Today I went to the doctor for my 6 month check up.  It has actually been a little bit longer than 6 months since my surgery but who’s counting.  The doctor took some X-rays and looked at them and said that everything looks great.  He told me that I don’t have to wear my brace anymore and that I am now released to do all of the normal activities that I did before my surgery including picking up grandkids of all sizes!  The doctor said that I will need to go to Physical Therapy to get my range of motion and strength back to where they need to be.  My back is stiff and weak from the surgery and from wearing that brace for 6 months.  For me I am excited that the X-rays look great and I am also thrilled that I have been released to start exercising again!  I can’t wait to run on the treadmill and to lift weights again.  I know that I will have to ease into it and gradually work my way back to my normal routine.

I am looking forward to getting back to my regular routine even though I know it will probably take a couple of months.  As I left the doctor’soffice, hopped into my car, buckled my seat belt and drove off down the road, it felt very strange not to have on my brace.  That brace has been my constant companion for the last 6 months.  It took a few days to get used to it, it was so uncomfortable at first and now it feels so uncomfortable and awkward without it.

I know that it will take a few days to get used to life without it.  But I know that I will be up to the challenge.  Not wearing my brace won’t be the biggest challenge I face in the next 6 months.  Those challenges will include making the time to go to physical therapy, regularly doing the exercises, not doing too much too fast – those will be the greatest challenges.  As I face those challenges during this next phase of my therapy I will remember one of my favorite verses– Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

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