Wednesday, March 14, 2012
When I last spoke with my Lyme doctor, she wanted me to have my Safety Labs repeated; which I had them repeated last Friday, the 9th. My liver enzymes were elevated & my white blood count was low. I was supposed to re-start antibiotics this past Monday, but she wants me to wait another week before doing so.
In the mean time, she started me on 4 more supplements: Zinc, NAC, & the shark liver oil & lithium orotate will be here this week. I will have my Safety Labs repeated again this Friday, the 16th & depending on the results, I will either re-start my antibiotics for 2 weeks this Monday or if the reuslts are the same, she wants me to take the shark liver oil & zinc a few weeks before re-starting the antibiotics. I hope I can re-start them soon; it's hard to go through & deal with, but it will be a step closer to getting better! :)
In addition, my Lyme doctor is concerned I am experiencing symptoms of Dysautonomia. Therefore, she wants me to see a cardiologist, whom I see this Friday the 16th. My body is not regulating my body temperature properly--I am either extremely cold or extremely hot--most of the time I am extremely hot, & it is hard to cool my body down. I also have continuous light-headedness & cannot stand for longer than a few minutes without getting dizzy. There is also some nausea. I hope the cardiologist is able to help me in this area because it is very hard to deal with on a daily basis, epsecially while trying to take care of my lil' man. :)
So, that's pretty much what is going on over the past week or so. I did get to go in Walmart this past Sunday, the 11th, for a short while with Tim & Bailey. I had to sit up front while they checked out, but I was at least able to go in & slowly look at the Easter stuff :) And Monday I was able to fold a whole load of laundry & put it away; I had to do it slowly & I became Really hot, but was able to successfully get it done :) So, it's baby steps, but I hope I will soon have more strength & energy to be the Christian, wife, and mother God has created & saved me to be! :~)
About Me
- Heather Francisco
- God crossed our paths on 4-21-06...we took our time to officially start dating--we prayerfully started dating in the Summer of 2006, got engaged on 5-19-07, and God united us as one on our wedding day, 12-15-07. Exactly 1 year later, 12-15-08, we found out we were expecting our 1st child, Bailey Josiah, who was born on 8-3-09. God has blessed us beyond measure with such a precious son! We are so thankful for each other & for the amazing opportunity to raise one of His precious children. Little did we know, that a short 4 years later, we would be living out our vows, "through sickness & in health"...we hope & pray that this struggle with Lyme is going to be temporary, but right now are just taking it one day at a time, trusting God each step of the way. "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9...."Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalm 30:5b
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
3rd Visit with my Lyme Doc
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
I am a few days late, but I spoke with my Lyme doctor on the phone, Friday, the 24th, for our 3rd visit. We spoke for close to an hour. She decided that the treatment plan I initially started with (3 weeks on antibiotics, 1 off, 3 weeks on), was too much for me. She said my body is overwhelmed and is not 'dying off' nor detoxing well; that it was just too much for my body to handle. The muscle weakness has gotten worse, the brain fog is Horrible!, I have a hard time being around people because it is hard to express myself through words, & I am super sensitive to sound, light, and heat, which is also making it difficult to be around people & go about my day. So, I have just been in the house with my precious son, taking it one day at a time.
My doctor made some adjustments to my treatment plan. I will still be on the same antibiotics and same doses, but I am currently taking 2 weeks off of antibiotics, then in 2 weeks, on March 12th, I will take them for 2 weeks, then be off 2 more---so in 6 weeks, I will speak with my doctor again, hoping to tell her I am doing a little better. :~)
I Really hope this helps, because she said with her having her own clinic and it just being her, she can only handle simple cases; that if I do not get better the way she hopes, she will not be able to handle my case, & that I may have to go to Dr. Jemsek in Washington D.C. I hope it does not get to that point; for one, I want to get better, but also it would be hard to travel to him, physically, mentally, & financially.
So, I hope & pray spreading the antibiotics out & giving my body more of a break will help me. Even if it takes longer to get better this way, I am okay with that, because it is important I am able to daily cope with it better; if not, my body will not heal itself.
That's where I'm at right now...still taking it one day at a time. God is gently teaching me to submit to the way things are right now, & be okay with the fact that I indeed do have to take it one day at a time. This is hard to go through; physically, mentally, & emotionally it is taking a toll on my whole entire body, but as I wake up each day, I need to choose to live that given day to its fullest & choose to have a positive attitude; that is what I am daily striving to do, & through it, I hope & pray that God uses me, ultimately that He would receive All the Glory! :~)
"You won't become the person you were created to be if you do not spend time with the One who created you."
I am a few days late, but I spoke with my Lyme doctor on the phone, Friday, the 24th, for our 3rd visit. We spoke for close to an hour. She decided that the treatment plan I initially started with (3 weeks on antibiotics, 1 off, 3 weeks on), was too much for me. She said my body is overwhelmed and is not 'dying off' nor detoxing well; that it was just too much for my body to handle. The muscle weakness has gotten worse, the brain fog is Horrible!, I have a hard time being around people because it is hard to express myself through words, & I am super sensitive to sound, light, and heat, which is also making it difficult to be around people & go about my day. So, I have just been in the house with my precious son, taking it one day at a time.
