Thursday, July 5, 2012

My Life Changed....

   In late January of this year my life changed...a change that stopped me in my tracks and altered my focus and my priorities; I was diagnosed with ovarian and inter-uterine cysts. Since that diagnosis I have been through the standard courses of treatment: the 'wait and see', the 'take this medication', and the 'you need surgery now' treatment. Unfortunately, the problem is not solved; six weeks after surgery the pain returned and tests revealed endometriosis and another cyst.
   I came home from that appointment frustrated and utterly defeated. Why? I couldn't explain it; I was doing everything they told me to; I prayed- God could heal me if He wanted to..so why? Deep grief and utter abandonment came over several days; my soul hit bottom and my body was at war with me.
   The first realization I had was- He could, but He didn't, and there has to be a reason. My prayer changed from 'remove this' to 'use this'. If God isn't changing the situation then I need him to show me a new direction. I stopped begging for things to be the way they were before and started praying for the wisdom and grace to live with the now--'if You won't remove it, grow me through it'. Let me say that this one change made all the difference.
   The next step was evaluation- I realized that mild symptoms had been occurring for a few years..so what in my own habits had changed? What could I do about it? Over the course of kids becoming teens, our diet had slacked- alot. Starches and sugars crept in and took root- not at all good (and known to feed the problem). My heart felt the surge and research and discussions led me back to the way I use to feed my family..the way God grew it. I re-read Leviticus and The Maker's Diet; after all..if God had a plan it was a good one.
 
   Where am I today? Listening, learning and seeking...it's a never ending process. Do I still have cysts? Yes, and many days where the symptoms disrupt my life. Am I still under my doctor's care? Yes..we are working together to keep them at bay and prevent another surgery. Am I on treatments for them? Yes..and no, I do not  like them nor the side effects they bring. And the habits? Since starting my dietary changes and exercise regiment my good days far out weigh my bad; for the most part I feel better, my pain is less, and my nausea/headache/fatigue is much improved. Yet, I know..it isn't over.
 
   Ovarian/uterine cyst trouble runs in families- and I have two daughters who need to be aware and need to be proactive about this. Over the next couple of days, my daughters and I will be sharing information about our walk with ovarian/uterine cysts. If you or anyone you know is battling this issue we welcome your input.
 
   

6 comments:

HIBISCUS HOUSE said...

I did not know you were going through all of this. My thoughts and prayers are for you.

Michelle said...

Hope your good days grow by leaps and bonds. My thoughts and prays are with you also.

Unknown said...

Thank you both:)

J.E. Traweek said...

I can pray too, and walk through this with you. If you ever need help, give me a call. I will continue to put you on Creekside Church prayer list and all of us ladies will be praying for you!

Dicky Bird said...

My youngest daughter is a cancer survivor. She faced her bladder cancer at 11. A year of chemo, multiple surgeries, radiation. Jesus healed her, "we" lived through it, He made us stronger for it. She just graduated from high school in May. She has been having some "female" problems and just found out this week....that she has cysts. She was in a lot of pain and had "things" floating in her urine. We thought right away it was her bladder cancer again. She was given a medication to start on (one we don't believe in) she is trying to figure out if she should start the medication of suffer through the pain. The doctor told her it might be endometrious (spelling). Any information you post would be helpful. Blessings from Wisconsin.

Jami Leigh said...

Wow I didn't realize that you are walking through this! My prayers are with you and your family right now!