Last night was another one of those nights spent waking every hour and a half watching the clock, waiting for sleep and willing the time forward so that I could take another pain pill.  My sciatic nerve is inflamed due to the work done in fusing the L4 and L5 vertebrae together.  My understanding is that this can be expected for several weeks.   It is odd that it does not bother me much during the day, just at night when I am trying to sleep.

Just yesterday I received an email from a longtime friend who shared with me his experience during back surgery several years ago.  He too had a hard time sleeping at night too even though the day time was not that bad.  His words, though realistic, were encouraging in a “this too shall pass” manner.  He praised his oldest daughter for being such a good caregiver during his recovery and he reflected on what a meaningful time it was for him in regards to praying for others even in the midst of his own pain and struggles.

It is always good to hear someone else’s perspective and to know that your experience is not unique.  Let me be quick to add that if you are experiencing some unusual pain that your doctor has not prepared you for, please contact your physician.  Don’t rely on a blog to be your medical consultant as to what you can or should endure.  Do however rely on your friends and new acquaintances to help you through the peaks and valleys that you will encounter on your journey.  The bible reminds us in Galatians 6:2

Bare one another’s burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ.  

It is so encouraging to know as we walk through the recovery process that we are not blazing a trail, others have gone before us and the Lord has led them through it.  You can make it too.  God has your back.

If you would like to know more about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you can send me an email directly at pastorpstephens@aol.com