Friends and Prayers

Hello to everyone!

It's been a while since I posted anything. The last time I was on I mentioned going to the doctor. The doctor said the x-rays that they took showed Degenerative Disc Disease and that I needed an MRI of the neck and lumbar. So, I went to have the mri's done and I freaked out in the machine. The tech that was doing the test wasn't very nice about it either. I managed to get the lower back done...all the while boo-hooing and crying and praying...I have been having a hard time walking and getting around so I just knew that I really needed to stay in there for that one. I was close to the opening on that one..so they were able to get that one finished. I had to be rescheduled for the one on my neck. They redid it last week with sedation. I have since then, found out from the nurse that I have spinal stenosis in my neck. I got the feeling that it might be pretty significant, but I don't know yet. I go back in to the orthopedic doctor Friday morning. From what I understand..the spinal stenosis is a progressive problem and doesn't go away on it's own. I think it usually progresses to the point that they have to operate, depending on how compressed your nerves are. This might explain the shoulder pain, the dropping things, and the numbness I've been having in my cheeks and lips.. I have a ruptured disc in my lower back with arthritis in the facet joints. The doctor has put me on oral steroids first to see if that gives me any relief...and I'm going to physical therapy. I think the steroids have helped a tiny bit. I am able to walk just a little while without my legs locking up at the hips...but if I do too much...then I start having trouble again. I'm just moving very slowly and awkwardly. The foot doctor gave me inserts for my shoes..I was diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis. The inserts are suppose to help raise my left leg up to be even with the right and to help my feet not to be flat..He also gave me a steroid shot in my foot. That was CRAZY painful :( And to make that worse....my foot hurt worse for 2 days afterward. And it hasn't helped at all :( I went back yesterday and the foot doctor seems to think that some, or all, of the pain in my foot may be related to what's going on with my back and neck. He said he was going to speak with the orthopedic doctor about it...he looked at my mri results from both mri's...both doctors are in the same building so they can easily discuss things with each other........I am somewhat close to feeling slightly depressed about it all...I guess maybe I am actually depressed about it....When I push to do the things I want to do...it just backfires. My family has been pretty helpful to me. But, I still hate relying on everyone else to do things for me..

So, if you could...keep me in your prayers. I know I need to keep looking upward...and not downward (except of course to pray :)...but it is hard to not feel a little overwhelmed. I know that I have some of the most wonderful friends to pray for me...and I appreciate it SO much.

I had the nicest present come in the mail...just out of nowhere...and I had been thinking about this person...and I came home from church...and there was a box on the table!! It was full of goodies...

this person is just an angel to me :) It's been a couple of weeks ago..I just haven't felt like getting on..but this dear friend couldn't have picked a better time to think of me! The holy spirit must definately have led her to think of me...and I am so appreciative!! Marci..you are such an angel and a dear, dear friend!!! I love you bunches!! Thank you so much :):)

Then after all that...I was suffering with a kidney/bladder infection and a cold...and another dear friend who was recovering from surgery...sent me a huge and lovely fruit basket!! She is a dear sister from church who I just love dearly :) My camera has quit working for me :( So, I don't have a picture of the yummy fruit basket...But, just imagine...yummy grapes, bananas, apples, oranges and pears...Thank you so very, very much Shelley :):) I am over my cold and infection now..and I am grateful for that!

Even though I might not be feeling super...I am super blessed :) ...to have such wonderful and dear friends..

Speaking of friends....I have made a new friend from South Africa...Thandi :) I LOVE to meet new people :) You can meet her here :) Thandi, I am so glad that came here to visit me...I hope to get to know you better :)

Oh, yes....Marci, you were also so kind as to send treats for the furry babies...so here's a couple pics of them getting their presents...And Mickey was the first one to grab one :) Thanks!!!..from Teddy, Mickey and Peanut :)....(I just realized I don't have a pic of Peanut on the sidebar...note to self....I must add him!! :)

I am feeling just a tad better....but, lots of trouble sleeping and still hurting quite a bit. I have spasms really bad at night when I try to lay down :( I guess I'll find out more on Frid.....

One last thing.....Maci is crawling...really well!! In to everything!! And she is pulling up and standing...I don't think it will be long now and she'll be walking..She is SUCH a cutie!!

I will end with my very favorite verse from the Bible.

He giveth power to the faint: and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles: they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:29-31

With Love and Blessings and Hugs too.......Jerelene