I have been experiencing some problems with my left shoulder. I will do some funny motion (you know, like swimming or weightlifting) and it will start acting up. I experience pain and limited range of motion. It takes 6 to 8 weeks, and then the pain goes away and I can move it again, until I do something else to exacerbate the problem.
Yesterday I had my first visit with the orthopedic surgeon to determine what I can do to get rid of the pain. He took x-rays and did a standard exam. His feeling was that I have an inflamed bursa (the cushion between the joint and the bone in the shoulder). So he prescribed some exercises, ibuprofen, and a shot of cortisol into my shoulder. The shot was a little painful and a strange sensation, but nothing too bad.
That changed as the painkiller in the shot itself wore off. I went from being almost back to normal to feeling like I am at the height of a flare-up. Last night after I got my ibuprofen and had an ice pack on my shoulder, I was reading a blog written by a woman who, a year ago, was a typical stay-at-home mom with 4 children. Last fall she was in a small airplane crash and was burned over most of her body. Now her blog has shifted from the antics of normal life to the struggles she faces daily to function and return to her life as a mother. In her latest post, she talked about the chronic pain she faces, her desire to run with her children, and ends with her faith that God has a plan for her. I was inspired.
Now I don't believe that God has a priority list of everyone and how difficult their challenges are, with His help going to those who have greater problems and those of us with smaller problems have to wait, thank you. No, I believe that if something is a big deal to me, no matter how inconsequential to anyone else, God is concerned and will help me. But reading about her struggles reminded me of how blessed I am. I can walk and run. I can hold my children and put them to bed. I can cook dinner and do the dishes. I can clothe myself and do the laundry. How blessed I am for this amazing body God has given me! I am grateful for a little perspective.
1 comment:
I so agree with you that GOD tends to all of his flock in no particular order. Afterall, he got the electricity goin again for Katelyn's graduation(see my blog)! I, too, suffer with chronic pain that will not go away unless I have surgery. I, too, always try to maintain a healthy perspective-it could always be worse. And for a lot of people it is. That doesn't mean, though, that what we're going thru at any given time is any less important, especially to GOD. Hang in there my friend & get that heating pad out!!! Love, Shell
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