Showing posts with label Endometriosis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Endometriosis. Show all posts
If you read my October 25th post from last year or the year before or you know me well you know that October 25th is a very special day to me. It holds incredible meaning and significance as 12 years ago I had a life-changing surgery that changed the course of my life and this was the day that the Lord healed me after doctors told me that there was "nothing" that they could do. (You can read more of my story with my battle with Endometriosis HERE!)
I shared three years ago the different ways I have celebrated this anniversary over the years. While some of these days and moments have been photographed over the years, many of them have not. The precious memories that my mind remembers today are of sacred moments of telling my story to my students over the years as I testified about the Lord's mighty healing power, the laughter between family and friends, the precious phone calls and texts from friends who prayed for the miracle to happen and never stopped believing, my sister calling to celebrate with me, long walks thanking the Lord on year two, and the quiet celebration in my heart every time I see the calendar approaching this special day when doctors said there was "no hope" and yet the Lord spoke differently.
As I think about year twelve today I have been met with a mixture of emotions. Extreme gratitude and thankfulness and tears at the Lord's mighty healing power and a humble gratitude that even though over the years I have wondered why the Lord hasn't chosen to heal me the same way in this health situation (a question that I think so many people have asked behind the scenes (and some of the brave have cried with me))... I am now seeing healing slowly and surely take place in new ways.
I recently received another email from the same reader that I shared about three years ago. This reader wanted to know if my response to their question from three years ago would be any different as I am turning another year on the calendar date. (You can read the original question and response HERE and my thoughts from two years ago HERE.)
As I told this reader, it's really not. I don't know why healing hasn't come in such a "mighty and easy way" this time and why it is a long and slow healing process. I really don't. What I do know though is that I have a choice every single day on whether or not to trust the Lord and walk in this trust over my feelings or spend precious energy questioning things. I choose to trust. I choose to trust the difficult and unknown path before me is the path that the Lord has me on. Where I might think I am better used or life would be better is not where the Lord has me. I humbly trust that "and if not He is still good" to all of my questions, all of my deepest hearts longing... and that is enough for today. Circumstances, if we let them can be refining windows into our hearts shining a light on what we believe. The "and if not" parts of life...even if I am never healed, never see my dreams come true, or if the secret longings that are deep inside of me never happen ...it is okay. It doesn't change who God is or His goodness.
I promise, readers that despite any circumstances God's goodness is NOT changed. I can attest in new ways and in more marvelous ways then I could years ago. And as I celebrate this 12th anniversary I am brought to my knees by God's goodness. His faithfulness astounds me and His mercies meet each new day.
Surrendering to God's goodness comes the opportunity to fall more in love with Jesus and who He is and what the Bible states and promises. NOT what I want it to state or promise but what it actually states and promises. And this 12 year anniversary is incredibly significant to me - especially as this Lyme journey continues on.
Did you know that the number 12 in the Bible holds special significance? There are 187 references to the number 12 in the Bible. In the old testament we see that there were 12 sons of Jacob and those 12 sons formed the 12 tribes of Israel. In the New Testament we see that Jesus was 12 years old when he was questioned at the temple and that He had 12 disciples. There is a clear significance to this special number in scripture.
*smiles* Okay, so you might be asking what does this have to do with me celebrating my 12 year anniversary and why are they significant to me?
First, scripture is completely true - every single word holds unique and special importance. Thinking through the specific ways that the number 12 is used in both the Old and New Testament reminds me that this is a unique and special anniversary to be celebrating.
Second, our all powerful God shows His complete power by offering eternal life through Jesus and His death on the cross. In this act of unmeasurable love we not only are given the opportunity to accept Jesus as our Lord and be saved but on the cross Jesus conquered EVERYTHING. Including illness. EVERYTHING was conquered on the cross.
Third, Jesus speaks to us through scripture and knowing this I have a choice to make... every single day... I can choose to act in faith and trust the Lord completely or I can respond to my circumstances sinfully and grow bitter and angry at the ways of the Lord.
