Happy Wednesday, friends!
It’s a THREE POST DAY!
First up, I’m sharing my 20 MUST HAVE MAPLE RECIPES FOR FALL on one post along with a new WORKOUT WEDNESDAY on another (including new finds from Nordstrom and a new strength workout from Andrew) plus, below, my sweet hubby answered questions about his recent spinal fusion.
That is a lot for one day!
Over the last three weeks, I have received so many emails and DMs about Andrew’s recent spinal fusion. I’ve tried my hardest to keep on top of them and get them all answered, but there have been so many and really, he should be answering instead of me. I put a question box on Stories Monday and combed through them and found the most frequently asked questions and asked if he wouldn’t mind answering a few. He was very, very sweet and agreed, so that’s what you’re going to read below. I inserted the questions off of my Stories and after work Monday night, he sat down and wrote out his answers.
Thank you, thank you, Andrew!
I hope this helps you guys who are about to have one/are considering one/have a loved one considering one/etc.
And here he is:
Hello all! Shay asked me to come on here today and answer some questions so here we go! First off, I am no doctor or orthopedic surgeon. I am sure I will say some things that will have you banging the table in disgust because of my lack of knowledge. Apologies in advance! Furthermore, each doctor has their own way of doing things from surgery to recovery. Again this was just my experience over the past 29 years. Hope I’m not too boring!
Very, very generous of whoever asked this question. I am for sure not jacked, but I try my best to stay as healthy as possible. Without getting into the boring minutia of my workout, let me just say this, I did everything I could to strengthen my core for as long as I can remember. That was something I did every day starting as a freshmen in high school. For me, that’s what helped with this injury the most over the years. With any injury you have to modify your workout to suit your needs. For instance on my list of things I could never do, especially in the past 5 years, was run, dead lifts, heavy back squats, front squats. All of those killed me. An easy Google search and you can find complimentary lifts that accomplish similar goals. Also, in my opinion, how you look is about 80% diet and 20% fitness. I like the old saying that you can’t outwork a bad diet. I’m a big believer in everything in moderation (which for me includes things like Cadillac Pizza and Jameson on a Saturday night!).
My pain prior to surgery was mainly walking and standing related. Of course bending over hurt, so yard work and moving things wasn’t great, but the numbness and burning in my right foot was the issue. For instance when we were doing tours on vacation, I was constantly having to take a 30 second sit to get feeling back in my foot. It used to be I could go an hour or two, but this past summer it was down to about 10 min. Very frustrating. I am having some pain in the muscle now, but even as I write this I am standing. I pretty much stand all day as that is the most comfortable, which is really weird considering I was the opposite 3 weeks ago! I had surgery on Tuesday the 27th, kicked the Percocet and muscle relaxers by Saturday, and by Monday I stopped taking Tylenol. For a guy who was taking Aleve every single day, more than the recommended dose, for the past 7 years (which I know is horrible for you) this is a first. Add the Aleve to another reason I needed to get this done. Right now my pain is so minimal I have to focus and remember not to bend, lift, or twist. I think part of the reason is because I was so used to discomfort prior to surgery have just an occasional twing feels like nothing.
No clue. Maybe age, maybe doctor? Listen, before I went into surgery I had to Google search what they were actually going to do. All I heard was Dr. Dossett say he was going to get me all fixed up. I probably should have asked more questions, but 🤷🏻♂️. For now all I know is that the instruction Dr. Dossett gave me was no BLT (bending lifting or twisting) for the first 100 days. They wanted me walking at least an hour a day starting as soon as possible. I started on Friday of that week and have every day since. The only other rule at this point is lifting nothing more than 10 lbs for the first four months. I know, from my PT person, that by the 6 month mark I will be fully operational. But right now it’s driving me crazy not to have all my pumpkins sorted out and the mums planted even though it still feels like summer down here!
Long answer to a short question…apologies.
Weird how you remember things like this, but here is what happened. Going in to my freshmen year of high school I started to have some back pain. I went to the doctor, and I remember from x-rays they diagnosed it as a stress fracture or spondolothesis….again forgive me Orthos. Exact timelines are fuzzy, but I remember them telling me to start working on my core and to not lift anything for 2-4 weeks. The reason I remember this is because at the time my best friends and I (Chad, Ryan, and Brian) were building a log cabin out of railroad ties and I told them I couldn’t help them. I couldn’t carry the materials the 100 or so yards to the campsite. You tend not forget when you get harassed for drinking a Dr. Pepper and eating Little Debbies while your buddies drag railroad ties that far. I bet that thing is still standing!
