Led. Utr. Msc. Rkb. Shl. Kpd. Rff. Lmt. YDB.
There’s only a few of us on this planet that can tell you what the above list of acronyms means. But for me and my faithful caregivers it’s an example of the short hand I use to communicate the many little position changes that would make me more comfortable.
Key for above:
Led, Left elbow down.
Utr, Upper torso right.
Msc. My Shoulders cocked.
Rkb, Right knee back.
Shl. Slide head left.
Kpd. Knees pillow down.
Rff, Right foot forward.
Lmt. Lift middle torso.
Ydb, You da best!
I feel EVERYTHING! Every bump in my clothes, wrinkle in the sheets, sore muscle, taunt skin, strand of hair in my face, misalignment of my spine, tilt in my neck, pressure on my hip… Everything!!
Sometimes I’ve thought it might be easier to be paralyzed from a broken spinal cord accident so I couldn’t feel anything, but then I remember that the ability to feel is actually a mixed blessing. For example I’m able to tell when my tailbone is getting sore and ask to be moved. So thanks to being able to feel and diligent care, I’ve never had a pressure/bed sore! Pretty amazing for someone totally immobile! PTL for that!
As you can imagine, it’s extremely difficult not being able to move myself or shift off of a sore hip. However, I believe my family has it almost equally as hard just trying to keep me comfortable! My dear husband will stand by my bed day or night for long periods of time as he fulfills one request after another until I’m satisfied. It’s a tiring, patience-building job!
Somehow the Lord is growing and stretching us all through this trial. We surely can’t make it through the constant stress of the minute details of getting me comfortable and then having to do it all over again 30 minutes later, without His grace and strength!
And He said unto me, “My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
This verse isn’t just nice words to tie off my blog like a fancy bow on a package. As you can imagine, this promise and others are repeated in my mind many times in desperate moments with tears streaming down my face. But I know Him to be faithful. Whatever trial you are facing, trust Him to help you! Hang on, heaven and an eternity of happiness with Jesus is right around the corner.
Tabdc. There’s a better day coming!
Leave a Reply