It’s a few days after the Thanksgiving holiday and I have a lot to be thankful for!  Two years into my treatment plan and I’m seeing some progress.  During my last visit to my LLD, I received even more prescriptions, which left me a little down.  I was hoping that this visit, I would be allowed to decrease the amount of medication that I consume each day.  Even though that didn’t happen,  I realize that it could be a lot worse.  I could still be so sick that I can’t get out of bed or do anything for myself.  That’s progress, right?

On days where I feel myself feeling defeated or when I’m struggling to do even the simplest of things, I’m reminded that this process is a marathon, not a sprint.  I tend to want to see things done quickly so I can get on to the next thing, however, God has something else in store for me  during this season in my life.  I am learning to be patient, which has often been something that I’ve struggled with.   As I sit here typing this post, I’m feeling quite sluggish, I have a low-grade migraine and I have ringing in my ears.  Most people would not be able to function under these circumstances, but I have gotten used to it and God has given me grace to endure for he knows just how much I can bear. He gives me just what I need to run this race, and for that, I’m grateful.  My mother used to tell me all the time, “to whom much is given, much is required”.  I know that God has blessed me with much and he is using this illness to provide me with a platform to give him the glory and I intend to do just that!

‘Til next time,

WC

Hello everyone!

Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve written anything.  Many things have happened in the two years since I’ve posted to my blog.  Where do I start?

Since, my last post, I have continued to see the same amazing LLD, Dr. Jonathan Forrester in Pineville, Louisiana (near Alexandria).  My treatment plan has changed a bit to focus on the ever-changing symptoms that I encounter.  I have also been diagnosed with two co-infections of Chronic Lyme Disease; Bartonella and Babesia.  Short-term memory loss has been a huge issue for me.  At times, I have trouble remembering what I did or said the previous day, which can be quite scary.  I take lots of notes to help me stay on track and rely heavily on my calendar to make sure I don’t miss any appointments for myself or events for any of my children.

In addition to the short-term memory loss, I continue to struggle with extreme exhaustion.  With the Lyme Disease, I suffer from bouts of insomnia which makes it hard on me during the day.  Even on the days where I feel like I’ve gotten a good amount of sleep, I’m still quite tired as a result of the disease.  Anxiety has also started to rear it’s ugly head in certain situations.  I start to become anxious over the smallest of things, that wouldn’t matter to most people.  The one thing that has really helped me get through it all is my faith in God.  I’ve always read my bible, but I find myself reading it more and more looking for hope in God’s promises to us.  I’ve also begun following Christian leaders, Joel and Victoria Osteen,  Joyce Meyer and of course my Pastors, Eric and Andrea Moore of Summit Worship Center in the Austin, TX area- who offer words of inspiration and remind me that God is in control.  My prayer life has also increased over the past few months and I continue to push through and navigate my life that now includes daily medication (I’m up to over 15 pills per day) and countless symptoms that come and go and seem to have a mind of their own.

My doctor told me during a recent visit that he would like me to add low-impact exercise to my treatment plan.  I have very little strength in my hands and my muscles are weak.  In fact, my hands are so weak, I have a hard time opening a small bag of potato chips, which would not have been an issue for me years ago.  I have little to zero muscle tone in my arms and legs too.  I’ve purchased a gym membership, though I’ve not gone much.  I get so tired and weak after a short time on the treadmill or the elliptical machine.

I’m staying positive and now only go see my LLD once per quarter instead of once per month.  This is a good thing since he recently announced to his Lyme patients that he would no longer be able to accept insurance.  My faith is strong and I continue to stay positive.  God is faithful.  He who began a work in me is faithful to complete it!

Til next time, be blessed!

Windy