My doctor made some adjustments to my treatment plan. I will still be on the same antibiotics and same doses, but I am currently taking 2 weeks off of antibiotics, then in 2 weeks, on March 12th, I will take them for 2 weeks, then be off 2 more---so in 6 weeks, I will speak with my doctor again, hoping to tell her I am doing a little better. :~)
I Really hope this helps, because she said with her having her own clinic and it just being her, she can only handle simple cases; that if I do not get better the way she hopes, she will not be able to handle my case, & that I may have to go to Dr. Jemsek in Washington D.C. I hope it does not get to that point; for one, I want to get better, but also it would be hard to travel to him, physically, mentally, & financially.
So, I hope & pray spreading the antibiotics out & giving my body more of a break will help me. Even if it takes longer to get better this way, I am okay with that, because it is important I am able to daily cope with it better; if not, my body will not heal itself.
That's where I'm at right now...still taking it one day at a time. God is gently teaching me to submit to the way things are right now, & be okay with the fact that I indeed do have to take it one day at a time. This is hard to go through; physically, mentally, & emotionally it is taking a toll on my whole entire body, but as I wake up each day, I need to choose to live that given day to its fullest & choose to have a positive attitude; that is what I am daily striving to do, & through it, I hope & pray that God uses me, ultimately that He would receive All the Glory! :~)
"You won't become the person you were created to be if you do not spend time with the One who created you."
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
A Sweet Kiss on the Cheek from God
...I can't do much right now, but as I took Coby out to go potty, I looked up at the beautiful baby blue sky with a few thin, beautiful clouds--I thought, wow!, God, Your Creation is So beautiful!---after thinking this for a Brief moment, a huge eagle flew gently, right over our house, in perfect view where I could see him...it was like a sweet kiss on the cheek from God, reminding me of Isaiah 40: 28-31...
"28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint."
God is So amazing!, this was such a refreshing moment b/c I feel Horrible today from dealing with Lyme--I do hope my current circumstances are temporary, but right now I do not know that for sure, but will drive myself Crazy if I continue to dwell on the "what if's" or wondering what the next few weeks/months are going to look like for me physically, mentally, & emotionally...
....I don't know, so all I can do is live for today & hold on to the promises of God, from His Word, particularly this passage as He gently reminded me today & trust in Him; the God who created the universe---to Him, healing me is a piece of cake; why do I have such little faith?, on the surface I believe He can heal me, but deep down, do I Truly believe?......
"Thank you Jesus, for reminding me today that my current circumstances are not about me, but ALL about You!, I can't do that much physically & mentally right now, & in my flesh, it is Extremely difficult!, & mentally it is So hard to focus right now, I am So sensitive to sound, but Lord, quiet everything around me, please intervene & if I can't focus on anything else but You, make that happen Lord; to focus on You; Your Power, Your Sovereignty, Your Grace, Your Sufficiency....to focus on the Cross, & to focus on vs. 31; as I wait for your return Jesus, use me, renew my strength, daily Lord.....be my strength....."
(this is the last week of my 2nd round of antibiotics....2 rounds down, around 8 or 9, at least, to go....)
"28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint."
God is So amazing!, this was such a refreshing moment b/c I feel Horrible today from dealing with Lyme--I do hope my current circumstances are temporary, but right now I do not know that for sure, but will drive myself Crazy if I continue to dwell on the "what if's" or wondering what the next few weeks/months are going to look like for me physically, mentally, & emotionally...
....I don't know, so all I can do is live for today & hold on to the promises of God, from His Word, particularly this passage as He gently reminded me today & trust in Him; the God who created the universe---to Him, healing me is a piece of cake; why do I have such little faith?, on the surface I believe He can heal me, but deep down, do I Truly believe?......
"Thank you Jesus, for reminding me today that my current circumstances are not about me, but ALL about You!, I can't do that much physically & mentally right now, & in my flesh, it is Extremely difficult!, & mentally it is So hard to focus right now, I am So sensitive to sound, but Lord, quiet everything around me, please intervene & if I can't focus on anything else but You, make that happen Lord; to focus on You; Your Power, Your Sovereignty, Your Grace, Your Sufficiency....to focus on the Cross, & to focus on vs. 31; as I wait for your return Jesus, use me, renew my strength, daily Lord.....be my strength....."
