The end of January, February, March and part of April I was basically bed ridden. I was in excruciating pain and was not able to do much of anything but go back and forth to the bathroom. I
initially went to an orthro surgeon thinking the pain was stemming from my shoulder into my arm. After viewing the mri from my shoulder he told me some issues I did have in my shoulder but said that he believed the pain was coming more from my neck. I then had an mri on my neck and at first they just saw a mass and were not sure what it was so they repeated the mri but this time with contrast. The results showed that I had a massive herniated disk that was significantly compressing the spinal cord and
pressing against the nerve sac. I had pain stemming from my neck and radiating in to my shoulder and down my right arm. I scheduled an appointment with a surgeon but couldn't be seen until March 30th. At my appointment he said that I would need to have surgery and infuse the vertebrae together at the C4-5
disk. He also said this was a larger herniation then he usually sees and couldn't believe I hadn't been to see him sooner. After that visit with the neuro surgeon, I decided to get another opinion but this time from a chiropractor. He also said the same thing that the only method of correction to reduce the pain was surgery. Not wanting surgery but desperate for relief, I went to another surgeon at a very well known hospital on April 6th for a third opinion with hopes of finding a better solution. He also told me there was no other answer besides a cervical fusion and that I would not be relieved from pain unless I had the surgery. I was
also told that the pain could get worse and cause permanent nerve damage. Many prayers were prayed by myself and by many others for recovery through this whole trial. I am no stranger to pain due to other health issues but this was a pain that never seemed to cease and was truly excruciating. Nothing
was taking this away. I wanted so much to just wake up and for all of this to just be a nightmare so I could get my life back again. My husband and I fought back and forth regarding surgery. It was very difficult for him to see me in this much pain and wanted to see me better but something inside me kept saying not to
have surgery. I kept praying and told God if he could just see me through this I would be a testimony for others. I was scheduled for surgery for May 1st with the possibility of an earlier date. During the time between seeing the two surgeons I broke out in a rash all over my face which turned into a bacterial infection. My family doctor put me on antibiotics and said that until I was completely cleared up I was not able to be cleared for surgery. By the Grace of God this allowed me further time to heal before turning to surgery as my only option. TODAY, I am doing MUCH better and have been able to go back to my normal life. Thanks to God for once again giving me love and grace throughout this and many other times in my life. Though this struggle was not easy, it was worth the outcome. I have gained strength, faith and hope through it. I have also gained much joy in seeing/feeling this miracle of your healing. Through this struggle I am reminded once again of Philippians 4:13- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. GOD IS GREAT!