prayers for me if you will.....

[Mike Bolin]

I log on here often to ad folks to my prayer list and have asked for prayer for my family a few times. I have hesitated posting as there are many others in more need than me, but my mental attitude is starting to take a hit now.
After my CO elk trip my knees kept hurting. Went to the doc and he tells me it is time for both knees to be replaced and my left hip isn't too far behind. Not sure how I can do this. I am only 58 and if I retire now my pension takes a big hit...so much so that I can't really afford to quit now. I haven't really even hunted this fall. Working 4 days a week and 10 hours a day should be a dream, but I am in so much pain by Tuesday that it is all I can do to make it to work the next two days. Then I am so exhausted from working in pain that I am worthless on Friday and Saturday but feeling a little better by Sunday.
Did a full physical and the heart and lungs are in great shape so I am truly blessed and very thankful. Will be speaking with my Local Union insurance rep this week to check on disability. If I retire on disability I can draw my full pension, but it is very unlikely that I will be able to get the disability due to my age.  Total recovery time would be 4 months, but that is four months with no income as I would not be eligible for unemployment benefits because of the surgery. Then it would have to be determined if I could return to work after the replacements assuming that there is a job to go to. I am on a job now that will last another 10-12 months and I am thinking I should try to stick it out until it is over. I am on my 36th year and my pension is fully vested, but as I said I am a bit too young. Mind is spinning and lower body is worn out. Prayers for clarity and guidance please! Mike

[monsterchelli]

[maddingo]

Understand brother it'd tough but God gives us what we can bear. Our problem is do we trust Him to see His plan come to fulfillment. Retire in May due to a motorcycle injury back in 2001. God has your back and for that matter the rest of your body and soul. In prayer for you. He is our hope and strength.

[ron w]

Thinking of you.......but let me say this, I do not know your money situation, but it's never to early to retire if you can do it. I was blessed to get to retire at age 55. It was by far the best thing I have ever done. Daily stress from the job was gone, travel time to and from work in bad weather was no longer an issue. Worst case is get your knees fixed and then make a choice as to what you want to do.    I hope things get sorted out for you.

[BenBow]

Prayers for relief and God's best

[DennyK]

Mike I can certainly relate to the pain. My issue is nerve/foot related. To fix both feet it would be 6 weeks OFF them and who knows what else. What working man can afford that even with decent insurance and moderate deductables. Do you have any type of short term disability at all? I do know it would get you at least some income.
   Being in pain ain't no fun at all I'm 56 and it's not the years it's the mileage. I'll certainly be praying for full rerstoration and for you to be pain free and to enjoy your life to it's fullest. Also may the Lord give you peace and provision with financial concerns.

[Mike Bolin]

Spoke with my business agent today and he was pretty helpful. My local recently instituted a Sick and Distressed fund that would pay me at least something for up to ten weeks. Doc is trying me on some new medicine for 20 days and he told me about some new injections.....not a steroid or cortisone, but a lubricant that is shot into the joint. Apparently has had good results and he said it can last for a year. He also said I would probably get no more that 6-7 months out of it, but hey, I'll take what I can get!
Just knowing you folks are praying for me has made a big difference in my mental attitude and some posts and PMs where some of you have shared your experiences help a lot! Thanks and God Bless!!! Mike

[BenBow]

Prayers continue

[Doc Nock]

Same boat, but in and out of work in today's market left me without insurance way too often...things got way bad...now I live with it and have to compromise what I do or where.

The body is amazing. Sends signals, but if unheeded, you WILL pay more for the putting off later.  it's that old "Mr. Goodwrench" commercial...

Pay me now or pay me more later

Good luck with your choices. Spend some quiet time with Him and my prayer is for discernment and peace, along with possible healing.

I checked on those "shots" and they were $1500 for 3...and "iffy".  Good luck.  Might buy you time!

Keep the Son in your eyes!

[PaPaFrank]

Mike,
         I will surely keep you in my daily thoughts and prayers. When I was a very young(and stupid) man, I about had both of my legs torn off in a motorcycle accident. I refused to let the docs amputate and finally a doctor from another hospital stepped up and said he thought he could help me. I now have two joint replacements and they have been in there for quite some time. If I was careful, I could do just about anything I wanted, within reason. Don't give up hope!

God Bless You,
Frank

[bear1336]

Prayers sent from Ga. Never hesitate to ask for prayers no matter what the problems are.

In HIS service
Dave

[shick]

Mike, prayers offered from Pa.  Try whatever the doc suggests before thinking of surgery.
Shick

[Mike Bolin]

Thanks to all for the prayers and the PMs are appreciated. I have my first appointment with a surgeon on Dec. 9th. We are going to "explore" options to surgery. I know the doctor and I know that he is a Christian. He is originally form this area and played soccer with my son and I trust his opinion. I will keep you informed as things move ahead. Thank you all and God Bless! Mike

[BenBow]

Prayers continue for God's best

[Doc Nock]

Mike,

Trust is a big part of healing.  Finding a Doc you can relate to and believe in, is ALMOST as good as trusting in the Great Physician himself!

I know you will do both.  Keep us informed!

This too shall pass!

[halfseminole]

I know about needing the replacements, but I can't have them with my genetic condition.  My body is quickly wearing out, but surgeries won't save it.  I understand your issues all too well.  i had to sit down at 29 and quit working, with no retirement to fall back on.  But God takes care of me, and he'll take care of you too.  He has us, never forget.