I found out that my doctor is always booked cause of how popular of a doctor she is. At first I was discouraged because I felt that I had a lot of unanswered questions from our last appointment which was almost 6 months ago. But only God knows the time she's needed.
Before I saw her, I thought I better make much of my time with her cause who knows how long it will take to see her again. So I wrote a bunch of questions that I would miss to ask her about. She shared with me that my disease was mild at this stage. But telling only by the symptoms and two xrays which was my sacroiliac joint and fingers. She failed to remember another xray which was important to get done and it was my neck. So I was thankful that she was open to writing me up form for the radiologist to have it checked. And of course she recommended that I'd take a less stronger drug called Sulfasalazine. I quickly explained that I'm not quite comfortable to take that step yet. Especially if I didn't know I was allergic to it. She finally respected my wish. She went ahead and examined my mobility and wasn't proud of the results. My measurement of expansion of the lungs chest were not normal and neither was bending over. She recommended that I'd do Yoga or Pilates everyday. Basically, stretch all the time and keep moving.
The day after I realized that I better have my chest x ray done too since I've had problems with stiffness and breathing deeply. I thank God for another opportunity to get that checked and a sitter who patiently watched my kids so I could do this. Now...just waiting for the results next week! I'm hoping and praying in the Lord's name nothing comes out bad.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Saturday, August 10, 2013
New symptom
Well, it's no fun finding new related symptoms in my disease AS. Two weeks ago, I noticed my ribs were so painful. It felt sore and I was limited to bending cause my ribs were inflamed. I did some research online and asked my AS support group on Facebook. And my conclusion was all linked to Costochondritis. It is an inflammation of the ribs. And boy does it hurt! I was upset to not be able to go to church again because of an AS related issue. But God was merciful and allowed me to get rest and read His word during that time. I've read that sometimes the pain can take up to a month to go away. But thankfully, it went away in two days. Even though it seemed like forever...God was in control.
Off to the ER I went...
So I had a little scare three weeks ago. One night I had such an excruciating pain in my lower right abdomen. I was literally on the floor and couldn't move cause of the pain. I was sweating and almost vomited. Thank God my husband was home to help me. I couldn't sleep cause it felt like labor pain! So I asked my husband to grab a washcloth and soak it in warm water. And it helped to some point so that I could sleep.
But the next morning, I knew I had to go to the urgent care just in case it was appendicitis. My husband had to take off work and brought me to Concord. Then the doctor said he wanted me to go to the ER next door cause it could be serious.
So I waited in the ER and did a series of tests...the ultrasound didn't show if it was appendicitis or not. So they had to do a CT scan which required me to do a contrast of iodine in my IV. And that's when they diagnosed me with an ovarian cyst rupture! I was like what? Really?
Well first, praise God it wasn't appendicitis or anything else serious. The only person that came to mind was my sister who had the same problem and symptoms in the beginning of the year. Who would have thought it would happen to me? I was totally shocked. But soon found out that it was actually a common thing that women inherited. I felt some what relieved. But still had one cyst left in there so I'm actually gonna follow up with my doc next week with an ultrasound.
But the next morning, I knew I had to go to the urgent care just in case it was appendicitis. My husband had to take off work and brought me to Concord. Then the doctor said he wanted me to go to the ER next door cause it could be serious.
So I waited in the ER and did a series of tests...the ultrasound didn't show if it was appendicitis or not. So they had to do a CT scan which required me to do a contrast of iodine in my IV. And that's when they diagnosed me with an ovarian cyst rupture! I was like what? Really?
Well first, praise God it wasn't appendicitis or anything else serious. The only person that came to mind was my sister who had the same problem and symptoms in the beginning of the year. Who would have thought it would happen to me? I was totally shocked. But soon found out that it was actually a common thing that women inherited. I felt some what relieved. But still had one cyst left in there so I'm actually gonna follow up with my doc next week with an ultrasound.
God led me to a good doctor who helped alleviate my pain
Wow is all I must say! It started just by talking to a sister from my church who has the same disease as I. And she recommended that I'd see her Osteopathic doctor who specializes in manipulative medicine.
I have to say at first, I was skeptical of what she would do. It seemed like she was just like a Chiropractor who adjusts the joints and spine. But she knows so much more! At my one hour initial appointment I discussed with her my health concerns and disease. And for her to be to understanding and caring was such a blessing already! She said their office talks all about auto-immune disease and in fact she has one herself. So she knows a lot about the discomforts and problems that arise in a typical day for me.
