Hello....

Hello All,

 So it’s been a while since I have updated.  Not much new is happening, but it’s been a crazy couple of weeks.   We are in the middle of getting some things squared away.  The biggest change would be my mom returning back to her old job here in town. I am so glad she is back.   I am still trying to adjust to her being around during the day.

 I still a lot of pain but have found some relief from physical therapy.  It took a lot of energy to go twice a week so they set me up with a traction unit as and a tens unit for home use.  It doesn't completely take away the headaches and leg cramps but makes it much more manageable.  I also started acupuncture; I have that once a week. The lady said it be several weeks ‘til we know if it is even helping, so I am taking it day by day.  I am also having lots of spasms.  It’s as if someone is standing behind me and stabbing me. Swollen hands and feet are a new thing I am experiencing.  We’re not sure if its kidney issues, the heat or steroids. 

 We will know more next week when we go to Mayo. 

I have finally gotten my school stuff all figured out. I was able to appeal two of my classes, which means I will have to re-take them at another time. I’ll finish one other class this fall, since I just have a few papers and the final left.  My advisor also informed me that my nutrition teacher will allow me to finish her class in the spring.  So with all of that I will only have to re-take 2 of my 5 classes. So I am pretty happy with that.  If all goes well I will return in the spring. Do to my health and to keep the stress down  to avoid another major flare I will only be taking two - three classes a semester.  It’s been pretty difficult adjusting to this and admitting I can’t do as much as I could before, but I know I have to take care of myself first. My adviser has been a great help through all of this and there is no way I could have gotten this all straightened out without her help.

We plan to see family and friends in Dickinson.  I am looking forward to the little get away; it’s been quite a while since we have been down that way.  After that we head to Mayo for follow up appointments.  I have appointments with rheumatology, neurology, nephrology, and another EGG to see what’s going on with my “black outs.”  I am anxiously awaiting all those appointments. Mayo also called and has asked me to be part of a research study for lupus. I am pretty excited about that, we find out more about it when we go down for appointments. 

 Just when I start adjusting to my “new” life, something else comes up.  It’s been a little better the past few weeks.  I was able to hang out with a few girls from church and do some fun crazy things. I had a blast ; it was definitely something I needed! =) I have paid for it the past few days, but it was totally worth, I would do it all over again. My biggest struggle is reminding myself to take it easy and not to push so hard.  I just take it one day at a time.  Thank you for all the encouraging notes and prayers.  They help me get through the rough days.

Katie 

Thoughts...

 It was another night of restless sleeping, have to love insomnia! So I thought I would share with you a few things that I have been thinking about. 

  After sitting and waiting at all the clinics, I have become a pretty good people watcher.   =)   As I sit watching people, I see many people just going on about their daily lives as if nothing is wrong.  It has got me thinking about my own life. I was just living life, going on with work and school without a thought of it ever changing, but in an instant of time my life changed forever.  It’s made me more grateful for what I have.

  My life quickly changed.  I went from spending time with friends one night, to being extremely sick the next day.  Although I am sick and can’t do everything I was able to do before becoming ill, I have a lot to be thankful for.  It could be so much worse.  When we are at Mayo, I see many “sick” people and what they have to go through.  I still have my eye sight, I’m not on chemo for cancer, Im not on a transplant list, I don’t have to go every other day for dialysis, I haven’t lost all my hair, I can breathe on my own without the help of O2, and the list could go on and on.  Yeah, I might not always be able to walk far distances without the aid of a wheel chair, but I can still walk!  I have so much to be grateful for! There are days where I think about my life before SLE and wish if I could go back and do some of things I was doing.  It can be hard some days, and I am still learning to adjust.

  

 One of my medications is known to cause blindness.  I have learned that sometimes you have to weigh the risks with the benefits.  My eye doctor said it is very rare for that to happen and he hasn’t seen many cases where it has been an issue.  It’s made me think, though, and be thankful that I can still see all the beautiful wonders the Lord has given us.  There are days when Heaven sounds really good!  When I was in the hospital they almost lost me, but it wasn’t the Lords timing. Whatever the reason might be, He still has a plan and reason for me here.

 I have many things to be thankful for besides health issues.  I have a wonderful mother who works hard to give me a place to live, clothes on my back and food to eat.  I have no clue how I could go through this without her! From day one she has given up her time for me.  She helps me when I can’t help myself, and is always willing to take me places and wheel me around.  She told me one day that she will take care of me till she can’t do it anymore.  I can’t explain how much those words meant to me!  I love you mommy! Thanks for being giving of yourself to give to me! 

 There are many people praying for me and helping my mother and I out.   Some I don’t even know. 

Everyone’s prayers, thoughts and kind words help me get through the tough times.  There are several little kids in our church that come up to me and tell me they are praying for me, those are some of the sweetest words to hear and just melt my heart!

Everyday I am  learning new ways how to adjust to my new life.   When the days get hard, I just remind myself how much I still have and that there is a reason and plan for everything.  Here are a couple of verses that I love and cling to often, as well as two of my favorite songs. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQK8gcgFV2w&list=PLFF460652875261A6

 1 Thessalonians 5:1

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

 Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

 Philippians 4:4-8

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

So long for now! 

Katie