There is absolutely no question in my mind of my choice.
Even on the days that I feel discouraged I choose to run to my precious Heavenly Father and lay everything at His feet. The reality is that this anniversary shouts to me in the dark and reminds me of God's ultimate power and who He is. And friends, as I spend more time with the Lord and continue to run to Him with all of my questions, fears, disappointments, hurts, and every other emotion He lovingly speaks to my hurting heart. And I am reminded on this 11th anniversary of His incredible grace, His good gifts, His undeserving ways, and the gift of love that He gives.
And the best gift of all? Is the gift that the this 12th anniversary serves as a beautiful reminder that the Lord offers not only beauty, but incredible hope. Hope of a future that the Lord has in store... Hope of beautiful healing here on earth or in Heaven... Hope of living joyfully despite difficult circumstances... Hope of a loving God who loves us abundantly... and Hope of celebrating another 12 year healing in the future...
healing from Lyme Disease and all of its complications.
If you read my October 25th post from last year or the year before or you know me well you know that October 25th is a very special day to me. It holds incredible meaning and significance as 11 years ago I had a life-changing surgery that changed the course of my life and this was the day that the Lord healed me after doctors told me that there was "nothing" that they could do. (You can read more of my story with my battle with Endometriosis HERE!)
I shared two years ago the different ways I have celebrated this anniversary over the years. While some of these days and moments have been photographed over the years, many of them have not. The precious memories that my mind remembers today are of sacred moments of telling my story to my students over the years as I testified about the Lord's mighty healing power, the laughter between family and friends, the precious phone calls and texts from friends who prayed for the miracle to happen and never stopped believing, my sister calling to celebrate with me, long walks thanking the Lord on year two, and the quiet celebration in my heart every time I see the calendar approaching this special day when doctors said there was "no hope" and yet the Lord spoke differently.
As I think about year eleven today I have been met with a mixture of emotions. Extreme gratitude and thankfulness and tears at the Lord's mighty healing power and yet I do admit that like the last several years I have had some tearful behind-the-scenes prayers of, "why aren't you healing the same way this time in this Lyme Journey yet Lord?". It is a question that I think so many people have asked behind the scenes (and some of the brave have cried with me).
I recently received an email from the same reader that I shared about two years ago. This reader wanted to know if my response to their question from two years ago would be any different as I am turning another year on the calendar date. (You can read the original question and response HERE and last years thoughts HERE.)
As I told this reader, it's really not. I don't know why healing hasn't come in such a "mighty and easy way" this time and why it is a long and slow healing process. I really don't. What I do know though is that I have a choice every single day on whether or not to trust the Lord and walk in this trust over my feelings or spend precious energy questioning things. I choose to trust. I choose to trust the difficult and unknown path before me is the path that the Lord has me on. Where I might think I am better used or life would be better is not where the Lord has me. I humbly trust that "and if not He is still good" to all of my questions, all of my deepest hearts longing... and that is enough for today. Circumstances, if we let them can be refining windows into our hearts shining a light on what we believe. The "and if not" parts of life...even if I am never healed, never see my dreams come true, or if the secret longings that are deep inside of me never happen ...it is okay. It doesn't change who God is or His goodness.
I promise, readers that despite any circumstances God's goodness is NOT changed. I can attest in new ways and in more marvelous ways then I could years ago. And as I celebrate this 11th anniversary I am brought to my knees by God's goodness. His faithfulness astounds me and His mercies meet each new day.
Surrendering to God's goodness comes the opportunity to fall more in love with Jesus and who He is and what the Bible states and promises. NOT what I want it to state or promise but what it actually states and promises. And this 11 year anniversary is incredibly significant to me - especially as this Lyme journey continues on.
