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