Life Interrupted But Blessings Overflowed

 Several years ago I started having some back issues. Fast forward to 2023 and I was losing all sense of where my legs were and all feeling in my legs as well. After several years with local doctors and several non-surgical options (i.e. steroids, injections, shots, etc.) and for the most part being told that losing weight would be the wonder cure or my back issues I chose to go to a different doctor in Atlanta.

After several MRIs, nerve conduction study and discussions with doctors I was told that I definitely needed lumbar surgery (L2-S1) and that more than likely I would need fusion. After another MRI on the upper spine I was also told that I needed Cervical (C5-C6) and Thoracic (T2-T3) surgery. Initially I was told that surgery would be almost outpatient in that I would have surgery on one day and I would be released within two days. Surgeries were scheduled and we were on our way.

When I arrived for the first surgery which was on the Cervical and Thoracic Spine It lasted longer than expected and there was more damage than anticipated. I was also told that I would not be going home and that they were moving up my Lumbar surgery so I would be in the hospital until the Lumbar Surgery. This too ended up being more extensive than anticipated and the surgery lasted much longer than anticipated. After surgery I was told that given the surgeries and the extensive issues that they encountered that I would need to go to a rehab facility for the beginning of the rehabilitation. I was also told that I more than likely would need to have extensive rehabilitation once released from the rehab facility.

I arrived at the hospital on September 13, 2023 and was released from the rehab hospital on October 24, 2023. Forty-two days was my total stay from surgery and rehabilitation. During this whole process I had an amazing support system. Lexi set up my room with pictures and as I received cards and gifts I created a window area that was full of my support. All of the Doctors, Nurses, Nurse Techs, PT, and OT commented on my window area and how much love and support I was given. On days where it was especially hard to be positive looking at pictures and cards was how I got through.

I really have come to appreciate having to rely on others for the most basic of tasks. I have come to appreciate my wife and my family and friends more than they will ever know. It was there texts, calls, cards and words of encouragement that got me through some very hard times. I still lean on these folks as I am not out of the woods yet. I came home on October 24, 2023 but I have several months of Physical Therapy to go.

I am finally able to stand and take some beginning steps with a walker. I still have limited feeling in my lower extremities but according to the doctors that is expected and that it will take time for all of the nerves and feeling to return back to normal. I am in a wheelchair for right now but I will be walking soon. I am learning that God is ever-present and in all situations he is there.

I can't thank my family and church family enough for their support. More than my current church family there have been numerous blessings from my previous church families and friends from around the country. I am abundantly blessed and thank you seems like such a small gesture for the many ways I have felt your love and support. There have been so many people sending good well wishes and prayers my way and they have been tangibly felt. There have been times where I had specific prayer requests and I would text specific people and within a few minutes those prayers were answered. God has been so faithful to me and my family.

I know there are many obstacles still to overcome but I know that with my support system I will overcome and will be up and walking soon. God has never let me down and I know he won't start now. Please continue to pray for me and my family as we continue down this path of healing and wholeness and thank you to everyone for any kindness shown to me over the past 42 days.

jamie tanner

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