We have had a few months full of doctor's appointments. After the last post, Colleen developed a kidney stone and was hospitalized overnight and was in a lot of pain related to that stone. The stone eventually passed over about a weeks time but was very painful. We are very grateful that the stone is gone and all of the pain, nausea, and vomiting have subsided.
Colleen's has begun to have a significant amount of pain in her left hip. We saw 3 different orthopedic doctors to find out what the next step will be. She is having difficulty walking, dressing, reaching down to the floor. The doctors which we consulted all agree that her hips have basically disintegrated. The next step will be a total hip replacement on the left side. This will probably be scheduled in July because Colleen wants to attend camp Mak-a-dream in Montana in July. She is unable to do anything without significant pain. She is not willing to take pain medications to alleviate that pain. She is really a tough young lady. The orthopedic doctor states that there is a 98 percent chance that the hip replacement will be successful and alleviate all the pain in her hip. There is however a 2 percent chance that this will not work. We would appreciate prayers for Colleen. She has a track record of falling into the minute minority when it comes to adverse side effects and this concerns us. We know that ultimately God is in control and He loves Colleen and whatever the outcome, we trust his plan for her life.
The doctors also informed us the bone graft on the right hip was not successful either. She does not have much range of motion or mobility in that leg either. We are thankful that she is not currently having pain in the hip but it will also need to be replaced in the near future. The pain in her arms has subsided but she has developed pain in the lower leg where the blood vessel was taken to do the free fibular graft to the right hip. Apparently this occurs in only ten percent of people that have this surgery. I have contacted or left a message with the surgeon at Duke to see if anything can be done to alleviate this pain.
Thank you for taking the time to read this long post. We really covet and appreciate your prayers for Colleen. She has not been able to attend church or do much of anything except school this last few months. Please pray specifically for the following.
1. Relief for the pain that she has
2. Encouragement for Colleen and us
3. Successful hip replacement surgery
4. Safe travel to Montana for camp in July
5. That she will have the energy and stamina needed to catch up in school
We know of other families that are struggling with seemingly insurmountable or unbearable circumstances and we are often asked how we can handle all of this adversity. I tell you in all honesty that I do not know how anyone could without God. He is the one that comforts us and gives us the strength to go on. If you do not know Jesus as your personal savior then I would recommend that you give your life to him at once. When we ask Christ into our hearts, He comes into our lives to lead and direct our path. He gives us the strength that we need to continue on in a sin-cursed world. Once you have given your life to him, He gives you strength to endure this life's hardships and disappointments because we know that this life is temporary. You realize that God is in control, life is but a fleeting moment and living an eternity in heaven with Him will be worth it all. All you need to do is to pray and admit that you are a sinner. You must acknowledge that Jesus is the only way to heaven. He paid the price for our sins when he hung on the cross at calvary. Ask Jesus into your heart and give your life to him. Admit that you are a sinner and ask for forgiveness. Once you ask Jesus into your heart you must seek to make him the center of your life. Attending a God-honoring and bible preaching church regularly is a must. Being a Christian does not make you perfect, it just means that you are forgiven. If anyone has further questions contact me on facebook or at home. I would love to share the joy that God has brought to our lives by simply trusting him.
