Thank you all so much for all of your prayers over the past couple of weeks. It has meant a lot and been very encouraging to know that people all over the world were praying for me. I would really appreciate if you would continue to pray for me, as this is not over yet.
My doctor's appointment two weeks ago went pretty well. The doctor examined my arm and listened to the problems I was having. He confirmed, as I had suspected, that I had cubital tunnel. Cubital tunnel is basically carpal tunnel in the elbow. The ulnar nerve, which runs behind the elbow and down to the hand, was being compressed. This compression was a large source of the pain and numbness I felt. However, he said that wasn't the only thing going on. He said I also have tennis elbow, a slight tearing of the tendons on the lateral side of my elbow. The combination of these two conditions means that I basically should never bend my elbow or do anything to compress the nerves or overwork the tendons. However, to confirm this diagnosis and to determine the severity, he ordered further tests. As a result, I walked out of the first appointment with nothing more than tests scheduled. Nevertheless, it was a very positive first step, one I am very thankful for.
The tests were scheduled for last Wednesday, October 29. I had to take the entire day off of school because of the timing of the tests. In the end, I had blood tests, x-rays, an MRI, and a nerve conduction test. The nerve conduction test is the big one because it would determine if I really had cubital tunnel and if it was severe enough for surgery. I would get the results of all of these tests on November 6. At this appointment, we would discuss treatment options and decide what the best plan of action was.
Well, since it's now November 7, at least in Korea, that doctor's appointment is over, and I have my test results. The MRI showed that there is some tearing in one of the lateral tendons; however, it is only a small tear that should heal fine on its own (given enough time). The x-rays did not show any bone spurs, and the blood work was all normal. Additionally, the nerve conduction test came back negative. In other words, it showed that there were no problems in conducting information along the path of the nerve, meaning there is actually nothing wrong with the nerve in my elbow. If my ulnar nerve really was compressed, as would happen with cubital tunnel, the test would have shown slowed conductivity in the nerve.
Considering all the problems I have been having, this was not good news. That should have been the end of the discussion. Normal test results = no surgery or further treatment. However, the doctor could clearly see that something was wrong, regardless of what the test said. Based on the symptoms I had previously described, he said I had cubital tunnel. His opinion did not change after the results of the nerve test, especially when I described how the pain and numbness have been getting worse over the past two weeks.
As a result, he decided to do something about it, in spite of what the test said. So, on December 30th, I will be having cubital tunnel release surgery. During that surgery, the doctor will open up more space for the nerve so that it will not become compressed. Additionally, he will shave off part of the medial epicondyle, one of the bones in the elbow. By removing part of the bone, he is hoping to prevent any complications that could arise later. He also said that he would remove any scar tissue if he saw any during surgery. So basically, not only is my doctor giving me surgery when the test doesn't necessarily indicate it, but he is also doing extra to prevent further problems.
I came out of the appointment meditating on the goodness and grace of God. My doctor did not have to agree to surgery. He did not have to volunteer to do extra during surgery to try to completely fix the problem. He did not have to listen to everything I said without simply dismissing it. But he did. That is a direct result of God's goodness and care for His people. He led me to this hospital and this doctor at this time and in this place. I know He has a plan for my good and for His glory. The fact that I will be able to have surgery even with a negative test result really testifies to that.
So, how can you pray for me? Continue to pray for pain relief and endurance. There are some days where I honestly don't know if I can make it. I need prayer to help me get through those days in God's strength. Also, pray for the upcoming surgery. Pray that it will go well, not result in further complications, and fix all the problems. Pray for the doctor as he operates, that his hands would be steady. Pray that he would have wisdom about what to do once he is in there. Pray that recovery will be smooth and that I will feel ready to return to school when classes resume two weeks later. Pray that I would gain all strength and ability back without any further complications. Pray that any other related issues in either arm would disappear. And finally, pray that this situation, including surgery and its results, would continue to bring God glory.
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