I'm a Basket-Case: The Last of 3 Spinal Surgeons' visits

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So I have to start by of course saying a huge "thank you" to all who have been praying throughout the entire process. God has clearly guided us to one surgeon throughout this entire process, and I have had a peace even through the "not-so-great" visits that God had a purpose for the visit, not to mention that we explored all of the options.

Secondly, I wanted to thank my sweet friend Anna Keefe for spending literally a full 12 hour day on the road with me (not kidding). She was a great support throughout the entire process of sitting in the waiting room for so long, to the visit itself, to the support that was needed afterward, and then treated me to a great meal at Red Lobster afterward (which totally made the trip worthwhile! :) ).

Lastly, Rence's parents were a HUGE help in keeping the boys. We dropped them off at "MeMe & PaPa's" and they had a full day of non-stop fun. Ruth and Larry told me they thoroughly enjoyed it as well, but that "those boys had a lot of energy". And they sure were excited to be there. Thank you Ruth & Larry! You were an extraordinary help!

 

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THE VISIT:

 

Yesterday's visit was in Huntsville, AL. We are about 2 1/2 hours from Huntsville from our house. However, we had to go by Crossville to pick up Anna, which added 30 minutes, and Ruth & Larry's house to drop off the boys, which added about 30 minutes = 1 hour total extra. So now we were looking at a 3 1/2 hour commute, which was very accurate.

We arrived about 10 minutes prior to my appointment and signed in, filled out paper work, then waited for an hour and a half to be called back by a nurse. Once we were called back to the room, I was not asked to put on a gown or shorts so that he could see my SI joints better. X-rays were not ordered. So I just waited to see what would happen next.

The doctor sounded like a nice man with his other patients as I heard him talking through the thin walls. We waited about 30-40 minutes to see the doctor once we were in the room. Luckily, we were like giddy children staring down from the 5th story window, watching the hospital tram go back and forth and people-watching to pass the time. By this point, I was hurting terribly after the drive AND waiting for so long. It was a combination.

Finally, I hear the doctor pull the files from the door and begin to look at my never-ending pile of MRIs, CTs, and Xrays. He finally enters the room and introduces himself. He seemed nice enough. He asked what was going on, so I told him. He looked at my list of meds, and I've never gotten the reaction I did from this doctor by any other physician I've seen. He said, "Wow...you're on all of this? (he began listing the meds off one by one as I agreed and told him it barely touches the pain, but I have a pain doctor)." That statement made me think that he doesn't understand the severity of pain in so many patients today. It also told me that he didn't take the time to look at my medications list before he came in to see me.

I had brought my crutch (one) with me (although I really needed my wheelchair with how much pain I was in at that point). He asked me to walk to him, so I asked if he wanted me to use my crutch or walk without it. He said without, so I did...I explained that my walking gait is a lot worse without it and the crutch provides a lot more support and stability and pain management. He then asked me to get up on the table and sit up on the edge of it. He checked my reflexes, then crossed my legs and pushed slightly (not even a maneuver that's known to check for the SI - I believe it checks for damaged discs). And that was the END of my physical exam. Yes, the END. He never once touched or even looked at my back or SI joints.

Before I continue, remember that I've had 3 SI joint injections and 1 nerve ablation on the SI joint (all bilateral) under fluoroscopic (Xray) guidance (which is highly reliable in hitting the exact location of the SI joint). I have met all qualifications for surgery, even from my insurance's perspective.

So he then throws in that before we commit to doing an SI fusion, he would like me to undergo 2 more SI joint injections under CT. I asked him "why the CT? I already got 80% relief from the other 2, which shows via Xray that they got the right spot." He didn't completely answer the question, but said that "the CT guided SI injections provide relief 60-80% of the time. Then take into account that surgery is successful 60-80% of the time. So that knocks down my percentage tremendously of a successful surgery." I totally felt like that was a "I'm-gonna-throw-you-somethin'-and-see-if-it-sticks" kind of answer. And I totally didn't buy it. Not only that, but his statistics on surgery are SO much lower than SI-Bone's surgery statistics in their medical studies. I'm wondering if that is his "personal-best" - 60-80%, which IS scary. We later found out at the nurses desk that NOBODY does these CT injections anymore...the only doctor that did them quit a few years ago. He was asking me to do something that he doesn't normally ask his patients to do, or he would know that the task itself is not feasible.