(this is the last week of my 2nd round of antibiotics....2 rounds down, around 8 or 9, at least, to go....)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
My 2nd Week of my 2nd Round of Lyme Treatment
So, it's my 2nd week of my 2nd 'round' of Lyme treatment. Overall, I am doing okay, but I do struggle daily. My body feels as if I have the flu but times ten; it's Extremely weak!, & the worst part right now is the brain fog--it is Horrible!!, it's very difficult to be around people because I have an extremely Hard time focusing on what they tell me & as I talk, I often lose my track of thought--it goes completely blank as if my brain freezes, & I also am Very forgetful lately; overall it's just like my head is Extremely foggy & heavy--hard to describe--but I strive daily to push through & make the most of everyday. :)
This is going to be a long journey, Lyme will always be in the background, for the rest of my life, so I have to choose to take it one day at a time, daily striving to choose to have a positive outlook on life, even though it is hard many days, in my present circumstances, but is definitely possible as I daily turn to God to be my strength. (Phil 4:10-13)
I am not feeling well today, so could not post much; celebrating Valentine's Day yesterday, wore me out--so I just have to take it one day at a time: do things if I can, if not then I have to rest.....But I do want to post the lyrics of this song& a link to it; God has encouraged me so much through this song!, especially the first verse; the words just say it all--I praise Him that He does hold my every moment, He is Sovereign & is in control, my faith is in Him every step of the way; He is my Healer!! :)
"Healer" by Kari Jobe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzejd6r9DwE&feature=related
VERSE:
You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
and heal all my disease
PRE-CHORUS:
I trust in You
I trust in You
CHORUS:
I believe You're my healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe
I believe You're my portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus, You're all I need
VERSE:
You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
and heal all my disease
PRE-CHORUS:
I trust in You
Lord, I trust in You
CHORUS:
I believe You're my healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe
I believe You're my portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus, You're all I need
BRIDGE:
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands
CHORUS:
I believe You're my healer
I believe You are all I need
Oh yes You are, yes You are
I believe You're my portion
Lord, I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus You're all I need
More than enough for me,
Jesus You're all I need
More than enough for me,
Jesus You're all I need
ENDING:
You're my Healer, my Healer
This is going to be a long journey, Lyme will always be in the background, for the rest of my life, so I have to choose to take it one day at a time, daily striving to choose to have a positive outlook on life, even though it is hard many days, in my present circumstances, but is definitely possible as I daily turn to God to be my strength. (Phil 4:10-13)
I am not feeling well today, so could not post much; celebrating Valentine's Day yesterday, wore me out--so I just have to take it one day at a time: do things if I can, if not then I have to rest.....But I do want to post the lyrics of this song& a link to it; God has encouraged me so much through this song!, especially the first verse; the words just say it all--I praise Him that He does hold my every moment, He is Sovereign & is in control, my faith is in Him every step of the way; He is my Healer!! :)
"Healer" by Kari Jobe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzejd6r9DwE&feature=related
VERSE:
You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
and heal all my disease
PRE-CHORUS:
I trust in You
I trust in You
CHORUS:
I believe You're my healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe
I believe You're my portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus, You're all I need
VERSE:
You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
and heal all my disease
PRE-CHORUS:
I trust in You
Lord, I trust in You
CHORUS:
I believe You're my healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe
I believe You're my portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus, You're all I need
BRIDGE:
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands
CHORUS:
I believe You're my healer
I believe You are all I need
Oh yes You are, yes You are
I believe You're my portion
Lord, I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus You're all I need
More than enough for me,
Jesus You're all I need
More than enough for me,
Jesus You're all I need
ENDING:
You're my Healer, my Healer
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Hello Infrared Sauna...Bye Bye Toxins
Saturday, February 4, 2012
I have been told and am learning that taking the antibiotics are only half of what it is going to take for me to get better. The antibiotics kill the bacteria in my body, but those toxins have to come out of my body to get better. One of the best ways is through sweating. My body is Too weak to work out & break a sweat, so being in an infrared sauna is one of the best ways to remove toxins, in my opinion.
It would be So awesome to be able to get in it everyday; it would probably make me feel so much better & possibly be able to heal quicker. I told my hubby that if we got one, it could be my birthday, anniversary, & Christmas present for the next 2 years or more! :~) I actually have seen a few on Craigslist--going to look more into it!.....This pic was how refreshed I looked afterward....Ahhhhh :)
So, today is a cloudy day---looking forward to eating breakfast for supper and relaxing with my awesome hubby & adorable son! :)
Monday, I start my second 3-week round of antibiotics, so we will see how it goes. I am a little nervous, but just taking it one day at a time.
The first 2 weeks were not too bad, but these past 2 weeks have been Ra-ough!, my body has been Extremely weak & it feels like Jello--it's like I am a car on "E", my body just won't go many days---the bad days are definitely outweighing the good days----
BUT, I am daily Striving to not let it get me down, with the help of my Encouraging husband!, God is Sovereign; He is my Creator, He knew every detail of me before I was even conceived (Psalm 139). He knew long before I ever knew, that I would experience this, in this season of my life. As I go through this, I want to strive to daily remind myself of this profound truth & to daily try to look at the big picture; this life is So temporary, I need to make the most of everyday, even if I am at home & have to lay down most of the time; I can still praise God through it!, As I rest I can be still before Him (Psalm 46:10), praise Him through music, and pray without ceasing for my loved ones.
In addition, I can praise Him in how we raise Bailey; in how my time is with Bailey during the day before DaDa gets home. God has utterly amazed me with the child he has so graciously blessed us with. Bailey is so easy-going, gentle, patient, and is So helpful. He is my little sidekick :~) He keeps me company during this time and I thank Jesus for that!, Right now I am not able to run around with him or take him for a walk and do things with him that take more energy, but I Can do the smaller things, and I need to be ok with that....Bailey is :~)
Friday, January 27, 2012
Last Day of My 1st 'Round' of Antibiotics
Friday, January 27th, 2012:
So, this is the Last day of my First 'round' of antibiotics. The plan is to be on antibiotics for 3 weeks, off a week, on for 3 weeks, off a week, etc. for like 9 months of longer, depending on how I progress.
