Tomorrow, rheumatology is getting me in for the Periodic Fever Syndrome, and I'm so thankful to the Lord that it's much sooner than January. :) The appointment is at 1 PM. Please pray that this specific dr. will be able to start treating it. The numerous fevers are hard on my body, and I've been dealing with episodes of joint pain and inflammation since August.
I received my repeat 24 hr. copper test results, and sadly, the level increased from 77 to 106 in just a month (normal range is 3-50). We have lots to discuss with my GI dr.. I see him this coming Monday. I also have a follow-up with my sleep medicine specialist next week.
I will update after those appointments!
To end, I recently came across this little "devotional" I wrote years ago. I can't remember if the homework assignment was to paraphrase a passage or an original composition. I don't even recall when I wrote it (my bad for not putting a date!)...maybe it was after being newly diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (aka Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) or when I started dealing with all my other numerous rare diseases. Nevertheless, I wanted to share it in hopes that it encourages you. :)
The Hardest Thing to Do
by Kerissa
Wait.
Sometimes, this word can be the hardest to accept when in times of
trial or tribulation. There will be times when we ask with little
faith, "Why do I have to go through this?" or "God, why am I
suffering?" What can be done about these questions when one is anxious
for answers or does not know what path to take?
Although
waiting on God and humbling one's self can be the hardest thing to do,
God states in His Word that His "plans...stand firm forever, the
purposes of his heart through all generations." We should not worry
about anything because He always intercedes at the right time. Psalms
27:14 says, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the
Lord." Complaining like the children of Israel did against Moses will
do nothing. Waiting in quiet patience and faith, even when under
affliction, will bless God and make Him proud.
If
we accept our difficulties with humbleness, we will be able to say with
confidence, "Now, Lord, not my will, but Yours be done. I do not know
what to do. But I will wait until You drive back my foes. I will wait,
for my heart is fixed on You alone, O God, and my spirit waits for You
in the full conviction that You will be my joy and my salvation, my
refuge and my strong tower." ~Charles Spurqeon
So
wait on the Lord. He really does hear our cries and prayers. Know that
God is always by and on our side. In the end, we will all be able to
understand why God placed those terrible thorns in our path, and someday
we will thank God for the word "wait" in each of our lives.
Hello Kerissa,
ReplyDeleteI hope you've been able to enjoy the fall weather in Oregon- I'm sure it's beautiful, as long as the sun is out.
You've been in my thoughts and prayers since I started reading your blog when I was a junior at Hope College. The strength and joy you share, even through the medical mountain of a journey you're on, is a blessing.
I just wanted to let you know that I shared this post with a mother whose five year old has been dealing with seizures for most of his life. Recently, they've increased, sometimes to 20 in one day, and now he's been having heart issues. They're now thinking mitochondrial disease, but they have many months of testing and waiting ahead of them, which you certainly know from your own experiences. This post couldn't have come at a better time.
Thank you for sharing your faith - know, that so many are sharing their strength with you through God and prayer.
Many blessings,
Kate
Hi Kate! Yes, I remember you from Cici! :) Thank you so much for your prayers as I continue on this journey! I'm so grateful! I'm sorry to hear that the doctors are thinking the 5 year old has mito.. :( Just going through all the testing is rough in itself....I will be praying for them. <3 If they ever have questions or just need some encouragement as they start mito testing, I'm here for them! If they would like, I can be reached at: kerissa.a.lee@gmail.com. :) Blessings to you as well!
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