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That wasn't it. His best curve-ball was yet to come. He then mentions that I need a psychiatric evaluation. Did you catch that? Yes, go clean up that drink you just spewed from your mouth and keep reading....a PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION....one that we found out from the nurses that they have NEVER referred out for before (I burst into tears when they said nobody has ever been referred out for that before - up to that point, I thought this might be a normal thing). He said "I'm not calling you crazy or anything like that"....whatever...."but this evaluation will tell me how well you will do after spinal surgery." So basically, you're saying it's all in my head....or at least most of it, and that I am a total whimp. I am ready to be fighter after this surgery...with everything in me. Who wouldn't want to jump out of a body of pain if they were in my position? (By the way, I'm not against Psychiatric care at all, but the problem here is that he is basically saying that my pain is not real due to a psychiatric condition - that's where I have the problem.)

I didn't start letting it bother me until we got to the nurses desk to check out and found out about the legalities of getting the CT injections done and the Psych evaluation (which I was also pretty sure insurance wouldn't cover - and I was right). The nurses asked if I had any psychiatric problems, and I told them I simply have the basic depression that accompanies chronic pain, but it's very controlled with medication.

I then told them to forget about making appointments and I had another doctor who was much more caring and easy to work with who would do the surgery on both joints at the same time by spring break. The nurses were so kind and as I left I turned around and asked where I needed to pay for my copay. They said "we were just talking about that - don't you worry about that. We've got it taken care of. You do the best thing for you." I thanked them through the tears and we left. By the time we got the car, I already felt the peace of God overwhelm my heart. The tears were gone. Sure, I still feel annoyed and hurt by the doctor's words, but I forgive him. He's terribly young and doesn't "get it". I pray he does one day, but not through personal experience - through the eyes of his patients.

A New Day and a New Path - Spinal Surgery Consults

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As many of you know (and had been faithfully & fervently praying over), I was scheduled for two spinal surgery consults in Georgia on Thursday and Friday - one in Gainesville and one in Cartersville.

A few people have been asking why Rence is unable to attend many of these visits with me. Rence is more than supportive with everything that is involved with my care. He was able to get off of work last minute this last time (thankfully). It is, however, very difficult for him to take days off because he doesn't get paid days off (and we're already running very short on money, which is why we try are trying to save his "off days" for surgery time - additional days off mean additional days without pay, which we may not be able to afford). In addition, it throws off the class's timeline in regards to accomplishing the AL state standards for college math, which is already difficult to fulfill in a semester when no classes are cancelled due to time constraints. I am so grateful for his never-ending support. If he could be there, he would. During the rare occasion when he's off and I have appointments, he usually goes with me (he works during the summer as well). And I can't say enough about those who can help fill the gap when Rence is unable to take off. We are so grateful to you all!

I need to also say a HUGE thank you to both my parents for sitting with the boys almost all day on Thursday and all morning on Friday. The boys were also sick this week (again - they started running a temp. the day we arrived at my parents' in Georgia), and Grandma and PaPa have handled it so well (of course they would - I had no doubts leaving them in the hands of two nurses who take good care their Grandbabies).