Did you know that the number 11 in the Bible often represents chaos and disorder in the Old Testament, Jesus in gave us eleven specific and special promises in the book of John? These promises are:
(1) A person can receive everlasting life by believing in the Son of God (John 3:16)
(2) A person can have eternal life (John 6:54)
(3) By following Jesus you will walk in light, not darkness (John 8:12)
(4) Jesus' word sets us free (John 8:31-32)
(5) Jesus brings freedom (John 8:36)
(6) God the Father will honor those who serve Christ (John 12:26)
(7) We can do great things (John 14:12)
(8) We will receive the Holy Spirit when we obey Christ's commands (John 14:15-16)
(9) We are loved by God (John 14:21)
(10) Those who abide in Jesus will be fruitful (John 15:5)
(11) We can be friends with Jesus (John 15:14)
*smiles* Okay, so you might be asking what does this have to do with me celebrating my 11 year anniversary and why are they significant to me?
First, scripture has never been shy about speaking about chaos and disorder which seems extremely prevalent in our world today. BUT scripture has also showed that there are mighty promises of truth for us to hold on to... even when it seems like everything is in chaos. These beautiful promises remind me of God's ultimate power here on earth and also as we contemplate eternity.
Second, our all powerful God shows His complete power by offering eternal life through Jesus and His death on the cross. In this act of unmeasurable love we not only are given the opportunity to accept Jesus as our Lord and be saved but on the cross Jesus conquered EVERYTHING. Including illness. EVERYTHING was conquered on the cross.
Third, Jesus has given these 11 promises that are so specific and significant especially as I remember this beautiful anniversary of His healing and also for my current journey with Lyme Disease. These 11 promises speak truth into the deepest parts of who we are. Knowing this I have a choice to make... every single day... I can choose to act in faith and trust the Lord completely or I can respond to my circumstances sinfully and grow bitter and angry at the ways of the Lord.
There is absolutely no question in my mind of my choice.
Even on the days that I feel discouraged I choose to run to my precious Heavenly Father and lay everything at His feet. The reality is that this anniversary shouts to me in the dark and reminds me of God's ultimate power and who He is. And friends, as I spend more time with the Lord and continue to run to Him with all of my questions, fears, disappointments, hurts, and every other emotion He lovingly speaks to my hurting heart. And I am reminded on this 11th anniversary of His incredible grace, His good gifts, His undeserving ways, and the gift of love that He gives.
And the best gift of all? Is the gift that the this 11th anniversary serves as a beautiful reminder that the Lord offers not only beauty, but incredible hope. Hope of a future that the Lord has in store... Hope of beautiful healing here on earth or in Heaven... Hope of living joyfully despite difficult circumstances... Hope of a loving God who loves us abundantly... and Hope of celebrating another 11 year healing in the future...
healing from Lyme Disease.
In my mind I had already lived through a season of being told before by doctors that "there was no hope" and they had been proved wrong so why wouldn't this time be any different?I decided to push tears aside, buck up and fight with all that was in me.
I had absolutely no idea what the journey ahead would look like.
Fast forward to 48 months later, over 35,000 miles of travel (to meet with close to 400 doctors and receive a variety of different treatments), countless invasive testing (that were not pleasant), 16 hospital stays, 1012 doctors visits (1014 if you count the ones that are going to happen today and tomorrow), hundreds of IV's, 17 claustrophobic (which I never knew I was) hard covered hyberbaric oxygen treatments, 34 soft-covered hyberbaric oxygen treatments, 200 detox baths later, venturing into the land of "health fears", receiving several life-altering diagnosis' (including IBD, Sojourn's, Severe Anemia, Advanced Late -Stage Lyme , and finally learning I had Cancer -when I was thousands and thousands of miles away from my family), being told by several major and very well-known hospitals that they "just were not sure what to do with the complexity of my case", becoming bed-ridden and housebound at 33 years old, leaving a job that I loved to pursue a dream (going for additional graduate work) and having both things shattered (and being told by twenty-three different doctors: "we just don't see you ever being well enough to hold a full-time job"), having several friends walk away in the midst of this difficult journey, receiving precious gifts that I could never have afforded, being told on at least six different occasions that "if I just had more faith I would be better", dealing with the emotional aspects of being seriously ill, trying hundreds of different supplements, vitamins, and essential oils, being able to walk again (on my own), being blown away by generosity of friends and strangers in this journey, surviving several severe anaphylactic reactions to different medicines and finally sometimes admitting that the "courage" to continue each day and hour wanes and instead I just take "one minute at a time".
