Beth – New Problems
August 26, 2008 | Items of Interest
Just spoke to our sister on the phone.
She’s been doing just fine until yesterday when she noticed weakness in her LEFT arm. She says she can barely lift it, and the pain is very great, extending into her shoulder. This is unusual because until now it has been her RIGHT side that has been affected by the spinal cord problems.
While I talked to her it was apparent that she is very upset, and very frightened. This has been heightened by their inability to get in touch with her surgeon, who has been almost continually occupied with surgery during this time. She began to cry, and said that she feels that she has reached the end of her rope, she’s so distressed.
I asked her to make sure to say a prayer, to ask the Lord to help her understand the reason for her difficulty, for there is always a reason for everything, even the most intense pain and suffering. I told her that I would pray just as soon as we hung up. I closed my office door and did so.
I would ask that we all do that when we have a spare moment. I feel impressed that there are lessons that Beth and all of her family and friends are expected to learn from her ordeal. I also feel that she’ll be okay, ultimately, but right now I know that things seem very dark for her. A lot of that is her mental state. It is weighing her down greatly.
Let us all express our love and concern for her in the best way we can.
8 Responses to “Beth – New Problems”
Beth said to tell you, Bill that she did say a prayer after she got off the phone with you and the surgeon called and will see her either tomorrow or Thur. It has only been 7 days since her surgery and I am sure the surgeon will let her know there is still swelling in that area putting pressure on other nerves… That or they accidentally switched the lobes of her brain around and now the pain is coming from the other side:)
She was in better spirits since talking to you. Your Biggest Brotherliness has once again calmed the fears of a younger sibling… face it you will be in this position for the rest of your life and I am making sure that it is not passed to me so hand the reigns over to Lainie when you get tired of the responsibility:)
By Bud on Aug 26, 2008
Certainly I will pray for Beth, I will call her as well. I still have a hard time figuring out how to use this home phone.
By lainie on Aug 26, 2008
I got back up out of bed, because I just couldn’t settle down and go to sleep, and remembered I had not checked in here today. I’m glad I did. I’ll call tomorrow and put Beth’s name in the temple, although I’m pretty sure it’s still there from last week. Bill, call the Houston Temple, and do the same. I wish Beth would seek out her home teachers and get blessings. Meanwhile, definitely prayers from her family are in order.
Bud…I’m trying my best to envision Bill taking a shot at “comforting” Maria over anything. One has to be very careful when they enter the realm of Maria. She is having tremendous problems with her back, or she was around the time of the reunion. I never did know if she was better or worse. She keeps her affairs very private.
By mother on Aug 27, 2008
Mom, I had no idea that Maria was in such distress. You mentioned her problems with her back but I suppose I assumed it was minor.
Has she gotten it checked out? What’s the diagnosis? I have to admit I get impatient with my friends and loved ones who won’t take advantage of the greatest medical care in the entire history of this world, as we have here in the U.S.
I love Maria very much, and I don’t want her to suffer, especially if it could be something more serious. Please encourage her to get to the Doctor if she hasn’t already.
By bill on Aug 27, 2008
don’t worry! my problems aren’t anywhere near the realm of beth’s, for whom, of course I am praying for. I see a chiropractor 2-4 times a month for my problems and they are slowly getting better. I just have some pretty bad alignment problems and an unusually high tendency to express stress in my neck and back muscles which further complicates things. These issues have caused some secondary issues (nauseau, lightheadedness, digestion problems, etc) for many years but they are slowly getting resolved. I’ll be fine. it’s not the kind of stuff that would ever require surgery. it just requires a lot of exercising, stretching and stuff in that neighborhood.
By maria on Aug 27, 2008
I’m so glad you’re getting better, Maria. Being nauseated is worse than the pain to me!! Having had it both ways, I can speak with authority.
By mother on Aug 28, 2008
And I did speak with Beth. It just isn’t good for her at this point. She should be in surgery today!! Is it today?! my mind! Where is it! Surely she wasn’t going to have to wait until next Thursday. She said that she dreaded it the first time, and this time she was looking forward to it, because she expected that it would relieve the pain again!!
I’ll call and find out.
By mother on Aug 28, 2008
Beth is not answering her cell phone. I left a message. Phone at home is still busy.
By mother on Aug 28, 2008