CARTERSVILLE, GA
Visit at Georgia Bone & Joint, Dr. Charles Cha (Friday morning, Jan. 30th):
Cartersville is fortunately very close from my parents' home in Georgia - only 25 minutes drive. It would be about 2 1/2 hours from our home in Alabama. We were very pleased with the friendliness of the staff and the nice facilities. They got me back fairly quickly. As most physician visits go, they took my vitals and paperwork and all of the test/scan reports & discs that I had. They then took me back to get another x-ray, although they didn't take but 3 angles/views. The nurse practitioner then came in to see me and get some basic information for Dr. Cha. She did a very simple exam on my SI joints ("does it hurt when I press here"). She tested reflexes and leg strength. Dr. Cha then came in, and I was very pleased with how personable he seemed. He did a very simple exam, but did do a few of the SI joint diagnostic manipulations. The majority of them were very painful. However, he came to the conclusion that I did not meet his criteria for surgery, which he said meant having pain for each of his tests performed, as well as taking into consideration the x-rays. He felt that the L3/4, L5/S1 was my primary area of pain and I was getting confused by the source of the pain. He was very nice about it all and answered all of our questions. Rence and I felt he was simply wanting a candidate that clearly met every criteria to the "T" for surgery. In other words, if it isn't "black and white", he feels uncomfortable proceeding. Rence and I were not discouraged one bit, but rather felt that God was helping point us even more clearly in the right direction.

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GAINESVILLE, GA
Visit at Specialty Clinics of Georgia, Dr. David Weiss (Thursday afternoon, Jan. 29th):
Gainesville is about 4 1/2 hours (without traffic) from our home in Alabama, and about 2 1/2 hours from my parents' home in Georgia. Before we even left my parents' house, we felt at peace with what God had in store for us - even though we didn't know what that would be. My parents, Rence, myself and Gavin all gathered to pray for wisdom in all that was done and that the doctor would be understanding and compassionate.

We arrived right on time for my appointment. I was already impressed upon arrival. The facilities were set up very nicely, and the staff seemed friendly and personable. I had x-rays of my SI joint and lumbar done recently (on October 23, 2014), but they only did 2-3 angles/views of the joints/lumbar spine on the x-rays. This physician's office does them for every new patient and did approximately 15-20 different views and angles of the SI joint and lumbar spine. I then went in to the exam room with Dr. Weiss' nurse, who was extremely sweet and personal. Once she was done gathering her information, Dr. Weiss and his other nurse (one that takes charting notes during exam) came in to do the exam. Over the course of the entire exam, Dr. Weiss spent 45 minutes with us....yes, 45 minutes. I didn't feel rushed, and every question was answered. Part of the exam is a painful manipulation of the SI joints in all sorts of positions and with pressure on the joint. I felt like I was going to literally jump off the table for several of the manipulations he did. But I knew it was coming before he even came in the room, and it's worth it to get the answers you need. I asked Rence if enjoyed watching the Dr. "beat on me". ;) He giggled.

Not once during the visit did I feel nervous or anxious. I knew God had this under control. I didn't know how it was all going to play out, but God's peace surpassed my understanding....I love it when He does that! *sigh*

After Dr. Weiss finished his exam, he sat down and explained that he takes everything into account, but especially the physical examination. He said he doesn't go solely by x-rays (I knew at that point we were in the right place...). He then said he felt that I was a perfect candidate for surgery. Dr. Weiss felt there were a few things we needed to know before making a major decision:

• By evidence of my physical reactions from the manipulations during Dr. Weiss' exam and from looking at my description of symptoms (including burning pain, numbness and tingling down the legs), he felt that it was extremely likely that I have piriformis syndrome. He explained that one of the manipulations he performed is solely for diagnosing piriformis syndrome, which I was positively responsive to (meaning I showed signs of piriformis syndrome). In order to absolutely diagnose, we will need to see a physician in Atlanta in February for another EMG/NCV. This time, however, the EMG/NCV will test specifically for piriformis syndrome, which the prior EMG/NCV (done in November) did not test for. If it is diagnosed, it is an easy fix through surgery and can be done at the same time as SI fusion surgery.
• Secondly, Dr. Weiss discussed the difference between using the I-fuse system (through SI bone) and basic screws. The I-fuse system uses a type of triangular pin that is placed in the SI joint and the bone actually fuses to the pin over time. Screws, however, are made of material that is unable to be fused to the bone. Also, the I-fuse system seems to work extremely well on middle aged and older patients, since the objective is for the pins to create a complete fusion and no movement in the joint whatsoever. The screws, however, do allow for just a slight bit of movement, therefore minimizing the stress on other joints following the fusion. For this reason, screws in the SI joint are recommended for patients of younger ages (under 40).

