I’ve not written much of anything personal about myself for the last year or so. But I got to thinking maybe I should say something, as I’ve had a minor miracle in my life.
For the last year I’ve struggled with pain issues. I deal with spinal arthritis, and have for the last four or five years. About three years ago, I had the cervical vertebrae in my neck fused. I continued to deal with a lot of pain, so my surgeon referred me to Genesis Spine, Joint, and Regenerative Medicine in Federal Way, Washington. It’s only 20 miles or so from our home. The doctors there are great and they’ve done their best to keep me functional.
A few months back, the lumbar area of my spine began to cause extreme nerve pain – with the pain extending down the outer side of my right leg. It would hit me with a jolt, and occasionally drop me. Genesis’ doctors were able to relieve the pain with epidurals and such, but it was temporary, the final time lasting only 40 hours. So I was referred back to my surgeon. On Friday, February 27, I attempted to make an appointment. However, I was told I needed a more current MRI than they had on hand before I could see the doctor. I then planned to call Genesis Monday morning and have the MRI sent over.
This is where my life changed. I know that hundreds of my friends have been praying for me. I’m thankful for that. Hey, don’t knock “thoughts and prayers.”
Strangely, on Thursday evening, Feb 26, Patty happened to hear a couple doctors discussing histamines on a YouTube video. They talked about how our bodies produce the stuff, and they are usually a positive thing. But it seems that you can get a buildup of histamines, and some folks can be negatively affected. One of those negatives can be lower back pain. What causes the buildup? Well, the heavy consumption of my two favorite foods for one thing – avocados and tomatoes. It just so happens that I eat a lot of these foods, and I mean a lot! The doctors agreed that cutting back on histamine-heavy foods, and taking an antihistamine tablet or two per day couldn’t hurt anything.
So on Friday morning, I didn’t eat my usual avocados and tomatoes for breakfast, and I took an antihistamine tablet. I took another tablet that night, again laying off the histamine producing foods. I continued this regimine for the weekend. The only downside was that I went to sleep during the church service. Please note that I was in so much pain during that service that I didn’t have what it took to get up and walk forward and ask for prayer during that portion of the program. Sunday evening I noticed that I was able to lay down without screaming from the pain. This had been the situation for several weeks – typically horrendous pain for five minutes or so. By Monday morning the pain was gone – entirely. I didn’t call the pain clinic for that MRI. That this was two weeks ago and I’m pain free. I’m walking a couple miles a day, and enjoying my life again. Note that I most likely still have the issue with my spine. But I’m not getting the signal to my brain. I’m once again on a diet, which I started some time ago. I must lose the extra pounds, and am down over 30 pounds. I would like to take off another 40. I really have no choice. The extra weight is hard on my already damaged spine.
I had given up on going to RootsTech 2023, and had resigned myself to having another surgery. Forget that! I’m ready to go, see my friends and praise G-d for what seems like a miracle in my life. Will I see you at RootsTech 2023? The price is only $98 for the in-person event (that ends Feb. 20 from what I’m told), and I believe that the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel still has rooms available. Call Rich on his direct line at 801-856-9158, and tell him Leland sent you. 🙂 Click on the links to register for RootsTech 2023, both in-person and Virtual (free).