Another prayer request---a continuation

Jan 23, 2014, 11:12 PM

Most of you will remember my previous requests for prayer and encouragement. I had asked for prayer for chronic back pain. I've been out of work since October 18th and had my 3rd back surgery on November 12th. This has been going on since 2007. I'm just not myself. I was on 3 pain meds- one was a 75mcg Fentanyl pain patch changed every 2 days, the other was Oxycodone 30s (150 per month), and the last one was Lortab 10s (120 per month). On top of that I was prescribed muscle relaxers and an anti-anxiety med. the good news is I never took all of the meds. I think I would be dead. However I have cut the pain patch down to less than half and I'm changing it every 3 days instead of 2. I am off the Lortab and I probably take 2-4 Oxycodones per day based on pain.

I started physical therapy 3 weeks ago. My physical therapist said that for my age (38) I have some the weakest lower extremities she has ever dealt with. Due to the prolonged back pain, the need for compensating of my knees has caused me to have serious issues with both knees. My knees are really limiting how much I can do to strengthen my core muscles. One of the exercises she has me do is sit on a big bouncy ball and try to lift each leg separately. When doing this my leg shakes so bad and I hurt in my lower back and hips. Since starting therapy my back (L4, L5, and S1 fusion) has started making a clicking and popping sound. Sometimes the popping hurts and sometimes not. Every time it happens it scares me. I'm so scared that the fusion has broken again. My first fusion in 2008 broke within 3 months.

Today I found out that my physical therapist believes I'm too weak to continue normal therapy and she is transitioning me over to aquatic therapy. I will start that next week and do 3 times per week for 3 weeks and then get a reassessment. I was supposed to try to go back to work the first week in February based on my progress, with this new therapy I'm sure that will be delayed. My employer has been so good to me, but it know business is business and I can't be out indefinitely. I'm so scared I'm going to end up being permanently disabled. I don't want this. I want to contribute to society. I don't want to be at home while my wife is working. I just can't help it. I have prayed and prayed. Throughout it all I trust God. He has me here for a reason. I'm just getting so depressed. To see my checks coming in at 66% and cut every corner I can to make ends meet is tough. On top of this my wife was in a car wreck in Christmas Eve and totaled my car. It was our most dependable car. Can't beat a Toyota- especially one that is paid off.

So we had to go get another car. It is neck but I like no payments.

I just ask for your prayers. I consider you all my extended family and I appreciate that we can all pray for one another. If I offend anyone who doesn't believe in prayer I apologize. At the same time I will pray for you as well. We all need God.

Sorry for continuing to need prayer, but I do. Some people just have certain crosses to carry. Pain has been mine. I despise back pain, but I know one day God s going to heal me here or in heaven. Oh to be pain free again. Wow! That is hard to fathom. Well, I will wend with this. I do covet your prayer for my back, my family, and our finances. If any of you ever need prayer Please feel free to ask. God bless you guys and I look forward to a better day.

PS-Go Tigers!