Sunday, October 10, 2010

Pushing Past The Pain



















Each morning I awake to intense pain. Arthritis seems to be claiming my bones, joints, and even affecting my muscles. Daily, I make the choice to push past the pain. Recently, I began walking. I must strengthen my body and fight the battle. I can not surrender to this ugly disease.

Many of you face difficult health dilemmas each day. We will join together in prayer and encouragement as we continue placing one foot in front of the other. We will endure and run this race with grace! God will continue to give us the strength for each day!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

~I am sorry I have not been visiting as much lately. I miss each of you!

40 comments:

Ozjane said...

I would be in that place without medications and supplements.
Hard road to walk I agree.
Shoulders are wrecked so often reach out for painkillers as I awake. Maybe I am not super noble but I do not need brownie points for enduring pain if I can avoid some of it.
7 years of shocking chronic pain before first hip replacement. Had bilateral hips and knees replaced.

Alleluiabelle said...

Dearest Andrea,

My heart reaches out and embraces yours in love my precious sister and friend. I walk on this journey with you step-by-step lifting you up in prayer along side of me.

I have severe osteoarthritis especially in my lower lumbar back, knees, fingers and my bones are very thin doctors say...breaks are very easy to occur so I have to be careful. Doctors also say that I have Fibromyalgia which I fight every day with full body aching in all of the pressure points. It.Is.A.Constant.Battle.

I am with you my friend more than you know and I will be walking step-by-step with you in this journey...praying for you and all along with praising and thanking the Lord every step of the way. It is a difficult journey...one filled with much body ache and pain and it wears us down...but God is always with us overseeing everything and He will not let us down nor will He let us stumble amidst our physical and emotional pain because when we are so physically hurting it affects our emotional side that is for sure...so we TRUST HIM...JESUS...OH HOW WE TRUST HIM THROUGH IT ALL.

I love you my dearest Andrea and you are always in my prayers.

Peace & Hugs,
Alleluiabelle

Christine said...

Once a friend, always a friend.
Stay strong, knowing you are loved.

Andrea said...

My post was not at all meant to brag. It was simply an attempt at being honest about my situation. I have had my head in the sand for sometime not wanting to admit the possibility of arthritis and the life long affects. I am 44 years old and trying to put off strong medications as long as possible. I was simply trying to be honest about my battle and let each of you know I have not forgotten you.

Blessings, hugs, and prayers,
andrea

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Hi Andrea - I can't find your e-mail address on your blog and you've got comments set to "no-reply". Some folks have gotten relief from artheritis, as they say around here, by drinking fresh pressed apple cider, when available. At other times during the year, drink apple cider vinegar WITH the mother; you can find this at "health food stores". It's good for a lot of ailments and good for you and it's a natural, God given remedy.

Just Be Real said...

Andrea, may God work His mighty touch and healing power into the deep tissues of your body comforting you and ridding the pain.

I too would be stubborn to take any meds for the pain that I aslo experience daily in my joints. Especially in my fingers. I play guitar and sometimes it does hurt. I live with it.

He is the healer though. And I would certainly welcome the healing which I have laid before Him. In His timing.

Andrea, you are such an encourager and I enjoy your blog greatly. Do not worry if you cannot blog regularly. ((((Andrea))))

Heart2Heart said...

Andrea,

I completely understand the pain and like you I won't become a victim in dealing with arthritis. I push forward as best as I can and live the life God has so graciously offered.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Carrie said...

I am praying for your pain. May He bring sweet relief.
Carrie

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Sorry about your pain and keeping you in my prayers. I have to push each day with my COPD (severe asthma)and join you in prayer for all who suffer.

Anonymous said...

Hi Andrea,
Miss you too. I have a chronic health issue, too. God has not chosen to heal me yet. It helps knowing we are not alone in the afflictions of our body. My body is weak, but my Spirit is so strong. My illness has taught me to depend on God because without him I will not make it.

Praying God will strengthen you.

Blessings,
Tammy

Saleslady371 said...

I'm walking with you, and praying! Love you.

Beth E. said...

I have arthritis in my fingers and hands, and it hurts so bad at times....I can't imagine the pain you must endure! Please know I'm praying for you, dear one.

Hugs...
Beth

Terri Tiffany said...

Andrea,
I didn't realize you were in such pain! I am so sorry!

Becky K. said...

Chronic pain is so tiring. I will be thinking of you and praying that God gives you extra strength and relief.

Becky K.

Laura said...

Andrea, you are such a faithful prayer warrior. I'm making a commitment right now to pray for you in this. Bless you, friend.

Renee said...

I understand the pain you experience...at times it is so challening. I like what you say about running the race with grace....~ Wrapping you and all of us in prayer who deal daily with pain..
Love the photo.....beautiful!

RCUBEs said...

Having my own pains, I know it's hard sometimes to even accomplish one task that before, didn't take long to get done. Praying with you and for you sister and may the Lord's healing be upon you. That's okay even if you can't visit. Take good care of yourself. God bless and love you in Christ.

Tammi said...

Just felt led to stop by here since I've not heard from you, and like you--have not been able to visit or even "blog" often anymore. I want you to know that my husband is going through some severe pain as well. . herniated disc, and now, after a recent fall, severe foot pain...trying to push past the pain, because he knows we can't afford him to miss work to have a surgery, but I have a "gut" feeling that surgery will be the only way, unless God does a miracle. So...whenever I help him with icing his foot, bracing it, etc...I will think of you as well. He has gone through such trying times with being YOUNG, like you, and yet feeling "much older" than he is, due to the pain. Pain can be a crushing thing. But, since God uses "broken things"~He can use the ones who are crushed by pain, to be a sweet smelling savor to Himself and to others for His glory..just like YOU're doing! Hugs to you!!! One day at a time!!

