Many of you know about my recent health difficulties with a knee infection.
It all began in July of 2015 when I had a knee replacement. It seemed a simple enough procedure that is done by the thousands around the world. Unfortunately, I was in the 1% or less of people who develop an infection.
I knew I had a lot of pain during recovery and sessions of physical therapy. Somehow the signs of a slow growing infection were missed. It became VERY obvious ten months after the fact. I had to be sent to a SPECIAL specialist who removed my infected knee, inserted an antibiotic “spacer,” and sent me for six weeks on IV antibiotic infusions. I was allergic to the first drug, so they switched to another strong medicine that worked well, but not without some side effects.
My year of living sick led to anxiety and days of depression. It led to shedding 20 pounds—not that I wanted to hold onto them—due to my lack of appetite. It led to bouts of self-pity that the Lord coaxed me out of in His own amazing way. It also led to refocusing from my own pain and fears to focusing on others around me who had even greater health concerns than I did.
I also was blessed with amazing friends who encouraged me, sent over food, prayed for me, and faithfully drove me to my daily appointments at the hospital.
As an author, I had to keep up with my work: Edits, a photo shoot for the cover of “Legacy of Deer Run,” launching “Promise of Deer Run,” and preparing to launch “Saratoga Letters” in October. How I did all of this is beyond my comprehension. God was faithful.
So tomorrow I face my NEW, new knee surgery. I am hopeful and trusting the Lord that all will be well. I would so appreciate your prayers as I undergo this last (Lord willing) surgery on this one knee. And please know how much your prayers and encouragement have meant to me in this last 12 months—my year of living sick.
“Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” Hebrews 12: 12-13 (NIV)