Carpe Diem!

When you have a disabling chronic health condition, life changes, typically in a way that others would consider as "worse." Yes I have some very very bad health days. It's hard. It truly is life changing, not only for myself but for loved ones too. Through this however, I've learned so very much that I may not have otherwise. One thing I learned is when you have a "good" health day- seize the day! You never know how long it will last or when the next one will arrive. And that is exactly what I chose to do.

On my own, I took a road trip to Tennessee, I enjoyed about a week at my first stop, continued to my second stop, and then I took a road trip back. Praise the Lord! He kept me safe, strong and able! During this time I was asking for prayer from many and I know it is only through our great and powerful God that I could do this. As my go to verse says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

2 weeks ago I set out on the road. It was a stormy day and as soon as I got on the highway I could barely see the lines on the road. It was extremely frightening and I considered turning back. But I felt that voice inside me say, "stick with it. I've got you." I kept going. I also prayed and talked with God just about the entire way.

Doing this wasn't an easy task, but it certainly was worth it. It required numerous accommodations. First, I never could have done this if I didn't think of this first accommodation. I took a flat pillow, folded it over, and placed it on my lap while driving. That way my arms were able to rest while holding the wheel. It was still exhausting on my muscles to control the wheel, but this helped greatly. Another thing I had to do was stop every 2 hours and walk around due to my blood clot condition/risk. Also my normal of wearing compression socks- so stylish! Though the speed limit was 70 mph most of the time, I averaged about 55 or 60 because I get motion sickness. Also, I packed my own food since I need to eat organic/clean as much as possible. Though my first destination was about 9 hours away, it ended up taking me 13 hours over a period of 3 days to get there. After a few hours driving I was done for the day. My arms, legs, core and eyes needed lots of rest, and that's all the rest of my day consisted of. Most of my stuff was packed into the trunk but I made an overnight carry on bag for the way there so I only had to load and unload that, to save on my muscles and energy. Lastly, I reduced my lyme/bartonella meds in order to help prevent a bad herx- it worked! Now that I've returned, the dose has been increased and the symptoms are really bad again.

Once I was there, the first 2 days were pretty much rest days. After that I could do more but it was still my usual of go out for a bit then come back and rest. However, again I praise the Lord for being able to do what I did even if it's nowhere near "normal" because for me it was huge! We went out to eat, cooked, played games, watched movies, went to the park, went for short walks, drove through different cities and took way too many pictures lol. 

I think the highlight of the trip was something I wouldn't have done had I known where it was. I get very very bad altitude sickness. I think it's related to POTS. Where I was in East Tennessee was at the base of the mountains and pretty much as high as I can go before altitude sickness kicks in. For many, altitude sickness doesn't happen until you are many thousands of feet up there. For me it kicks in probably right around 2,000 feet. Well, I really wanted to see a waterfall. But all the waterfalls were either really high up or a far hike. Both are out of question for me. So we decided to at least go to the path that leads to the waterfall and I could walk what I could and see the little river leading to it. I had no idea this path started way way way high up in the mountains!! I started feeling it just as we were driving up there. I have an ox-sat meter and my oxygen level was dropping but I was being careful and I still felt I could breathe even though it was hard. When I got out of the car my "tipping" started as I called it. Basically when this happens, it looks like you are drunk. You have a hard time walking, your legs just really don't want to move or support your weight, your core gives out and your body just tips- forward, backward, sideways. This is how it was when I was in the hospital. It's very difficult feeling the struggle of not being able to walk. But with the help of the person with me, we walked out just a little bit, took some photos, and walked back. I couldn't have done that on my own, so thank you! It was definitely a memorable day.

From being in East Tennessee, I then headed out towards the Nashville area to visit my cousin. Goodness, I had no idea I was going to have to drive through very high mountains to get there! Yikes! Again my oxygen was dropping, as I was driving. But I made it and that's what matters. Praise the Lord again! There I was able to spend some time visiting my cousin and meeting her baby for the first time. So glad to have that opportunity. And then finally I started my drive back. 13 days after leaving, I was back, but now with this adventure behind me that I set my mind out to accomplish and I did just that. Carpe Diem!

If you have a chronic health condition, don't put yourself at risk by doing something you aren't able. However, realize that we can call on God's strength at any time, and through Him, if it be in His will, we can do ALL things. Thank you all for praying for me these past 2 weeks, and thank you God for this amazing opportunity. Though I must say, I think next time, even though it comes with its own risks... I'm booking a plane ticket :)

Now it's time to rest! God bless.