How Quickly Your Life Can Change! #2

I told you about the Memorial Day Shingles diagnosis -- truly a memorable day -- and the ongoing diagnosis a couple of weeks after that of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia, followed a week later by the third diagnosis of Autonomic Dystrophy. And now for a recap of the week . . .

God's touches of love and grace, which are hard to capture briefly:

~ Transformation Ministries, my employer, sent out what we call an "e-blast" -- news that needs to get to our people now -- asking for prayer for me and announcing that I was taking an indefinite medical leave of absence. That was quite a touching surprise to me, and the responses that came back, all of which were forwarded to me, were overwhelming. Yes, I responded to each one. Between our TM pastors and people's prayers, and those of so many other family, friends, and their churches, there is no doubt that I am thoroughly covered by the prayers of God's people.

~ My cousin, Ted, a doctor in Canada, wrote an amazing e-mail about his journey, which parallels mine. Despite the fact that he shared he could not wear a shirt for 6 months (his chest was where he was attacked), and that he was not totally over this for a year, his e-mail blessed me beyond belief. I knew for sure that there was an end in sight, and that I could come through this and be healthy again. Praise the Lord!

~ Others, like my friend Faye Powell, have also shared their journey to help me understand what's happening and that I am not alone. It's good to walk with others who know the pain and struggles that come with this.

~ Pain attacks, those absolutely horrendous hot rolling pain that my cousin, Ted, calls "Lightening bolts", have been absent for 5 whole days. Given that two weeks ago I was up to over a dozen one day, this is a HUGE praise! With those gone, it is easier to cope with the other ongoing pain.

~ Offers of meals and help, which we so appreciate, we have turned down, although hoping we did not offend anyone. Neil is a rock, and we are doing fine on that front.

~ For the many e-mails and cards from so many people on this list and in our church affirming their love and prayers and sending words of encouragement.

~ I was able to go to church last Sunday for worship -- the first time in a month. It felt great!

~ Praise that I have a wonderful husband who makes an excellent and patient care giver, chef, and patient chauffeur, going to each medical appointment and taking notes. When you're on drugs and in pain, your brain misses things that need to be remembered. Thank you, Neil -- I love and appreciate you more than words can say!!


What the medical folks are saying:

~ You know my primary care said we're in this for the long haul.

~ Neil and I went to see the Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation Specialist doctor on Monday. She was a delight and spent an entire hour with us. Imagine that!! She raised my Gabapentin yet again, to the highest dosage I can take, and increased the number of daily patches for pain -- Lydoderm patches that can be cut and put on hot spots and worn 12 hours a day.

~ This doctor, as did doctor/cousin Ted, said that I do not have Autonomic Dystrophy. Another huge praise! She did say, however, that we are "just at the beginning of this long journey", and then indicated 6-12 months before I'm totally back to health and strength.

~ Tuesday, I will begin Physical Therapy. Actually, I've already begun, as the Rehab Specialist suggested I work hard to keep my fingers nimble, which includes working on the computer! How great is that -- definitely my kind of PT!!


Prayer Requests:

~ Please join me in praising God for His healing touch! Yes, I still have pain almost all the time. There are minutes in the day when, if I do not move my right arm, I will realize I have no actual pain, although always that underlying feeling of things not being right, but most of the time the pain is much more present, and sometimes I cannot even wear the lightest overblouse because of the sensitivity. I'm grateful it's summer!

~ Nights are the hardest right now. I can sleep 2-3 hours, and then I wake up in really intense pain. I've found that getting up, coming upstairs for tea, a piece of banana, maybe some Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen, reading for a while, then kicking back in the love seat-recliner somehow makes a big difference, and then I can sleep for another 3 hours, if I'm lucky.

~ I do not respond well to sun and heat . . . but cool breezes also raise the awareness of my nerve endings, although not painful like the sunshine.

~ Pray for Neil, for whom I know this journey cannot be easy.

~ Our Panama Reunion next week: many of you know that six families who were together in Panama in the early '80's get together every other year. This group is more important in our lives than words can say. Our 30th anniversary of meeting and beginning this long friendship journey is July. Neil and I are scheduled to leave next Tuesday after the PT appointment -- driving to Sacramento, flying with Chris & Rich and kids to Knoxville, TN, driving to Gatlinburg where we have rented a 13 bedroom/9 bath house for the 43 or so of us who can gather together this year. Please pray that my pain levels are such that I will not be in agony and that I can enjoy this very special time.

~ Your continued prayers for healing and for the guts to suck it up and make myself massage the hot spots, which I need to do per the Rehab Specialist, use the right arm, and work hard on the ongoing physical therapy. Self-inflicted pain: not my thing, but if I am going to get fully well, it must be done, and I do plan to get fully well, hopefully and by the grace of God long before the doctors' predictions!!

How I cherish your ongoing encouragement and prayers!