I always had a little back pain through high school and college but nothing really surfaced until my senior year at Kansas State. In the Big 12 championship game I remember diving on a wide receiver screen and my legs kind of flipping over my back. I remember the ground was super hard almost frozen. The next morning when I woke up I couldn’t even put my shoes on. That was the beginning of the end. What I didn’t know looking back was that those stress fractures were causing the pain. Everyone thought I was having muscle spasms. Trainers, doctors, everyone. It wasn’t until 6 weeks before the NFL combine as I was training that I had the MRI with Dr Dossett (yes, the same Dr. Dossett who did my surgery), and he caught it. From there they put my under and injected cortisone in the stress fractures. I modified my training and still went to the combine, but nevertheless I was as slow and weak as a 6th grader. What I’m about to say isn’t a bragging montage but just an example of how it slowed me down, but at Kansas State I was fast for my size. I still currently hold the all time record for the agility drill (5-10-5) at at 3.78, for comparison Terrance Newman holds the record for defensive backs at 3.67. My fasted 40 time was a 4.62. I think at the combine I ran like a 4.85/4.9 or something. And considering I finished my junior and senior year at Kansas State as the sack leader on a top 10 defense I had a horrible showing at the NFL combine and pro-timing day. BUT here is the most awesome thing. My body was broken, but God knew the entire time what was going on. My undrafted status didn’t take him by surprise. Nor did us going to Detroit. Quite honestly it was one of the biggest blessings I have ever had. Maybe another time we can talk about that.
I had another round of injections before the season started, but I was just putting a band-aid on the problem. I can’t even imagine if I had ever saw any playing time on Sunday’s how I would have felt, of course to do that I would have needed to have a little more talent in the tank. 😂😂. This is just yet another reason I am amazed by guys like Michael Strahan who actually played on Sundays for 15 seasons. To last that long, is a feat in itself. For me, I was about to go in for my third round of injections after the season when Dr. Dossett in his style said this. “If you want to pick your kids up someday you have got to f-ing stop doing this.” Evidently, unless you have severe arthritis they won’t do more than one cortisone injection a year. God had bigger plans for my life. Football wasn’t his plan. Of course, I could have done a spinal fusion at 23, but back then it was completely different, and Dr. Dossett strongly advised against that. Even until recently he kept telling me to wait. I started doing yearly x-rays with him in 2018, and every year until this past May.
I get hindsight is 20/20, but according to Dr. Dossett what should have happened when I was first diagnosed was that I should have had a 3 month full stop on all activity, Literally walking, but no lifting and minimal bending. All these years later we realized mine just never healed BUT it’s no ones fault. Everything happens for a reason!! Thank God he is in charge because I love where He has me! In May, I went to see Dr. Dossett. I told him what was happening and that I was ready to get this fixed. He agreed it was time. So we penciled in 8/27 on the calendar back in May and off we went.
What had been happening since 2004 was that those stress fractures turned into a slipped vertebrae with no disk in between L4/L5. That slip kept progressing to where 40-50% of my vertebrae was slipped under the other. That is why I was having numbness as it was pinching my spinal canal. My biggest fear was permanent nerve damage in my foot, or drop foot, as it is called. So far everything seems to have returned.
Had to take “old man” breaks as my 14 year old son and Mades would say. She does a really good impression of old Andrew. 😂😂. I remember when we were in London buying umbrellas at James Smith and Sons, I almost bought one of those cane chairs, but my pride said no. One time when touring the Vatican I needed to sit down for a quick second and thought I found the perfect chair. It was a hallway that had a chair every 20 feet or so. Sitting for 30 seconds to a minute would open my spinal canal and give me back feeling. The next thing I know three security guys are running up to me to get me off the chair. Not sure whose chair I sat on, but it did make my back feel more spiritual.
I tell this to Smith all the time. If the bone ain’t showing you’re still going. 🤪🤪 I would do anything and push through anything for one day in Europe.
It was a quality of life decision to do it now. It’s weird every day stuff like walking and standing that killed me, but working out and snowboarding never did. That is why I hung on so long (if it isn’t broke don’t fix it), combined with Dossett telling me to wait. But when I have to sit down at church for a 30 second break because I can’t make it for all three songs, or the thought of going to a walk around the neighborhood made me cringe, I knew it was time. As far as timing for this year, I wanted to enjoy summer on Nantucket, but more importantly I needed to finish up some commitments I had made earlier in the year. Early in the year I volunteered to coach the Nantucket Whaler defensive line for the month of July. Shout-out to Coach Everett and Coach Raab! I also wanted to be able to train with Smith for the summer and work him in with the Whalers. Now that he is at school, they handle the strength training and football, and I can focus on rest and recovery. I’m hopeful to be more active by the end of the year.
