In the Refrigerator
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| Noah enjoys a root beer float during his Jessup Welcome weekend |
Two and a half weeks ago, life was anything but cool and quiet. We were enjoying our last weeks in the North Coast Redwoods with Nate's family, getting ready for a move to my parents' area and preparing to settle Noah at university. I woke up one morning with my hands, back and scalp on fire. Hives. I'd never had them before, but I figured I could take some Benadryl and that they'd go away within a day or two. No big deal, right?
A week later, I'd been through not one but two ER visits as swelling in my face (and other parts of my body) had joined the ever-moving hives. Now I have an EpiPen to take with me at all times. I was burning from the inside - something was awry.
Thankfully, after we moved I was able to see an allergist. She gave me the good/bad news: I am not following the pattern for food or drug allergies (yay!) but I have immunologic hives (uh oh...what are those?) From all signs, my body had a fairly major freak-out session 3 weeks after my surgery, related to hormones and stress. The treatment? "Eat well, sleep well, don't get hot and oh yeah, NO stress.* And double or triple your antihistamines." I can expect the symptoms to continue for several more weeks at least.
Most of you are on our list to connect with in the next few months before we return to PNG. We have a LOT we want to do. But a few days ago, Nate and I sat down and looked at the calendar, to plan out how to help me rest for the next month. (If you've known me long, you know I love calendars and planning! But not planning for resting!) This week I'm up for a while, say cooking a meal, cleaning the bathroom or hanging up a load of laundry, and then - back to bed with ice packs for another 30 minutes. In the refrigerator, so to speak.
And I'm improving. No more big horrible hives covering my body - now it's small ones around my eyes and face and itching/burning under the skin. I'm so grateful for different antihistamines that have helped. For ice packs and freezers. And for the loving care of my family. My primary battle now is mental, as I wonder how long this will last and what kinds of activities I can safely tackle.
Some of the psalms met my heart through sleepless, burning nights: "Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am in distress. But I am trusting you, O LORD...my future is in Your hands. In panic I cried out, 'I am cut off from the LORD!' But You heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help." Psalm 31:9,14-15, 22
This last week, I was challenged again as I listened to an interview with a missionary whose wife is living with terminal cancer. They have given their lives to reach tribal people with the gospel. When he was asked about facing suffering, he responded, "Suffering? If my wife were here she would tell you the same thing I'm about to say. We have hard days, yeah, and we have questions, but in light of an eternity with Jesus we haven't faced suffering. In 150 years this is going to be nothing."
Thank You, Lord, for that reminder, and for courage as I look ahead. Please pray with us:
-that I won't be bound by fear of more swelling and hives, but will have wisdom to allow my body time to heal.
-For the Pal church. The Mesi Bible teachers are dealing with a church discipline issue. Pray that they will walk in dependence on the Lord and His Word.
Praise Him with us:
-Noah had a great first week at William Jessup University, and Elias and Tim are enjoying Vacaville Christian School.
-I'm improving. Nate has been able to connect with some dear friends and we look forward to more!
*No stress?! Seriously? If any of you out there have faced immunologic hives/swelling before and have advice or encouragement, please reach out!
A few more pictures, just for fun:
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| Helping rake up fire hazards on my parents' property |
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| Nate's mom and dad celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary earlier this summer! |
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