The first 2 weeks, my Lyme doctor had me only on half the doses of the antibiotics to ease me into it, but this week she doubled the dose to where the dose will remain. It's been a doozy of a week! My symptoms have definitely been worse--that's bitter-sweet because it's unfortunate to feel this way & have to rest all the time (even though I believe this is a season of my life where God wants me to rest, be still before Him & pray), but at the same time it means the abx's are working, which I am SO thankful for!, so it's worth the weakness, pain, stiffness, brain fogginess, & just overall Extreme fatigue from head to toe.
During the week I take 3 abx's on Monday, Wednesday & Friday, but at the end of a round, I take a very intense abx, which I took for the first time yesterday and am taking it today. Wow!, it has made me Alot worse!!, the whole right side of my body is So weak, yet in pain at the same time. But yet again, I am SO thrilled that it's working, to where it is totally bearable, even though I feel miserable.
The Hardest part is that, in my mind, I feel like myself. I still joke & cut up & am regular 'ole Heather, but my body just will not allow me to do things. It's pretty frustrating because my mind and body are not on the same page. On the outside, I look completely fine, but on the inside I feel horrible. Not to complain, that's just the way it is.
BUT, after stating all this I am SO grateful to the Lord for leading me to my Lyme doctor and for having me on this path of healing. Yes, it's hard & is going to be a long year, but I am SO thankful these abx are working!, I praise Jesus for that!!
Some days, especially on my worse days, my mind wanders. When my mind wanders to worry & fear of the unknown & what lies ahead over the next year or longer--I start to wonder if I am truly going to be completely better within a year or so, or if maybe not, if maybe it will take 2 or 3 years, & I wonder when & if we'll be able to have a 2nd child, will Bailey have to see me take medicine & lay down to rest everyday for a long time?....and all those things like that is where my mind goes to....
Well yesterday as my mind started to wander, God gently led me to 1 Peter 5:6-11. This passage is So encouraging! (I have posted it below) In verse 7, it encourages us to cast ALL our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. But in verse 6, it tells us that, in doing this, it takes humility. Humility is hard to do when our selfish pride gets in the way; which my pride Often gets in the way!, but boy, as we just humble ourselves before the Lord, it is Beautiful what He can & will do in & through us & how He will give us a Whole new perspective on our current circumstances, but also on life in general; how this life, here on earth, is SO temporary!, & our circumstances are temporary, they are not eternal....and how this life is not about us, but All about Him & bringing Him Glory!
So, through this journey, I just want to take it One day at a time, striving to live each day to its fullest & strive to not think about the next day or days ahead--it's really a waste of time to do so, & it just gets in the way of what God can do on each single day :~)
A song that is encouraging is "Live for Today" by Natalie Grant...this song encourages me to live out what I described above :~) Here is the link if you would like to listen to this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuG0L37zulg
1 Peter 5:6-11
6 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting ALL your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
So, this is the Last day of my First 'round' of antibiotics. The plan is to be on antibiotics for 3 weeks, off a week, on for 3 weeks, off a week, etc. for like 9 months of longer, depending on how I progress.
The first 2 weeks, my Lyme doctor had me only on half the doses of the antibiotics to ease me into it, but this week she doubled the dose to where the dose will remain. It's been a doozy of a week! My symptoms have definitely been worse--that's bitter-sweet because it's unfortunate to feel this way & have to rest all the time (even though I believe this is a season of my life where God wants me to rest, be still before Him & pray), but at the same time it means the abx's are working, which I am SO thankful for!, so it's worth the weakness, pain, stiffness, brain fogginess, & just overall Extreme fatigue from head to toe.
During the week I take 3 abx's on Monday, Wednesday & Friday, but at the end of a round, I take a very intense abx, which I took for the first time yesterday and am taking it today. Wow!, it has made me Alot worse!!, the whole right side of my body is So weak, yet in pain at the same time. But yet again, I am SO thrilled that it's working, to where it is totally bearable, even though I feel miserable.
The Hardest part is that, in my mind, I feel like myself. I still joke & cut up & am regular 'ole Heather, but my body just will not allow me to do things. It's pretty frustrating because my mind and body are not on the same page. On the outside, I look completely fine, but on the inside I feel horrible. Not to complain, that's just the way it is.
BUT, after stating all this I am SO grateful to the Lord for leading me to my Lyme doctor and for having me on this path of healing. Yes, it's hard & is going to be a long year, but I am SO thankful these abx are working!, I praise Jesus for that!!
Some days, especially on my worse days, my mind wanders. When my mind wanders to worry & fear of the unknown & what lies ahead over the next year or longer--I start to wonder if I am truly going to be completely better within a year or so, or if maybe not, if maybe it will take 2 or 3 years, & I wonder when & if we'll be able to have a 2nd child, will Bailey have to see me take medicine & lay down to rest everyday for a long time?....and all those things like that is where my mind goes to....
