Update on Judy's health

Thanks so much for your many prayers during my unusual health issues these past few months!  It's been awhile since I've mentioned it, because I've been waiting  for that final diagnosis. However everything  that the doctors have suggested does not really match up with  those unusual symptoms that I had.  If you're not sure what I'm talking about; the posts labeled Judy's health on the right here tell the story. I've come to accept that I may not ever know what I had and get a diagnosis.  But as long as the symptoms are gone and never return, I'm ok with that.

My whole health issue started exactly three months ago.  I finally feel like it may be something in the past now and it's over. Tonight I met with two doctors and and am very thankful to report that:
1- the symptoms are gone. So....
2- I can go off the medication now, and
3- no future follow-up appointments were made. 

There is no guarantee that it will not return, so she wants me to keep the medication on hand in case it reoccurs and come back in right away. Of course, we'd love more closure and would like to know what in the world I had- but that may never happen.

Thanks too for praying for me at my Thai classes last week.  We had a few good days of discussing Thai beliefs and our own beliefs together.  I prayed and asked God for wisdom and help as I had my opportunities to share. Initially, I felt disappointed that I did not say more- but I decided to believe that God answered my prayers by leading me to say what I did. I have now finished level #6 and have moved into level #7. This was the last day with my teacher from the last few months.  She is a very good and gifted teacher and I am so thankful for her. I learned alot from her!

One day while studying about the spirit worship, I passed these offering in front of a new restaurant being opened as a ceremony was taking place with alot of chanting. Notice the variety of offerings including the two pig heads. Just today I was reading in I Timothy 2: 4&5- "that God desires for ALL men to be saved and there is one God and one mediator between God and man."  May we be His instruments for the people of Thailand to help them find that one way that they can reach God their creator.

Jehovah Rophe

One of my doctors called today to give me an update on the pathology report.  She is still not satisfied with the results so now will send the slide to Bangkok to who she calls an "expert". My doctors are quite sure that my official diagnosis is  "Vasculitus" and/or  "Paniculitus"- but still  have not gotten a clear diagnosis from the lab work. In the meantime, my auto immune doctor wants me to stay on the same medication for another two weeks, since we have seen positive improvement, and I am very happy that the steroids were not needed to treat the symptoms.  Thank you so much to so many who have been praying for me.  I am definitely much better now. 

Soon after  my health issues started to be a concern to us - I was very comforted by the fact that one of God's many many names is "Jehovah Rophe- the Healer".  Just knowing that one of His names was "The Lord Who Heals",  made me more confident that He would take care of me, even though I already knew that.

Exodus 15:26  says, "If thou will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and will do that which is right in His sight, and will give ear to His commandments and keep all His statues, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians, for I am the Lord that Healeth thee."

I read some studies on this and Jehovah Rophe means to heal, restore, or cure. God doesn't just heal, God IS healing.  He is constantly healing us, and really, all of His creation.  Sometimes he heals dramatically and immediately.  Sometimes he heals more slowly using doctors and medicine.  In all cases he heals us completely at the resurrection.  The healing process is a wonderful gift from our God, Jehovah Rophe.

I am so thankful for his healing in my body today.  I still would like to know for sure what I had, what caused it, and how much it will be reoccurring;  but for now and no matter what happens in the future,  I want to praise- "the Lord Who Heals!"

Christmas on Elephant Island.

Mike just got back from a trip to our work in southern Thailand  and Koh Chang; a very fruitful trip he would say.  Some money was given to help some of them get started with some projects that Mike  was finally able to get off the ground this weekend. The first project is at the  kids home.  They have now purchased 2 geese, 10 chickens, and 10 ducks as a new money making project for them.  He also got a lady on the island started in a business of selling rice and cooking oil to the villagers at a little store in her home.

