Showing posts with label Fibromyalgia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fibromyalgia. Show all posts
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.}
{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!
As I mentioned at the beginning of this year, I never started off in this journey to become a health activist. In fact, as private as I am I probably never would have started blogging had I known that shortly after I did I would have been diagnosed with two major diseases in the span of 5 months. BUT here is where the Lord has me and I do hope to use this blog to share about some of the issues (Lyme Disease especially) that I am passionate about in hopes that it will help and encourage others. As the founder of SEEN Gathering my heart is with encouraging the hearts of people who are struggling with chronic illness. Along that note I am honored to have applied for the WEGO Health Activist Speakers Bureau and hope to share my story with others to encourage them. (Thank goodness for internet access for those of us who are struggling to get out of bed on difficult days! *smiles*) I mention this because I know some of you that read this blog are dealing with health issues and might be
interested in learning more about it as well – it’s a great way for Health
Activists to share our stories, raise awareness and get the word out about the
work we’re doing. Your story DOES matter and what you have to say can change the world for someone. Members of
the WEGO Health Activist Speakers Bureau receive exclusive invitations to
present at conferences, speak to members of the media, and be featured on WEGO
Health. Interested
in joining the WEGO Health Activist Speakers Bureau? Apply today! It only takes a few minutes and
they’ll email you as soon as they have opportunities relevant to you and your
interests.
{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.}
This is a subject that I personally really felt inept with in this whole health journey. I, like many of the people that I encounter, never dreamed that I would be 32 years old and learning about temporary handicap parking tags. But last fall as my health started to rapidly decline one of my doctors suggested to me that I consider obtaining a temporary handicap tag. At the time I was struggling to walk down the hallway in my parents house and had no energy to park a car and walk from what used to be a short distance to a store a far off parking spot let alone go inside a store and walk around. I balked at her suggestion and pushed it from my mind, while I continued to pray for open spots near the front of the store, doctors office, hospital, etc. Within a few months it quickly became evident that this was in fact a need and my pride would need to be put to the side.
For me (and many other young people who apply for a temporary handicap parking tag) there is a stigma that goes along with this whole situation. PLEASE understand that it is not that there is a stigma with being disabled, but instead for a chronicittle (a person struggling with illness in their 20s-40s) it truly means that you have to acknowledge that the life that you knew for a long time or for a "short while" is nothing like the one that you now know.
Honestly, I cried throughout the entire process, including in the courthouse as I obtained, signed, and paid for my temporary tag. (And no, I did not just cry the first time- I have cried the two subsequent times also). For a gal who loved to get a little bit of "extra exercise" in by parking far out from her destination (extra steps and all that *smiles*) this felt like it was "one more loss" in this crazy illness world. And honestly, there are still times that I sigh as I acknowledge that I need to park close, put up my temporary tag, and politely smile at the people looking suspiciously at a young woman needing the space.
Yes, I have been asked accused of "milking the system" to which I sweetly reply that I have _____ and list all of the illnesses I am struggling with. (By that time the person is tired of the conversation *hahaha* and politely smiles and walks quickly off!) One man who came charging across the parking lot yelling "miss" at me and started to screamthat "it was people like me that hurt the handicap population in general" (no, I still have no idea what he was talking about!) literally kept yelling at me that he wanted my tag number to call and issue a formal complaint. His reasoning? I didn't have a wheelchair. As I looked back at him and quietly explained that I had several diseases, I unfortunately (and I PROMISE it was not on purpose!!) became violently ill and ended up throwing up on his feet. Embarrassed I backed up towards my car in tears and babbled about how sorry I was. I quickly got in my car and left the parking lot as he ran after me yelling, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry". Needless to say I can now laugh about this story but it took me quite a few months to do so!
But in the midst of all of that drama and emotion I did recognize and over time have come to accept that this is a necessary reality for me at this moment. I really wish that I would have understood the process a lot earlier because I really do think that knowledge is power. I hope that this will help you (or a friend or family member) if you are needing a temporary handicap tag! (Please note that this information ONLY pertains to temporary tags!!)
1. If you are going to apply for a temporary tag you will need to have a doctor fill out their part of the application for almost every state. (Some states allow patients to bring in a notarized letter from their doctor or a non-notarized letter from their doctor but this is rare. Contact your local DMV or court house to find out what is acceptable in your state!)