Well yesterday as my mind started to wander, God gently led me to 1 Peter 5:6-11. This passage is So encouraging! (I have posted it below) In verse 7, it encourages us to cast ALL our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. But in verse 6, it tells us that, in doing this, it takes humility. Humility is hard to do when our selfish pride gets in the way; which my pride Often gets in the way!, but boy, as we just humble ourselves before the Lord, it is Beautiful what He can & will do in & through us & how He will give us a Whole new perspective on our current circumstances, but also on life in general; how this life, here on earth, is SO temporary!, & our circumstances are temporary, they are not eternal....and how this life is not about us, but All about Him & bringing Him Glory!
So, through this journey, I just want to take it One day at a time, striving to live each day to its fullest & strive to not think about the next day or days ahead--it's really a waste of time to do so, & it just gets in the way of what God can do on each single day :~)
A song that is encouraging is "Live for Today" by Natalie Grant...this song encourages me to live out what I described above :~) Here is the link if you would like to listen to this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuG0L37zulg
1 Peter 5:6-11
6 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting ALL your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Thursday, January 19, 2012
I Have to Learn to Not Over Do it!!
So this is my 2nd week of antibiotics. These first two weeks, she started me on half the dose I should be taking to start off gently; which I have done okay, but have definitely had some rough days, especially when I over do it. I do not mean to, I just try to go and do a few things, but then my body just won't go anymore, which is what happened today.
I had my 2nd eye appointment today, the first one being in 8th grade :~) My eyes have been fine up until this past year & have gotten Alot worse over the past two months or so. But I do have a stigmatism--my new, wonderful eye doctor, which I highly recommend to anyone, Dr. Burt at Palmetto Eye here in Rock Hill, said that is what is causing my blurry & double vision, and this is not related to Lyme, but the weakness/tiredness in my eyes is definitely related to me having Lyme disease. So, I do have to get glasses, but I am kind of excited about it because they make some cute ones these days :~) hehe
But yea, I just went to my eye appointment & to Walmart just to grab a few things, and by the time I got Bailey from my mama's & got him down for a nap, it felt as if my body had an on/off switch and like someone had switched it to off.
So, God is really teaching me that I just need to realize that during this "night" (as in the theme of my blog), during this season of life, I have to just slow down & rest, rest, rest. And, He has really been revealing to me here lately that during the times of rest to just be still before him (Psalm 46:10) & to pray, to just be in a constant state of prayer. I have yet to be obedient to this tug on my heart, but He's definitely tugging & waiting on my obedience.
I want to wake up each day talking to God & just leaving the conversation open all day & not say Amen til I lay my head on my pillow :~)
So, yea, this is going to be a long 9 month or longer journey & I am one to constantly want to be on the go, but God is teaching me that I just Have to rest; I do not have a choice at this point. And I know that is for a reason. God has and is and will do mighty things through this, I know it! It is exciting to see Him daily at work & I look forward to what He is going to do through this; I praise Him for what He already has done through this--every single detail He's worked out to make this treatment plan happen, the people He's placed in my life as a result of having Lyme, & just for the daily deepening of peace He gives me even on my very worst of days! :)
Ultimately, what is most important is Him receving All the Glory, so I hope & pray that He is in every single way, and that He would use me in the lives of others, to encourage them...that is my hope & my desire! :~)
So, next week is Week 3 of antibiotics; she is doubling the doses of all of my antibiotics, which is the dose I should be at--we will see how that goes--as you think of our family, please pray!, pray that my body will respond well & pray that God will heal my body through this long treatment plan---whether He heals me in two weeks, two months, or two years, or even if it's not here on earth, I know He has promised relief, which is what my whole blog is focused on, Joy in the Morning.
I can't wait for that relief, but if I spend every single day anticipating it, then I could really be missing out on what God may be trying to teach me or do through me for His Glory.
I'm actually thankful for this suffering, even though it could be So much worse, because it daily reminds me of my sin & that there are diseases as a result of a fallen world, of our sin--and this daily reminds me of my Desperate, desperate need for Jesus!, I cannot do Anything without Him!, I praise Him for the Cross & for dying for you, for me; that He bore our sin, so that we may receive His rightesouness.....o' the Gospel is So beautful & So powerful & I praise Him for it! :~)
I had my 2nd eye appointment today, the first one being in 8th grade :~) My eyes have been fine up until this past year & have gotten Alot worse over the past two months or so. But I do have a stigmatism--my new, wonderful eye doctor, which I highly recommend to anyone, Dr. Burt at Palmetto Eye here in Rock Hill, said that is what is causing my blurry & double vision, and this is not related to Lyme, but the weakness/tiredness in my eyes is definitely related to me having Lyme disease. So, I do have to get glasses, but I am kind of excited about it because they make some cute ones these days :~) hehe
But yea, I just went to my eye appointment & to Walmart just to grab a few things, and by the time I got Bailey from my mama's & got him down for a nap, it felt as if my body had an on/off switch and like someone had switched it to off.
So, God is really teaching me that I just need to realize that during this "night" (as in the theme of my blog), during this season of life, I have to just slow down & rest, rest, rest. And, He has really been revealing to me here lately that during the times of rest to just be still before him (Psalm 46:10) & to pray, to just be in a constant state of prayer. I have yet to be obedient to this tug on my heart, but He's definitely tugging & waiting on my obedience.
