August 18, 2012 10:19 AM
Update - feelin' groovy
I've been very busy, but wanted to take a few minutes to thank all of you who've been praying for me for the past seven weeks. Have to keep it brief, because I need to spend today working on my book (though I felt like I needed to catch up on some posts this morning first).When I told you how I was battling depression, I really had hit bottom. I normally am an optimistic person, and depression for me is a pretty fleeting thing, so when it makes a nest on my shoulder, I feel even more at a loss.
The walker is gone, my walking boot is gone, and my hospital bed is gone. I am getting around pretty well, though I still have to go downstairs one at a time - and have to watch where I'm stepping so I don't step on a rock or something and twist my ankle. I can take a shower standing up (yay!). So I am pretty much back to normal as far as the broken fibula goes.
The clot is still there and because of it, my leg swells up during the day and becomes pretty painful. I have to elevate it several times a day - and have been entertaining myself with Storage Wars (anyone ever watch that reality show?)
In between, I have been working on my book - titled Raising God-First Kids in a Me-First World. It will be published next spring by Servant Publications. My contract calls for 40-45,000 words. so far I have 28,000 - but the important thing is that I've reached the stage where the book seems to be writing itself - well, no, that makes it sound too easy and it does take a lot of self-discipline to quit fooling around with other stuff and get down to business. Which I plan to do any minute this morning :)
What really turned things around was that after my last visit to the hematologist, she called to say my blood work showed a potassium deficiency and she gave me an Rx for some super potent dosage. Two days later, I was Back to Barbara! Hooray! The depression was gone and I was excited about life again.
So thank you for your prayers. I know that while it looks like a natural answer, the path to it was supernatural and I feel so loved that you all would take the time and remember me in my need. I also appreciate the gifts and gestures of support I've received - and if I haven't yet thanked you, I will be as soon.
The hardest part of my recovery was letting go of the hospital bed - isn't that funny? My PT said she had seen people addicted to many things, but not to their hospital bed. But I found going back to sleep in my real bed left me achy all over in the morning. Now Tripp and I are saving up for a Craftmatic. Anyone out there have something like this? Any advice?
The hematoma in my abdomen has shrunk, but not completely. I will probably be going on blood thinners again next week, so am hoping this time not to have the severe reaction I had that landed me in the hospital last time.
Maddy returns to school next Friday. Matt is leaving for England to visit Emma on Saturday. Jonny, Jesse, Daniel, and Justin go back to school on Monday 8/27, so I will be back to handling everything on my own.
I still want to share about Sophia's wedding - but it will be lengthy, so looking for a big chunk of time.
Thanks again for everything! And please know that I care about you and am praying for you as you are praying for me. . . .
Comments
So glad to read this, Barbara!
Posted by: Allison Howell | August 18, 2012 11:24 AM
Hooray! So glad things are looking up. Take good care of yourself... you are a gem. Prayers continuing!
Posted by: Kate J | August 18, 2012 11:45 AM
Praise the Lord! :) I've been wondering how you were doing. Thank you for the update.
Posted by: Deborah | August 18, 2012 5:58 PM
YUUUUUUUUUP.... We watch Storage Wars....Barry is my favorite with his crazy antics. Toy Hunters is another fav. Best wishes on your recovery.
Posted by: Sharon P | August 18, 2012 9:04 PM
God is good, all the time...all the time, God is good. I've had some pretty deep valleys in my life...I lost both of my parents by the time I turned 32...my husband was laid off twice in three years...yada yada yada. When things were darkest, in the very midst of the Refiner's Fire, I found myself praising Him for thinking I was worth the effort...hard times do not last forever, and when we place our faith in the One who loved us first, we come out the better for it...
Posted by: Chrissy | August 18, 2012 9:43 PM
So glad to hear the update! I thought I was the only one who LOVED her hospital bed. I had a c-section with Peter and I hated going home because the hospital bed was so easy and comfy for me after surgery. So you are not the only one!
Posted by: Debra | August 19, 2012 8:58 AM
I'm so happy and relieved to hear this. Please, Barbara look into some rehab. therapy for your injury - when the doctors say you can do it. It can do wonders for an injury.
After rehab, you might look into joining your local YMCA, (as I did after rehabing an injury) to improve your health/fitness/balance and ankle strength. Hopefully it isn't too far away.
You might think it is selfish to take this time, but as long as it is in moderation, it isn't. Keeping yourself healthy and working to prevent a re-injury or other injuries will maximize your ability to serve our Lord and others.
Plus, the Y has scholarships your family might qualify for which could help everyone keep fit.
Here is the Loudoun Y link
http://www.ymcadc.org/branch/?bid=10
Posted by: Judy | August 19, 2012 9:12 AM
Used to love watching Storage Wars!! You are in my thoughts and prayers - thank you for inspiring me with your posts!
Posted by: Jenny | August 20, 2012 12:12 AM
SO glad that you are making good progress! I will add the blood thinner med thing to my prayers now also. Hopefully you will not go back on the same one that gave you the reaction!
The book sounds great -- can't wait to read it!
I am pursued my depression -- you have my empathy as well as prayers in that dept.
I hope to get into writing books, too. Someday!
+JMJ+
Posted by: Kelly | August 20, 2012 10:57 AM
So glad that you are returning to full health.
I'll continue to pray for full restoration of health and stamina + clear, speedy writing.
Posted by: von | August 22, 2012 3:07 PM
