Step #1 – Wisdom – to know when to call the doctor

My acoustic neuroma symptoms started one morning in bed. I rolled over and suddenly my world was spinning out of control. I held on, fearing I would fly out of bed. I didn’t know which way was up. The whole episode lasted less than a minute. At the end I was scared to move for fear it might happen again. A few minutes later I rolled to the other side and it did happen again. This time it made me sick to my stomach.

That’s how it started. I eventually got out of bed, but felt lousy all day. The next day it all seemed like a dream. I was fine, so I didn’t call the doctor. About a week later I was on my hands and knees looking for something under the bed. Once again, the terrible spinning happened. Once again it lasted less than a minute. Once again I was scared. I knew if I hadn’t been on my hands and knees I would have fallen. What was happening to me? When would I spin again?

This time I had to admit something was wrong, very wrong. Trouble is I didn’t have the slightest idea what. Most illnesses begins with symptoms = not feeling good. So the first step to healing begins with a decision – is it time to see a doctor? That sounds like such an easy question. I’m a nurse and it’s not an easy question. But I took the first step, perhaps the hardest step of all and called the doctor for an appointment. I had to repeat this step several times, and the repetition didn’t make it any easier.

Dear God,

I need your help. Why is it so hard to know when to call the doctor? I’m glad I can call you any time of day or night. You love me. You’re waiting to hear from me. You are one prayer away from me.

Thank you for not having an answering machine. Thank you for being there 24 hours a day. Amen.

I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9