I want to wake up each day talking to God & just leaving the conversation open all day & not say Amen til I lay my head on my pillow :~)
So, yea, this is going to be a long 9 month or longer journey & I am one to constantly want to be on the go, but God is teaching me that I just Have to rest; I do not have a choice at this point. And I know that is for a reason. God has and is and will do mighty things through this, I know it! It is exciting to see Him daily at work & I look forward to what He is going to do through this; I praise Him for what He already has done through this--every single detail He's worked out to make this treatment plan happen, the people He's placed in my life as a result of having Lyme, & just for the daily deepening of peace He gives me even on my very worst of days! :)
Ultimately, what is most important is Him receving All the Glory, so I hope & pray that He is in every single way, and that He would use me in the lives of others, to encourage them...that is my hope & my desire! :~)
So, next week is Week 3 of antibiotics; she is doubling the doses of all of my antibiotics, which is the dose I should be at--we will see how that goes--as you think of our family, please pray!, pray that my body will respond well & pray that God will heal my body through this long treatment plan---whether He heals me in two weeks, two months, or two years, or even if it's not here on earth, I know He has promised relief, which is what my whole blog is focused on, Joy in the Morning.
I can't wait for that relief, but if I spend every single day anticipating it, then I could really be missing out on what God may be trying to teach me or do through me for His Glory.
I'm actually thankful for this suffering, even though it could be So much worse, because it daily reminds me of my sin & that there are diseases as a result of a fallen world, of our sin--and this daily reminds me of my Desperate, desperate need for Jesus!, I cannot do Anything without Him!, I praise Him for the Cross & for dying for you, for me; that He bore our sin, so that we may receive His rightesouness.....o' the Gospel is So beautful & So powerful & I praise Him for it! :~)
Friday, January 13, 2012
Week One Down, maybe 50 or so to go....
Week one of intense antibiotics down, only 50 or so more weeks to go :~)
Praise to Jesus that I am actually doing pretty well. This is the last day of my first week; I take the supplements everyday, but the antibiotics only on Monday, Wednesday, & Friday. Thankfully, the supplements, meds, & Gluten free diet are really helping with energy, sleep, anxiety, & so thankful they are helping with the nausea; the nausea is getting a little better. Hopefully with time, it will get even better :~)
A few of my symptoms have gotten slightly better, but I still just feel so weak & lethargic all over even though the supplements are helping with energy, my whole body just feels so heavy & just 'blah' basically :)
That's the most difficult part, on the outside I look completely fine & dandy, but on the inside it feels like my body is just giving out sometimes. I do try to push myself to be able to continue doing things, especially more important family things, but I do get plenty of rest because that is important, and it helps me to save up energy to be able to do things on the weekend with family, which I am thankful for. :~)
Speaking of being thankful, I Highly recommend you read this book called, "Choosing Gratitude" by Nancy Leigh Demoss....it is such an encouraging, yet convicting book. God has reminded me through it, that during trials in our life, it is our choice to be thankful or not. No matter what we have been through, are going through, or will go through, there is something within that situation we can be thankful for. Pick that something out and praise God for it!, It may help to make a list of people & things you are thankful are--daily look at that & realize the situation may not be so bad after all (that's someting I have yet to do, but need to) :~)
The key in this still boils down to having a relationship with God--everyone can be thankful, but when you truly Know God, not just 'believe' in Him, you will see the world through His eyes and not your own, & there will just be a whole different insight on life period.
So, I went from talking about my first week of antibiotics to being thankful, and yes they are connected. During this long time of treatment (sorrow may last for the night), I could wallow around & be full of self-pity, which I am Definitely guilty of sometimes, or I can choose to be thankful; thankful for a diagnosis, for a treatment plan, thankful for a time that God will give me relief (but Joy comes with the morning)--aside from health, thankful for my amazingly, supportive husband, our precious son that is So easy-going it makes things easier for me on my worse days, thankful for a lovely extended family-the sweet bond we have, I love!....and the list could go on......
~Psalm 30:5~
I say all that to say that through anything, let's Choose to be Thankful! :~)
**1 Thessalonians 5: 16-19--"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit."
**Phil 4: 11-13-- (this is Paul speaking) "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
--->One thing I just thought about from Phil 4--the next to last verse says, "I have learned"....meaning it does take time, you're not going to just up and have a gentle spirit about whatever it is you are going through----yes, it's a choice as I spoke about before, but it is also learned, & takes practice...
If you're a true Christ follower, the Spirit dwells within you & convicts you--through that conviction, you are disciplned & you learn, just like a child--which we are children of God!...not to say we can sit back & not do anything since the Spirit is at work--we have to actively pursue God with All our might, Daily.
