Troy Manning

I had my appointment with the neurosurgeon this morning.  As my family physician expected, the surgeon recommended surgery.   He would insert a balloon where the fractured vertebrae is and then fill it with a bone-like substance.  Then he would screw a plate into the vertebae above and below the fractured one to help give  the support that my torn ligaments can’t give any more.  The recovery time would be very short–only a week or so.  But of course, there are possible risks and long-term side effects, and there’s always the chance that the surgery isn’t successful. 

If I decide not to have surgery, it’s going to take around a full year for complete recovery.  I could probably do my normal activities after about a month.  But it’s seems quite possible that I will have posture problems and lifting restrictions for the rest of my life.  

Either way, I’m probably going to have to start cancelling some meetings that are only 3-4 weeks away.  Hopefully I will not have to cancel too many.

I talked to my family physician again and he suggested that I get a second opinion.  So I’m not going to make any decisions until after I see him.  Please pray for the Lord to give me wisdom through this second doctor.  Pray also as I have many decisions in regards to housing, care, and finances.  It’s a difficult time for me to be going through such health issues, since I don’t have a place of my own up here and have no family in the area.  Plus, I have only basic, temporary insurance.  But I’m so thankful for how the BI family and my church family are coming alongside to help. 

I’m also resting in the fact that God knows about all these issues in my life and will guide me in His perfect will.  ”As for God His way is perfect.”  His timing is perfect, and He will give me the guidance I need.  Thank you for your prayers.