2. You can pick up the application from the DMV office or print it off on-line from your states website. Make sure to read your states regulations carefully as to who is eligible for the tag. Generally the DMV website states that a disability would refer to one of the following:
"Lack full use of an arm or both arms. Cannot walk a certain number of feet without stopping to rest. This greatly varies by state. Missouri, for instance, limits it to 50 feet, while Texas uses 200 feet as its gauge. Cannot walk without the assistance of a cane, crutch, brace, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or another person. Have a cardiac condition that’s listed as Class III or Class IV in severity according to the American Heart Association. Cannot walk without the aid of portable oxygen. Have a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses. Have a visual acuity of 20/200 but with a limited field of vision in which the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle of 20 degrees or less." This paragraphs information was found taken from HERE!
3. Research about where you will be able to turn in the application and pick up the tag. (For me it was done at our local county court house and only done on certain days.) Also find out what the fee is for the tag!
4. After you have picked up the application from the doctor you will need to go and wait for a turn to present the application, your licence, and any other documents that the court has requested. After it is approved then you will be given your new temporary tag.
1. While it is against the law for you to be discriminated against if you look healthy or are young also understand that you will need to show just cause of why you need to have a temporary tag. At the same time though don't be afraid to apply for a tag just because you have an "invisible illness". Talk to your doctor and consider obtaining a tag if you are in need!
2. Remember that this is a temporary tag and most states have the time limit for the tag set at 6 months (some as early as 4 months!). Make sure to watch the date carefully.
3. Most states will charge a fee for the tag. It varies state by state so make sure to do your research ahead of time.
4. You can use the tag in whatever car that you are in (or driving) whether it is owned by you or you are renting a car. The tag is allowing you to transfer your disabled parking privileges from vehicle to vehicle. (This probably does not need to be said but...remember that the person who the temporary tag was registered to must be in the car to make it legal. If you use someone else's tag this is illegal and then you can be fined.)
5. I was shocked to realize that while it is legal for you to use a temporary tag in a state other than your issuing state (you do not need to apply for a temporary tag in every state that you enter) that state does not have to enter the temporary tag. Always make sure to carry a doctors note (I carry the same one used to apply for the card) with you in case a police officer questions you. I have never had a problem with this but if you are concerned about anything call ahead to the DMV in the state that you are traveling to double check.
6. Make sure to remember to present your handicap tag at hospitals, wellness institutes, and some doctors offices to obtain free valet parking. This to me has been extremely helpful and beneficial. My doctors offices range from big city areas to remote country roads (no joke!) I once added up that if I had to pay for parking for all of the hospitals, specialists, and doctors offices that I have been to I would have spent over $1,000 in just 11 months! WOW!! Thankfully almost all of these places provide complimentary free parking to those "guests" that need to use valet parking without additional cost.
7. Understand that when traveling some people are going to be accommodating and helpful while others are going to look at you like you are trying to take the "easy road". I had a airport employee inform me that I did not need the extra assistance but have had rental car agencies go beyond their job descriptions to help accommodate without asking any questions. Be kind but be firm and state exactly what you need help with.
8. Understand that you might get a lot of suspicious looks (or a crazy man yelling at you from across the parking lot) and let it go. (I could start quoting the "frozen movie song" right here but you get my point. *smiles*)
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I hope this helps sweet friends! Anyone else have any tips to share that has helped you? In two weeks I am going to be starting an eight-part "Thursday Health Thoughts" series on working with doctors from out of state! Can't wait to share with y'all some things I have learned and learn from y'all too!!
{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 mentioned in my post last week three tips on how to be a bad patient successfully and today I want to share three more tips with you.
1. Take Responsibility. As I mentioned last week this is a business deal and with keeping that in mind it is important to take responsibility. Take responsibility for the actions that you can have control over in your health situation (what you eat, how much rest that you get, taking time to take care of yourself, getting proper exercise, etc.). Take responsibility to have courage to fight for your health. Take responsibility to choose the best doctors for your team. You are worth the best doctors. Don't settle for less. Take responsibility and search for the best answers that you can find and to find the best health care team you can. At the end of the day remember though that even the best health care teams in the world will only get you to a certain point and the rest will be up to you. This might fly in the face of some doctors egos so if you have a doctor who doesn't want you researching and asking questions be a "bad patient", take responsibility, and find a new doctor.