So...we believe we have found the surgeon God has been preparing us for. We felt such a peace about this entire visit. He seemed so knowledgeable, compassionate and well-balanced in how he received evidence of injury. We are leaning toward using screws, and we are waiting for the call from his nurse to schedule the date of surgery for the Thursday before Spring Break, as well as to schedule the EMG/NCV with the physician in Atlanta for February.

HUNTSVILLE, AL
(February 4, 2015)
I'm still feeling very led toward Dr. Weiss for surgery. However, I have one more consult in Huntsville. I am debating slightly about still going, but am leaning toward keeping the appointment just to get one more opinion on my lumbar spine, especially. Stay tuned for updates!

Search for a Spinal Surgeon (Again), Week 1

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 So I've had a few weeks to recover from the big blow I took from my previous surgeon, being told at the 2nd visit that I was fine and he never said he'd do surgery (all of this is contrary to his notes, which I have in my personal records now and will be making a complaint using this evidence). We had been preparing for this since October 22nd and we were so extremely excited. January 9th was "dooms day" (our last appointment) with this previous surgeon, and the day I began the search for a new one.

Now that we are up to speed, I can tell you that God and I have been growing ever closer through this entire mess. That's the way it always seems to work, which is a beautiful thing - he can use something so broken and painful and turn it into something to glorify himself. I have prayed so fervently for the provision of a surgeon (among the 3 I will see between Jan. 29 and Feb. 4) who is skilled, compassionate and wise. I have prayed that these doctors do not simply look at the paperwork (as most doctors do and stop at this point), but that they also use my experiences with my pain and lack of mobility (and listen compassionately), as well as the use of examination, in order to come to a conclusion as to whether or not they feel they can help me. I'm praying for my anxiety to be calmed, as I've felt more anxious and depressed lately than usual (I struggle with chronic chemical depression, which is normally controlled very well with anti-depressants and supplements for my adrenal fatigue, but I still have episodes once every blue moon that it rears it's ugly head.). I do have that peace that God is with me, no matter what depth the water I tread. I also have peace that God has set aside one of these three physicians to guide me to the right help, whether that be surgery or another physician or surgeon.

What I'm asking from my precious friends & family are for prayers on these days and especially at these times below:

January 29th, 3:30 pm - Appointment in Gainesville, GA

January 30th, 9:00 am - Appointment in Cartersville, GA

February 4th, 1:30 pm - Appointment in Huntsville, AL

James 5:16

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

The Hands and Feet of Christ

Today, I'm still overwhelmed by God's provision that took place last night. There is never a need that goes unprovided for. But we never know how that provision will take place...we simply trust, give as He commands and with a cheerful heart, and He provides. The need never, ever goes unprovided for.

With everything going on regarding my previous surgeon suddenly dropping the ball and leaving me to pick up the pieces and in quite a hurry, I had to schedule 3 surgeon appointments for consults that are all the way in Cummings, AL, Huntsville, AL, and Gainesville, GA. All of those appointments cost $40 for the consult, $60 to see the new physician (one time fee for each new physician seen required by insurance), and a $125 administrative fee for the Gainesville physician to look over my previous files.

Normally, we would be able to pay those bills and simply be on a "tight" budget for the rest of the month. This is due to my disability check (although a small amount of $450, you can see how large a part it can play in a month such as this). We are expecting it very soon. However, it won't be in soon enough for my appointments. As a matter of fact, the payment has been delayed over 60 days beyond what my attorney was expecting. So, we are running $200 short this month.