And in the midst of all that I just listed there have been tears. Lots and lots of tears. And I have learned something very important. There is actually health benefits to healing tears. Crying actually helps your body! There are times when I will let myself cry for a few minutes over bad news or good news. There are times when things are very difficult and I recognize once again the benefit to healing tears. I am not saying to spend each and everyday crying, but spending a few moments releasing tears helps our bodies in unique ways. So what are these benefits? Here are just a few:
(1) Tears reduce stress hormones.
(2) A biochemist and"tear expert" - Dr. William Frey (who works in Minneapolis at the Ramsey Medical Center) found that: "emotional tears shed hormones and other toxins which accumulate during stress".
(3) Crying stimulates the production of endorphins.
(4) (this one shocked me!)- Tears actually kill bacteria! I know I couldn't believe it either! I was shocked but I learned that tears contain a fluid called "lysozyme" which helps kill 90 to 95% of all bacteria. In JUST FIVE to TEN minutes!! WOW!
(5) Stephen Sideroff, who is a clinical psychologist at UCLA (and who is also the director of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Ethics) says that "crying activates the body in a healthy way".
(6) Crying lowers your manganese levels.
(7) Suppressing your tears can actually irritate and contribute to additional health problems that are caused by stress. The Japanese culture believes in this so much that they now have "crying clubs". The premise is that having a time to cry will actually benefit and improve your health. (Considering Japan is known to be one of the "healthiest" countries in the world this is a fascinating concept!)
So today if you need to take a few moments to cry- do so! Help your body in these ways above by releasing some of the pent up tears. Do you think that there is benefit to healing tears? I would love to hear your thoughts!
Have a wonderful Thursday y'all!
{Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.}(Additional Disclaimer: this post is not talking about a person who is struggling with depression. If you are struggling with depression then I would highly encourage you to seek out a health professional.)
Sometimes when you are struggling with a chronic or serious illness and the summer approaches it is hard to not see all that illness keeps us from. Today I wanted to share something for those that are courageously fighting cancer or other illnesses ! You are not alone! If you do not have cancer please feel free to insert your illness into this poem! Hold on to Hope!
WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO
Cancer is so limited ...
It cannot cripple love. {"For God so loved the world..." -John 3:16}
It cannot shatter hope. {"Hope doesn't dissapoint us..." - Romans 5:5}
It cannot corrode faith. {"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for..." - Hebrews 11:1}
It cannot destroy peace. {"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you..."- John 14:27}
It cannot kill friendship. {"A friend who sticks closer than a brother." - Proverbs 18:24}
It cannot suppress memories. {"We all have happy memories..."- Proverbs 10:7)
It cannot silence courage. {"Be strong and courageous...." - Deuteronomy 31:6}
It cannot invade the soul. {"...cannot kill the soul." - Matthew 10:28}
It cannot steal eternal life. {"...that you have eternal life." - I John 5:13}
It cannot conquer the spirit. {"The Lord is my strength and my song..."- Exodus 15:2}
[A special "thank you" to H.Bob Anastasiadis who posted this poem in the Plattsburgh Press Republican Newspaper(2011) in honor of his wife who bravely fought cancer. {I added Bible verses to each of the points in the poem that I have found to be specifically encouraging in my own health journey.}]
During special seasons of the year, like summer, it is tempting to compare our stories to those who are healthy and free to do a lot this summer. It is tempting to feel depressed that we are not able to do "all" that our friends and family members are able to do. Hold on to hope dear friend and remember all of the things that your illness or struggle cannot do!
