Will You Pray?

Blow-fish (photographer unknown)

Hello friends,

I have something that I would like to ask you to pray about with me. As most of you know I have two rheumatologists. My rheumy here in Eau Claire is amazing. She really cares about me and is doing everything to help me feel better. We have talked for quite some time about changing the main medication I am on (methotrexate). Even though it helps a lot, it doesn't help enough and it seems like the negative side effects are starting to outweigh the benefits. I have been off and on it since October for various reasons. She thinks it is time to make the switch. I also see a rheumy at Mayo in Rochester, MN. My doctor in Eau Claire sends me there when she wants a second opinion. My doctor in Eau Claire and I have both been trying to get a hold of my doctor in Rochester and it has not gone well. He hasn't been returning calls or letters. I was told that we could call him when I met with my doctor in Eau Claire on Tuesday afternoon. When we called we found out that he was in a completely different city that day! My doctor and I were both frustrated. We were told that he would call her back on Thursday or she could try calling him again if she doesn't hear from him.We are not very hopeful that she will be able to talk to him and that he will be helpful. If he isn't we are going to try a different doctor that she has had better luck working with.

All that said, please pray that my two rheumatologists would be able to connect tomorrow. Pray that they would have a good conversation and agree on a new mediation. Talking to both of them, they have very different ideas of what to try next. Pray for wisdom for both of them, pray for a willingness to listen to each other and pray for peace for me as I wait to hear what they decide (or don't decide).

I haven't been feeling well. The last month I've been on a prednisone experiment. Today I started tapering off of that because the side effects are outweighing the benefits. The only good thing that has happened is that I have gained weight being on the prednisone. However, I have also acquired what I call the "prednisone puff." My face is swelling from the meds and it hurts because of the disease. The best way I can describe it is like a blow-fish, puffy face with pins sticking into me.

Today was another pretty bad day. I don't feel well, I don't sleep well at night which makes me not feel well during the day and I'm concerned about new medications and what all of that will mean. I know the side effects of the numerous medications they are thinking of trying next and none of them are good. I know God is in control and that He already knows what is going to happen. I know that my life is not my own and I can't control it. However, I can control how I respond to the things that happen to me. I am trying to stay positive and put my trust in God. Putting my trust in God is the easy part, staying positive is more of a challenge. It's hard to be positive when you're so tired and feel so sick. It's like having a bad case of the flu that never goes away...ever. There might be a day here or there that isn't as bad as the others, but it's always there. I don't want you to feel sorry for me, I'm just trying to help you get a picture of how tired I feel right now and much I need your prayers to get through this most recent bump in the road. I'll make it through with God at my side holding my hand. I'll come out on the other side because of your prayers and encouragement. What would I do without all of the people who love me, pray for me and encourage me? Thank you!

My friend Katie Jo shared some verses on Facebook last night and they were just what I needed to hear right now.

Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Romans 8:28 "And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose."

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD, "plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Thank you Katie Jo!