I mentioned the recent situation about the previous surgeon and needing to find a new one quickly to the sweet choir at FBC Oxford, and I also mentioned briefly to pray for provision due to the prospected accumulation of the medical bills. The director, Justin Holland, closed us out in prayer, praying for each request specifically. As Justin was about to close us out in prayer, a sweet member of our choir stood up and simply said "I'm going to put a basket by the door. If you feel led, let's each give a little to help one of our own when it's needed." I couldn't hold back the emotions...and all night, they kept coming. And guess what...I'm still cryin' like a baby. Do you remember the need? The need ($200) was met +$6 in addition to several gift cards.

Praise Jehovah Jireh - He is our Provider!

Philippians 4:19 

And my God will meet all your needs

according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

If you were one who generously gave, Rence and I can't tell you how moved we are by your humble act of servitude and your overwhelming generosity. FBC Oxford stands out in such a positive and Christ-like manner fluently, but also by stepping up to serve our community. We can't even begin to tell you how humbled we are that we can spend time on mission and in worship with such an amazing group of Christ-followers who clearly follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

With love, thanks, and praise to God!
The Cochrans

Where Do We Go From Here? - Surgeon's Visit Summary

Please keep me and your family in your prayers. The doctor/surgeon's visit was a train wreck. Before you begin reading my novel about my roller-coaster of a day, let me say that I have the best support system possible. I always have several people willing to attend these appointments with me, and those that don't attend back me up in prayer.

Thank you Lauree Hatcher for being my sweet friend and support, and willing to speak up for me at this unexpected turn in the road. Thank you to my parents for listening to my story when I got home, understanding my situation, and being there when I felt like crying it out, but also encouraging me along the way. And thank you specifically to Ashley Smith, whom I was able to call and talk with and ask for prayer. Thank you for praying for me on the spot, over the phone. And, of course, I can't go without thanking my awesome husband, who is always there for me and goes through so much. We've been down similar roads before, and he's always stood strong. On this earth (secondary to my Savior), he is my rock.

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So, we begin the story:

The "doctor/surgeon" didn't even remember seeing me before OR telling me he would do surgery - of which I have documentation and they have the x-rays on file that were taken last time I went, which showed my SI joints in "fairly rough shape". I asked him if we could look at them again. Over and over he said "no". I kept telling him what he said about those Xrays last time. He simply proved that he had doubts about his argument, because he would simply be proving himself right if he really believed himself. If he was wrong however, he would deny that we can view them. He denied over 3 times.

I was told that his experience of 20 years meant that I am not remembering correctly and that he never would have promised to do surgery on me. I was further told by this "doctor" that there is no "medical" reason I should be in a wheelchair (I use it for the lowering of pain levels and ease of mobility, and it is prescribed by my pain doctor). If that's not a shocker, Lauree (my sweet friend & support buddy) then asked "well, if this were your daughter and she were in the same situation, what would you say or do with her?" Thinking we might get an empathetic response out of him at that point (which was a stupid thought, looking back), he said "I would tell her to move forward and get off the narcotics" (he later said we "trapped" him into that statement, and he was "sorry he didn't see the trap coming"). Wow. No surgery...I've tried every means available to me to reduce the pain, which none have worked (all were documented and provided to him). And there is such a thing called "opioid dependence" - something most doctors are very aware of. It is very different from addiction. Is he really that ignorant or that unsympathetic, or both? I vote for the latter.