My pain level now is less than it was prior to surgery. I am following their direction which include icing and heating as much as possible. At three weeks I can start using our Plunge pool, so that will also help. I bought a vari desk for my McKinney office and love it. I stand as much as possible!
Probably already covered this, but I go back in 3 weeks and I am PRAYING I can start some PT. Walking an hour a day isn’t my jam.
Nope. Not a worrier here. As hard as I go I can pretty much guarantee this isn’t my last surgery. This was my 9th, and although they are never fun, rarely is anything fun if there isn’t a little risk involved.
You can get this injury in any sport. I had a client get this same injury in a car accident. The best way to prevent injuries is to strength training. With football, but again the same is true in other sports and car accidents, my main concern is head trauma. That is why with Smith I buy him a new helmet every year, urge him to wear a Guardian Cap (although the 14 year old is stubborn), and a Q collar. Not to mention we have had many discussions about head placement when tackling and what signs would tell you that have had head trauma. Football is a collision sport, but guess what, my first concussion wasn’t football. I was sledding and I hit a tree…😳😳
They have told me I will have no limitations, however for the first year I am going to be smart until I know the bone graphs have fused the two vertebrae together with the screws.
Nope, never had an issue with hips. Have had two knee scopes, but no pain in my knees either.
I want to close by saying this. From the bottom of my heart I mean this. A couple of screws and some metal in my back are NOTHING compared to what some of you are dealing with. For instance I have a good friend whose baby is in the NICU and I know she would love to bring him home as she was in the hospital on bed rest starting in July. Cancer treatments, death of loved ones, loss of a job…..those are real issues. For this reason I made it a point to go to Smith’s football game two days after surgery, church on that Sunday, and back to work a week later. Not because I am some tough guy, which I am👊🏻🤪, but because it reminds me that this little thing is NOTHING compared to what some deal with on a daily basis. If they can fight through their BIG problems, then I can fight this little one.
Thank you for giving me space on here and thank you as always for being so sweet to my wife. Every time we are any where it is always so welcome when we get a chance to meet some of you in person.❤️
Thank YOU, Andrew!
Now, don’t forget, I’m sharing my 20 MUST HAVE MAPLE RECIPES FOR FALL today along with a new WORKOUT WEDNESDAY including a strength training workout from Andrew too.
Have the best day, friends! xx
Jami Romano says
That was really sweet & informative. So glad he Andrew is healing well.
Jennifer Risinger says
My 13 year old was diagnosed with a L5 stress fracture and spondylistothesis 4 months ago. He is a competitive soccer player and middle school football player. He did a 3 month break of all activities and is now back at both sports. Was also told never to do deadlifts or squats and of course build his core. Thank you for posting this!
Lisa says
My 13 year old son is in week 3 of resting his L5 stress fracture! Soccer and Lacrosse player. Glad to hear your son is back to it, very encouraging. Thanks Shay and Andrew for all of this info!
Elspeth says
Thank you Andrew for all the information!! So glad he’s doing better!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Elspeth says
Thank you Andrew for answering all the questions! Glad you are on the road to recovery!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Diane Moore says
This was very interesting and I’m very happy to hear Andrew is doing so well.
It’s always good to hear someone seeing and acknowledging God’s intervention and care in his life.
Thank you both for this post, and all the many others with your God fully appreciated!
Lynn says
Thank you to Andrew for taking the time to answer these questions. I hope he has a smooth, speedy recovery!
Kelly Sites says
Great post, Andrew. Grit will get you through a lot, and you are doing great. I had c4 c5 disc herniation (from a bad bad incident in Ukraine when I was running a field hospital 2 years ago), and I was in so much nerve pain for 17 months, seeing a neurosurgeon who was trying like crazy to help me avoid surgery, but it finally came to having to have it I was on Gabapentin for over a year (thank God for it, because it helped me survive the horrible nerve pain). I had 2 surgeries, and the final one was disc removal, cadaver bone placement and fusion. AND I FEEL AMAZING. My quality of life was for sure stinking during that 17 months. I’m a very active gal, and I could barely do anything. Now I’m back to living and have no pain and the fusion is doing well (I will be at the one year mark in Jan. but so far all x rays show it is fusing). The whole thing has caused me to have way way more compassion for people who have chronic pain and limitations. I’m a RN and I can sort of have a “suck it up” mentality with people, but now, I have some more compassion and kind words to offer to others. GET WELL SOON.