2. Don't Get Caught up in Emotion and Tell the Truth. The Absolute Truth. I have a sweet friend who recently shared with me that she went for a very important appointment with a specialist in her disease. There were several things that she wanted to discuss with her doctor- specifically several symptoms that were affecting her everyday life. When she arrived in the office and saw the waiting room filled with people that were much farther along in her disease then she was and were suffering, she changed her mind and informed her doctor that she was doing "exceptionally well". Her doctor was impressed and within two minutes sent her on her way. This is all very nice for her doctor, but did my friend absolutely no good. She went on to share with me that when she got home and talked with her husband he was quick to point out that this did her absolutely no good and she still didn't have answers or suggestions on how to handle her new symptoms that were affecting her life. As she told me she simply got caught up in the moment of appreciating that she is not as "bad off" as some others and decided to not tell her doctor the absolute truth. This was a hard lesson she said to learn because when she called back for another appointment she has to wait several months. Remember that this is a business transaction and that your time and health are incredibly valuable. Your experience with your illness might not seem "as bad" as someone else but that does not diminish your symptoms or issues. So be a "bad patient": don't get caught up in the emotion and tell the truth. The absolute truth.
3. Get a second opinion. And a third opinion. And if you want a fourth opinion. I could keep going but lets be honest you get the point. *smiles* While it is very acceptable to get a second opinion, I have found in this health journey that it is rare to actually have that happen. I am not sure why it occurs but it does. Recently as I was calling around to different doctors to get another opinion on something in my own health journey I admit that I felt a little guilty. Almost like I was "betraying" the doctors that have helped me so far. But honestly I realized that this is about my health and my life. I need the absolute best care that I can receive and need additional doctors on my team that might have new ideas, suggestions, and protocols that could help me along. Please understand I am not suggesting that you jump from doctor to doctor after an appointment or two just because you may not like an idea or are upset with them. I am talking about setting a realistic time frame and making sure that you are moving forward and receiving the absolute best care in your health journey. So be a "bad patient" and get a second opinion. And a third opinion. And if you want, a fourth opinion.
What are your tips on being a "bad patient" successfully? Stay tuned - next week I will share the last three tips on being a bad patient successfully! *smiles*
{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.}
Several months ago I wrote a Thursday Health Thought post entitled, "How to have a Successful Doctors Appointment". Since that time I have learned so many things about not just having a successful doctors appointment but also about being a patient successfully. Along this long and winding road on my journey to full health I have learned (the hard way) that not every doctor is going to be helpful and sometimes I have to become a "bad patient" for my own health. At the end of the day the old saying is true: "you have to be your own health advocate". How true. So in the next few weeks I wanted to share with you some tips on how to be a "bad" patient successfully. This will fly in the face of normal, modern American medicine and I am not advocating being a mean or nasty person. Instead I want to try and offer some tips for you as a person who is ill or for you a mom or dad who is just trying to get the best health care for their child, or for someone that you know. I hope that this tips help you! PLEASE let me know if you have any questions and I will be happy to try and answer anything that I can!
For today, I wanted to share with you the "three golden rules" of being a bad patient successfully.
(1) This is a business deal. This was probably one of the hardest things for me to come to terms with and honestly I am not sure why. At the end of the day you are paying this person who is supposedly an expert in their field to help you. This is a business transaction. This is the exact same as you hiring a lawyer, buying food at a grocery store, or buying a car. You wouldn't expect anything less than the best at one of these places and there is no reason that you should expect anything less than the best from your doctor. (I mean, really - would you pay for moldy or 1/2 eaten food from the grocery store? NO and neither should you accept "moldy" advice or treatment from a doctor.)
(2) Ask lots and lots and lots and lots of questions. I can't tell you how many times I would walk out of a doctors office (before I got seriously ill) thinking- wait, what did he/she say? Often times I would walk out and not get my answers because the nurse/doctor looked annoyed that I was asking questions. You know what? I am sorry, that is there responsibility. When I was a teacher I couldn't just ignore a question because I thought I had explained something "perfectly", no I had to learn and work on a new way of explaining the same material. This is the same thing- you are paying these people and they need to be able to explain to you what is going on with your health. Remember at the end of the day- it is your health and you are going to have to live with your body so ask lots and lots and lots and lots of questions. Still don't understand? Ask some more.
(3) Do not worry whether your doctor likes you or not. I know, this is hard because really most of us do want to be liked by people. BUT you are not paying your doctor to like you. You are paying your doctor to help you get answers, find a solution, and be able to move on to better health. Remember - this persons job is to help you get well.
Check out Next Week's Blog post for three more tips on how to be a "bad" patient successfully!
Thank you.
As each day is an adventure I find great comfort in the verse from the promise found in Deuteronomy 33:25 (KJV)- "And as thy days, so shall thy strength be." Praise God. While I may be concerned about certain things God is NEVER concerned. Or worried. And HE is full of power. And can be completely trusted.
And I see His grace each and every day.
