Day 222: The Lord is Faithful

Good evening!! We had a long but good day at Paley. What was supposed to be a quick PT visit turned into a little bit more.

I’ve been in a lot of pain lately if I walk more than about 6,000 steps (half a day). Some of it is from overextending myself (I know, shocking) but we realized there was also a brace issue. One of the reasons I’m not a fan of the type of brace I’m wearing right now is that it’s solid plastic with very little give… so, I’m walking with feet surrounded by hard plastic for 8-10 hrs a day. We realized that some of my pain was a pressure issue. The plastic was pressing in on the side of my foot, creating a callous. Thankfully we saw an orthotist today and got that fixed.

I love Christmas and saw an opportunity to share the Reason for the Season with the doctors, the PA, receptionists and my favorite PT. I did my best to find a gift for most of them that showed I appreciated them and pay attention to the details — things they like, stories they tell (Just like our Heavenly Father does for us). Their shock and smiles made my day!

Finally, I met with Michelle (the PT) and was able to get a lot of answers to questions I have had so I don’t overdo things too much and also know what activities will help me grow strong. She listened to every one of my questions and even recapped them at the end. (She also kept me 7 extra minutes which never happens) We will see her once more next Monday.

My right ankle now has the ability to move but we have lots of retraining of the muscle/brain connection ahead in order for it to work properly. Both legs will require a lot of strengthening, stretching, massaging and daily exercise. This will take some time and effort. I don’t necessarily feel capable of what lies ahead and even admitted that the current weakness causes some fear for the future as others who have had this surgery say they never regained strength. But Michelle assured me that if I put in the work my body has the capability to come out better and stronger.

I thank God for such knowledgeable clinicians who care.  I know that my care is very expensive and is not available to many people.  The insurance company may not cover my visits after January 1st as they are in terms discussion with the institution. But I’m confident the Lord will provide no matter what happens. My total coverage this year is $362,146.02 of which I only had to pay the out-of-pocket maximum and the extra PT visits. While even that amount made things tight for me, I can’t imagine paying what was required. None of this would have been possible without the help and support of your generosity and the grace of God. He is always faithful.

Praying you all enjoy a peaceful and hope filled Christmas! May He be the best gift we receive this year