Jill says
I just want to say that the first year of marriage is usually one of the hardest. The Lord may have used football to get you in a “foreign” city with no family close so you had a chance to weather that year and get used to each other and depend on each other because it’s all you had. True leaving and cleaving.
Maybe you look back and see how NFL was never really feasible long term, so why just one year? God. Sometimes we think we’re one season of life because A, but the Lord has us there because of B and we don’t see it until we look back.
Anyways, great post. Prayers for a speedy as possible recovery.
Alana says
I’m guessing Andrew didn’t mean for this to be an inspirational post, but I am feeling SO inspired by him and his outlook on all of this. Next year he’ll be out planting mums and getting the pumpkins without pain! 🙌🏼
Alison says
Same! What an incredibly humbled and honest man, you married. I like Andrew’s optimism, his understanding, and his appreciation for the events that led him here. So glad to hear his recovery is going well and he’s feeling good about the continued road!
Angela says
Thank you for sharing today, Andrew! It sounds like it has been such a journey for you and your family. Wow, you’ve dealt with lot of back pain that has been your ‘normal’ for so many years… that’s a lot of strength and toughness! I’ll continue to pray you heal completely! And that cliff hanger… your football story… you have to tell us that story sometime soon!!!
I’m curious, as our youngest son is a sophomore who plays football… you said you worked on core exercises beginning in your high school years. What do you have Smith do to work on his core? Our son loves football and I know any extra core exercises at home will only benefit him. Any suggestions for a growing football player would be appreciated!
Keep following the doctor’s orders and continued prayers for healing!!
Kristin says
Thank you, Andrew, for sharing all of this information! I am so glad you are feeling so much better, and am happy to think how this will positively impact your life. My husband is a big football fan, and I often wonder how players can stand up after plays and if they can actually move on Monday morning. I think I am wondering that even more now!
Natalie Alvarado says
Thank you for sharing your story. My son is an athlete and I’m always talking to him about God’s plan vs. our own plan. Sometimes they are different. Not all things that happen in life are good. But God can certainly work them together for our good.
Erika Slaughter says
Great job, Andrew! I’m so glad you’re feeling better!
Holly Peterson says
I love Andrew’s guest posts and hearing his perspective! Also, this may be due to pregnancy hormones, but his last paragraph made me tear up about it being nothing compared to others. You guys are the coolest. 🙂
Thank you Andrew, for sharing!
Kerry says
His perspective at the end is such a valuable reminder when we get down on ourselves and think life is horrible. There is always someone, somewhere that has it so much worse than me. Thank you Andrew! You are a rock star!
Debbie says
Thanks for having Andrew share his experience. Taking care of one’s health and mobility is so important. I took away several things from his experience!
Kristin Lyngaas says
Thank you Andrew for sharing your story! Prayers for you as you continue to heal 🙏🙏🙏
Mitzi Greer says
I had spinal fusion 4 years ago and it was the best decision I ever made! Mine wasn’t a fracture but a 44 degree scoliosis curve I’ve had since I was a teen. I played on the golf team at Kansas State (years before Andrew was there I believe). I had issues in college and then got to the point where I couldn’t stand long without pain and had to sit down for relief. I went from having to take sitting brakes every hour at Disney World with my family before the fusion to walking 20K+ steps at Disney World with no pain or issues! Hope Andrew has a speed recovery!
~B~ says
Thank you for sharing, Andrew. Really appreciate hearing your perspective on things and what led up to your decision and the surgery. If in the future you are comfortable sharing, I also look forward to what you mentioned about “Quite honestly it was one of the biggest blessings I have ever had. Maybe another time we can talk about that.” I am a big perspective and reflective individual and always enjoy others’ stories of what meaning and blessing they found in events in their lives. Thanks again for sharing.
Kay says
Glad you’re healing well Andrew! My freshman in high school (youngest of 3) is playing football for the first time ever. First, most importantly, HE LOVES IT. Even with no prior experience, he started is first sub varsity game and is truly enjoying it. He’s meeting friends, building confidence, and so happy. I will say I was VERY nervous about this sport. But for any other new football moms out there, they are making the game safer now. They have new methods of tackling. They have the added helmet padding Andrew mentioned with thankfully my son elected to wear! And they do less tackling (i.e of QB) during practice for less wear and tear. Anyway, overall, I guess I’d say the benefits truly outweigh the risk. Also, like Andrew, the only concussion I’ve ever had in my life is because I stood up too fast in my attic and knocked my head into the slanted ceiling. So…lol, cleaning the attic is very dangerous as well?
