YOUR FEET IN NO TIME. FROM YOUR POST IT LOOKS YOU'RE IN GOOD HANDS. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU!
ReplyDeleteHi Sister Mary. I had a dream about you last night so even before you posted this, I had been praying anyway for you and your family. Nothing bad. But now you posted, I believe the Lord just brought you to mind. Like what I said, 17 years ago, knee replacements were already a pretty much common procedures at that time and I was amazed with the continuous studies the medical field keeps on doing to minimize risks and pain post-op. But even more so, you know Who's got a hold on your hands before, during and after the procedure. Rest assured, even if you won't post for a while, I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Don't forget your deep breathing after surgery ;) And don't tough out any pain when they put your leg on the machine (CPM- Continuous Passive Movement).
ReplyDeleteEven if you feel this is a Goliath, I know that nothing can ever be bigger than God Who loves us. I know my words are easier said than done, and I appreciate your honesty about you feeling anxious about it. But you, little David has that gigantic faith that wins!
For sure, I know your blog won't be "Pile of Pain" but always will be "Pile of Victory!" Hugs and prayers always. God bless.
I truly hope you comment strangely on my blog! :-)
ReplyDelete"I pray with thanksgiving knowing He hears and wants the best for His children."
This is true. Amen.
Never be afraid to trust and unknown future to a known God.
You can comment strangely all you want! :)
ReplyDeleteKnee replacements have come a long way. When I was first a nurse I worked on an ortho unit and took care of many people following that surgery. Now they are up the first day and recuperate much quicker. A friend had it done this summer and was back at our bible study 10 days later, walking with a cane. She is now walking 2 miles daily with no assist.
I'll keep you in my prayers and will be looking forward to good reports!
The most frequent operative reports I type are gallbladder removals and hip and knee replacement. So much has changed in medicine over the years. When us kids were born in the mid 1950s moms spent 10 days in the hospital. Now they are discharged sometimes within 24 hours of giving birth. Yet it can be an anxiety filled time. Certainly prayers for you. Just follow the doctor's orders and protocols and you'll make a speedy recovery and be glad you'll be pain free and able to do more things. My usual prayer for people going in for procedure/surgeries is that from the minute they go into the hospital until they are discharged they are met with warm, loving people who will love on them during their time in the hospital and that everything will go smoothly with check in (registration), great nurses, competent surgeon/doctor, etc.., and that they will feel the Lord's presence with them. I'll pray the same for you. You will do great because God has already conquered your Goliath.
ReplyDeleteI do have a Goliath, but God is conquering him and God WILL WIN! I know he will.
betty
I will share the "pep" talk I give myself when I am faced with this kind of Goliath. 1) There may be some hurdles in between, but a month from now I will feel and be BETTER than I am today. 2) I am not facing this alone--Jesus IS with me. 3) Graciously accept any and all offers of help with meals, cleaning, laundry, errands, etc--No, things may not be done the way I would do them, but soon enough I will be back to doing them myself.
ReplyDeletePrayers coming your way, Mary. :)
I am praying for you. And when you love "real" post out of Holland, sent me your adress!!! Also sharing this reading plan. I wish you could read it: https://www.bible.com/nl/reading-plans/4024-goliath-must-fall-winning-battle-against-giants
ReplyDeleteI will certainly be praying! I have had a total knee replacement and I survived - and with prayer so will you!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so sorry you're having to face this Goliath!
ReplyDeleteHaving observed Tom's fears and unrest prior to the hip replacement, I've a sense of what you're going through. Statisticians tell us "how common", but until you're THERE it's pretty frightening ... and I'm not even talking about the knee. Prior to my procedure in May, I was freaked about the general anesthesia.
Please know you're being held in our prayer consciousness through it all!
Oh, sweet friend! I have already been praying for you! Of course, you can count on my continued prayers, and I know God is going to enable you to slay this Goliath and come out a victorious conqueror, through Jesus' name!! I am SO sorry you have to go through this, and I do trust the Lord will allow this to improve your quality of life. Through faith in His almighty power, you will feel like a new woman!!! Love and appreciate you so much and looking forward to praising in the victory with you!!!!
ReplyDeleteSweet friend, I am praying for you and I know that our Lord has you in the palm of His mighty hands. So grateful that you have your family to help as well. I am trusting the Lord to take good care of His servant as I know He will dear Mary. My scripture this morning is: "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exalts, and with my song I give thanks to Him." Psalm 28:7 Dear Mary, I am thanking Him right now for He is going to do for you. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteMary, I will be praying for you....I had a knee replacement last October and I am so glad I did it....Just do all the physical therapist tell you to do and you will be fine in no time....You got this one Mary....along with the Father's help...
