Health News (Again, Not Good News)

Well, I haven't been blogging because I haven't been certain that I wanted to share the poor health news that continues to barrage me. The arthritis in my back just keeps worsening, and I've had an MRI of the entire spine at this point. I went to a neurosurgeon back on Monday. After waiting two hours to see him, he spent maybe 5 minutes or a little longer with me (my dad came along.) After looking at my MRI films, it was clear that the stabbing sensation I've been experiencing in the center of my back is due to herniated discs in the thoracic spine. There are also bone spurs, typical of an arthritic condition. The neurosurgeon did say my MRI is more consistent with someone who has been in a severe car accident, but I haven't been in an accident since 1997. The arthritis in my back is being treated with Celebrex, Lortab (narcotic), and I just finished a round of prednisone (the tablet.) Of course, steroids lower your immune system even though they have an anti-inflammatory effect. Well, the stabbing pain in the thoracic spine will not go away, even with the steroid treatment. My gp was hoping that I could discontinue the use of the narcotic pain killer, but it helps a great deal. I am so tired of everybody telling me that I'm too young to be experiencing all of this. But, that is one reason they really don't want to perform back surgery. The other is, of course, my weak heart. One friend keeps suggesting to me that I go back to the cardiologist and say that I want a pacemaker. I've heard so many testimonies about the better quality of life produced by the implantation of a pacemaker. I am so tired all the time with the pain that won't cease. The neurosurgeon who saw me for such a brief time, has sent me to a thoracic spine specialist to see next week. There, hopefully, we will have a longer discussion about my options. I really need a pacemaker and back surgery, but I'm only 34 years old still. My gp doesn't want me to be a chronic narcotic pain killer user either, but I don't see a choice if I'm to be comfortable. Anyway, this is why I haven't blogged in so long. Luckily, my psychiatric state right now is stable and I have no complaints in that regard. Strangely, with all of this going on, I keep a really good attitude. I don't know if it's my belief in a higher power or if its a positive trait in my character. It could be both? If any of you readers pray, please put me in your prayers. I believe it can be a powerful tool. Well, I see the specialist next Tuesday. I don't understand why it seems I've been falling apart physically, but I know the apostle Paul wrote about a "thorn in the flesh" that caused him to suffer. Even though he prayed that it be removed, God would not to keep Paul humble. I don't think I have a problem with humility, but maybe God is trying to show me something through it all? I am just so thankful that I have two parents who love me unconditionally and are always by my side, even when I make bad decisions. The only people who call me now are my parents and Louis who I met back in June. Louis is a very sensitive guy and talks with me about my various illnesses in detail and wants to help if he can. We are only friends now, but I am just happy to have a friend who wants to be involved in my life on a regular basis. Thanks for reading! I hope there are solutions to my heart and spine afflictions that will be carried out in the near future! Until later...