Here are a few updates from the last time I shared:
(1) Thank you for ALL of your sweet emails, phone calls, and lovely encouragement. You have no idea how much this has helped me walk this long caravan.
(2)I started the chelation treatment last week and unfortunately had a severe reaction so I had to take this week off. I am currently
trying to discuss with my doctor the best way to step forward with this. Because
my blood levels show that I am in a near toxic level for lead the
chelation treatments are very important. One of the issues that is complex with my Lymes case is that there are many things going on in my body and we have to be strategic in how to fight it. The goal of the chelation is to hopefully relieve one of the issues that is taxing my body.
(3) I am continuing to take a couple of medications including a cancer med and
will continue this throughout the next several months. This comes with a prayer request as many of the medications have side effects that are not always pleasant.
(4) As I mentioned last time the doctors were watching a couple of spots that they were suspicious of. It has been decided that I need to have a couple of additional spots removed and I will
have surgery in a couple of months to remove these spots. In my case it is best to be preventative and aggressive back to this cancer. *smiles* As many of you know from our talks I am so thankful for my doctor who performed surgery out in California and was SO pleased with her work that I plan to have surgery with her again.
(5) Daily life is much much better than it was before I went to California
(6)I continue to have acupuncture treatments every week and it has been extremely helpful for me this summer. I would like to continue it throughout the fall but at this moment have been unable to find a qualified acupuncturist around the area that I live in the south.
(7) In a couple of weeks I am going to start adding reflexology treatments to my weekly treatment schedule. I am curious to try this as I have not ever had reflexology thus far. I have several friends who have used this with lovely results, especially with pain. Have you ever used this? If so has it been helpful for you?
(8) I am also looking for additional health things that I can do to help my body in any and every way that I can. One of the things that has helped my iron level that was previously at the deficiency level is eating Kale. (I can’t wait to share more about Kale’s amazing health benefits on Thursday.)
(9) Thank you so much for ALL of the amazing supportive and encouraging comments from one of my most heartfelt posts that I wrote last week. (If you didn't read it you can click HERE.) There are so many different things that I can’t wait to share with y’all about ideas that I have and ways that I and several friends are hoping to reach out to churches to equip and encourage them to minister to those with chronic illness (especially those who are in the “younger age bracket”). Stay tuned in the next weeks and months. Along with that same note this month has brought some miracles and exciting new adventures, seasons, and opportunities. In the next week I look forward to sharing some exciting opportunities that the Lord has opened up.
(10) Last week I posted the following video to my personal facebook page. It is one of the best videos on Lyme's that I have ever seen. If you have not seen it and are curious about Lyme's this gives an accurate and understandable explanation. You can click HERE to access the video. Thank you again to Fox News for airing this piece!
(10) Last week I posted the following video to my personal facebook page. It is one of the best videos on Lyme's that I have ever seen. If you have not seen it and are curious about Lyme's this gives an accurate and understandable explanation. You can click HERE to access the video. Thank you again to Fox News for airing this piece!
(11) I am currently trying to raise money as I plan to head back to California
Many of you are so faithful in your daily prayers for me that have carried me through so many dark days and have walked this seemingly long path with me. I am truly humbled at the physical, financial, emotional, and spiritual support of family members, friends, and strangers alike. Some of you have asked what you can specifically pray for. Here are a few things (in no particular order):
Specific Prayer Requests:
1. A definite prayer request is for my stomach. I picked up a virus a couple of days ago, which with my immune system has really knocked me out.
2. For my heart. I won't go into too much detail but there are days (especially when school is starting) that my heart aches to be back in the classroom and to have a "normal" life. For those of you that have lost so much due to chronic illness at a young age, I pray you find the words of Joni Erickson Tada a comfort like I have, "Don't let anyone tell you that contentment comes easily. It is not passive. In fact, it is gritty determination. It has to be learned. And it requires grace from beyond this world."
Grab onto Jesus, Follow Him, and Go Change your World.
Hold onto truth: Whatever God does today will be as significant as the parting of the Red Sea.
3 For energy- while I have less days of this than before, the exhaustion can be overwhelming. This is a combination of a difficult past month, not recovering from the wedding trip, and some physical symptoms that have been acting up recently.
4. For my body to start responding at a faster rate to the long term treatments.
5. I am also praying for the inflammation to go down in my body. This is the bodies natural response to the Lyme's infection and the Cancer but I would covet prayers for that also!
5. I am also praying for the inflammation to go down in my body. This is the bodies natural response to the Lyme's infection and the Cancer but I would covet prayers for that also!
6. For healing & mercy.
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