Shortly after a household move I began to feel extreme pain and stiffness in my lower back. When the condition worsened I grew fearful, and the pressure to do something about it mounted. My understanding of Christian Science, at that time, was not on solid ground, and so I consulted a medical practitioner.
The doctor took X-rays and concluded that there was severe damage to my spine. He suggested surgery but recommended that, in the meantime, I wear a lift on one shoe. I had a lift attached, and thought it provided some temporary relief.
I was not very willing to consider surgery, but neither was I willing to submit to a lifetime of inactivity and pain—the alternative I had been given. Ultimately I decided against surgery because plans had been made for a sabbatical year in Mexico.