• He told me I had no spinal stenosis. I pointed out where I did. He then said "well, that's mild". I have a record where it says "moderate spinal stenosis". At my last visit with him, I was actually told that my Xray showed "moderate to fairly severe" spinal stenosis on the L5/S1. Once again - no records written/recorded by him, and no memory or willingness to trust that what I was saying had any weight to it (which the Xrays would have proven).
• He told me on the MRI (before we found out he had no memory of surgery) that I had nerve impingement on the L5/S1 (which was also found on the nerve conduction study & electromyography). He then turned around and said I would have to have nerve impingement in order to do surgery, which I "didn't have". I mentioned what he said regarding the MRI. He said he never said that.
• He said there is no kind of surgery at all to help me. He also said there is not a surgery for a herniated disc. I told him there is, because my dad just had one.
• I told him about us signing papers on my first visit on 10-22-14 to start the advocate program for the SI-joint fusion procedure to be covered by insurance (through I-fuse bone). He said that's not in my file and he's never seen that. I told him that the process is almost finished and I will be covered on 1-15 because of his medical opinion being written in the findings and being submitted into the advocate program. He then told us that he figured that I had contacted his office on my own accord and told them that the he. said I needed surgery, so they took my word for it and started the process. I then pulled out my handy-dandy paperwork and showed him where he started everything on 10-22 and SIGNED the paperwork. He had no words (this was after I called the manager in).
• When I asked him why he thinks I drove 3 hours to come see him if I didn't think I was having surgery, he responded "you came to get the test results" - I educated him that I have had these conditions for 13 years now, and I myself can fairly accurately read an MRI of the spine/lumbar, and I especially know exactly how to read an MRI report, all of which I provided him with. Furthermore, I gave him the results to the EMG/NCV (which I know how to read), and the bone scan. He said "I'll give you gas money, but I'm not going to cut on you." I later asked for the gas money that he offered. The manager then said he had conveniently left the office. She could not pay all of the gas money - it is 120 miles one way for each trip (I had made 2). She could provide me with $30 (10 gallons worth - it takes 18 gallons to get me there and back) from her own pocket. I thanked her. She kindly took the fee off for the office visit as well.

There is probably much more that I haven't even covered yet. The more I think about the whole thing, the more I remember what he said that qualifies as "ridiculous" and points to the fact that this man has a pattern - he has now treated both my mother and myself in this fashion, and I dare say we are not the first patients to be treated with such lack of respect. I remember telling him at one point that I'm "done with him", but I highly suggest he NEVER say to another patient that they should simply "come off their narcotics" and that they have "no medical reason to be in a wheelchair" (which is prescribed to me by another doctor - one I see monthly - and he says this despite all my 15 diagnoses that I gave him records of. If he had all the diagnoses I do, I would be interested to see his reaction to the pain, which I would never wish on my worst enemy.). I will be contacting the Georgia Board of Physicians and giving them every detail, including all of my records.

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There's no hiding the fact that I am upset, and that I was so hopeful that surgery would help things. I have many mixed emotions....I feel like this "doctor/surgeon" is not suited to practice medicine (no matter how skilled his hands are) so long as he continues to give false hope to those who need it so badly, only to go far beyond insult and emotionally and verbally degrade these people that deserve so much more, not to mention these patients he mistreats provide him with a living despite how he treats them.

Then there's another set of emotions. I'm obviously "down" right now. I talk about this and I cry before I even start the story. But I have so much faith that God is already working through this. I am glad that I now know this man's demeanor, for I would never want someone so cold cutting on me. But I have so much faith that God is already working through this. I told Lauree (my sweet friend and support person) that very thing in the exam room through tears - "I know God has a plan through this, but it's so hard to swallow sometimes." How does his plan play into all of this? I don't know. Maybe I never will. Maybe on the contrary. Maybe God is showing me something. I can already say that I am assessing something from all of this - maybe I put too much hope in the hands of man, not God. Maybe God has plans for me through this broken body. I've seen it happen & I can't describe the privilege and joy that comes from ministering to those with chronic illness. It's hard for me at times to not be able to see God's plans displayed on a projector and mapped out. But that's what makes our trust all-the-more strong and our bond with Christ even closer.

One of my favorite verses that speaks so loudly at this time is Romans 8:28:

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose.

Psalm 27:14

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 18:6, 16, 18, 28-29, 30b, 32b 

In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. He heard my voice. He drew me out of deep waters, [the enemies] confronted me in the day of disaster, but the Lord was my support. You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. He shields all who take refuge in him. It is God who arms me with strength.

See this flower in the picture? I can see myself in it. How?

