During my eight day passage from Carrabelle, Florida to Marsh Harbour, I suffered a fall below deck and bruised my left hip. I didn't think much of it at the time and after a couple of days, the pain subsided and that was that... or so I thought.
After being here about six weeks, my left hip started to experience some rather sharp shooting pains and at one point, the pain was so bad it became difficult to walk, (the doctor informed me yesterday, it is common for a nerve injury to present with pain four to six weeks after initial trauma). That was mid-August. So, for the last three and a half months, my left hip has been painful, stiff, and I have experienced a considerable decline in mobility.
I've always avoided doctors and seeking medical attention if at all possible. I'm not sure where that comes from other than my "be a man, tough guy" mentality I embraced as a younger man. But finally, after over three months of discomfort and pain, I capitulated and went to the doctor yesterday. The diagnosis was discouraging.
After numerous X-Rays and an extensive exam, the doctor informed me that I have Osteoarthritis, (the degeneration of joint cartilage in my hip), a possible injured/pinched nerve, and likely Iliopsoas Bursitis.
When I was nineteen years old, I tore the lateral meniscus in my right knee. Since then I have had four operations on it, including two reconstructions. What does my right knee have to do with my left hip? Well, for the last forty years I have favored my left side, protecting my weaker right knee. When stepping off curbs, climbing or descending stairs, I have always shied away from the weaker right side and forced the stronger left side to bear the load. It would now appear that it is "time the pay the piper" and my left hip has been handed the bill.
The doctor has insisted I convalesce for the next two to three weeks allowing the bursitis, muscle, tendon, and/or nerve issues to heal, (I have not done so since arriving here and have continued normal activities despite the discomfort and pain). After said convalescence, she will be able to determine the extent of the Osteoarthritis and if surgery may be necessary. She also demanded I use a cane to minimize pressure on the hip when I must be mobile, (hence, the "Preacher on a Stick" title to this post).
I share this with you, not to elicit sympathy, but rather, your prayers.
The One who commanded the blind to see and the dead to live can easily deal with this issue and if it is His will, this issue will soon become a non-issue... that would be great. Yet, at the same time I recognize that God will allow us to endure difficulty to demonstrate His grace and/or accomplish His will in a way we may not understand at the time. Paul was refused his request for healing in regard to his "thorn in the flesh."
II Corinthians 12:5-10. Job asked a rhetorical question in regard to his great losses, "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" Job 2:10.
I do not know from whence this difficulty comes, from God, from the Devil, or just the wear and tear of life allowed by the permissive will of God... but I do know the one whose grace is sufficient for me.
I ask for your prayers in regard to this complication.
I thank the local church for their understanding in regard to my limitations for the next few weeks as I try to follow the doctor's directives.
God is good... God is always GOOD.
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