For example, yes I teach Bailey, but he is actively pursuing things; like his letters, colors, & numbers--I teach him, but he doesn't just sit back & say Mommy's going to do it all; he has his part in learning as well, just like us as children of God :~)
Praise to Jesus that I am actually doing pretty well. This is the last day of my first week; I take the supplements everyday, but the antibiotics only on Monday, Wednesday, & Friday. Thankfully, the supplements, meds, & Gluten free diet are really helping with energy, sleep, anxiety, & so thankful they are helping with the nausea; the nausea is getting a little better. Hopefully with time, it will get even better :~)
A few of my symptoms have gotten slightly better, but I still just feel so weak & lethargic all over even though the supplements are helping with energy, my whole body just feels so heavy & just 'blah' basically :)
That's the most difficult part, on the outside I look completely fine & dandy, but on the inside it feels like my body is just giving out sometimes. I do try to push myself to be able to continue doing things, especially more important family things, but I do get plenty of rest because that is important, and it helps me to save up energy to be able to do things on the weekend with family, which I am thankful for. :~)
Speaking of being thankful, I Highly recommend you read this book called, "Choosing Gratitude" by Nancy Leigh Demoss....it is such an encouraging, yet convicting book. God has reminded me through it, that during trials in our life, it is our choice to be thankful or not. No matter what we have been through, are going through, or will go through, there is something within that situation we can be thankful for. Pick that something out and praise God for it!, It may help to make a list of people & things you are thankful are--daily look at that & realize the situation may not be so bad after all (that's someting I have yet to do, but need to) :~)
The key in this still boils down to having a relationship with God--everyone can be thankful, but when you truly Know God, not just 'believe' in Him, you will see the world through His eyes and not your own, & there will just be a whole different insight on life period.
So, I went from talking about my first week of antibiotics to being thankful, and yes they are connected. During this long time of treatment (sorrow may last for the night), I could wallow around & be full of self-pity, which I am Definitely guilty of sometimes, or I can choose to be thankful; thankful for a diagnosis, for a treatment plan, thankful for a time that God will give me relief (but Joy comes with the morning)--aside from health, thankful for my amazingly, supportive husband, our precious son that is So easy-going it makes things easier for me on my worse days, thankful for a lovely extended family-the sweet bond we have, I love!....and the list could go on......
~Psalm 30:5~
I say all that to say that through anything, let's Choose to be Thankful! :~)
**1 Thessalonians 5: 16-19--"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit."
**Phil 4: 11-13-- (this is Paul speaking) "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
--->One thing I just thought about from Phil 4--the next to last verse says, "I have learned"....meaning it does take time, you're not going to just up and have a gentle spirit about whatever it is you are going through----yes, it's a choice as I spoke about before, but it is also learned, & takes practice...
If you're a true Christ follower, the Spirit dwells within you & convicts you--through that conviction, you are disciplned & you learn, just like a child--which we are children of God!...not to say we can sit back & not do anything since the Spirit is at work--we have to actively pursue God with All our might, Daily.
For example, yes I teach Bailey, but he is actively pursuing things; like his letters, colors, & numbers--I teach him, but he doesn't just sit back & say Mommy's going to do it all; he has his part in learning as well, just like us as children of God :~)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Gluten Free--not so bad after all :~)
So, part of my Lyme treatment plan is going Gluten-free--which at first, I was like, "Oh no", it's going to be boring, because if you know me, you know I have slipped by my whole life, now being 25, without any, I mean Any fruits & veggies, other than potatoes, so this is a Big Deal :~).....but now, 2.5 weeks into it, it's not so bad after all. And a plus, I've lost 8 pounds in 2.5 weeks!! :~)
I just wanted to list what I eat throughout the day & see if anyone has anything to say about it :~)
**Breakfast-- i make a smoothie, and Bailey sees me making it and always wants one too, so i make a lil extra....precious! :~)
I use:
1. Coconut Milk (just enough to cover ingredients)
2. Frozen Blueberries (a lil handful--great b/c of the antioxidants)
3. Frozen Strawberries--(like 5 or 6--on berries, i get frozen ones at Walmart)
4. About 8-9 Spinach leaves---you totally can't taste them---a good way to sneak in the greens :~)
5. About 4-5 lil round carrots---i get the frozen bag at walmart for $0.98, and boil them--Bailey eats them for lunches and/or suppers sand i also use them for my breakfast smoothie
6. And today I started adding a handful of Kale into it--(couldn't taste it at all, but a great way to get some greens in me)
& with this smoothie I eat about a handful of the Gluten Free Chex, which is like right under $4 at Walmart--its green & white & says GF on it.....
**For lunch, i usually do a toasted sandwich, only one slice of Gluten Free bread, that I got in the frozen section at Bi-Lo, the Udis brand for like $4.98---i only use one piece of bread to make it last b/c of the price, but mostly b/c of carbs.....I'll eat it with a lil turkey or roast beef---maybe a lil cheese :)
**Snacks--Lay's plain chips are gluten free, peanuts are ok, and on the 2nd chip aisle at Walmart, they make these awesome chips/veggie straws--they make the veggie ones & the cheese ones--Bailey & I love them & they are so much healthier!, as eating them, they feel so much lighter than previous cheese doodles I have eaten, such a better feeling....the Key is that you have to look at labels--if it say 'modified', or 'wheat' anything, then its a no no, or artificial flavoring.....
**Supper--i get a pack of fresh chicken strips, the ones that are all natural, around $5 at walmart----i marinate them in extra virgin olive oil, seasoning salt, parsley, and a lil spinach cut up to where it looks like parsley, yesterday I added Kale as well, cut it up as small as parsley......i bake these at 350 degrees for like 40 min--they are yummy!, and they last at least 3 days or longer for suppers-----also bacon is ok, so sometimes i'll have bacon (drain the grease) & 2 or 3 eggs, cuz eggs are Great to have!
