MRI Results

Just a quick MRI results update (on my left shoulder and bicep)...

I DON’T have a torn rotator cuff - PRAISE THE LORD! That would have probably required surgery, rehab, and much more time!

I DO seem to have impingement of the shoulder. What does that mean? I’ll try to explain it as best as I can (though Linda should probably writing this up!)

Impingement is caused (in my case) by inflamed bursae (that’s the plural of bursa). The bursa is like a shock absorber between the shoulder bone and the muscle tissue of the shoulder (see the picture). When it gets irritated (inflamed) it swells and pinches the muscle tissue, ligaments and other items located nearby.

In my case, it appears that the bursa is inflamed and is pinching not only the muscle tissue in the shoulder (thus causing limited range of motion, pain and aching), but also the bicep ligament, thereby causing pain in the upper bicep region of the arm.

The doc suggested a series of Cortizone shots over a period of a few months to reduce the inflammation. If that doesn’t work, then there are other options to consider & pursue.

So, I received my first Cortizone injection (of my life) into my left shoulder bursa and I have to say that after only almost 4 days that I do sense a bit of improvement in that I have less pain.

Waiting for God to move...

In reading E.M. Bounds’ book “The Necessity of Prayer,” I came across this paragraph that is apropos to my setting in life right now, as it is in the lives of many others who are currently waiting on the Lord for either clarity regarding their future or simply for a new job.

What a blessing to know this God who is all-knowing, everywhere-present, all-caring and yet, at times, seems to be slow in providing or responding to our pleas. I will be patient and wait for Him - it may not be easy (actually, I know it’s NOT easy) - because I know Him and I know that His plans, ways, timing and gifts are what are best for me - for you, too.

“Yet faith is called upon, and that right often to wait in patience before God, and is prepared for God’s seeming delays in answering prayer. Faith does not grow disheartened because prayer is not immediately honoured; it takes God at His Word, and lets Him take what time He chooses in fulfilling His purposes, and in carrying on His work. There is bound to be much delay and long days of waiting for true faith, but faith accepts the conditions –– knows there will be delays in answering prayer, and regards such delays as times of testing, in the which, it is privileged to show its mettle, and the stern stuff of which it is made.”

By the way, I DO recommend this book - it’s a classic on prayer.