During special seasons of the year, like summer, it is tempting to compare our stories to those who are healthy and free to do a lot this summer. It is tempting to feel depressed that we are not able to do "all" that our friends and family members are able to do. Hold on to hope dear friend and remember all of the things that your illness or struggle cannot do!
(I do suggest having this Emergency Room Bag somewhere that is easily accessible. The purpose of this specific bag is that you will not have to go flying around the house gathering things that you may need in a crisis situation, therefore you want the bag to be easily seen and to be used. And while there could be many emergencies that take place where you will not have your bag handy- this will hopefully help in the situations and times that you do.)
(1) Small Pillow.
(Hospital chairs (and "beds") are notoriously uncomfortable. Sometimes having the chance to have a small pillow to use to prop your head up or to use to lean against a wall while you are in the waiting room is incredible helpful. I would suggest getting a travel size pillow - they are light and small and can easily fit in your bag. (Side note: Don't buy a pillow that you have to inflate. If you are seriously ill you are not going to have the desire or energy to do this. Yes, I have seen this done.)
(2) Eye Covers.
Lights can be extremely annoying when you are seriously ill.
(3)Your Health Notebook or a mini version of your Health Notebook.
Don't have a Health Notebook? Click HERE for instructions.
(4) Comfy Shirt/Pants
This can be incredibly helpful in making you feel more comfortable. Just make sure that these items are easy to slip on and off.
(5) Copy of an easy to read book
(6) Favorite Magazine
(7) Deck of Cards
(8) Small Blanket
Sometimes the rooms in the ER are freezing and those "warm" blankets don't last very long!
(9) a reminder note to grab your wallet or purse
(10) If you are not going to use your Health Notebook than make sure to have a copy of your doctors information in your bag.
(11) Cell Phone Charger
(12) Extra copy of Your medicine list and your supplement list
(13) Instant Ice or Hot Pack
(14) Ear plugs
(15) Face Mask.
(16) Tissues.
(17) Small garbage bag
(18) Pack a new or favorite stuffed animal for small children.
What do y'all grab as you head to the ER? Any suggestions or thoughts we could add to this list? Happy Thursday y'all!
{Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.}
When I was in college my university hosted a special speaker who worked in a hospital as a therapist for those with chronic and terminal illnesses. Her secret of bringing joy to patients whose days were filled with deep suffering and little happiness? Pets. Animals whose presence would light up the room and illicit laughter. In recent months I am reminded of her thoughts on the benefits pets bring to our lives. I wasn't aware until I read about it that there are actually documented cases of using pets for therapy as early as the 9th century in Europe and the United States started using pets as therapy for service men and women during World War II.
What kinds of pets are used in pet therapy? Dogs and cats are very common, horses on ranches have been used, and one article shared that a nursing home found benefits to having aquariums in common rooms.
So what are some health benefits of owning a pet?
1. Pets provide laughter.
I 've mentioned before important laughter is. Scamper constantly has me laughing with his antics (especially with his love of scrapbook paper *smiles*)!
2. Pets encourage you to "get moving".
When you are not feeling well the last thing that you want to do is get up and exercise. While there are times where extreme workouts aren't feasible, getting out and walking your pet can help your circulation and is good for your health. {If you are not able to "move" as much as you would like right now don't discount the other benefits of a pet. Instead focus on finding an animal that is adaptable to your needs.}
3. Pets can lower blood pressure.
There have been studies done that say that being with animals can lower blood pressure. Scientists aren't sure why but this is a great health benefit! {Scamper obviously has low blood pressure! hahahaha}
4. Pets Help Lower Anxiety
Researchers found that spending 15 minutes with a pet can lower your anxiety. In addition to anxiety being lowered owning a pet can lower stress levels. Dr. Sandra Barker who is a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University found that animals also lower levels of cortisol.
