My Big Bro

Most of you know my big bro Andy. He's 32, a husband and a dad of three. He's WAY to young to be having serious back problems. He's been in a considerable amount of pain for the last two years (maybe more...I can't remember). The doctor told him he has the worst back he's ever seen in someone his age. They think part of it is genetics, but they are attributing part of his problems to flying on a Hovercraft in the Navy for a number of years.

Andy had surgery on his back yesterday, Monday. He was SUPER excited about the surgery because the doctors were optomistic it would bring relief to him. What was suppose to be a 4-6 hour surgery ended up being over 9 hours. They went in through is stomach (yuck!) to get to his spinal column. They were planning on fusing some discs and placing titanium rods in his back. However, his discs were in worse shape than the doctors had anticipated. They were not able to fuse the discs, or replace them. I'm not exactly sure what they did (I'm getting all the info from my mom and haven't talked with Amy or Andy directly yet). During surgery, Andy lost all feeling in his left leg. At one point, the doctors weren't sure if he would regain feeling. By the end of surgery, it appeared that he had regained this feeling, but the doctors weren't feeling near as optomistic about his outcome. What they hoped would bring wonderful relief of pain, they were now saying might bring SOME relief.

The bible says "His mercies are new every morning" and that's what I've seen happening today. Andy has regained feeling in his leg (although I guess it's pretty painful) and they've had him up and walking a couple of steps today. They took an x-ray this morning and the doctors were happy with what they saw. They are sounding more positive and are hopeful about the outcome, although I'm still not sure to what extent he will feel relief. The downside is, what they were hoping would be about a 3 month FULL recovery time is now looking more like a 6 month full recovery time.

Will you join me in praying for my brother and his family? Here are a few specifics to be bringing before the throne of the Lord:
- no infection in the surgery site
- pain relief both temporarily as he's healing and long-term
- strength, hope, and endurance during this long road of recovery
- a refreshed and renewed relationship with the Lord....this is often hard to do during stressful, painful times
- a positive outlook
- a fast recovery than the doctors predict
- endurance for his wife and family during this recovery time

I know the Lord is the ultimate Healer and I am trusting that he will heal Andy and give him many, many years of pain free fun with his children! Eventhough most of us are so far away, let's encircle him and his family in prayer! "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord!