Wednesday, June 25, 2014

decisions & improvements

Every day reveals some improvement in my skin-related symptoms. We credit prayer and doTerra's Zendocrine (which was, in itself, an answer to prayers).

For those who have asked, we have decided to use the doTerra lyme protocol. If we need to do Cowden, we will, but it looks like doTerra both meets and exceeds our goals and needs. Excited to start soon!

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

it's a...


...lime! 

Lymes is the doctors conclusion. Sooo I am a real Virginian now! Time to sharpie "feral immigrant" off of my ID card. 

Everything else is still there (yeast, fungi, blah blah blah). BUT... We don't know if the Lyme was the chicken or the egg in this scenario for certain, but most likely the chicken. Supposedly the diagnosis explains why things have been triggered recently (lymes does this -- makes a-topic stuff, like eczema, worse in addition to everything else it damages). It is honestly a much simpler explanation and for that I am relieved. Time to explore natural treatment options. :) 

Thank you all for praying this past week for relief from the mysterious surge of eczema. Face and neck is completely, miraculously healed. Hands, wrists, and arms are still unbearable but we are starting to see improvement there, even -- so encouraging. 

Love you all dearly. 

Saturday, June 14, 2014

I can see!

1. We had to wrap my wrists and hands in gauze because it's such a painful wreck, and we are hopeful that this will enable them to heal for the first time in a while. In the meantime, I look very mummy-chic mets steam-punk.

2. For the first time since Monday night (when I went to bed), I can open both of my eyes and not only that, but I can actually see. No weird eyelashes or spontaneous tearing to obscure my vision. I am stoked.

AND, this is a pretty spiffy story. Around 2:30, I finally forced my left eye open enough so I could find my phone to call Debbie (to tell her that I wanted to take her up on her offer to come over and help me), my Oma, and Rachel. I asked Oma and Rachel to pray for me over the phone...and within thirty minutes I could open my right eye enough to see out of it. Previously, I couldn't even force it open with my fingers because they swelling was so intense. As of today, the swelling isn't completely gone, but we're getting there! It's such a marvelous improvement, though. I was astounded by the speedy answer to prayer that I witnessed yesterday.

3. Yesterday, my mother-in-law came over, spent time with me, talked with me, applied oils for me, and was a kind comfort. At someone's suggestion, we applied the doTerra zendocrine oil blend to the bottom of my feet. As time progressed, Debbie actually saw a visual difference -- the swelling continued to go down, the redness continued to subside... amazing. I am quite grateful for her sacrificial love -- driving an hour to come help me, putting her arm around me, having me lay in her lap while we talked and I gathered my bearings, making calls to people who knew what would work, and just loving me to pieces.

4. Beyond thankful for all of your prayers. You bless me (and my long-suffering, patient husband) to no end.




Wednesday, June 11, 2014

bad news

Well, this week's update isn't great.

My arms, neck, face, shoulders, back of my ear-lobes, and abdomen are oozing with something ...orange? I think? TBD, because I can only see part-way out of my left eye (one fourth of the vision + looking through a soap bubble). Additionally, I am having tons of trouble opening my mouth enough to eat. So, feeling bewildered, confused, a little sad, and surprised. I was fine yesterday!

I wasn't physically able to get out of bed until 4:30PM today. BUT the fact that I was able to get out of bed is a testament to the power of prayer -- I had been trying all day to get out of bed with no success. I sent messages to some friends, and within the hour I was able to successfully move. Praise the Lord!

I have no idea what has caused this, but I am really looking forward to seeing the doctor (for the first time since what, April?) on Tuesday. Plus, I am feeling really encouraged knowing that others are praying for Tom and I as we try to make it through today, and the next, and the next.


Come Lord, and Let Thy Pow'r, by Fanny Crosby

Come, Lord, and let Thy pow’r
On each and all descend,
While gathered in Thy holy Name,
Before Thy throne we bend.

Refresh our waiting souls,
Our feeble faith inspire,
And from Thine altar touch our hearts
With coals of sacred fire.

Come, Lord, and let Thy pow’r
Each thought of self remove;
And may we feel as ne’er before
Thy pure and perfect love.

Refrain

Our waiting, longing eyes,
Are looking up to Thee,
O may we, in Thy smiling face,
Our Father’s glory see.

Refrain

Come, Lord, Thy pow’r alone
The work of grace can do;
Now let it consecrate to Thee
Our hearts and lives anew.

Refrain

Be ours, with fervent zeal,
Thy bloodstained cross to bear;
Till at Thy feet we lay it down,
A crown of life to wear.

Refrain