5. Pets remind you that you are not alone.
Sometimes having a chronic illness can feel extremely isolating. Having a pet reminds you that you are not alone and gives you something to look after and interact with. A Chicago Tribune article discussed the many social benefits of those who own pets.
I can't reiterate enough how important it is to choose a pet that fits with your needs. I am definitely a dog person and had only ever planned on getting dogs. But then real life happened and the truth was that it wasn't fair to the dog and it didn't fit my lifestyle to own a dog and then Scamper came into the picture and I immediately fell in love. I am not a cat lady *smiles* and don't plan on getting any additional cats, and plan to add dogs into my family in the future, but Scamper has fit perfectly in my life for this season. I share all of that to say: make sure to pick an animal that fits into your life and doesn't cause you any additional stress!
Do you own a pet? What benefits have you found with owning a pet?
{Disclaimer: This post was originally posted in 2013 but has remained one of my most read posts and I wanted to take the time to update it for this year! The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.}
If you read my October 25th post from last year or you know me well you know that October 25th is a very special day to me. It holds incredible meaning and significance as ten years ago I had a life-changing surgery that change the course of my life and this was the day that the Lord healed me after doctors told me that there was "nothing" that they could do. (You can read more of my story with my battle with Endometriosis HERE!)
I shared last year the different ways I have celebrated this anniversary over the years. While some of these days and moments have been photographed over the years, many of them have not. The moments that my mind remembers today of precious moments of telling my story to my students over the years as I testified about the Lord's mighty healing power, the laughter between family and friends, the precious phone calls and texts from friends who prayed for the miracle to happen and never stopped believing, my sister calling to celebrate with me, long walks thanking the Lord on year two, and the quiet celebration in my heart every time I see the calendar approaching this special day when doctors said there was "no hope" and yet the Lord spoke differently.
As I think about year ten today I have so many mixed emotions. Emotions of extreme gratitude and humble thankfulness and tears at the Lord's mighty healing power. I also admit that like last year, I have tearful behind-the-scenes prayers of, "why aren't you healing the same way this time Lord?". It is a question that I think so many people have asked behind the scenes (and some of the brave have cried with me).
I recently received an email from the same reader that I shared about last year. This reader wanted to know if my response to their question last year would be any different another year later. (You can read the original question and response HERE.)
As I told this reader, it's really not. Instead I am learning in new ways to walk in the trust that "and if not He is still good". I shared this on instagram earlier this summer, but I used to say this phrase so easily that it practically just rolled off my lips. Did I mean it? Absolutely. But then very hard things in life occur and sometimes you are forced to reevaluate what you used to say so easily...and sometimes someone asks you if you still believe despite those circumstances. I weep for this reader because as we have communicated I have learned of the heartbreak situation surrounding these question in this individuals life and I wish I was well enough to travel and say face to face what my heart is screaming. Yes, absolutely yes!! Circumstances, if we let them can be refining windows into our hearts shining a light on what we believe. The "and if not" parts of life...even if I am never healed, never see my dreams come true, or if the secret longings that are deep inside of me never happen ...it is okay. It doesn't change His goodness.
I promise, readers that despite any circumstances God's goodness is NOT changed. I can attest in new ways and in more marvelous ways then I could years ago. And as I celebrate this 10th anniversary I am brought to my knees by God's goodness. His faithfulness astounds me and His mercies meet each new day. The hard and difficult don't change who He is. I promise...no matter the "and if not"...He is still good...so very good.
Surrendering to God's goodness comes the opportunity to fall more in love with Jesus and who He is and what the Bible states and promises. NOT what I want it to state or promise but what it actually states and promises. And the ten year anniversary is incredibly significant to me.
