The Power of Prayer - Scoliosis Part II

Did you know today is the national day of prayer? My relationship with Jesus has transformed my life and I’m so thankful that He hears our prayers. Previously I wrote about my experience wearing a full torso brace and finding out I needed scoliosis surgery (see part 1 here). Today I am going to share the rest of the story. On May 5th, 1999 I had scoliosis reconstructive surgery, I was 13. I was in the hospital for a week and my spine now fused with bone from my ribs. This journal entry about 3 months after my surgery shows the range of emotions I was feeling.

August 10th, 1999

Dear Diary,

It never really hit me that I wasn’t going to be able to get back to my regular activities right away until I was being put to sleep. The last thing I remember is crying and having my mom comfort me by holding my hand. Surgery was and still is a major event for me to overcome. I have thoughts that I will never be able to swim again and that completely crushes me. It has been three months and my doctor said I can finally start swimming again. However, I can only swim breaststroke, no freestyle – my favorite stroke. I got in the water the other day and it was awful. I have nothing to look forward to anymore. I finally got my appetite back; right after my surgery I could barely eat anything. The bad thing is now I eat everything. I gained 15 pounds in a month! My surgery showed me who my true friends were. There were about two of them, which didn’t make me feel any better. A lot of my old girlfriends never call or write. The only hope I have is my relationship with God. No matter how hard something is I know I can get by if I ask God to join me.

It may sound odd, but I believe God used this event in my life to bless me not to harm me! Romans 8:28 (NKJV) tells us: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Although this period in my life was tough, I came out a new person. I didn’t care as much about what everyone else thought. I no longer had an earthy perspective. I had more compassion for others, I relied on Jesus to be my strength and song, and I learned there is more to life than buying the cutest outfit from Abercrombie and Fitch. Throughout my recovery, which took almost a year to get back to all acitivties, I had many family members praying for me. I KNOW God heard their prayers. My Aunts were so encouraging and always knew how to make my smile when I was feeling down. My little brother also gave me the BEST hugs whenever I asked. Although I wouldn’t wish this surgery on anyone, I grew from this experience, literally I grew 2.5 inches after surgery!

I still have two rods and ten of my vertebrae fused today. I used to be self-conscious about the large scar on my back, but it doesn’t bother me anymore. Thankfully I am completely healed. The only downside has been the epidural not working during labor and delivery, but again God got me through it! My prayer today is that you would remember God has a plan for your life, to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11) and you would allow Him to be your strength and your shield (Psalm 28:7)