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Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself
Chronic Pain | Last Active: Apr 26 9:22am | Replies (6794)Comment receiving replies
I am the Associate Pastor at Second Baptist, Pasadena, TX. I am also a student at the College of Biblical Studies in Houston, TX. I am 58 years old, a recovering alcoholic (25 years!), and I love to write!
I am married to my wife Lynette (29 years) and we have a daughter who lives and teaches in the Dallas area (graduated from Baylor!).
My struggle has been going on for ten plus years. The most recent diagnosis is eight herniated discs, two pinched nerves, and severe arthritis. The pain has been increasing almost daily. But it's really my legs that are giving me the biggest problem. Being a Pastor, as well as a student, I am always on the move. Not so much of late. There's so much more that I want to share, it's hard to put into words. The pain gets so bad is simply overwhelms me. Stops me in my tracks.
My mantra: "I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13)
I want (must) keep a positive attitude. An attitude of gratitude.
A lot has changed over the years, the main one being I'm not able to do what I feel God has called me to do. Which really brings in a lot of questions at times, as I let the enemy whisper in my ear. My eyes are fixed, however, on the Lord.
When things get really bad I like to listen to praise music. The Bible on Audio. Play with my doggy ... Faith!
That's pretty much it in a nut-shell. A lot more I'd like to share. Things about meds and treatments and all (I've tried just about everything, or at least is seems so). It hurts to type so I'm going to stop now.
One final word ... so thankful to find this community!
Blessings to all.
Replies to "I am the Associate Pastor at Second Baptist, Pasadena, TX. I am also a student at..."
Hello, I can't believe I'm Reading your story this night. I'm 70, severe lumbar stenosis, L4,5 nerve impingement, +++pain, numbness, tingling both calves to summarize. Mobility +++compromised.
Former chaplain, palliative care if that matters. Canadian, wintering in a Florida, checked out minimally invasive spine surgery (won't mention clinic). Lengthy assessment resulting in denial for surgery; major surgery required yada yada.
Yes I'm devastated. However I just cannot seem to figure Providence into this equation. Yes, the God who never changes, changes everything. Oh and the many times I've encouraged others to stay strong, believe...all sounding like "noise" now that's it's me, the needy one. And He is seeming so far away. These beautiful Florida sunsets on the gulf...feel empty. Pain rages.
May I just ask, have you figured this out?
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That Bible verse is one of my favorites. I have had PN for many years, but I find that not wearing shoes or socks and staying off of my feet helps a lot with keeping the pain away. I can imagine what it is like not being able to do your life's work. This is where we trust in the Lord to bring to pass what we cannot do in what way He sees as best. That is not easy. I have a friend who was a pastor and now has PN. He only works part time now because of it. Also my brother has a dog named Faith.