On February 1, 2023, I swept up debris from a floor project after the floor crew left. I carefully positioned myself under a large pipe connected to the furnace as I was sweeping - I thought.
However, on one sweeping movement, I struck the left side of my head as I lifted my body underneath it. Wow! That hurt!
I was glad that I was finishing up. I sat down and gathered my thoughts. I iced it. I wasn't bleeding. There was no swelling to my touch. I could see and there wasn't any nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, or dizziness. I told my husband.
I took it easy the rest of the day. My doctor was on vacation that week. I made an appointment to see him the following week. He checked my vital signs, did a neurological exam and advised me that I had head trauma. I told him that forming words was slower than usual right after it happened. He said that this was true, yet I sounded normal at that time. Continue to monitor my status and call back if anything persists.
One thing did cause an issue. When I laid my head on my pillow, the area was tender. So, I had to constantly adjust my head during the night. I slept poorly.
I did see a neurologist. The exam was normal. He felt that I was progressing as expected. He asked me to reach him on the hospital portal at an agreed time and set a date to follow up in person.
My next exam was normal. I explained to him that the head pain persisted when I laid my head down. He referred my to a pain specialist to get an injection at the root of the pain. I was not agreeable to an injection.
I changed pillows multiple times to get some meaningful sleep. I attended physical therapy. That was the answer!!! The therapist massaged and stretched my neck muscles. It felt better. The jewel was the exercise she recommended; stretch both hands to my sides and invert my hands toward my back. I looked like I was a bird getting ready to take flight. There was a rushing sound that released the internal pressure instantly!!! She heard the release. Relief!!!
I can't tell you how many times I asked God to give me an answer, so I could lay my head on the pillow peacefully again. My NY friend prayed, "Lord, heal everything that was jarred."
Here are the verses that I clung to:
Psalm 99:6 New International Version: Moses and Aaron were among his priests; Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the Lord and he answered them.
Proverbs 3:8 King James Version: It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
Isaiah 53:5 New International Version: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
I have a new reason to praise God for how fearfully and wonderfully we are made (Psalm 139:14 King James Version). I realize that it is a privilege to lay my head on a pillow without causing pain
or pressure that shifts how I sleep. I am sharing this story to provide perspective when something is not easily or quickly fixed. Stay diligent. Pray. Seek additional wisdom. God has an answer. Read Psalm 99:6 above again. Be encouraged!!!
Calls to Action:
Share this story with someone facing an ongoing issue.
Refer them to "Fully Persuaded Faith": https://www.marilynnjames.com for more faith explanations.
Comments