Lucky

So happy that I made it through another week...and a week with good news, at least in the big picture.  I saw a surgeon this week and he was skeptical at first that someone so 'young' was willing to have such an extensive surgery.  And then I began the story, from the age of 19 whether he wanted it or not. Finally he was accepting of my need for the surgery and that it is my last hope of regaining my life as it was before the disease progressed.  Lots of X-rays and a 3-D CT scan and I revisit him this Friday.  Hopefully I will be able to plan the next few months of my life next Friday afternoon.

This is a blessing and challenge, but 'I can do all things' (Phil. 4:13) through faith in Him.  I am also beyond blessed to have friends that I consider family that are willing to help as I go through this.  Even one that knows me too well and says I should be making the list of what I will need so everyone can plan to be a part of the schedule.  Just a reminder of the blessings that are shower even in the midst of the daily challenges.

Weekends...

I try everyday to be positive and care more about others than my disease, but everyone tells me to take care of myself.  I try to do both. How can I when I feel awful?  I want a clean house, I want the laundry hung up and clean, I want to be pain free. Weekends are a much needed time to rest and for me to recuperate but my personality doesn't function well just doing nothing.  It is such a constant cycle.  

Fortunately, Dr. Nik is concerned about my pain.  The shots are painful, but the relief is well worth it.  Next week I get to go back to Dr. Nik again and to Dr. Griffin.  I am hoping for Dr. Griffin's wisdom to guide my treatment.  As much as I hate the pills, I am truly open to more meds if it means a decrease in pain.

I am on year number seven of teaching and for 5 years I never took a day off, even with this chronic disease.  It is truly a progressive disease.  I hate being out.  Teachers understand that being out is more work than being sick and at work.  Unfortunately, as I  explain to my sweet kiddos, the doctors don't work after school.  It creates even more anxiety for me having to be at the doctor. I hold out hope that the pain will be gone sometime soon...

Back to the foot doctor tomorrow

Tomorrow I go back to visit one of my newest and one of my best doctors.  He is a podiatrist and is very understanding of my pain and the importance of getting rid of it.  I am very happy I made the switch.  I am also changing Rheumatologists soon.  Current doctor is not understanding of the pain and managing it. The steroid shots are not a positive of tomorrow's visit, but the relief outweighs the temporary.  Bible study today was great, it always is.  Another blessing He has brought into my life.  I am so fortunate to work with such wonderful women.  We learn from one another constantly.  God is good all the time!