My 2011 Year
I know that traditionally in December, I send out my Christmas card along with a letter about my year and maybe even a photo. This year, I didn't get around to finding the correct card or writing a letter in time before the year ended; so this is why I write this post--- just to let you all know I appreciate your friendship and love once again this past year.
I continue to struggle with my physical pain and low energy. I still can't work full time and sometimes even helping my mom around the house takes a toll on me... my pain level increases and sometimes so bad that I have lay down for a good while. You will read about some of my trips I made over the year. It wasn't easy at times with my constant pain, but God gave me strength to enjoy time I was able to spend with friends and family. Throughout the beginning of the year, I continued to go through tests after tests to figure out or rule out things that could be an underlying cause of all this pain. It wasn't easy to go through so many tests. Almost all the tests came back negative, which is good but yet frustrating that there was still now answers as to why my stomach pain hasn't gotten any better despite various drug therapy. I continued to see the GI doctor throughout the year so that I could be monitored on the medications I was on as well as just having the routine 3-mo follow up. Along with the stomach pain, I still and will always live with yearly surgeries to remove any of the overgrown nerve tissues. I had one of my routine surgeries on March 17, 2011. This was an outpatient procedure but the recuperation period was rough. I'm finding I don't bounce back as fast as I did when I was younger (as in... a young child). My surgeries aren't over and I don't think they ever will be; but I do have the flexibility more now than I did before. The surgeries are important but not a "priority" as it once was. The day before my surgery, March 16, my best friend, Keren and her beau, Joshua, took me out to eat. That was really special time getting to know him and for him to be so thoughtful to treat me to a good meal before my surgery, and knowing I'll have to eat soft bland foods afterwords.
In July,, my parents and I went to NY to visit my grandmother for the long weekend. I always love going to NY and enjoying spending time with her. I was also able to see my aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces up there too.
In August, I had the opportunity to "celebrate" my turning 29 (for the x-th) time) in Alaska with my friend Keren and her now fiance, Josh. It was a really exciting trip for me. My mom (and I guess I to some degree) was worried my health couldn't handle the long trip and 4 days there. It was a rough trip as I got sick on the airplane but when we changed planes in Denver, I was able to move Keren and I up to the front so that the air would be better as well my not feeling so "confined". The trip there was fun and exciting. It was my FIRST trip with a friend on my own...without family. Josh took us to many places and we did many exciting things. I truly enjoyed this trip. The flight over I got to know my friend even on a more deeper level and while in Alaska,, I got to know Josh even better and grew to just love him as a brother in Christ. I rode solo on my flight back to VA. It would be a trip I never would forget!
In September, my family and I went back to NY again to visit my grandma---this time for a week. My sister and her family visited as well but they stayed just 3 nights. However, I was able to go to see The Statue of Liberty with them. I've seen it before but I think I was not much older than 10yrs old last time I went. I think my nieces really enjoyed the ferry ride and walking around Liberty Island. It was a great trip with them. My grandmother really enjoyed seeing her great grandchildren.
October-December was pretty mellow for me. I had days when my stomach had so much pain, I basically laid in bed and took pain meds. The doctors decided to send me over to see the Pain Management Clinic (still at UVA). The GI doctors told me that they have done all they could for me and felt that my stomach pain was due to the neurological pathways being extra sensitive and the nerve endings being over-active. I saw Dr. Taraski (fellow) and Dr. Johnson (Attending) at the UVA Pain Clinic. They are trying me on a different medication that helps calm down nerve pathways. So far, I don't see much difference and hoping that by the first week in Jan when I'm on the full dosage I can more effects. The pain is still there but at least I can sleep somewhat better at night.
The end of December and beginning of a new year brings about a challenge. My COBRA ends and I'm in the process of looking for new insurance for individual through Anthem BC/BS or maybe in Coventry/Southern Health (my current insurance). I am receiving help and advice before I sign off on getting a new insurance; hopefully we will be able to find a good one at something I can afford. It's a bit nerve racking because right now I don't have any and I'm not sure how long it would take to actually get coverage. Please pray that I WON'T get sick or have any medical complications during the time I don't have insurance.
On a lighter, more fun note, I got my room painted and re-arranged. I didn't do much in painting because of the fumes; but I did help when I could with sanding and such. I LOVE my newly painted re decorated room. I chose a color called "Lilac Whisper". I was so glad to get my old bulky computer desk out of my room and put in a new smaller corner table.
I still remain active in my church with the worship team, nursery coordination, and After school Program, while my health and agility allows me. I continue to remain grateful that God has placed me in a wonderful church in Harrisonburg as well as caring family and friends. I stand amazed with God's glory in the midst of those hurdles I have crossed this year. I LOVE working with the After School Program kids. They bring joy and love to my heart. Their questions about God just shows me how tender their heart is. Yes, they asked about me and my looks; but as soon as I explain it to them, they continue to ask questions-----ABOUT GOD!