Did you know that the number ten is very important in the Bible? In the Bible the number 10 is used 242 different times. The word "10th" is used 79 different times. Ten is also viewed as a complete and perfect number. There are major events that deal with the #10 in the Bible including, the 10 Commandments (seen in the book of Exodus), the 10 Elders that were placed at the city gates (seen in the book of Ruth), the phrase "God said" is used 10 times in the book of Genesis, the Passover Lamb was to be sacrificed on the 10th day (Exodus 12:3), the day of atonement was on the 10th day, there were 10 generations until Noah (who was saved from the flood) and then Abraham was the 10th generation from Shem, Noah's son, the tithe that the Israelites gave was 10%, Jesus loved using the number 10 in His parables (10 virgins, 10 lepers, 10 talents, etc.), and there are exactly 10 "I Am's" spoken by Jesus in the gospels.
*smiles* Okay, so you might be asking what do those three things have to do with me celebrating my ten year anniversary and why are they significant to me?
First, scripture has never been shy about speaking about disease OR Jesus' healing diseases. BUT scripture has also showed that sometimes (due to the fact that we live in a fallen and sinful world) disease does exist and healing sometimes happens later than we expect it or in Heaven. (This does not mean that Jesus is not all powerful in fact the exact opposite!)
Second, our all powerful God shows His complete power by being the passover lamb and the day of atonement happened on the 10th day. In this act of unmeasurable love we not only are given the opportunity to accept Jesus as our Lord and be saved but on the cross Jesus conquered EVERYTHING. Including illness. EVERYTHING was conquered on the cross.
Third, Jesus has stated 10 times very significantly who HE is through His 10 I Am's. Knowing this I have a choice to make... every single day... I can choose to act in faith and trust the Lord completely or I can respond to my circumstances sinfully and grow bitter and angry at the ways of the Lord.
There is absolutely no question in my mind of my choice.
Even on the days that I feel discouraged I choose to run to my precious Heavenly Father and lay everything at His feet. And friends, as I spend more time with the Lord and continue to run to Him with all of my questions, fears, disappointments, hurts, and every other emotion He lovingly speaks to my hurting heart. And I am reminded on this tenth anniversary of His incredible grace, His good gifts, His undeserving ways, and the gift of love that He gives.
And the best gift of all? Is the gift that the 10th hour reminds me that Jesus' fulfilled it ALL on the cross... all of the questions, fears, and every other emotion by His work on the cross. And in that there is incredible hope. Hope of a future that the Lord has in store... Hope of beautiful healing here on earth or in Heaven... Hope of living joyfully despite difficult circumstances... Hope of a loving God who loves us abundantly... and Hope of celebrating another ten year healing in the future...
healing from Lyme Disease.
{Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.}
(While originally posted over two years ago, this post has remained one of my most popular posts. I wanted to update it and share it with y'all again!)
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| picture found on internet, altered by Caravan Sonnet |
I first heard of massage when I was a college student. There were a couple of girls on campus that always looked particularly relaxed and one day I asked them their secret. I will never forget how one of them told me that she got a massage two times a week. This sounded lovely to me but I had the false impression that I had to be rich to have this "luxury". It wasn't until several years later when I was reading a health magazine that I heard that there were many benefits to massage that had nothing to do with pure luxury.
Now, as I am walking this health journey with Lyme Disease and Cancer and have done additional research I am even more amazed at the health benefits that come with having a regular massage. So what are all of the health benefits that massage brings? Check out these 11 amazing benefits!
Now, as I am walking this health journey with Lyme Disease and Cancer and have done additional research I am even more amazed at the health benefits that come with having a regular massage. So what are all of the health benefits that massage brings? Check out these 11 amazing benefits!
1. Massage can help reduce levels of cortisol and also can help boost serotonin and dopamine which helps decrease anxiety and depression.
2. Studies have shown that massage helps lower pain throughout the body when done on a consistent basis.
3. There are numerous reports that show that massage can help you sleep better.
4. Massage helps your immune system and helps increase your white blood cells (which are your bodies disease fighting cells). There are several reports about this that can be found here.
