I wanted to post an update today to all of those wondering how my journey with MS is going. I don't love dwelling on it, because I feel so good lately, and pretty normal these days. But that's a great reason to write about it, because I have so much good going on, and so much to be thankful for! You all definitely deserve an update, and really, so does God.
When I think of the last month of my life, Philippians 4:6 comes to mind, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." Let me tell you why.
I have a new neurologist, who is the sweetest little lady with the most adorable accent. Who doesn't love a smartie with an accent? I had been waiting to see her for months, because the demand for her is high, and even though I called to check for cancellations ocassionally, there never seemed to be any quick movement. I felt impatient most days, constantly praying for an opening on her calendar to get in sooner, but when I realized it wasn't going to happen, I put my patient pants on and life got a little sweeter. When you can't do anything about your circumstances, it really frees you to just stop worrying, doesn't it? I went to visit her a couple of weeks ago and she confirmed my diagnosis and started explaining all of my medication options. My previous doctor had encouraged me to start shot treatments right away (blah), but I really felt that I should wait and see another doctor first, if not just for a second opinion. Boy am I glad. In the last couple of weeks, a brand new medication was released to treat MS called BG-12. It's got limited side-effects that actually go away over time, and has been proven to be 20% more effective than the popular shots available, and the BEST part about it? It's a pill, not a shot! Why yes, I'm actually not dreaming, but you could have fooled me! How did I get to live in this small sliver of history with these awesome medical breakthroughs?
My doctor explained that if I had previously started medication (daily shots) then she would not have ever switched me to the new pill that was just released a few weeks ago, because she would have had no reason to take me off of a medication that was working. The risk is too high for a person's body, especially switching on drugs that work with your immune system in different ways. Since these drugs have lasting effects on a person, it's not smart to switch often, if ever, unless completely necessary. But, since I had not started on anything yet, I got to be a glorious NEW recipient of this awesome drug. Hello!
Can you imagine if the Lord had answered my prayer when I asked him to get me in to see the doctor on my time table? I would have missed this very small window of time, and would have started on a different medication...and been stuck with it.
But no, God in his mercy, knowing
the best plan for my life, loved me
most by not answering my prayer.
What have you been praying for lately that you aren't getting a response from God about? Can I encourage you today to stay the course, give God your trust, and be patient? He's got your BEST interest at heart, and every single morning, I'm lucky enough to be reminded of that...in a pill form.
My doctor said she was impressed with how well I was doing, by the way. I attribute that to lots of prayer and my drastic change in diet. Either way though, she predicts that I may have none, or maybe one episode this year. What?! I can't believe it. If I wrote my own life story, it wouldn't have ever gone this well. I'd say my body is on the way...to a miracle or something. :)
Thank you, friends, for every prayer, every kind word, and every person that believes in miracles.
The Lord is good, and I believe
that he makes all things beautiful
in his time!