She then continued on cracking all my joints but yet did some kind of work on my vertebrae. I've never seen this practice before and was pretty hopeful when she knew where I was stiff. So she mentioned to her husband (who is also a doctor there) and practitioner in training on how bad my body was. They all worked on me at the same time by pulling and tugging on my pain! There was a weird feeling on my right arm that would allow me to stretch without pain...and no kidding, her husband twisted the muscle and fixed it. It went away! And didn't come back! I cannot even believe how they all alleviated my pain that very day. I literally stood up after her work was done and asked if I could hug her! I told her that I haven't felt so relieved in almost a year. I tried everything from changing my diet and taking (NSAIDs) medication but nothing helped. So from now on, she's got me booked for every two weeks. I thank my Lord for allowing me to have time to make these appointments and finding good sitters for my kids while take a jump of taking care of myself during this summer.
I have to say at first, I was skeptical of what she would do. It seemed like she was just like a Chiropractor who adjusts the joints and spine. But she knows so much more! At my one hour initial appointment I discussed with her my health concerns and disease. And for her to be to understanding and caring was such a blessing already! She said their office talks all about auto-immune disease and in fact she has one herself. So she knows a lot about the discomforts and problems that arise in a typical day for me.
She then continued on cracking all my joints but yet did some kind of work on my vertebrae. I've never seen this practice before and was pretty hopeful when she knew where I was stiff. So she mentioned to her husband (who is also a doctor there) and practitioner in training on how bad my body was. They all worked on me at the same time by pulling and tugging on my pain! There was a weird feeling on my right arm that would allow me to stretch without pain...and no kidding, her husband twisted the muscle and fixed it. It went away! And didn't come back! I cannot even believe how they all alleviated my pain that very day. I literally stood up after her work was done and asked if I could hug her! I told her that I haven't felt so relieved in almost a year. I tried everything from changing my diet and taking (NSAIDs) medication but nothing helped. So from now on, she's got me booked for every two weeks. I thank my Lord for allowing me to have time to make these appointments and finding good sitters for my kids while take a jump of taking care of myself during this summer.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
God did not refuse my friend's prayers
God sees, hears and knows everything including prayers! Nothing escapes His attention.
PSALM 116:1-2
" I LOVE THE LORD, FOR HE HAS HEARD MY VOICE AND MY PLEA FOR MERCY. BECAUSE HE INCLINED HIS EAR TO ME, THEREFORE I WILL CALL ON HIM AS LONG AS I LIVE."
As I ponder what God has done for me so far. It's only fitting that this verse is my pledge. God has been so good to me. When I think about all the pains I've been through (mentally) and how He delivered me through those, I need to be reminded that He was faithful to me from the beginning. And the pain of childbirth...wow was He there helping me every step of the way! I remember my fourth child's birth like it was yesterday. I had the ability to have a safe homebirth in the water for the first time. And all the anxiousness I had towards it was lifted by much prayer from me, my husband and friends. The Lord truly delivered!
Just recently, last week, a flare up in my disease arose. It was Father's Day and everything was going smoothly. I helped my husband prepare a BBQ meal and cleaned up for him. But suddenly after an afternoon nap I felt like my body was aching all over. It felt like the flu but worse! I usually can withstand the flu but this was just so painful. I've already taken a medication in the morning that supposedly lasts for 12 hours so I didn't want to double dose and take another. There wasn't anything I can do but cry it out. And I typically don't cry over pain. Even when I went through childbirth. So this was unusual to me.
We were getting ready to leave for evening service. Something I didn't want to miss especially since our friend was to be announced as an Associate Pastor. My husband suggested that I should stay home and rest. But I insisted on wanting to be there. So we sat in the back room so that I could sit comfortably. My husband tried to massage my back but I kept feeling pain all over. You could tell by the way I looked that I was in pain. I couldn't even smile or look at anyone. Then 30 minutes into the service I gave up and told my husband that I needed to go in the car and moan a little trying to fight the pain. As I laid there trying to rest my mind was not clear to pray. I couldn't even think of praying cause I was distracted.
After service my husband took me home and allowed me to rest in my bed. I was feeling cold like I had the chills and quickly put on a sweater and blanket. I slept in a cradling position hating that I felt that way. I was vulnerable and weak. As soon as I woke up I felt a little better. I soon got a text from my friend Bonnie who goes to our church and she said she prayed for me cause my husband told her at church that I wasn't feeling well. And I believe God used that very prayer to help me. The next day I was on my way to recovery and I got a FB message from Amy Gordon who just knew I was struggling that day. She said she prayed for me and that too gave me more faith that the Lord was near. I decided to take on the task of washing my car and did chores around the house. I texted my husband that I had so much strength it's crazy! And he texted back "I prayed for you this morning." I'll never forget how God has used the simplest tools like prayer and confirmation through friends and family that God still loves me.