Katherine says
Great Q & A with Andrew regarding his spinal fusion! I was also wondering how in the world he was able to walk 10,000+ steps a day on your vacations! I appreciate him explaining the accommodations he had to make over the years.
Kelly Kirkland says
That was super inspirational whether that was the intent or not! 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Andrew! Prayers for your continued recovery!
Charise says
Andrew, the closing of this post made me cry. You seem so humble and thoughtful of others around you. Shay and your family are so lucky to have you! Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions for us and give us some more insight into your life.
Shay, you got a good one!!
Jennifer P. says
I always love the encouragement and perspective thoughts on this blog! And the reminder that it’s always in the Lord’s timing, not our own! Prayers for a safe, swift recovery!
Carol says
Thank you for sharing with Shay’s Mix and Match Mama ladies. So glad that your recovery is going well and as always enjoy when you join in for a post or video. Thank you for giving God praise and acknowledging that He is in charge. What we plan and what God has planned for us is sometimes different, but His plans for us are always far Better and Greater than we could imagine.
Lisa Elliott says
I’m glad he is doing so well.
Kacey says
Thank you, Andrew, for sharing so much of your experience with us. Ever since Shay first mentioned that you had back problems, I’ve thought about your situation almost daily. My dad has been dealing with back problems since since he fell out of a tree as a young teen. He’s now in his early 60s and it’s, unfortunately, not getting any better. The cortisone injections, daily aleve, walking pain, etc. is all too familiar. You sharing your surgery experience gives me hope and other avenues to explore. I know his healing isn’t a burden for me to carry, but when you love someone so much some days it’s hard not to. God has walked us through harder times, like you mentioned, and I know there’s a greater plan. Thank you again for sharing!
Paula says
Thank you, Andrew for all the details & advice. That is very kind of you.
The best advice/wisdom is what you ended with. Life is about perspective. We have some health issues in our family. A daughter with Angelman Syndrome (she’s our forever baby), a son managing Tourettes, a daughter newly diagnosed Type 1 Diabetic for my 14 year & and a husband with a heart condition. But, overall, we are healthy and here. For that I am grateful and praise God for the days together to laugh & enjoy one another.
I hope you are all healed by skiiilng season.
Marisa Patel says
My mom had the spinal fusion several years ago and I do not think that she followed post-op instructions as she has been hunched over in pain ever since. Because of her, I have been reluctant to get my back pain checked out but after reading Andrew’s experience I believe that the timing and her stubbornness not to follow instructions are why she has had a bad experience.
Arika says
I’m a Kansas Jayhawk, but Andrew is definitely my favorite Wildcat! 🙂 I think it’s great that he has this context to help Smith play the game safely and knows what to watch for. There are always the critics that will say, “how can you let your kid play” but it seems that though the journey he’s had, Andrew will make sure he has the tools to play safely.
Deb says
Thank you so much for sharing and I’m hoping for a quick recovery!
Cris says
Andrew, thanks for your generosity in sharing all of this information!
“BUT here is the most awesome thing. My body was broken, but God knew the entire time what was going on. My undrafted status didn’t take him by surprise. Nor did us going to Detroit. Quite honestly it was one of the biggest blessings I have ever had. Maybe another time we can talk about that.”
I would love to hear your story! Looking back at God’s faithfulness is my favorite thing!
Kelsee says
This was a very interesting read! Wishing you a speedy recovery, Andrew!
Casey says
My daughter had spinal surgery 3.5 years ago (at 16) for a 58 degree scoliosis curve. Best decision of her life! She can do anything she wants without restriction!
Ramona Puckett says
Thank you, Andrew, for this informative post. I have a grand nephew who plays football. And I know he’s in the weight room a lot. I’m praying for your complete recovery.
K.K. says
Ah, so nice to hear from Andrew!! And so glad he’s doing so well.
Lancaster says
That last paragraph…whew!!! Life and all that comes with it is truly all about perspective. Focusing on the ONE that’s in charge is the most important.
Megan says
Please tell Andrew his humor is bomb diggity! Crazy wild how his first concussion was not from football!!
S says
I really enjoyed this post, filled with humor, humility and grit. It was a fascinating read and I loved hearing your perspective at the end.
