Yes, It Got Worse

This post is the third in a series of nine.  To see the second go here.  To see the fourth scroll to the end of the post.  

I had been diagnosed with HSP by a dermatologist.  After the lab work came back I was called by his office and they advised I should see a nephrologist.  I had to look that up.  A nephrologist is a kidney doctor.  I called an office that only has nephrologists.  They couldn't see me for a month.  Then one called me back and said she would get me in asap, on January 7th 2011.

On the day of the appointment, while still dealing with the HSP and the wounds on my legs, I was on my way to work.  While crossing the road in my 1983 suburban I was hit by a Ford F-650 that ran a red light.  All I had to do was cross the intersection and I would have been at work.  The F-650 tow truck that hit me weighs over 12,000 pounds. 

This accident caused lifelong back problems and multiple herniated discs.  I didn't realize how bad I was hurt because as part of the treatment for the HSP I was using about 1000 mg of ibUprofen per day.  After I stopped taking the ibUprofen the back pain became tremendous.  I found myself unable to work.  Fortunately the nephrologist didn't find anything too concerning.  She just asked me to keep monitoring my situation.    

Due to injuries sustained in the accident I ended up flat on my back, feet elevated, unable to work, play, clean, or care for myself for about six weeks.  This put quite the strain on my wife, leaving her to do the shopping, cooking, cleaning, and to care for me, not to mention no income.  I was in constant pain.  I couldn't sleep on my bed.  I tried many things, stacked pillows, wedge pillows, side sleeping, back sleeping, and it just didn't matter.  The only way I could sleep was on the couch with my feet elevated on the arm. (I would eventually come into an adjustable bed, making it possible for me to sleep somewhere besides the couch.)  

While I was out my wife (who worked a full time job along with caring for me) was asked to bring at least one meal to other members in the ward during that time. The husband had just gone through an outpatient shoulder surgery and was out for a week.  I could rant on this for a while, but I won't. I got over it quickly, realizing nobody is perfect, and I was able to have some normalcy after six weeks.

During this time I was serving as the assistant scoutmaster and as the Deacon's Quorum adviser, kind of like a youth pastor, in my church.  I made the effort on Sunday's to go to church and teach the group of boys I was serving.  Prior to  my legs fully healing I was called to be the Young Men’s president (still like a youth pastor for a different age group) and Venture Scout leader.

I advised my bishop that I may not be able to do the physical requirements of the calling.  My bishop said that that we could look for an assistant that could perform the physical aspects (no matter how I looked I couldn’t find an assistant), but that I would be blessed and protected, and would have the energy for fulfilling my calling.  I listened to his promise and moved forward with faith.  

My leg wounds finished healing by the end of July, 2011.  While I was able to return to work (months prior to this), I wasn’t able to return to being a chef. My back just couldn't handle the labor. I was working in sales for the catering company.  While not the height of the recession, I couldn't find anybody that wanted to buy catering.  I went months and months without a significant paycheck. 

One day at work, while trying to help get one of the orders out the door, I fainted from the back pain I was in. I was going through physical therapy for my back, but it wasn't enough.  To this day my back hasn’t fully healed.  I eventually found some temporary full time employment at a desk job that turned into a permanent position.  

I was in constant pain due to the accident.  As I couldn't sleep in a normal bed camping became impossible.  However, a friend showed me the world of hammocking, and suddenly staying somewhere besides my bed was no longer impossible.  Due to the back injuries sustained in the accident I have never recovered the ability to work as I did prior to the accident.  

After a year of being the Young Men's president I stopped looking for an assistant scout leader and trusted in my bishop’s words.  I was physically fine and was able to perform my calling, the physical aspects as well, without many problems, just a lot of back pain.  

In February 2013 the younger boy scouts  went on a snowshoeing hike/campout to donut falls, and we older boys, joined them. While this adventure was rather taxing on me, I did it just fine. In March we played a number of basketball games with the adults playing against the young men.  This was in addition to the regular physical therapy I regularly participated in. It really wasn’t a lot more than I normally did.  

I played the first few games just fine, but then during the last game (over a series of weeks) I realized there were some bumps on my legs.  I thought maybe it was a rash.....  If you want to read more please see the fourth posting of this series.