When It Rains, It Pours (or- Really, Again????)

I am not one to complain and complain when things seem to be going wrong or when the stars appear to be aligned against me, but it seems that I have been having more than my fair share of trials and adversity lately. This string of unfortunate events started in early October with having to seek treatment for my bad back, which is, thankfully, feeling better each week because of weekly treatments. Then, two weeks ago I started having problems with my digestive system - (See my post on Nov. 12th). Because of my diagnosis, I was issued two prescriptions for antibiotics to combat my diverticulitis.  It turns out these medications led to complications...keeping my string of bad luck continuing - a domino effect of sorts. First, I started having lots of upper stomach pain and, for me, that always means gastritis. Because of that, I have an endoscopy scheduled for this Monday morning (Nov. 25th). Oh joy! Then, the 2nd complication was that I woke up this morning (after seeing previous signs of a possible allergic reaction for 2 days) with welts all over my body, my eye lids swollen and droopy, and my face looked and felt like it was on fire. Very flattering picture, I know.

 (Definitely not my finest moment)

Welts on my leg

Sitting in Urgent Care (Couldn't wear makeup

because my eyes and face were so swollen)

This allergic reaction to my medications landed me in Urgent Care, where I spent 5 hours, most of it sitting around reading while waiting, but part was spent with two nurses struggling to find a vein for my IV injection of a steroid. I have a long history of trouble finding my veins so I was expecting that things would not go well, However, I wasn't expecting to feel like a pin cushion when it was all over. Finally, after the 1st nurse gave up after blowing out two veins, the 2nd nurse found a vein on her second try. Although it was extremely painful because of its location, I was super elated that she finally found my elusive vein. A prayer of gratitude from me quickly ascended to heaven.

Well, this saga continues...but not without having to back up a day. We live in the desert and seldom get rain, but sometimes when it rains, it really pours and flooding can occur. Yesterday was one of those days. At one point in the late afternoon/early evening, the skies opened up and dumped lots of rain in our area.  Right before Alan and I had to leave for our Pathway Gathering, I went to our room to change into my "missionary" clothes and discovered that the bottom of our bed was soaking wet and there was a stream of water flowing from the ceiling around the ceiling fan. Bad timing! Since we had to rush off, we stripped the bed of its freshly laundered sheets and blankets  (I had just made the bed 1 hour before we discovered this) and put down a plastic cloth and some buckets to catch any drips while we were away. Unfortunately, that bed was not in any condition to sleep in last night, but fortunately we have several empty beds to choose from when this one is out of commission.

Well, so far, that is it for my recent trials. It may sound like I am complaining, but I write these things as a history of mine for future reference. This is my journal for now and I publish all of my blog entries into a book at the end of each year for future reference and review by my posterity.

I like to think of trials like these (although minimal in comparison to what many others may have to endure daily) as opportunities for growth. Things happen to us for a reason and that reason is for us to experience both the negative and the positive aspects of life so we can grow and learn and endure to the end, especially when we draw upon the powers of heaven to help us to endure whatever comes our way.

"Like the intense fire that transforms iron into steel, as we remain faithful during the fiery trial of our faith, we are spiritually refined and strengthened." - Neil L. Andersen

Gratitude In Spite of Adversity

Sometimes I feel like I would like to trade my body in for a newer model. I am not a fan of the aging process. I don't recommend it to anyone. However, I am a realist and know that I can't turn back the clock so I must learn to embrace any changes that are on the horizon for me.

My reasons for the title of this post is because yesterday I spent the day (7 hours) sitting in medical waiting rooms. I had been experiencing 4 days of pain in my lower left abdomen along with a low grade fever and suspected that I might have another case of diverticulitis. Having had it before, I kind of recognized the symptoms, but I decided to call Neal (my brother who is a retired physician) to ask his medical opinion and he suggested that I try to get seen by a physician asap. Fortunately, I was able to get in to see my gastroenterologist pretty quickly. After describing my symptoms to Dr. Tyagi, he also suspected diverticulitis so he sent me to an Imaging Center (where I spent 5 hrs.) to have a CT Scan, which confirmed that I did have it and it was, fortunately, in its early stages. I also had blood and urine tests run but haven't gotten the results back yet. I will get the results in a week when I have a follow-up appointment with Dr Tyagi. Until then, I will be downing my miracle cure tablets (antibiotics), resting, and adjusting my diet (no fiber) as per doctors orders.

Since Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I am reminded that I should try to see the good in things, look on the bright side, and to be more thankful for every experience in my life. Sometimes this is hard to do where poor health is concerned. Relating to my experiences yesterday, here is a list of things I can be thankful for:
1)  I am grateful for modern medicine and state-of-the-art equipment that makes it possible to view my lower bowel allowing a clear picture of what was causing all my pain.
2)  I am grateful that I have been blessed to be able to afford medical insurance which will cover some of the costs.
3)  I am grateful that the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) has not gone into effect yet and that I can still see the doctors of my choice. Had Obamacare gone into effect, chances are that my 7 hours spent seeking medical help yesterday most likely would have been extended many more hours or I may have had to wait weeks to get any medical assistance at all.
4)  I am grateful for antibiotics. Without them, I know that my condition would be life-threatening.
5)  I am grateful that I don't have small children at home to tend to or have a full-time job to report to while I recover. I can truly limit my activities  - exactly what the doctor ordered.
6)  I am grateful that my back hasn't given me any problems for almost a week. This is a real "tender mercy" since having back pain on top of the abdominal pain would have been very difficult, especially since I can't take any pain medications until my colon has healed.

"He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious" D&C 78:19

"The Lord wants you to have a spirit of gratitude in all you do and say. Live with a spirit of thanksgiving and you will have greater happiness and satisfaction in life. Gratitude will turn your heart to the Lord and help you recognize His influence and blessings in your life. Even in your most difficult times, you can find much to be grateful for. Doing so will strengthen and bless you."  [For the Strength of Youth]

In Good Hands

Besides being a Pathway Missionary and an Ordinance Worker in the L.A. Temple, I also teach the 4-6 year old children in Primary. The Sharing Time theme for October was about being missionaries, but the last week of the month they specifically focused on how sharing the gospel can strengthen your testimony. The children learned about testimonies and how to share them.

Yesterday in Primary after spending almost the whole time practicing for our upcoming Sacrament Meeting Presentation, the Primary president turned the time over to any of the children who wanted to share their testimonies for the last 10 minutes of Primary.  Since it was Fast Sunday, this was a perfect way to reinforce what they had learned the week before. When I was the age of these primary children, I was very shy so I guess I was a little skeptical that any of the children would want to bear their testimony. Boy, was I wrong! I was amazed at the number of children who wanted to do it. Some had to be turned away because of lack of time.  Of those who participated, some needed help, but two eight year old boys blew me away when they essentially gave extemporaneous talks on baptism or being sealed together as families.  I came to the conclusion that since Primary is the training ground for the future leaders of the Church, the Church is in good hands with the likes of these special children.

I believe the Primary Presidency is going to make testimony bearing a part of Primary each Fast Sunday from now on.

"Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: 

for of such is the kingdom of God." 

Luke 18:16