While he was there he got to be part of some Christmas celebrating.  We weren't quite sure what the children would like best for gifts, so Mike decided to let them have the fun of shopping for their own gifts. One night, he took them to a local store and gave them all 10 baht (30 cents) for each year of age they were.  For example. the 5 year olds got 50 baht ( $1.50) up to the 15 year old who got 150 baht ( $5).  His stipulations were that they could not buy candy or food and they could put their money together with each other for a bigger gift if they wanted.  Some of the gifts they ended up with were, a pair of sandals, soccer socks, a game, toys and clothes.  Somsak, the dorm dad has also been wanting the children to have Bibles.  They have New Testaments, but not the Old Testament.  Mike bought them each a Bible and wrapped it up for them and they will open them Christmas morning.

Sunday was a Christmas party at the Koh Chang church.  Because of some other money that was given, each child on the island was given a new bath towel and a pair of flip-flop sandals for Christmas this year.  I was also encouraged to hear that a Christian man who worked in an office in town heard that the adults were not getting gifts, so he bought each family a small plastic bucket with toiletries in it (that you can see off to the right). This is all the island children after receiving their slippers and towel.

Afterwards they all enjoyed a meal together which was quite special for them.

Mike was also part of a few very fruitful meetings this weekend.  One with the villagers on the island where they talked though some decisions about their life as a community.  Another meeting was in town with a coalition of people working with the Moken's where they discussed their partnership and how they can continue to help the Moken people. 

Mike was also able to talk with the caregivers of these children who have been heavy on my heart.  He found out that Phuu Yee's wife who is caring for them is actually a distant relative and would like to continue to keep them in their home.  Even though we were looking into giving them more opportunities for their future, they would like to keep them there on the island and raise them. We will just need to help them with formula expenses for now.

Meanwhile, Lori and I were shut-ins this Sunday and decided to watch The Nativity Story together.  This movie is so well done and so moving to watch this time of year as we think about what Mary and Joseph really went through.  It made me imagine more of what it was like for them in a real world. I recomend it as a family movie this week of Christmas.

And an UPDATE OF MY HEALTH.....
I really do not like talking about my health issue so much, but then I remember how much people have been praying and feel it necessary to keep you updated. Praise God, I am so much better!  Just the last few days, the swelling has gone way down and I feel like my feet are getting back to normal.  I also have not had a fever for a week.  I am so thankful that it seems that the health issue that I had is leaving me-- and yet still a little concerned to not know for sure what I had,  what caused it, and wondering if it will come back.  We still plan to meet more with the auto immune doctor here in Chaing Mai.  But in the meantime, thank you so so much for praying, and know that God is answering those prayers.

Good News and Bad News

The good news is:

-We are enjoying having Lori here so much.  It's been a busy two days since she arrived as she is trying to soak up all her favorites in Thailand.

-Her first day, since the Foltz's, Allen's and Seiler's were having their family Christmas - we joined them via Skye. Although they did not get any gifts from us and were finished opening their gifts.  It was still fun to have all 9 of us adults together at the same time via Skype.

-I have not been out shopping for weeks, so Lori and I planned menu's and a grocery list together yesterday morning and set out for my first outing in a long time for grocery shopping.  It was so fun to get out, and get some food in the house again. Lori had forgotten how strange all the fish looked staring at her.

Favorite meals are being enjoyed:  Mike's Creamed eggs on toast for breakfast, Thai dishes at  favorite restaurants (Tom Kah Gai, Gai Pad Met Mamuang, Fresh Stir Fry's, Sticky rice and Somtam and grilled chicken,  Bai Pot Krapow, etc.),  dinner delivered by  Becky one night, and the favorite German restaurant tonight.

Best of all was that Mike got down the Christmas tree and Lori decorated it for me with Christmas music blaring throughout the house.  First year that I've never decorated my own tree and I loved it, even though she did not want to put on half of my ornaments.   Thanks so much, Lori!

Today after Lori got her teeth checked and cleaned,  we sent Mike off at the airport for a trip down to the south with the Moken's, got our toe's and nails done,  we got a call from the hospital asking me to come in as they moved up my appointment. 

