Notes from the Porch (twenty-seven): October Prayer Requests

First, thank you so much for all of your encouraging words from the last "Notes from the Porch" update. I received so many sweet comments and emails and I was truly blessed by your kindness. Thank you so much!

Second, I appreciate so much all of your continued prayers for my health and healing and also for me as I travel this treatment journey. As I mentioned the treatment plan changed suddenly and drastically in August but thankfully (and we are praising the Lord over here!!) this has turned out to be one of the greatest blessings in the journey. So far- which is a HUGE answer to prayer- my body has been able to handle EIGHT weeks of strong antibiotic treatment! TRULY this is a miracle! I won't lie... many of these medicines have incredibly difficult side effects so I don't feel good at all but the Lord has been merciful. It is amazing to think that two years ago at this time I was able to become wheel chair bound and we didn't have any answers and last year we were crying out to the Lord for a new doctor and this year we are slowly moving forward. PRAISE THE LORD!

Third, a prayer request that I have is for my body to continue to accept the medications that I am on and also the ones that I am continuing to add. I am adding in about 1-2 new medications each week (on top of everything I am already taking) and about 2-4 new supplements each week. In addition to these new items I increase the dosage on other medications and other supplements and treatment each week and this is all very taxing on my body. I do continue to covet your prayer for the strength for each day and for my body (specifically my digestive system) to be able to handle this extremely strong treatment.  (P.S. - Some of you have asked what a "day in my life" looks like right now. I recently did a post about this which you can find HERE! Yes, it is very structured and intense but the Lord is healing!! *smiles*)

Fourth, I know that I have already mentioned this, but if you missed it I wrote a post thanking everyone for their support of Rebecca's Run! You have been a blessing!

Fifth, I had a check up with one of my doctors this past week and there is some concern over my thyroid function. Due to this I will be having a ultrasound and some additional testing on my thyroid in this next week. This does not come as a complete shock to us but we are praying that there is no additional issues which could complicate the treatment of Lyme and would appreciate your prayers!

Sixth, I would covet prayer for healing for my back. A couple of weeks ago my back started bothering me and the pain continued to increase over the last few days. I tried doing all of my normal helpful things (including reflexology, heating pad, etc.) but finally had to admit that the pain was very intense. Unfortunately I found out on Friday that I have a pinched nerve. I was able to see a chiropractor in the area who listened very well to the fact that my body is extremely fragile and would need gentle and slow help in the healing process. Would you please pray for this? Due to the fact that there is no "quick fix", and that I don't have the ability to handle any pain medications, etc. this has been extremely uncomfortable.Thank you so much for your prayers!

Seventh, after a ton of prayer I have decided to share a series on the blog entitled, "The Lyme Diaries" which I hope will provide helpful information to anyone who is struggling with Lyme Disease or anyone who loves a "Lymie". You can find the series HERE. 

Eighth, finally, tomorrow morning, (Monday) I have an appointment with a doctor who helps the state determine if there is a cause to give supplemental financial aid. You may remember that I mentioned that I had applied for Social Security Disability and was denied (Lyme Disease is unfortunately not always recognized) and after my appeal was denied I applied for a different type of government assistance. This appointment with the doctor is a step towards verification of my illness and the financial need that I do have. This would be such a help financially and I would covet your prayers for this meeting with this doctor. 

Thank you so much friends for ALL of your prayers on my behalf. There are so many moments throughout the day where I can tell that y'all are praying and believe me the Lord IS answering! I have some received some emails recently asking what exactly you can pray for me for. While the things above are specific prayer requests I did write a post a couple of months ago entitled, 12 Things to Pray for someone struggling with a Chronic Health Condition, that might also give some ideas of what to pray. I SO appreciate your sacrifice of time and energy to go to the Lord on my behalf. Thank you so much sweet friends for "carrying" me to the Lord! I am so grateful for each of you!