ReplyDeleteActually, yes. There is a Goliath in my life. Though in this body, it is called breast cancer. When I was diagnosed in May, I thought I might stop writing my blog. Instead I found it to be a good thing to keep it going. My greatest source of encouragement has been from readers and bloggers who pray for me, encourage me, and even send me little gifts.
ReplyDeleteI've been in chemo since May 23rd. I'll be finished by mid-September. I get to have surgery next, then radiation. Ongoing IV hormone therapy and finally, pills for 5 years. It's a long not-so-fun road.
I'd like to encourage you to read my blog post sharing my diagnosis. It was the hardest post I've ever written. But I laid out my battle plan. You know, a lot of the battle is in our minds. We war not against flesh and blood....
I want to encourage you. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Remember, David ran to the giant. Be faithful to do what you are called to do (or in this case assigned to do by the doctor and therapist), and God will be faithful bring healing.
You need not fear the hospital. The surgeons and the hospital staff have come so far in the years since your last hospitalization. The things they do these days are miraculous.
This won't be easy, but you won't be alone.
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10
Notice that he will not only be with you, but he will strengthen and help and uphold you!
Proverbs 4:20-23: “My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it spring the issues of life.”
Oh, I just want to give you a big, gentle hug and reassure you that you can do this, and all will be well.
Most of all, remember, there is power in the name of Jesus!
Father God, I bring Pile of Smiles to your attention tonight. I ask that you will indeed help her to feel your Holy Spirit's presence right now and throughout this process of healing. I ask God for you to begin the healing process even now, before surgery, with restoration of range of motion and the ability to get around better. God I ask you to help with the pain. God help PoS to feel your love and to trust you. I ask it all in Jesus' Name, and I plead the blood of Jesus over her for healing. I ask in faith. Amen.
Be blessed,
Laura Lane
Harvest Lane Cottage
Carthage, Missouri
P.S. Here's that post if you're interested in how I'm fighting this battle with cancer physically and spiritually.
http://harvestlanecottage.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-post-ive-been-avoiding-diagnosis.html
Praying for you, Mary. Looks like the big guy's going to have to be the nurse for awhile!
ReplyDeleteYou're going to do great. You have the attitude and you have our Father.
Oh, and take it from a guy who knows, ice is better than any pain pill.
Enjoy your time away. I'll look forward to the lessons and stories you're going to have!
Oh Mary! I'm so sorry to hear about your upcoming surgery, I know it is such a huge thing to deal with right now, and you will most certainly be in my prayers! Sounds like you are doing all the right things, and that your surgery will have a wonderful outcome! You will be glad to have a knee that works right again :) Will keep you in my prayers through your blogging break, and will be praying and believing for the best outcome for you! Hugs :)
ReplyDeleteAwww, Friend, I am sorry that you are going to have surgery, but if it will give you a better quality of life then it is the thing to do. I'm thankful that Amy is there close by and can be there to help out. :) You know you will be in my prayers...starting right now.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Dianna! Amy is indeed a blessing to me.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, Praying in agreement with all these beautiful prayers for your healing and peace to your heart. May the LORD Jesus , Messiah Yeshua, bring you great comfort and complete healing, renewed strength and may you soar (and bicycle) on eagle`s wings with your new and healed knee!! By His stripes may you be healed!!
ReplyDeleteMay He meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ---Isaiah 41:10
Looking forward to your Piles of Smiles when you return!! With Love and blessings and healing prayers in LORD Jesus!
Keeping you in prayers. I asked the Lord to help me remind you of His Word... This is what I gathered from 2 Timothy 1:7... "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."
ReplyDeleteGlory be to God that He is there with you before, during and after your surgery. To overcome anything. He already gave you much more than "Pile of Smiles"... I am confident to know that He already established a "Palm Branch of Victory!"
Stay strong in the Lord's mighty power. Love and prayers always sister Mary.
I claim that the surgery was successful and that you will be well in no time. Take care, my friend!
ReplyDeleteIt's just so nice that you're still giving this positive attitude in spite of that Goliath you have, because why not? I pray and release blessings and healing to you Mary!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get this message on this old post! My mom is having both knees replaced soon. One and then the other 8 weeks later. How did yours go? She is also a big vitamin/herb person, but does not usually take regular medicines if it can be avoided.
ReplyDelete