Also, just wanted to note what a gift it must be for your kids that you both are not worriers! I wonder if you could share any tips on this. Or if you are just naturally inclined not to worry?
Anita Hays says
Thank you for taking the time to share. I agree with others that this post is inspirational and encouraging. And, it’s informative and a testament to God’s goodness and how he worked things out for your good. It’s also funny. I almost spit my food out when you said, “If the bone ain’t showing you’re still going.” That is something my husband would say. And the three security guards running up to you to get off the chair. LOL. My 11 year old grandson plays football. I hope they are teaching him the correct way to tackle.
Julianne says
35 year old active mom of 4 here – and I am actually headed to the Mayo Clinic this year for a fusion revision. My original fusion was L4/L5
S1 10 years and it never actually fused….and then took 10 years to figure that out. I was seeing some very experienced docs, but my biggest recommendation would be to wait for that CT/MRI confirmation that fusion has happened before you drop restrictions! Also, nothing new, but I can also say that staying active was the biggest help in my first recovery.
Yolanda McLean says
So thankful Andrew shared all this with us. I’m telling you, he should write a book. He has a way with words, a real story-teller. He writes in a way that really draws you in and makes you really think. His perspective is worthy of being shared. He’s a good one!
Angie Wilbur says
Hi, thank you Andrew for sharing! You gave me some peace of mind reading this. My husband needs back surgery, too. He broke his back in 1988 by going through a windshield of a car. He’s had chronic back pain since. He has herniated discs and degenerative bone disease which causes bone on bone friction. He has a lot of neck pain too. He has been afraid of any kind of back/spine surgery due to all the horror stories you hear about surgery going wrong. I am going to share this with him and hope it helps. I appreciate you taking the time to post about your experience.
Jodi says
He got a concussion sledding?! I broke my back sledding in 2022. Sledding is so awesome until it just isn’t anymore. Been working on my core strength the last two years.
SS says
Thanks Andrew for sharing all the information about your issues and the story behind them.
Would love to hear your Lions story… Michigander here!!!
You sound like my Dad… If we got hurt… well, it’s far away from your heart. He would tell our boys to rub dirt in it!!! UGH!!!
I have learned with any injury (they all stink), but you need to allow yourself to properly heal or you just make it worse. So take it easy!!!
Tina Mahler says
Thank you Andrew for taking the time to answer! Prayers for a full recovery!
Cathy Perez says
Sending healing prayers to you Andrew!
StephC says
Thank you for sharing this. My sister had spinal fusion surgery yesterday. I’m praying that her recovery experience will be similar to yours. Praising the Lord with you at how He has worked in your life.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m going to stop and pray for her right now. Sending you both so much love!! Praying! xx
Tiffany says
You have the sweetest husband ever! I always love reading the posts when he hops on your blog. I had a spinal fusion as a child (scoliosis) and often worry about back pain as I age. Appreciate the reminder on the Importance strength training (esp the core). Thx for sharing!
Jill says
I’m keeping you in my prayers. So happy for the relief that’s coming for you and your family. Your perspective is inspiring. Maybe look into a Purple bed…I know fusion folks that have greatly benefited from that bed. Love to you all.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Andrew did a great job explaining everything! I would love to know more about your plunge pool because that’s something I’ve looked into!!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Laura Beth Morris says
Long time reader here…really enjoyed this post. I just wanted to say that it is not lost on me, how you both boldly share your faith. Every chance you get! Refreshing for Andrew to point out the invisible thread that God is always weaving in our stories. And that nothing is a surprise to Him! Proud of you for using this platform to tell others of Christ and his love for us !
Becky Carl says
I can say nothing more than everyone has expressed. Very moved by Andrew’s thoughts and sharing.
God is good…all the time.
Sheaffer says
I’m so happy for y’all that after years of pain that he’s finally experiencing relief!!!!
Heather says
So glad Andrew is doing so well! And shout out to Smith for stepping up for helping his Mama with the pumpkins and festive fall decor🎃
Sarah says
I too want to know more about the plunge pool. I had surgery 8 weeks ago (less invasive than Andrew’s) but had a similar feeling of “it’s time to fix this.” I enjoyed reading about someone going through recovery with me. I am also getting sick of walking. 😉 keep going, Andrew!
Renee Bratton says
I really enjoyed reading this! Andrew was so sweet to do this & he explained it so well. I’ll be praying for his recovery & for his quality of life to drastically improve when he’s done healing! 🙏🏻
Mindy Skoglund says
So glad he is healing! I have daily back pain, so I can imagine this is a relief!