Monday, June 22, 2009

Into the Meds

My friend called me today to get an update on Coleman - he reminded me that I wasn't posting enough so he had to track me down. That prompted me to jump back in.

I'm sitting next to Coleman in his bed tonight. He's now 10 days into the antibiotic and there is some tough going - welcomed, but tough going. Most all the research I have done talks about latent Lyme and how it can take 1-4 weeks for the meds to begin to show some positive effects and in the mean time, expect the symptoms to get worse. In some ways, it's like jumping back a month or so ago when small tasks were harder for Coleman. He isn't feeling strong and although he stays occupied, he's mostly in bed working through it.

His hearing sensitivity is probably the toughest symptom for him and truly for all of us. It takes some ingenuity to wash dishes, clothes, cook or run water. We have a daily drill where Spen and I blitz through dishes, laundry, etc. while Coleman takes a break outside. The most challenging thing is that we happen to live near a municipal airport and this year in particular we have been noticing that the planes are flying so much lower and suddenly so much louder. Today, I could have sworn that there was an air show going on overhead - it was so hard on Coleman and in turn hard on us to watch.

Spen started a cartooning class this week at the Visual Arts Center and he's all about that. His first character is a man with a suitcase head. He said he eats clothes and can travel anytime he wants...hopefully some art to follow.

I admit to being at one of those low points at the end of last week. The feeling of being closed in on - like good things weren't happening fast enough, like I wasn't feeling well enough myself. I have hit enough of these times now to recognize that its right after these lows that I seem to find some new clarity and confidence and just plain faith to keep the course.

I found some of that new confidence when I read this yesterday:

Now that we know what we have - Jesus this great High Priest with ready access to God - let's not let it slip through our fingers. He's not out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all. So let's walk right up to Him and get what He is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

So I'm back to direct communication with the docs and with our health insurance carrier, they have proven to be a good ear and hopefully a good ally for plotting our next steps. These next two weeks are some of the most important. Thanks for remembering us as you run your errands, sit at your desk, take the kids to baseball and stand in lines...long long lines.

4 comments:

  1. It was SO good to see Jeff & Spen at church on Sunday! What a wonderful Father's Day gift for Jeff. Keeping you all in my prayers, thinking of you often in the daily things I so often take for granted.

    sw

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  2. Mel - I know this seems obvious but have you tried earplugs with Coleman when his hearing is so sensitive? We are keeping you all in our prayers. Love, Judy

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  3. I've had some pretty low days myslef over the past two weeks. I recieved this today and thought I would pass it along to you.


    You and your family are in my daily prayers.

    Beth Hart
    Mrytle Beach


    Even in today's World, there is no reason to be fearful of the
    future with God by your side! For; God has said, "Never
    will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So
    we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper;
    I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
    ( Hebrews 13:5-6 )

    After all what is fear but the opposite of faith! Therefore
    fear is a tool which satan uses to undermine our faith in
    God.

    For, Without faith it is impossible to
    please Him, for he who comes to God must
    believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder
    of those who diligently seek Him.
    ( Hebrews 11:6 )

    Therefore God has said; The
    just shall live by faith. ( Hebrews 10:37 )

    So, do not be fearful of the future, or anything else. Instead keep your faith strong for; Then
    no harm will befall you, no disaster will come
    near your tent. For He will command His angels
    concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

    Amen

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  4. Hey Mel,

    I think of you often and pray for all of you. Kate and I are holding you close in our thoughts and prayers. I;d love to you out sometime if Jeff could spell you. My email is clarkeseawell@aol.com!

    JoAnne Seawell

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