I was reclining here in the great room this afternoon
reflecting on the crazy month we've had here in the Keweenaw. Things started
out so well with our annual July 4th celebration in Copper Harbor. It started
to go downhill after my oral surgery in Marquette on July 7th (as related in The Tale of the Tooth). As I was recovering from that surgery, my sweet darling
husband (aka Mr. Cut Off) had a disc slip in the lumbar region of his back on
the 12th - causing intense back and sciatic nerve pain.
He was mostly bedridden and trying to recuperate at home
when I had an ER-level migraine strike late in the evening on the 14th.
Mr. Cut Off called my mom (retired nurse) to come help us
out. She was a true blessing - got us through that weekend.
After resting his back at home for 4 full days, we were able
to get Mr. Cut Off into town to see his doctor for a back injection and some
steroidal medication on Monday, the 17th. As he was then a bit more ambulatory,
I tried to talk Mom into going home the next day, but she said she didn't have
peace about leaving yet. Good thing the Lord was speaking to her, because my lower
back decided to go out suddenly the following day - Wednesday, the 19th. Yeah. My
back this time. Out. Way out. What were the odds?
I can now say I've experienced a Keweenaw ambulance ride and
a hospital stay.
I was discharged on Saturday. Steve is also still recuperating.
Not running any races around here, but we're improving.
Mom is still with us for the time being - earning her wings!
We may live in the middle of nowhere, but we have nothing
but good things to say about our local medical care. It's like the old days - a
terrific small town hospital. You're an actual name - not a number. I'm not
fibbing when I say that I never waited more than 30 seconds for someone to
answer my call light at the hospital. The care was very patient-oriented and
compassionate.
Seriously, I didn't have one single complaint - not about a doctor,
a nurse, a CNA, housekeeping staff, PT, or even those working in food service.
Every single person I encountered was excellent with a great attitude and work
ethic. Very, very impressive. Yes, it's true they don't have a neurosurgeon on
staff, but when I had the same problem down in the big city back in 2008, I was
never referred to a neurosurgeon anyway. I could have chosen to be transported
to either of 2 larger hospitals with a neurosurgeon a few hours away on
Thursday, but my doctor and I decided to try something else for now. We'll see
how my recovery goes, but a consult with a neurosurgeon is always an option on
the table for the future.
Of course, if medical care was the same as it was back in
1900, Mr. Cut Off and I would both be completely cured by now. (Click on this old ad to make it larger to read.)
It. Never. Fails! Isn't that a riot?
In conclusion, we've obviously had some severe pain and a
highly unusual month, but the Lord is faithful. He provided us with the help we
needed and great medical care. His Word never fails, and His love and care for
us has been evident each day. We praise Him and thank Him for keeping us in His
care, and we appreciate the prayers said on our behalf by family, friends and
fellow Christians far and near.
All is well in the Keweenaw.
Oh, Julie! We just got in from squirting Pine Sol in and on our garbage cans to keep off the black bear. (We've got 4 bears now.) We laughed as we read this, but we also shed a tear or two for you guys! Thank the Lord for your sweet mama and for the wonderful hospital care. I pictured you lying in that hospital bed, your back hurting, and you couldn't even "grin and bare it", because you were missing a tooth! Tell Steve we're praying for him, too. Hope ya'll won't even need to see a neurosurgeon, although they come in mighty handy when you do need one. My dear Mom always came and made fried chicken livers, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad and hot biscuits when anyone in the family was sick. (She thought chicken livers were good for healing just about everything.) As long as you've got your wonderful sense of humor and the Lord's help, you'll be just fine. P.S. That poor, sick teddy bear was really sad, but cute, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for laughing with us! We always think it's important to keep our sense of humor about things, but I have to admit I wasn't laughing a whole lot last Wednesday thru Saturday. Oh well. My upper lip was still swollen enough at that point that my grin wasn't visible anyway! Ha! I actually took a shower today! Yay! Proof I'm on the mend. Steve's sciatic pain is still annoying him, but he was more active today than any day since the 12th, so he's feeling encouraged. We're taking our meds, eating lots of protein, fruits and vegetables, and getting plenty of fluids. "The nurse" is on duty 24/7! We can't tell you how much we appreciate your prayers. God is so good!
DeleteSometimes that old saying "when it rains it pours" seems so true doesn't it. You are so lucky to have your mom close enough to come help out. Sounds like she is a true blessing. I herniated a disc in my lower back about 5 years ago so I know the pain you both are in. I hope you both heal and no neurosurgeon is necessary.
ReplyDeleteYes, Mom has been a huge blessing. When we moved 500 miles to live in this area back in 2011, we moved her at the same time. She lives just 17 miles from us and we spend time with her every Sunday afternoon. We're normally the ones worrying about her and tending to her needs at this stage in our lives, so the role reversal has been kind of amusing to all of us. Two childhood lessons we're now practicing are (1) slow and steady wins the race, and (2) the shortest distance between 2 points is a straight line! Thanks so much for your well wishes.
DeleteOh my, I am so sorry to hear about what you've been through. Thank goodness you have family who can help you. Prayers for a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteApril - Home Sweet Homestead
Thank you, April. We're doing a little better each day. Sent the nurse (Mom) back to her house!
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