You do mention a reality that is fundamental to my lifeline and that is yielding all of my stuff up to God in prayer. It is through that I came to the conclusion bringing all matters to the docs was the best way a good path would be shown. Goodness, there were 5, count them FIVE surgeons who at first did not want to treat me........

What did it come down to? Their realization that I was a lawyer involved in litigation [and fairly good at what I did even if I do say so myself]. Well, I became so outraged at the last refusal to treat, I demanded my complete file from the doc. He gave it AFTER dictating a letter to file proclaiming to anyone else who would see it that I am a lawyer. Now, I do realize lawyers are among the least trusted most foul creatures on the face of the earth, that is next to people who intentionally drive aircraft into buildings, but to refuse to treat on the basis of one's career. That was just too much.

It was at this point in my story God led us to a young neurosurgeon who said he was absolutely willing to help, and we had set up a followup meeting to discuss making ready. In the meantime, though, my body gave out-- it is referred to as cauda equina syndrome and meant that I no longer had control over the lower half of my body...... that and the fact that I was screaming into a pillow because it hurt SO BADLY. I would scream until finally I would black out from the pain. Surprise, my willing doc said this was an emergency case, and he got me into the first hospital in which he found a bed with which he had privileges. Not his hospital of choice, but a very good one nevertheless.

Did I tell him everything? Sure, even showed him the letter from Dr. Ding Dong in a VERY prominent practice hereabouts who dared to write the letter to file. My precious doc was beside himself why anyone would do that. With my wife that made three of us.

Prayin you appointment goes well,
Mark56
P.S. Take your wife with you to the appointment. She is an important part of your life and can fill in gaps you might not recall. I always did, and my wife has been indispensable. She has truly lived up to the vow- for better, for worse, in sickness, and in health= One of the great blessings God brought into my life almost 38 years ago.