Dear Partner in Service,
My surgical review went very well. I have copies of the x-rays on cd for the insurance company, finally, which shows the after effects of the surgery which indicate that the nerve roots are free and plenty of space between the vertebrae. Everything is in place where it belongs and very clean.
My next visit will be in February just to have a quick check on improvement and movements. I still cannot drive for another two weeks and only short distances after that for 4 months, still no lifting, pushing, pulling, twisting (this last will be some time). However, I can begin standing for longer periods, other than my daily walk in the morning and afternoon. I am allowed to sit for up to 2 hours which will make a difference. I tried this yesterday but got really tired so I laid back down. Too much, too soon.
I do need to gradually grow back into my normal program and not jump in with both feet. Dr Jilata emphasised this with a story of another patient who did too much too soon and dislodged one of the screws in the spine and damaged one of the nerves. I am “following the rules” of the surgeon, the physiotherapist and Sherry!
The surgeon also decreased my meds and will continue to wean me from them over the next three months. Which is fine. The goal is not to live on drugs.
So, that's the report. I am happy, Sherry is happy and we will know by the end of 6 months whether the desired goal has been achieved. I do not feel the pain in my leg anymore so that's one step. What's left is the pain in the toes, which the surgeon did warn me may not go away completely due to the nerve damage. Nerves do not regenerate.
Ladies Bible study was held this past week closing out 1 John and will be on break for two weeks. When the lessons resume, Sherry will be speaking on 2 & 3 John. The Thursday ladies class resumes the following week and they will pick up with their studies on “Daily Christian Living—Contentment”.
This morning, we visited area hospitals and handed out toys to the children who will not be home for Christmas. Most of them are suffering from severe cases of malaria. Pray for the children and their parents during this difficult time.
Because of Patrick’s injury, for the first time, Patrick will not be leading the Christmas Eve service at Fellowship Chapel. However, we have organised the young people to do a special series of activities on the day. John Bwalya will conduct the service. We thank the Lord for allowing us to be a part of training the next generation of believers to take responsibility in the services of the local church.
As we come to the end of this very eventful year, we want you to know that we deeply appreciate your prayers on our behalf as we enter 2024.