This is where the bad news begins:
The lab results were in that we were waiting on and they turned out negative for the original diagnosis, but she proceeded to cautiously tell me that she did not feel the results were accurate for sure as the pathologist was general and not specializing in this particular diagnosis.  There have been some other disappointments, mainly in that doing some research, we do not feel confident in the diagnosis I was given. I don't want to bother to explain all the concerns, but generally we are no longer feeling confident in getting a diagnosis and help here in Chiang Mai.  The symptoms are not getting better, infact the swelling continues to increase. The doctors are still puzzled and not sure. Please pray for wisdom for us as we are talking with some medical help in Bangkok now.  We really need wisdom and direction.  The timing with Lori here and Christmas is not very good at all- and yet God knows the timing and final diagnosis- so we want to keep trusting Him.  Thanks for praying for all of us.

so relieved, encouraged, and thankful

Quick update... it's 11pm and I need to get to bed - but we just got home from the doctor.  It was a late night appointment with the auto immune specialist.  We were so encouraged during and after the appointment.  The doctor seems very knowledgeable and competent at diagnosing.  I tested negative for Lupas which was a relief. She has it narrowed down to two possibilities, but we are waiting for a skin biopsy lab report that will be ready this Friday for a clearer diagnosis. She is quite sure that it is not a lifetime disease, but temporary and treatable. That is exactly what we were praying for. As soon as we get the diagnosis, we'll let you know.  In the meantime, we ask you to pray that it would indeed be what she thinks; treatable and temporary.  Mike and I immediately stopped to thank God for the good news.  There were so many other much worse options. We realize we may never know  what God has spared me from and how many people have been praying for me to get us this report.  My feet are still terribly swollen and sore and new lumps have shown up on my legs, but just knowing what we're dealing with is so comforting.  She gave me some mild medication to help relieve the symptoms until we get the final diagnosis and then proceed with treatment.  Thank-you, thank-you,  thank-you for praying! We love the results of your prayers, so please don't stop yet! God is my healer!

Is it really Christmas?

My family tradition was to decorate for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. We’d put our all into Thanksgiving day and the next day move right into Christmas. I have tried to keep that tradition in our own family- but because of our schedules it doesn’t always happen.

Today is Dec. 11 and I have done nothing to prepare for Christmas other than our Christmas cards. No decorating, no baking, no shopping, no Christmas music, no parties. Mainly due to the immobile state that I have been in this past month. This whole health ordeal started exactly 30 days ago today and my lifestyle has definitely changed.

I will say that the Christmas pressure here is nothing like in the USA. In a Buddhist country, the main Christmas activities that we prepare for are the presentations on campus to share with students the true meaning of Christmas. When the girls were home, I had more traditions that I wanted to carry out with them, but not now since it is just Mike and I. And honestly, I am happy to not feel like there are more Christmas tasks to be done than hours in the day. I feel sorry for young mom’s who constantly seek to find the balance of shopping, decorating, baking, going to parties and all the other obligations. As Marisa told me, “It is NOT the happiest time of the year!” Lori arrives in two days, and maybe I could say that I am saving all the Christmas fun for when she gets here!

Update on my health: It’s been a tough weekend. As soon as I got home, the fever came back again. My feet have been terribly swollen and sore today. And then during these days of waiting there’s been more questions: Why me? What do you want to teach me, God? How long is this going to last? Why do we still not have an answer after 30 days now? Would it be different if I was in the USA?

God’s Word has definitely been my greatest comfort. This morning verses like: Phil 1:6, I John 3:20, Psalm 102:1-2, I Peter 5:6-7, Romans 8:38-39, Psalm 118:8. You’ll notice that several of them refer to God’s timing. Sometimes Mike and I wonder if we are letting this go too long and if the delay is making it worse. We feel that as we walk with Him day by day, that He has not told us yet to transfer out of Chiang Mai. Tomorrow is a big day in my eyes, when we finally get to meet with the auto-immune doctor to get her input. We appreciate your prayers so so much!

