The Truth by Al Martin

March Moments

Granny Vanny - is in hospital at the moment - been there for 7 days now - her heart is attacking her but the reason for admission is what at first seemed a gall stone pain - very severe but it turned out to be Hiatus Hernia - she is week and we thunk she might die this time, but she seems to be recovering, or maybe not. Pray for her mental strength - she is very shaky in that area.

Ma van's latest medical escapade

Ma wanted to see the same specialist Elizabeth and I saw. (hoping for an operation I think) :)
Well he booked her in for a pain block procedure-you go into theater and get 24 injections in the back near the nerves that exit the spine - a sort of long term local anesthetic or something. She is now pain free and moving around with ease. The mom is peeling and skinning a few ruby grapefruits for me like she used to do for Graeme. She also says you must make her a lace thingie and send it to her so she can see what you are making.

My Turn for a back problem

Well I Took Elizabeth to the Docter for a follow up on her operation and happened to mention that I have back problem as well, so he sent me for an immediate MRI. As a result I find that I have Spinal Degenerative Spondilosis and also Spinal Stenosis and Arthritis and enlarged ligaments (whatever those are) Below is a bunch of info on it all. I hope I do not have to have an operation.

About Degenerative Spondylosis

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By Lori Newell, eHow Contributing Writer

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About Degenerative Spondylosis

Degenerative spondylosis also called degenerative disk disease or osteoarthritis of the spine, is a condition that affects the spinal column. It creates changes in the disks that separate the vertebra in your back. It can lead to many symptoms and create disability. Understanding what happens with this disease will help you to choose the right form of treatment and manage your symptoms.

Identification

1. Your spinal column is made up of bones called vertebrae that are separated by disks. The disks provide a space between the vertebrae allowing your spine to move. With degenerative spondylosis this space becomes smaller. With age the disks begin to shrink naturally and the vertebrae may develop bony spurs or growths. See the picture above. These degenerative changes put pressure on the nerves around the spine. It can happen in the neck (cervical), mid back (thorasic) or low back (lumbar) areas.

Causes

2. Some degenerative changes that happen in the spine are a normal part of aging. Bones change with wear and tear and the disks naturally lose fluid with age. In some people for reasons not well understood, this process is worse then others. Degenerative spondylosis can also occur after an injury, it can be genetic or secondary to another medical condition.

Symptoms

3. The symptoms you experience will vary based on where in the spine the degnerative spondylosis is, and the severity of the condition. There may be pain and stiffness in the back, or pain that radiates to other areas. There may be numbness, tingling or muscle weakness in the arms and legs. You may lose range of motion in the spine and have trouble turning your head, or with twisting and bending motions. If the damage presses on nerves that send signals to the intestines, you may have problems with digestion and bowel movements. Some people with degenerative spondylosis have no symptoms at all and in others the symptoms are severe.

Diagnosis

4. Degenerative spondylosis can be diagnosed by providing your physician with a complete medical history of your symptoms and a physical examination. In the later stages of this condition, x-rays can be used to see changes in the spinal column. MRI's are helpful to show damage to surrounding m,muscle or tissues. Your doctor will also do routine blood tests to rule out any other conditions that might be causing your symptoms.

Treatments

5. The first stage in treatment is to see if your symptoms can be managed with non surgical techniques. Loosing weight to take pressure off the spine is essential. The right exercise program will help to improve your flexibility and strengthen the muscles in your back. Your physical therapist can help you to design the right program and show you what exercises to avoid. Inactivity is discouraged as this can lead to blood clots and muscle weakness. Ice and heat therapy can help, as well as massage and acupuncture. If your pain is severe, medication may be used. In extreme circumstances when you can no longer walk or the pain is unbearable, surgery can be tried to take pressure off the nerves
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   Spinal Stenosis

   Spinal Stenosis is a condition due to narrowing of the spinal cord causing nerve pinching which leads to persistent pain in the buttocks, limping, lack of feeling in the lower extremities, and decreased physical activity. There are several different types of spinal stenosis affecting all regions of the spine (cervical, thoracic and lumbar), for a comprehensive definition covering "what is spinal stenosis" please visit the definition page.

Tests Troubles and Trials

We left for Waterfall on Friday morning - then about halfway there the darn accelerator cable breaks. So I fix it with some electrical cable and a few cable ties. I get to Harrysmith and get a engineering works to repair the thing for me as there are no Tata spares available in the town. Just past Pietermaritzberg the cable breaks again. But this time I cannot make a repair, so I attach electrical cable to the thing and run the cable through the bonnet to the drivers window and use a bic pen to work the accelerator. Took us a little longer to get there than usual, but we got there in the end. More about the weekend later.

The week ahead

This week I will work like a banshee and on Friday Elizabeth and I leave for waterfall in KZN to preach and visit.
We will be returning on Tuesday to continue with the ministry in Welkom.

Blessing upon blessing

Well, Isn't the Lord wonderful - the car's engine blew up but the Lord made provision with a twin cab. And what is more, we have had a really good week of work this week. Have to make enough to pay for the vehicle's repayments now.