Oh My Aching Back

(In late May, 2012, I suffered some sever back pain that was diagnosed as Degenerative Spinal Disease, moderate to sever Lumbar Stenosis and a large amount of arthritis in my lower back.  Over the past 5 weeks I have begun therapy with epidural injections and have seen some improvement.)

LEARNING TO COPE AND GROWING IN HUMILITY: I know that my back issues are relatively minor compared with what so many of you have to endure.  Many of you suffer greater pain and have done so for many more years. 

The last time that I had surgery (with the exception of some oral surgery) was when I was six years old and had my tonsils removed.  I have been blessed with good health and an active lifestyle.  Up until 6 weeks ago, I rode my bike 5 or 6 times a week ranging from10 to 25 miles.  I would kayak around the lake weekly.  I cut the grass at the rectory and at my cottage.  The dog and I went for long walks every Monday in the woods near my cottage. I loved to build things and do home improvement projects.  For the past six weeks I have not been able to do any of these.

I have had to rely on the kindness of others to cut my grass.  Many have stepped forward when I had to do something as simple as move a chair in church and did the task.  At times I resent my limitations and am not always as gracious as I should be when someone steps forward to help me.  But I have begun to learn to ask for help.  I am learning to be grateful when others come forward.  I have been thanking God for all those gifts that I used in the past.  I have been thanking God for all those who have stepped forward to help.  I am slowly learning to cope with my limitations and not “rage against the wind” when I find that I cannot do something.

I hope that in the next couple of weeks I will be able to get back to doing the things I love.  The healing continues and I should be back to almost where I was before.  I am sure that I will have to add exercises for my lower back to the ones I do now for my neck.

St. Luke says that Jesus grew in wisdom, age and grace. As I grow older I have to both accept the limitations that come with aging and go forward with courage to celebrate the things I can do.