---Also for supper, a few days ago I tried a sweet potato--i've tried it before, but didnt like it---now that i can't really have potatoes, but if i do they need to be sweet potatoes, i was like let me try this again----so i boiled the whole potato--on med-high for like 25 min or so, then cut it up into lil pieces---i have this lil packet of seasoning called bacon & chives--its like $0.98 at walmart near the potatoes---you add extra virgin olive oil to it and dip the potatoes in it---then i broiled them for like 5 min or so in my oven---they were yummy!!, you can also put cinnamon on them!, a nice little dessert :~)....I even got Bailey to eat them, although he eats pretty much all fruits & veggies :~), but I was like, "Bailey they are orange--yummy!"....hen said "Urnge....mmmm" & ate away :~)
So, if you have Lyme or maybe Celiac Disease, or going Gluten Free will benefit anyone; it's only a major plus for anyone :~)
So, if I can do it, you can do it!!....& this all goes back to the title of my blog, "Joy in the Morning"...the sorrow does last for the night, like I have said before. Personally, my 'night' could be weeks, months, years, or longer, but God does promise relief, & I praise Him for that!
And also, we are called to take care of our bodies, they are a temple of the Holy Spirit, if you are a believer, (1 Cor 6:19-20), we were bought with a price--Jesus bore our sin on the Cross, that we may receive His righteousness--this is a Big deal--we are His Creation, therefore we should take care of our bodies--having to go Gluten free is a blessing in disguise for me, that I am so thankful for!
Hope you have a lovely & blessed day!! :~)
I just wanted to list what I eat throughout the day & see if anyone has anything to say about it :~)
**Breakfast-- i make a smoothie, and Bailey sees me making it and always wants one too, so i make a lil extra....precious! :~)
I use:
1. Coconut Milk (just enough to cover ingredients)
2. Frozen Blueberries (a lil handful--great b/c of the antioxidants)
3. Frozen Strawberries--(like 5 or 6--on berries, i get frozen ones at Walmart)
4. About 8-9 Spinach leaves---you totally can't taste them---a good way to sneak in the greens :~)
5. About 4-5 lil round carrots---i get the frozen bag at walmart for $0.98, and boil them--Bailey eats them for lunches and/or suppers sand i also use them for my breakfast smoothie
6. And today I started adding a handful of Kale into it--(couldn't taste it at all, but a great way to get some greens in me)
& with this smoothie I eat about a handful of the Gluten Free Chex, which is like right under $4 at Walmart--its green & white & says GF on it.....
**For lunch, i usually do a toasted sandwich, only one slice of Gluten Free bread, that I got in the frozen section at Bi-Lo, the Udis brand for like $4.98---i only use one piece of bread to make it last b/c of the price, but mostly b/c of carbs.....I'll eat it with a lil turkey or roast beef---maybe a lil cheese :)
**Snacks--Lay's plain chips are gluten free, peanuts are ok, and on the 2nd chip aisle at Walmart, they make these awesome chips/veggie straws--they make the veggie ones & the cheese ones--Bailey & I love them & they are so much healthier!, as eating them, they feel so much lighter than previous cheese doodles I have eaten, such a better feeling....the Key is that you have to look at labels--if it say 'modified', or 'wheat' anything, then its a no no, or artificial flavoring.....
**Supper--i get a pack of fresh chicken strips, the ones that are all natural, around $5 at walmart----i marinate them in extra virgin olive oil, seasoning salt, parsley, and a lil spinach cut up to where it looks like parsley, yesterday I added Kale as well, cut it up as small as parsley......i bake these at 350 degrees for like 40 min--they are yummy!, and they last at least 3 days or longer for suppers-----also bacon is ok, so sometimes i'll have bacon (drain the grease) & 2 or 3 eggs, cuz eggs are Great to have!
---Also for supper, a few days ago I tried a sweet potato--i've tried it before, but didnt like it---now that i can't really have potatoes, but if i do they need to be sweet potatoes, i was like let me try this again----so i boiled the whole potato--on med-high for like 25 min or so, then cut it up into lil pieces---i have this lil packet of seasoning called bacon & chives--its like $0.98 at walmart near the potatoes---you add extra virgin olive oil to it and dip the potatoes in it---then i broiled them for like 5 min or so in my oven---they were yummy!!, you can also put cinnamon on them!, a nice little dessert :~)....I even got Bailey to eat them, although he eats pretty much all fruits & veggies :~), but I was like, "Bailey they are orange--yummy!"....hen said "Urnge....mmmm" & ate away :~)
So, if you have Lyme or maybe Celiac Disease, or going Gluten Free will benefit anyone; it's only a major plus for anyone :~)
So, if I can do it, you can do it!!....& this all goes back to the title of my blog, "Joy in the Morning"...the sorrow does last for the night, like I have said before. Personally, my 'night' could be weeks, months, years, or longer, but God does promise relief, & I praise Him for that!
And also, we are called to take care of our bodies, they are a temple of the Holy Spirit, if you are a believer, (1 Cor 6:19-20), we were bought with a price--Jesus bore our sin on the Cross, that we may receive His righteousness--this is a Big deal--we are His Creation, therefore we should take care of our bodies--having to go Gluten free is a blessing in disguise for me, that I am so thankful for!
Hope you have a lovely & blessed day!! :~)
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