I found this beautiful, yet unique flower in my back yard. And I can say that we bonded a bit. There's a reason. Look at the soil around the flower. How could anything grow in that? It's rocky and dry. The soil itself is not the type of soil you would use to plant seeds, greenery, or flowers (it doesn't look fertile). The flower seems to take on many trials in the light of day. But how does the flower stand proud and strong? The flower can be as strong as any flower so long as the roots are strong and in the right nutrients. On the inside (under the surface), the flower is safe. It has bloomed with confidence & beauty.

We have the ability to be the exact same way. The world can be brutal. We may have been planted in some rough circumstances. But God offers rich, fertile soil to plant our lives in, therefore making Him the foundation of our lives. When the strong storms come (and we must prepare before they come), the roots must be strong and deep in order for us to not "blow over" from the strong winds and rain. We have the ability to be just as beautifully unique and blossom in Christ's strength, hope, glory, purpose, and so much more. We will stand tall, proud and strong in His foundation of love, grace, and mercy, even through the most difficult of circumstances.

Colossians 2:6-7

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

Ephesians 3:16-19

...That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.

So where do we go from here? 

I need spinal surgery. There is no doubt about it. I had a list in my medical folder (I am very, very organized) of physicians/surgeons that are within "reach" (even though it might be as far as Gainesville, GA) that perform the specialized procedure of the SI joint fusions using the I-fuse system. Preferably, I'd like to find a physician that does this procedure (a type of spinal fusion) as well as other types of spinal surgery. So, as Lauree and I de-stressed with Starbucks coffee after my "visit" (what better way?), I took advantage of the time and called several surgeons on my list that I was interested in - the total comes to 4 physicians/surgeons. Two of those offices were closed for Friday. I was able to make appointments with the other two.

I now have an appointment with one of the top-surgeons for this procedure in Gainesville, GA (about a 4 1/2 - 5 hour drive from where we live) on January 28. This doctor/surgeon requires an additional $125 administration fee to look over all previous files, as well as a visit prior to or following the initial visit to see the physical therapist and see where the joint is positioned the best (another inconvenience, but possibly worth it for a good surgeon). This physical therapist is one that attends surgeries with the physician and helps place the joints exactly where they need to be before they are fused. He does not, however, do other spinal surgeries. There is a possibility I will reschedule this one to be after the Huntsville/Feb. 4th visit. As I mentioned, the other one is for February 4th in Huntsville, also a surgeon that specializes in the procedure, but he also does other spinal surgeries.

How can you pray?

• Please pray for wisdom in our decision making process. Pray that we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading prior, during and after all of these visits.
• Pray for healing to take place regarding the previous surgeon that treated me so poorly. Forgiveness sometimes takes time, and I believe this might be the case here, but I want to strive for forgiveness every single day.
• Pray for pain relief until we find more options. Some days are really difficult. Some days are really good. Chronic pain is unpredictable.
• Pray for open doors, if this be God's will for us.
• Pray for Rence's job situation to be forgiving of days off, if need be. It's near impossible right now for him to miss a day, which is why we are looking to have all of this done be Spring Break (March 23rd).
• Pray for the I-fuse bone advocacy program to continue to clear my case, and the previous doctor/surgeon to not intervene in any way. This will allow for a quicker surgery date, since I am cleared through insurance.
• Pray for comfort & peace from God alone for our family in the meantime. He is our hope and strength, and our trust is in Him. He will provide a way when there seems to be no way. He is our deliverer, and He lights my path in the darkness so that I can continue to walk in His strength and purpose day by day.

Spinal Surgery Consult

I am so very thankful for a productive visit today with the surgeon in Georgia. I also had a special friend to share it with - thank you, DeeAnn Plopper for allowing me to talk your ear off and cry on your shoulder for 3 straight hours. Thank you for praying for me as you sat just inches away. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you!

After looking at past files and new x-rays, the Dr. feels it is a pretty solid decision to go forward with not only fusion of the sacroiliac (SI) joint, but also an additional portion of the lumbar (for instance: L4/5 or L5/S1). His words when he walked in the room for the first time was "let's get this done". I began to cry from relief.