5. Massage can help with PMS symptoms!
6. Massage can help your skin to shine as it relieves toxins and lymphatic build up (similar to dry brushing).
7. In addition to helping in the above ways, massage can help those struggling with serious and chronic illnesses by relieving side effects to medication.
8. Some studies have shown that massage can help you recuperate from surgery.
9. A very interesting study shows that while all different types of massage are beneficial, there is nothing that states that one type of massage is better than another.
10. Studies show that the power of massage rests in the power of touch and in the lymph movement that massage brings.
11. Mayo Clinic has said that massage therapy can help the following conditions:
*anxiety
*digestive disorders
*fibromyalgia
*headaches
*insomnia related to stress
*myofascial pain syndrome
*parathesias and nerve pain
*soft tissue strains or injuries
*sports injuries
*temporomandibular joint pain
*anxiety
*digestive disorders
*fibromyalgia
*headaches
*insomnia related to stress
*myofascial pain syndrome
*parathesias and nerve pain
*soft tissue strains or injuries
*sports injuries
*temporomandibular joint pain
As always you should consult with a physician before beginning any type of alternative therapy. I am curious: do you get regular massages? Have you found any benefits to having massages?
{Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.}
I have shared before in the Thursday Health Thoughts about how I created an organized health notebook (which you can read about HERE!). Today I wanted to share with you what the different sections of that notebook are!
In The Front Pocket:
*many times there are questions that arise that don’t constitute a medical emergency but things that I want to discuss with my doctor at my next appointment. I keep paper in the front pocket and write down things that I want to discuss including all or any of the following: {I HIGHLY recommend this if you don’t already do this! It definitely creates a better doctors appointment and is one of the things that I suggest to have a successful doctors appointment!}
* new treatment ideas
* diagnosis terms
* reasons for new/worse symptoms
* any other ideas
* new treatment ideas
* diagnosis terms
* reasons for new/worse symptoms
* any other ideas
1st Section: Introduction
* diagnoses (including date of diagnosis and name of doctor who diagnosed)
* how the diagnosis affects me personally (I suggest this because even with the same diagnosis every person is different so this is important to include)
2nd Section: Doctors Information
* I have a separate sheet for each doctor that I see. Each page has the doctors
contact information including address, number (phone and fax), and the nurses information. {Make sure to know the nurses information! I usually talk more with the nurses then the doctors!}
* During each doctors appointment I put notes on that specific page about what
was discussed {This is especially helpful if you have a team of doctors so that you can keep track of all of your information!}
3rd Section: Medication Information
* Pharmacy Contact Information {phone numbers, fax numbers, and pharmacist names} for each pharmacy I have (I have shared this before in a financial resources post, but sometimes it is beneficial to have a couple of different pharmacies!)
* Medication information and list along with dosage and reactions that I have to
each prescription
* Since my insurance reimburses me for some of my prescription costs I put blank Subscriber Health Care Claim forms in this section also so they are easy
to find (look at "in the back section" about envelopes/stamps)
* Previous medication that I have taken is in here (along with what it was used for and dosage) on a list
4th Section: Hospitalizations and Surgeries
* Surgery Information (including dates and hospital information)
* Hospitalizations (including dates, symptoms, diagnosis and hospital
information)
5th Section: Procedures, Tests, and Results
* Many times chronically ill and seriously ill patients have numerous testing done. Because of this it is helpful to keep a chart that includes the test name, test date, what the test was for (if specifically known), results, and information of where tests were done and what doctor ordered the test
* I always ask for a copy of all test reports and I put these in this section also
In the Back Section:
* I keep a health journal of each day so that I can always have a “big picture”
(very important with chronic illnesses!) This has also helped me if doctors have specific questions and I can quickly reference what the last days, weeks, or months have looked like!
* In this back section pocket I also keep several blank envelopes and extra stamps so that it
is easy to mail things out.
I hope that y'all find this helpful! This health notebook has been such a huge resource to me in this journey! Do you use a health notebook? I would love to hear how you organize yours! I hope y'all have a wonderful Thursday!
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