Going Home

The doctor was just in and gave us the report that the blood culture was negative for infection.  The fever has most likely not been caused by infection- so I will see the auto immune doctor next.  So 'YEAH' for getting to go back home, but 'BOO' for not having a diagnosis. I will see that doctor on Monday evening at 7pm.  I'm feeling better as the fever has stopped and the swelling in my feet has gone down.  I can walk again- but not far.  The rashes and swelling get worse the more I'm on my feet- so guess the Christmas shopping is still on hold.

Thank you again so so much for your prayers.  Probably won't know much now until after the appointment on Monday! Now Mike is battling a chest cold, appreciate prayers for him too.

Still Waitin'

We did not get the blood culture results back tonight- so this is night #4 in my comfy bed- no joke it really is comfy! In the morning, if it is negative for infection than I will be released to go home -but only with the knowledge that my fever, swollen and painful feet, rash, etc. are not caused by an infection.  My symptoms have actually gotten better and I can walk again. But I still have no diagnosis!

I will transfer over to an auto-immune doctor who is presently on vacation.  This is another Thai Holiday weekend, Constitution Day so we cannot see this doctor until our Monday 7pm.  If I go home it will be a few more days of waiting. As I said before - the treatment would actually be easier if infection showed up tomorrow  morn.  Otherwise we do not know how long the diagnosing of the connective tissue disease will take.

Thank you so much for the outpouring of prayers we have felt.  God has given me a real peace in this time of unknown.  We are continuing to ask God for a clear and accurate diagnosis and eventual good treatment for my body to be healed and ready to go again! Please pray for "Nurse Mike" also.  He has been an amazing help to me in so many ways.  He waits on me physically, walks next door to the mall to get me special foods that I am craving and has had to cancel some of his plans to be with me during this time.  He is no doubt my best support as we talk through decisions that we have to make,  pray together seeking God for His wisdom, and remind each other that our best option is to keep trusting God. We are both curious to know what the final diagnosis will be. Just a few last photos in case we leave tomorrow:

Don't mind the VIP treatment at all!



The  nightly sunset view out my room of Doi Suthep!

Lori gets here in 3 days.  We've cancelled our plans to meet her in Bangkok and to go to the beach before Christmas.  She is just going to get to hang out with us and go to doctor appointments and hopefully be happy just to be home again!  

Hospital Day #3- Update

We still have no answers and diagnosis- but possibly are getting closer.  All my doctors agree together after allot of testing that the 27 day fever is probably not caused by an infection in the body.  My doctor specialists have included a; Hematologist, Cardiologist, Dermatologist, Infectious Disease doctor, and we have one more left to go.  We need to wait the 72 hours for the results on the blood culture to know for sure that it is not infection in my body.  That lab result will be done our Sat. morn. In some ways, a positive reading on infection would be easy- because they would only need to find the source of the infection and treat it. However since they are all quite sure it is not infection (according to the symptoms) we move into considering an auto immune disease.  Considering there are at least 172 of them to choose from- I am not even going to play the game of matching up my symptoms.  The Internet can be great for research-- but can also give way  more information than needed, so I will choose to let the doctor do the diagnosing.  I have been pricked, poked, and tested more these last three days than my entire life added together.  But it is needed and worth it to get to the bottom of this.  Today they did a skin biopsy on one of the spots that have developed on my hands and feet.  That culture takes 7 days to get the results- so it is giving them a head start if they need to diagnosis which auto immune disease. Tomorrow is a day of waiting.  Any one who knows me can only imagine all the projects I am working on here in the room while waiting.  IT is a great way to get those Christmas cards done when you can't get out of bed. We have been so so encouraged by your messages and quick notes to let us know you are praying.  God's sovereignty and total control over each minute of my life is my biggest comfort.  He obviously is not ready to reveal the problem yet as we have asked, so in the meantime I will choose to enjoy this little time of rest and wait on His timing.

