Oh joy. Just what I was wishing for. . .

So on Sunday I was playing line soccer with my youth group (no shoes) and I got kicked in the foot by someone strong with giant foot. Since then, it's hurt and I've had shooting pain down my foot and up to my knee. I think I may have broken [fractured] my ankle. PLEASE GOD DON'T LET THIS BE THE CASE!!!!!!!!!!!! I will probably go to Urgent Care on Monday to get it X-Rayed. Prayers would be so appreciated!!!

My life is on repeat

I apologize, an update is long overdue. I have been busy with finals, finishing up school (I'm two weeks into my summer, now!), and a family vacation last week.

Right before my family vacation, which started on 16 May, I started having more pain and deeper pain than I'd experienced in a long time. Since then, it's progressed to where I'm in a lot of pain on a regular basis. I have deep, shooting pain in the core of my arms and legs, a stiff back and neck, swelling in my hands and feet, inflexibility/stiffness, flu like symptoms, and exhaustion.

But there is something different about me this time around - I am not going to sit on my hands and let this thing take over me. I am not putting my life on hold AGAIN. So I am planning on doing everything I normally do up until my treatment starts (22 July). I'm going to be actively involved in Civil Air Patrol activities, my own life, going outside, and doing regular things even though I'm going to be in lots of pain.

So, again, I ask for your prayers. I need God to sustain me, renew me, and refresh me as I go about my summer and my "normal" life. Thanks to you all!!!!

No news is good news . . ?

Well, there's not much to say. Not a lot of pain lately, mostly exhaustion. Especially since I've had whatever sickness has been going around. I've had a fever for 10 days . Blah. AND finals this week.

Haven't heard anything new from the doctor, the appt is still July 22. I keep praying that it would get moved up!!!

Jinx

I was right. I jinxed it.

I started been having tons of nerve pain over the last two or three days. Deep pain caused by nothing apparent (such as swelling or inflammation). It is caused by the infection of Lyme going deeper into my nerves and my brain, and so sometimes the nerves are just stimulated, and sometimes my brain tricks my nerves into pain. It's kind of like phantom pain, but I still have all the limbs. I can't do anything about it except take the edge of the pain off with some pain killers. But that doesn't stop the constant throbbing pain in my hands, wrists, legs, and feet.

Also, my blurry and double vision is worse. I have to focus on one thing for awhile to be able to see it clearly. I have difficulty reading.

So prayers for those would be much appreciated!!!!

God is Faithful

Hey guys!

Time for another update. Things have kind of slowed down for me lately, health-wise, so I haven't had much to write.

First, I want to thank all of you for your faithful prayers!!! I have feel them constantly, and thank God for you all. You, my friends, mean so much to me during this difficult time - You have no idea!!!

Second, I'd like to give you a short update on my symptoms. The eye spot that I wrote about in my last post has thankfully diminished! Now it's just a transparent/lightly colored spot which makes the upper part of my vision look fuzzy & slightly darkened. However, a few days ago I saw a small black spot in my right peripheral vision. Up until then, I had very few problems with my peripheral. Then today, I saw a flashing white light, also in my right peripheral vision. I see all sorts of colors and shapes now. I have almost constant blurry vision in my left eye, periodic blurry vision in my right eye, regular double vision, a lot of floaters, and frequent visual hallucinations.

But on a more positive note, for the last few weeks I have hardly been in any pain!!! God is good! I can move around almost normally! Some things are still affected, like my ankles. But I can walk virtually pain-free! Running is still very hard. I still have swelling in my hands, but there is hardly any pain :) It's such a miracle!! Pray that it is permanent!

Third, I'd like to share how God has been moving and working in my life. I am definitely growing in my relationship with God! For the first time in a long time, I am having regular quiet times. For the first time EVER, I actually want to read the Bible! Like, I will think about it randomly, and long for it! :) I also have realized that I should not only lean on my friends to cheer me up when I'm down, but I should also, and more frequently, rely on GOD for that! He has made me cheerful. Happy with life. Content, yes, even happy with school. Comfortable with my body and fine with the way I look. It's been amazing getting to know Him better, and growing closer to Him.

Needless to say, regardless of my eyesight problems, life is good :) [Yet I am hesitant to say it in case I just jinxed it :P Haha] So again, thanks for your prayers! :) No update on my appointment, it's still July 22. Prayers that it would get moved up would be great!

Love you guys! God bless you all!!!

Things are getting worse

Well, things had been rather good for me since I'd last updated......until yesterday, that is.

I developed a large black (but still transparent) eye spot that, when I fully extend my arm, is as big as the palm of my hand. It is in my right eye, in the upper part of my vision. This is probably eye spot #10 or so, and it is the biggest so far. I guess the infection is moving deeper into my optic nerves, causing more voids in my vision.

And then over the past three days or so, I've developed severe pain in my feet and legs (all over). It really hurts to walk and stand. I could barely make it through a 5 hour shift at work, today.

So, please continue to be in prayer for me, specifically in walking/standing/leg pain/mobility, and for my vision. Thanks!

Bible Verses from Simone

Thanks for the verses, Simone! :)

"And the prayer of the faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up."

-James 5:15a

"Behold, we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the purpose of the LORD; how the LORD is compassionate and merciful."

-James 5:11

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

-2 Corinthians 4:16-18

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away."
-Revelation 21:4

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

-Isaiah 40:31