The next day, there was a sister from another church in Natomas that called me out of the blue and wanted to ask me for advice because of the similar affliction she's going through. And all I can remind her of was that God wants us to cling to Him and pray for dependence on His strength to get through this trial. All the glory will go to Him and He is honored in a great way. I pray that God would use this affliction for His glory and my sanctification. And that he would teach me how to pray during the times I'm in pain.
PSALM 116:1-2
" I LOVE THE LORD, FOR HE HAS HEARD MY VOICE AND MY PLEA FOR MERCY. BECAUSE HE INCLINED HIS EAR TO ME, THEREFORE I WILL CALL ON HIM AS LONG AS I LIVE."
As I ponder what God has done for me so far. It's only fitting that this verse is my pledge. God has been so good to me. When I think about all the pains I've been through (mentally) and how He delivered me through those, I need to be reminded that He was faithful to me from the beginning. And the pain of childbirth...wow was He there helping me every step of the way! I remember my fourth child's birth like it was yesterday. I had the ability to have a safe homebirth in the water for the first time. And all the anxiousness I had towards it was lifted by much prayer from me, my husband and friends. The Lord truly delivered!
Just recently, last week, a flare up in my disease arose. It was Father's Day and everything was going smoothly. I helped my husband prepare a BBQ meal and cleaned up for him. But suddenly after an afternoon nap I felt like my body was aching all over. It felt like the flu but worse! I usually can withstand the flu but this was just so painful. I've already taken a medication in the morning that supposedly lasts for 12 hours so I didn't want to double dose and take another. There wasn't anything I can do but cry it out. And I typically don't cry over pain. Even when I went through childbirth. So this was unusual to me.
We were getting ready to leave for evening service. Something I didn't want to miss especially since our friend was to be announced as an Associate Pastor. My husband suggested that I should stay home and rest. But I insisted on wanting to be there. So we sat in the back room so that I could sit comfortably. My husband tried to massage my back but I kept feeling pain all over. You could tell by the way I looked that I was in pain. I couldn't even smile or look at anyone. Then 30 minutes into the service I gave up and told my husband that I needed to go in the car and moan a little trying to fight the pain. As I laid there trying to rest my mind was not clear to pray. I couldn't even think of praying cause I was distracted.
After service my husband took me home and allowed me to rest in my bed. I was feeling cold like I had the chills and quickly put on a sweater and blanket. I slept in a cradling position hating that I felt that way. I was vulnerable and weak. As soon as I woke up I felt a little better. I soon got a text from my friend Bonnie who goes to our church and she said she prayed for me cause my husband told her at church that I wasn't feeling well. And I believe God used that very prayer to help me. The next day I was on my way to recovery and I got a FB message from Amy Gordon who just knew I was struggling that day. She said she prayed for me and that too gave me more faith that the Lord was near. I decided to take on the task of washing my car and did chores around the house. I texted my husband that I had so much strength it's crazy! And he texted back "I prayed for you this morning." I'll never forget how God has used the simplest tools like prayer and confirmation through friends and family that God still loves me.
The next day, there was a sister from another church in Natomas that called me out of the blue and wanted to ask me for advice because of the similar affliction she's going through. And all I can remind her of was that God wants us to cling to Him and pray for dependence on His strength to get through this trial. All the glory will go to Him and He is honored in a great way. I pray that God would use this affliction for His glory and my sanctification. And that he would teach me how to pray during the times I'm in pain.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Live in the future!
I've discovered another way besides reading Scripture to help ease my mind off the pain. I purchased an easy playing chord book of gospel songs. I worshipped my God through this and found it very comforting to sing the words great truth. The song that ministered to my heart today was called Because He Lives. And the lyrics go like this:
(Verse 1)
God sent his son
They called him Jesus
He came to love
Heal and forgive
He lived and died
To buy my pardon
An empty grave
Is there to prove
My Savior lives
(Chorus)
Because he lives
I can face tomorrow
Because he lives
All fear is gone
Because I know
He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because he lives
(Verse 2)
How sweet to hold
A newborn baby
And feel the pride
And joy he gives
But greater still
The calm assurance
This child can face
Uncertain days
Because he lives
(Chorus)
(Verse 3)
And then one day
I'll cross the river
I'll fight life's final war with pain
And then as death
Gives way to victory
I'll see the lights
Of glory and
I'll know he lives
This inspired my husband to play it on his guitar for our bible study tonight and made it sweeter!
My husband taught out of 1 John 5:13-15 and shared with us how we can have certainty through Christ that we have eternal life if we believe. No false teacher/preacher or doubts of God should sway us to think otherwise. The world is full of uncertain things...that is why we have insurances, warranties etc. But God's Word is certain and His promises are forever. What a great reminder to know that He promised me eternal life when I first believed. And that right now I am LIVING ETERNALLY. It has already been given to me. When I die, God's glory will be shown in FULL. What am I doing to do with that encouragement in mind?
