In my November 4th post, I wrote about reading Wisdom Hunter. One of the other ideas I gleaned from the book was something I decided to implement during my recovery from surgery. I’ve been trying to come up with a catchy name for my ramblings/musings/reflections but have not had much success. I decided to call my writings my “Learning Journal.” Perhaps one of my reflections will strike home. I’m writing these entries over several days. I will write, take a break, and write some more. I’m writing them as I’m thinking of them so they are in no special order. I’m not assigning one as more important than another.
Learning Journal Entry #1: Pain is not equal.
I have been in pain before-a neck operation from a dog taking me down on my bike. Back surgery after being hit by a car and going over the handlebars of my bike 3 months later. Broken collarbone, 3 broken ribs, bruised ribs, and road rash as a result of the previously mentioned handlebar incident. A totally unrelated back surgery due to arthritis in my spine in 2022, and others. But the pain from this knee replacement was a notch, maybe many notches, above any I’ve experienced before. I was prescribed and told Oxycodone would help greatly, but said No. I was afraid of it. There were a few times I broke down. Of the 45 pills subscribed I have taken 6, even though they say to take it every 4 hours. I thought I would a hard case and not take them. That may not have been the smartest thing I have ever done. I did get nauseated a couple of times I used them so I used that as a motivator. I HATE nausea.
We all go through pain-some more and stronger than others. Don’t negate the pain-yours or others. Don’t dwell on it either. Above all, be careful of comparing pain, i.e. “mine is worse than yours.” Pain is pain. Don’t get impatient with another because it seems to be taking them longer to process it. Just be there for them. Pain is a lesson-giver. Extreme pain a wake up call. In 2 Cor. 12 Paul suffered from what he called a “thorn in the flesh.” Each time he asked for its removal he was told, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (v.9) (NLT) Paul learned to not complain about his pain, but instead to allow God’s power to work in and through him.
No matter how brutal the pain; no matter how long-lasting the pain; no matter how far-reaching the pain, learn from it. Just remember all pain is not equal.
For me, pain can take over my thoughts as well as my body. Thankfully, even a Tylenol or ibuprofen helps. I know for others even the OxyContin doesn’t completely block out all the pain. We all have different thresholds for both pain and for its relief. Continued prayers for you, Bill.
Thank you for the continued prayers Pam.
I’m so very sorry that your post-knee replacement has been excruciatingly painful for you, Bill, and will keep praying for complete healing for you. Yes, pain does have different levels and we all suffer in ways perhaps others can’t understand, but it doesn’t make our pain more or less important than another’s. God bless you on this journey, my friend.
Blessings!
Thank you Martha for your prayers. My hope is my post will inspire reactions just like yours.
I have seen several people go through knee replacements and they have all said it was the most painful thing they have ever went through. Lifting you up in prayers. Sometimes painful journeys lessons are easier to learn much later after the pain has subsided. I agree with you so much is learned through painful experiences, either through our own or ones we walk with other’s through. There are so many different types of pain, each one is unique and requires different responses. Always leaning on God, and trusting God, and praying with God is the first line of defense no matter what the pain is caused from.
Thank you for the continued prayer Gail. I certainly can now sympathize with those who have the knee replacements and the pain involved.
No knee surgery so far, but I have had water in my left knee.. and that was just… well it was huge. My poor mom broke her hips exactly one month apart due to chemo, and it was excruciating for her. I used to suffer from gout in both my feet and I had to literally bite down on a pillow from the pain (No more red meat for me!)
But even though I went through all that, I am very sensitive not to compare my pain to others. Especially you old folk 😉 (Yes I am poking you)
Praying that you are back to hopping soon.
Thanks Ed but no hopping for me. Or running or jumping or lifting with my legs more than 40 pounds.