Nicole said...

Your post encouraged me this morning. Thank you. Stay strong!

Ozjane said...

Andrea I am sorry if I came across the wrong way.......I was ...I think, trying to show empathy....
Probably sounded like boasting how many artificial bits I have.
I have found magnesium very helpful and also calcium. When I was teaching I had my last 7 years with the worst chronic pain you could imagine....was barely able to walk..so the instant relief when I finally got a correct diagnosis and woke from that first hip operation was sheer magic...an absolute grace gift from God.
I think you need to make sure you give yourself permission to rest. To have a short lie down when you come home from work. Even 15 mins can work. Blessings as you work through it all.....I was trying to say ...I know it is hard and yes we need to let it out every so often because it is part of who we are.

Debbie said...

I can't tell you how much I identify with this...the arthritis in my knees has reached such proportions that walking ANYWHERE at all (bathroom, kitchen, shower, etc.) is soo hard. Surgery looms ahead for me for sure. Just waiting till the doc thinks I am physically ready after my last surgery. In the meantime I soo totally depend on Him to give me the strength for each day to just do the things I have to do. He is soo faithful to do so. I too feel like at 56 I am too young to be falling apart soo badly but it is what it is. It is hard sometime to keep your head in the right place and remember that others suffer just as much too. Thanks for this post, and I will keep you in prayer. HUGS, Debbie

Linda Jackson said...

Good morning dear. Thank you for sharing. We who struggle with chronic illnesses understand. We need not struggle alone. Blessings and WALK ON! Much love.

BLUEBUTTERFLY said...

Andrea, I can relate in so many ways. God is able and we will endure.

May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. - Psalm 119:76

Julie Gillies said...

Hi Andrea,

I'm sorry you're enduring so much pain. I fight tarsel-tunnel syndrome, which makes walking long distances very painful. Like you, I do my best to push past. Thank God for orthotics, and that stretching helps.

May God have mercy on you and heal you!

Holly said...

Andrea,

Praying with you and I'm so proud of you for pushing through and making a commitment to walk and fight this illness.....

Hugs,

Holly

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear that you struggle with arthritis. My dear Dad suffered with rheumatoid arthritis, so I can imagine what you're dealing with. My prayers are with you, my friend! One day at a time!

LisaShaw said...

Oh Andrea, I'm so sorry!! I understand. I have mid-foot arthritis in my right foot diagnosed in early 2000's. I think I have it in my right knee but have not had that officially diagnosed. I like you won't give in to it.

You have my prayers my friend. May the power of GOD wash over you in every area and your family and may you be strengthened in HIM!!

Lots of love!

Dee said...

I am sorry for your pain Andrea...I have polio and arthritis and at times I am cranky and feel sorry for myself, but when I look around I know I am not alone. I will say prayers for you...they are the best medicine in the world. Dee

Nancy said...

I'm sorry that you live with so much difficulty and pain. You face it well. And you inspire others. Bless you.

NanaNor's said...

Sweet Andrea, Like many above I think all of us in this fallen world suffer from some sort of pain. I've got a bad back from herianated discs and sciatica but it usually doesn't bother me. I would agree that maybe you might try Raw, Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar in water-it has helped my osteoarthritis pain.
Like all those sweet friends above, I'll be lifting you before the throne for healing of your body and restored energy. Please feel free to email me with updates/urgent prayer needs-I'd love to stand by you and will be.
I'm thankful you shared because it helps us to know how to pray. Hugs to you today.

Attic Clutter said...

Andrea I feel for you so ..dear friend who does so much with a loving heart ..Thanks on the Pumpkin bath (:) We have fun..
I also feel achey alot..not sure why just old age I suppose (:)
I knew a lady older than I who said ''screw the Golden year''..LOL we all laughed..
Hope I haven't offended anyone with my words~!
Prayers for you ..hugs,Patty

Denise said...

Very sorry for your pain sis, praying with you and for you.

Jackie said...

Praying for you dear, Andrea!

HE IS FAITHFUL!!

Love and Gentle Hugs!
Jackie

Unknown said...

Sweet Andrea ~ I love that baby pics, oh, truly I do.

OK now I know why they call me 'creaky' ... those old bones could use a partner in sympathy, you on?!
Chuckle!

Hope that things are settling down for your BIL, bless them.

Have a great eve ~
TTFN ~ Hugs of love, Marydon

Girly Muse said...

So sorry you are suffering. Will be praying the pain will cease, comfort and strength will grow and that peace will fill your heart.

Gaia said...

It does seem that everyone I know even in the ages of just 40 are suffering from such pains. Wonder what was it that we are not doing or eating right? Praying for you Andrea.

Edie said...

Praying for you Andrea. I'm heading in that direction too.

Much love to you my friend!!

Terry said...

Howdy Andrea
Oh my pecious sister ,you are lifted up.
You are in my heart and prayers even if I do not comment often please remember I am here cheering you on .
It is a slow and steady pace your going but as long as you purpose to trust that God has a plan and will provide for you along the way you will continue to be a beacon of hope so others are encouraged to keep moving forward.
May God grant you many moments that are pain free and abundant peace of heart and mind that you can enjoy all the many blessings around you .
You touch so many lives with your strong faith and annointed talent .
May you see many fruitful rewards for your sacrifice and service .
Big gentle hugs from Texas
Until next time
Happy Trails

The Red Brick Farmhouse said...

Praying for you, sweet friend!

Blessings~
Laura

quietspirit said...

Andrea:
I identify what you are facing. I also have a few forms of arthritis. It's no fun. Hubby and I walked out a the state park a few days but I was winded. The weather is getting cooler here and we won't be able to get out later.