MANY YEARS AGO I had a swelling at the base of my spine. Off and on the area bled somewhat, along with other forms of discharge. Sometimes it hurt, and it was always uncomfortable, especially when I was driving, and my job at the time required a lot of driving. I could not help being aware of it when I took my shower each morning.
This continued for two years, during which time I had prayerful support from several Christian Science practitioners at different times. Although I did not make much of an effort to pray for myself, I felt certain that Christian Science treatment could heal this condition, so I never considered having any other kind of treatment. Then one day I came across Mary Baker Eddy's statement on page 412 of Science and Health: "To heal by argument, find the type of the ailment, get its name, and array your mental plea against the physical."
At that time I knew a young physician, who was a fellow member of a community organization in Fort Worth, Texas. One day after our club meeting, I asked him if he would take a look at this area of my back and tell me just what the condition was. He said he would be glad to and that I should come by his office later that week.
