A Path of Perseverance: November 2010

Pure Joy

November 22, 2010

Why this blog?

I have started this blog simply to write about this crazy path that God has allowed me to follow. It is a scary, painful path.

About a month ago, while training for a 1/2 marathon, my knee started bothering me. I thought it was just from the running. Then, my right ankle and my right hip started hurting, also. Soon after, my wrists started hurting. Now, the pain is in most of my major joints. My fingers hurt also, but usually only when it's cold.

I started out going to see a chiropractor who really takes into account whole health. I was hopeful. However, a couple weeks into it, I still can't accomplish everyday, normal, mom-of-4 activities. Some days I can barely walk.

Last week, about 3 weeks into this craziness, I finally started realizing this pain may become a long-term reality. I began calling upon some prayer warriors to lift me up in prayer. I also was referred to an Internal Medicine doctor. Even though it didn't sound like he was accepting new patients, an appointment was made for just 3 days later.

On Wednesday, November 17, I had a mini-meltdown at worship band practice. My limitations were becoming more and more clear. Just walking from the youth room to the sanctuary seemed like running a marathon. By the time I got to the sanctuary, I felt crippled. I was leading practice, so I went ahead and told the praise team what was happening to my body. We ended practice by them surrounding me and praying over me. They also lined up some meals for my family. I felt blessed, and relieved.

On Friday, November 19, Mike, Caden, and I headed to Tulsa to see Dr. Hubner. I was blessed by his thoroughness and kindness. He didn't just blow me off and tell me the pain must just be all in my head. He told me that we would get down to the bottom of this but that it could be a long process. He told me that people who are diagnosed with auto-immune diseases go on to live full, long, active lives. We sent me to the lab where I had 10 vials of blood drawn. It took both arms because the first vein stopped giving any blood.

So, I should hear some results today or tomorrow.

In the meantime, I am waiting. Although it is so hard, I am trusting my heavenly Father. He is sovereign and good. This isn't surprising Him. He has a plan. I believe Him.

The name of the blog came from James 1:

Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith, develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Perseverance must finish its work so that I will be mature and complete in my heavenly Father.

(btw, I am putting on a brave front, I will elaborate on some other meltdowns in future posts.)

Thursday, November 25, 2010

inconclusive

My doctor called yesterday. He actually called, not his nurse. Unfortunately, he didn't really have any news for me except that we can now eliminate some possible causes of the pain. Basically, all that bloodwork (that I don't even want to see the bill for) was inconclusive.

So, what's next? Well, he is referring me to a rheumatologist who can hopefully help. Also, he changed my medication, which does seem to be helping! I feel like I have a little more mobility today. Although, I have been inside all day long and haven't actually left the house.

On a different note, today is Thanksgiving. Even in the midst of all this craziness, I truly am thankful and feel so blessed! God has blessed me with an incredible husband of 11 years (just celebrated!) and 4 amazing sons. We celebrated Thanksgiving today at my parents' house. My brother and sister-in-law, my grandmother, and two cousins joined in the festivities. We are blessed! I am blessed!

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His love endures forever! (exclamation points added!) Psalm 106:1

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

still waiting

I called Dr. Hubner's office at 8:30 this morning, right when it opens. I learned that he does have my blood work back from the lab, but it is in a stack of about 50 labs that he needs to read. Oh, the waiting is hard!

Monday, November 22, 2010

night time

Unfortunately, I didn't hear from my doctor today. So, I'm still waiting. Waiting is hard. Do you know how badly I just want to know WHAT this is?? What is causing this craziness?

Today I found comfort by taking a bath at 11am. By 11am I needed relief. Water is relief. I fill our jacuzzi tub as full as possible and just relax...almost pain-free for however long.

Anyway, I am good overall. I am trying to stay somewhat social, as I have read that often people who suffer from autoimmune diseases also suffer from depression. Often social isolation becomes a reality. My only time outside of the house today was visiting a friend at her house. I sat on her couch and visited; it was good!

I am trusting God. He says in Jeremiah 29:11 that He has plans for me!! BIG PLANS for me...to prosper me, not to harm me, to give me a hope and a future!! I am finding my hope in Him.

Oh, by the way, my terrific husband is painting the boys' bathroom!! I started painting it months ago and didn't like the color but never fixed it. So it was half an ugly blue and half the builder's grade flat paint. Now, it is going to be NICE!! I love him!