Oh My Aching Rib…

I have had a crazy busy 2 weeks and was really looking forward to yesterday when I could pause, sit back and enjoy some relaxing reading for a while.

That was the plan.

I cleaned up around the house, checked my e-mail, and then jumped on the treadmill while still in my PJs.

Only moments into my leisurely walk – I was reading and walking – the pain I’ve been having in my shoulder/back area got worse.

I laid down on my back on the floor in an attempt to get some relief.  But all that happened was a few more pops in my back and then more pain.

I felt like a turtle on it’s back!

Finally I gritted my teeth and rolled over to get up and called my husband. 

Have I ever told you how thankful I am that his schedule can be somewhat flexible in times like this?!  Well, I am!

He came home and helped me get in the shower because I couldn’t even get undressed – and even with his help I was in tears doing such a simple task.

After a shower and having him rub some Tiger Balm on my back I could breath a bit better and he headed back to work.

I called our Chiropractor and he was able to squeeze me in for an afternoon appointment.  Long story short was that my Mom was able to take me to my appointment and sure enough…I had a rib out of place.

After fixing my rib and three vertebrae in a row that were also out of place I felt so much better.  But I was amazed at how my muscles and body still ached and hurt intensely.

I went and soaked in my brother’s hot tub for about 45 minutes last night and then came home and slept on my back.  At 1am I woke up and so badly wanted to roll over…but I couldn’t!  I lay there in my bed looking straight up at the ceiling feeling trapped in my own body. 

I silently prayed for God to calm my heart and while the feelings of panic only lasted a few moments, in the short time my mind flew to people like Joni Eareckson Tada.

My heart has always held compassion for her, but as I lay in my bed not able to move I felt overwhelmed with compassion for her.  And my problem was only due to 1 little rib…and hopefully only for a few days!

While this is a lesson that I am sure God will teach me over and over throughout my life, I was reminded to pray for Joni and those who deal with daily pain and immobility.  For a few hours yesterday I could not function to save my life and what little I did do was done only through prayer.  We all know people who need us to pray them through the physical trials they endure.  Are you praying for them?