GLORIFY GOD in all CIRCUMSTANCES. I want to spend my life ALL OUT for the King! And that means, dying to myself, serving whole heartedly, loving one another, grabbing every opportunity to share God's goodness, give grace, and deepen my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
(Verse 1)
God sent his son
They called him Jesus
He came to love
Heal and forgive
He lived and died
To buy my pardon
An empty grave
Is there to prove
My Savior lives
(Chorus)
Because he lives
I can face tomorrow
Because he lives
All fear is gone
Because I know
He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because he lives
(Verse 2)
How sweet to hold
A newborn baby
And feel the pride
And joy he gives
But greater still
The calm assurance
This child can face
Uncertain days
Because he lives
(Chorus)
(Verse 3)
And then one day
I'll cross the river
I'll fight life's final war with pain
And then as death
Gives way to victory
I'll see the lights
Of glory and
I'll know he lives
This inspired my husband to play it on his guitar for our bible study tonight and made it sweeter!
My husband taught out of 1 John 5:13-15 and shared with us how we can have certainty through Christ that we have eternal life if we believe. No false teacher/preacher or doubts of God should sway us to think otherwise. The world is full of uncertain things...that is why we have insurances, warranties etc. But God's Word is certain and His promises are forever. What a great reminder to know that He promised me eternal life when I first believed. And that right now I am LIVING ETERNALLY. It has already been given to me. When I die, God's glory will be shown in FULL. What am I doing to do with that encouragement in mind?
GLORIFY GOD in all CIRCUMSTANCES. I want to spend my life ALL OUT for the King! And that means, dying to myself, serving whole heartedly, loving one another, grabbing every opportunity to share God's goodness, give grace, and deepen my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Feels like God is just breaking me to reveal my need of Him more and more
My thought process through this year was just trying finding the solution to my problem! I've had endless nights of just researching online each symptoms that have been recurring. From diets, to safe exercise, to natural medicines, natural dentists, homeopathic doctors, even support groups.
I've even talked to many people in my church who have auto-immune diseases. And it has helped a lot! But I still felt this empty space in me and needed answers. Should I continue to find out what I can do to cure my disease? Should I stay in the online support groups that deal with AS even though it is overwhelmingly depressing to read? Should I cut out all the foods in my diet to eliminate inflammation? Should I try the medication of injection that my doctor recommends?
My conclusion was this: I need to pray!
Philippians 4:4-7 says,
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Soon after thanking the Lord for my disease and lifting up my burden to the Lord I decided to call a brother in Christ who is also a pastor of a church. He too has an Auto-immune disease and I remember his dear wife (my old discipler) sharing with me how God had him at a trial that was close to death because of his disease. I knew I could call them for spiritual advice and knowledge in medications. So after describing what I have and the anxious thoughts I have towards it. He openly shared what he has tried medical wise and what didn't work. Then he commented that God has shown him that he was going to take it as a "thorn in the flesh". According to Paul who was a follower of Christ said this,
Amazing! This verse spoke volumes to me! God knew what I needed to hear and all along it was from His Word. I was so thankful that this pastor pointed me to a saint who too went under a long term affliction while serving God. Because honestly, when I was diagnosed, fear of not serving in a ministry or helping my family disappointed me. And this verse just helped subside this fear! Thank you Jesus!
I've even talked to many people in my church who have auto-immune diseases. And it has helped a lot! But I still felt this empty space in me and needed answers. Should I continue to find out what I can do to cure my disease? Should I stay in the online support groups that deal with AS even though it is overwhelmingly depressing to read? Should I cut out all the foods in my diet to eliminate inflammation? Should I try the medication of injection that my doctor recommends?
My conclusion was this: I need to pray!
Philippians 4:4-7 says,
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Soon after thanking the Lord for my disease and lifting up my burden to the Lord I decided to call a brother in Christ who is also a pastor of a church. He too has an Auto-immune disease and I remember his dear wife (my old discipler) sharing with me how God had him at a trial that was close to death because of his disease. I knew I could call them for spiritual advice and knowledge in medications. So after describing what I have and the anxious thoughts I have towards it. He openly shared what he has tried medical wise and what didn't work. Then he commented that God has shown him that he was going to take it as a "thorn in the flesh". According to Paul who was a follower of Christ said this,
2 Corinthians 12:7
7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,[a] a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.
Amazing! This verse spoke volumes to me! God knew what I needed to hear and all along it was from His Word. I was so thankful that this pastor pointed me to a saint who too went under a long term affliction while serving God. Because honestly, when I was diagnosed, fear of not serving in a ministry or helping my family disappointed me. And this verse just helped subside this fear! Thank you Jesus!
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