My Son the Not So Great Patient--AKA Answered Prayers

After 2 years of chronic, literally never-ending, ingrown toenails, B had the toenails on both big toes completely removed. He already had the remove the sides of the nail procedure with no luck. They never healed. In fact, the left toe just continued to get worse, and worse.

When we found out this was going to be done I was not happy. I think I was more skeeved out about it that B was. I could just feel the pain thinking about it. I decided to pray for him, and I decided to pray big--not just that the nurse giving him his first IV since he was a preemie in the NICU would know what she was doing, and get it on the first try, not just that the surgery would go well, not just that he would not have a bad reaction to the anesthesia, all of which were answered, but I was going to pray that he would have no pain after the surgery.

After listening to Beth Moore's Bible Study, "Believing God", I came to the realization that I have a habit of praying about something because I think I am supposed to, not because I really think it will make a difference. I was limiting God's role in my life. It is because of this I am trying to be more specific in my prayers. The first realization was when I had a worsening of a Fibromyalgia flare up, and instead of just living with, I decided to pray about it. A few hours later I realized I was feeling better, not normal, but my normal. These types of episodes typically last more than a week. It had only last about 2 hours. I was floored. So for the last few weeks I have been praying for B's surgery.

Today and yesterday have been answers to that prayer. B woke up with no pain. I had him take the Rx pain pills yesterday, but today he has only taken Motrin, and that was a preventative measure. Other than what he describes as "a little burning", he has had no pain. He is acting like his normal self, and he feels just fine.

There is a downside to no pain after surgery, though. It is convincing a 16 year old boy who is not in pain, that he must stay off of his feet, and keep them elevated.

I called him from work today to check on him, and I asked him if his feet were hurting. His answer? "No, but my butt hurts." I guess he is done with being a patient. Now he is going to have to work on his patience.