May God Bless you all with a wonderful 2012. You all are a blessing to me and I thank each of you who has show concern, care, and compassion to me over the past couple years as I have been battling with health and still not able to hold a full time job. Your constant reminders has kept my faith going! Love to all!
I continue to struggle with my physical pain and low energy. I still can't work full time and sometimes even helping my mom around the house takes a toll on me... my pain level increases and sometimes so bad that I have lay down for a good while. You will read about some of my trips I made over the year. It wasn't easy at times with my constant pain, but God gave me strength to enjoy time I was able to spend with friends and family. Throughout the beginning of the year, I continued to go through tests after tests to figure out or rule out things that could be an underlying cause of all this pain. It wasn't easy to go through so many tests. Almost all the tests came back negative, which is good but yet frustrating that there was still now answers as to why my stomach pain hasn't gotten any better despite various drug therapy. I continued to see the GI doctor throughout the year so that I could be monitored on the medications I was on as well as just having the routine 3-mo follow up. Along with the stomach pain, I still and will always live with yearly surgeries to remove any of the overgrown nerve tissues. I had one of my routine surgeries on March 17, 2011. This was an outpatient procedure but the recuperation period was rough. I'm finding I don't bounce back as fast as I did when I was younger (as in... a young child). My surgeries aren't over and I don't think they ever will be; but I do have the flexibility more now than I did before. The surgeries are important but not a "priority" as it once was. The day before my surgery, March 16, my best friend, Keren and her beau, Joshua, took me out to eat. That was really special time getting to know him and for him to be so thoughtful to treat me to a good meal before my surgery, and knowing I'll have to eat soft bland foods afterwords.
In July,, my parents and I went to NY to visit my grandmother for the long weekend. I always love going to NY and enjoying spending time with her. I was also able to see my aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces up there too.
In August, I had the opportunity to "celebrate" my turning 29 (for the x-th) time)
In September, my family and I went back to NY again to visit my grandma---this time for a week. My sister and her family visited as well but they stayed just 3 nights. However, I was able to go to see The Statue of Liberty with them. I've seen it before but I think I was not much older than 10yrs old last time I went. I think my nieces really enjoyed the ferry ride and walking around Liberty Island. It was a great trip with them. My grandmother really enjoyed seeing her great grandchildren.
October-December was pretty mellow for me. I had days when my stomach had so much pain, I basically laid in bed and took pain meds. The doctors decided to send me over to see the Pain Management Clinic (still at UVA). The GI doctors told me that they have done all they could for me and felt that my stomach pain was due to the neurological pathways being extra sensitive and the nerve endings being over-active. I saw Dr. Taraski (fellow) and Dr. Johnson (Attending) at the UVA Pain Clinic. They are trying me on a different medication that helps calm down nerve pathways. So far, I don't see much difference and hoping that by the first week in Jan when I'm on the full dosage I can more effects. The pain is still there but at least I can sleep somewhat better at night.
The end of December and beginning of a new year brings about a challenge. My COBRA ends and I'm in the process of looking for new insurance for individual through Anthem BC/BS or maybe in Coventry/Southern Health (my current insurance). I am receiving help and advice before I sign off on getting a new insurance; hopefully we will be able to find a good one at something I can afford. It's a bit nerve racking because right now I don't have any and I'm not sure how long it would take to actually get coverage. Please pray that I WON'T get sick or have any medical complications during the time I don't have insurance.
On a lighter, more fun note, I got my room painted and re-arranged. I didn't do much in painting because of the fumes; but I did help when I could with sanding and such. I LOVE my newly painted re decorated room. I chose a color called "Lilac Whisper". I was so glad to get my old bulky computer desk out of my room and put in a new smaller corner table.
I still remain active in my church with the worship team, nursery coordination, and After school Program, while my health and agility allows me. I continue to remain grateful that God has placed me in a wonderful church in Harrisonburg as well as caring family and friends. I stand amazed with God's glory in the midst of those hurdles I have crossed this year. I LOVE working with the After School Program kids. They bring joy and love to my heart. Their questions about God just shows me how tender their heart is. Yes, they asked about me and my looks; but as soon as I explain it to them, they continue to ask questions-----ABOUT GOD!
May God Bless you all with a wonderful 2012. You all are a blessing to me and I thank each of you who has show concern, care, and compassion to me over the past couple years as I have been battling with health and still not able to hold a full time job. Your constant reminders has kept my faith going! Love to all!
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