Hospital Day #2

I wish that I had more of an update tonight, but I don't.  Two more specialists checked me out today and admitted that they were puzzled, too. We are waiting on blood culture results that will be done after 72 hours to eliminate more options of where the infection is coming from. New symptoms have surfaced today.  I won't share with you all the options that have been mentioned-- because there have been so many and options are only options. One thing is consistent from all the doctors-- that my symptoms are unusual and unique. I know allot of people are praying and the word is getting out there that these doctors need wisdom. That is comforting- but the most comforting of all is that even though no one else knows what is going on to cause all of this, that God does.  I will continue to trust that He knows what He is doing.

Look at my pretty flowers and fruit that visitor's brought me today!  Appreciate continued prayers for a diagnosis and healing.

Admitted

Today after spending 8 hours at the hospital with allot of testing, I ended the day  with being admitted.  I've switched to a Dr. at the hospital and he is still puzzled as to what is causing my symptoms as nothing significant showed up after all the tests.  I gave 5 vials of blood, a urinalysis, chest x-ray, lung x-ray, ultra sound of my leg veins, ultra sound of abdomen.  He says this is unusual and he is most concerned by the fever that has lasted for 25 days and wants to find the source.  I am concerned for my feet that have swollen so big.  As I was wheeled around the hospital from department to department all day, I found the Dr's. and nurses looking at my feet and commenting, "wow those are really swollen".  Since being admitted, I've added to the tests an EKG and echocardiogram and still no explanations.  My main Dr. wanted me to be admitted so that all the specialists could come to me until they can find the problem and I agreed.  This has gone on for too long and is actually getting worse.  Tomorrow he is checking for tropical parasites and more blood cultures.

Thanks for praying! I am actually in pretty good spirits.  When we checked into my room looking out a big picture window there was a beautiful sunset behind the mountain. Can't complain about the view at all.  The only other times that I've stayed overnight in a hospital was for the birth of each of our four daughters and those are all some of my best life memories ever. The staff here are taking good care of me.

However, I  really appreciate all the prayers I can get now.  No doubt, our biggest prayer is that they can find the cause of the fevers and swollen painful feet, so that it can be treated and I can be healed!  I told my Dr. at the end of the day that we were considering transferring to Bangkok, but he said he wanted to test here until he found it. I'm asking God to grant wisdom to my doctors.

A bit discouraged

I have not felt well for 20 days now.  The symptoms have been a bit weird; low grade fever, swollen and painful feet, and low energy levels.  I've been going to the Dr.- but it has not been figured out yet.  It has sure made me appreciate my normally good health.  I feel like I'm running on half steam and really just want to know what is going on.  Right now my Dr. has presented four options.  Please pray that we can get to the bottom of this and that I will be teachable to learn what I need to learn during this time. Lori arrives in 13 days, and I can hardly contain my excitement.  However, I do not want to be hobbling around and taking naps while she is here.  Thanks for your prayers!

This week, I was looking over some notes from our training in Colorado this summer. The place that we stayed at was nearby a lake with beautiful homes around it.  I enjoyed taking walks there for exercise.  On one walk, I journaled this entry. It will give you a peek into a missionaries heart.  I'll call it:

Conversation with God on a lake

God, I love these homes, they are so beautiful. I want a big pretty home with picture windows overlooking the lake, and snow capped mountains in the distant view.  The smell of the lake produces a flash of fun summer vacation memories.  I want a home in the USA that my kids and grand kids can come home to.  I want a home that we can gather at and be together for holidays and I cook for them. I want a home with air conditioning that is comfortable when it is blazing hot outside. BUT more than that, I want to obey you God. I want to follow where you lead. I want to follow my husband and I want to be in the center of your will. I want the fulfillment that comes with knowing our lives are being spent for eternity.

Thank you God for the exciting adventure you have been leading us on as we journey with you. Thank you for all the places we've been and people we've influenced as we walk with you and follow your path for us!  Help me to be content wherever I am and to make the most of each day  for you.  I John 2:15-17 says it better!