As for the location of the 2nd fusion, it will become more clear when we get additional CT scans and MRIs. He said it looked like it was in pretty bad shape from the x-rays alone, especially the left SI joint. The left SI joint looked fused already, which puzzled the physician assistant & Dr. as to the cause, although they noted that x-rays can be deceiving. We will be unable to accomplish surgery before the desired goal date (December/Christmas break) due to Blue Cross Blue Shield not covering the SI procedure (I-fuse system). Therefore, we must go through an appeal process, using a company that advocates for the patient and communicates to the insurance provider, and the process takes about 60 days, roughly.

 So we are now looking at something down the lines of Spring Break, which would not give Rence much time to be home with me as I recover (as I will be held in the hospital after surgery for 4-5 days, depending on my progress post-op, in which Rence will be by my side; however, after discharge, it leaves Rence at only a remaining 3 or so days before returning to work due to the completion of his week-long spring break). We will be trusting and relying heavily on secondary help for care of myself and the boys as Rence works throughout the day and unable to take off.  It is the best option at this point. I am not letting the timing of surgery bother me - I am trusting God with it all and very encouraged by today's visit.

God was truly working through everything today. Even my medical records got there. The nurse, PA & Dr. all commented about how organized my personal files were. They loved my documentation of things, and the nurse said I was the first new patient all day (out of 5) that had all of my medical records from other facilities sent to them. Thank you, Father, for working everything out - even the small details. With everything falling into place so beautifully, it was so evident that there was a special covering of prayers over this situation. For those of you who pray over these needs and concerns - please know you make a difference in God's kingdom. That's how God designed it. Keep the prayers coming, as we still have to jump over the wall of insurance coverage for the SI fusion.

With thanks and love,
Beth Anne

Feeling the Results of the Nerve Ablation!

Our God is Healer! I am feeling about 70% relief in the severe pain in my sacroiliac joints! Yes, it may be a temporary "fix" in this case, but it doesn't make the evidence of answered prayer any less powerful. Even more amazing is that I felt this relief in a matter of DAYS, not WEEKS (as is typical), and I did NOT feel the post-op pain (past 1 day) that I was told I would experience for up to 4 weeks, which included the "cigarette-like" burns deep in the tissue. One day post-op, I was feeling well enough to take the boys to the small "pumpkin patch" at the FUMC. On Sunday, many could tell by looking at and talking with me that my pain levels were much improved...there was a definite "glow" about me that hadn't been there before. I praise God for working through the hands of these physicians!

What I can still feel is about 30 % of my normal amount of pain directly in the SI joints (which is amazing compared to what it normally is, but still using back braces, EMS units, etc. to help me out along the way), as well as the misalignment of the joints and the shooting pain from the peripheral neuropathy stemming from the SI joints (from the misalignment). Once again, this is nothing compared to my normal pain levels, and the ability to "breathe" from the constant, severe pain is indescribable. When you are constantly in that kind of pain, your mind and body forgets what anything close to "pain-free" feels like. When you experience it again, you can't help but praise God especially for those precious moments, even if they are temporary.

Many have asked if this changes our plans for surgery. Unfortunately, this is a temporary fix. This ablation can last anywhere from 3 months to 1 year, although most patients' nerves start regenerating and their normal pain returning close to 3-5 months. We won't be able to do surgery again until next December because of Rence's work schedule, and we feel at peace with looking into the surgical options at this point. That still doesn't yet guarantee that this will be the path we take, although we are praying that this may be a good step for us, as it seems extremely hopeful through this procedure and surgeon.

The first surgeon's appointment (consult) is on Wednesday, so we will need an extra covering of prayers for that day. Please be in prayer that I can find someone to attend the appointment with me, as well, for support purposes (my mother will be keeping the boys, Rence will be working in AL). Thank you all so much for your prayers through everything! God is working mightily in our lives - may He always be the One lifted high!