Who knew??

In the past week lots has happened, and yet nothing has really changed.

Christmas came and went, but for the first time in a very long time I actually took time to enjoy myself. There is something about being told that you have a potentially life threatening illness that makes you slow down and enjoy the moments. I refused to let my self get stressed about not having enough money, or not getting everything done by Christmas morning... instead of an actual hat a few siblings got a box of yarn... so what? Isn't it ultimately the thought that counts? Besides we all found it pretty funny when Sherri asked if she was supposed to finish her own :p

I saw my specialist the Wednesday before Christmas. He didn't have the pathology results back yet, so I am as of yet, unofficially diagnosed. As we talked though we discovered more and more of the health challenges that I've been facing the past few years are related to Chron's Disease. Its amazing what a Doctor that actually listens to you can discover along the way!

I've been placed on a fairly strong steroid to bring the worst of the pain and symptoms under control. It is to be a short term measure to bring my body back into balance. In the past week or so I have slept better than I have in several years! Who knew that 7 or 8 hours of uninterrupted, pain free sleep could feel so heavenly?!?!? Some of the side effects of the drugs aren't fantastic... but compared to the way I was living... whats a little heart burn?

I am very much looking forward to 2011. Its going to be an amazing year! I know that there will be many challenges and some major life changes ahead... but I can hardly wait! My first goal for 2011... get a real bed! No more of this sleeping on a mattress on the floor stuff for me :) Goal number 2 ( which I am already actively pursuing) is finding a place of my own. I love the friends that I am living with, and their kids... but I need something that is mine. Especially with all the changes coming my way, I'm going to need my own kitchen:)

So I am off to look at apartments today. Praying that God leads me to the perfect place in the perfect location!

Here's the latest...

Time for an update... this way I only have to type it once and then I can just send people here when they want to know whats going on...

Yesterday (December 17) I spent the day at the hospital for some tests and a colonoscopy. The preparation for the colonoscopy was not at all fun, but it was a picnic compared to how my body reacted to the actual procedure. I ended up staying twice the usual recovery time.

The Doctor came and talked to my Mom while I was recovering and told us that I either have ulsorative colitus or (and more likely) Chron's disease. I have an appointment on Wednesday to get the biopsy results back and to talk about treatment options.

I'm stuck in bed for the next day or two and I am very grateful that my mom loves me enough to give up her bed for a couple nights so that I can be where there is family to take care of me. Not to mention that the mattress on the floor of my room doesn't really cut it for re cooperating.

So as of right now the doctor's diagnoses is not looking great, and the facts are not in my favor, However I know the TRUTH. The TRUTH is I know the Ultimate Physician and HIS diagnosis is just a little bit different :)

Continue to agree with me for peace, wisdom for the doctors, direction as I start a new chapter of my life, but most of all for Healing!

Thanks!

In case you were wondering...

A couple people have noticed some of my "not so happy" facebook statuses and have asked me what's up... so I though I'd update my sadly neglected blog and let everybody ( all 4 of you that actually read this thing that is) in on whats going on with me.

I moved back to Kitchener in the middle of October. Pretty much since then I've been sick. Been to the doctors, had tons of blood taken and lots of tests run, and still no concrete answers. My iron is very, very low,I am tired all the time and I've lost a bunch of weight (not that I am complaining about that part at all!). I can't eat much and when I do it hurts. I've been sent to a specialist and I've got a biopsy and some other tests scheduled for next friday (the 17th).

Top that off with getting let go from the telemarketing job ( I was not created to sell people cable and intnernet!!), and I've been having a rough couple months.

BUT God has been more than faithful!! He's been providing in ways I never though possible. I have to drive my sister to work now, but I just wanted to ask that you pray for me. Pray for healing, wisdom for the doctors, and continued provision.

Thanks and I'll try to keep everyone updated.

Jennifer