Same Song, Different Verse

We've all heard the saying "same song, different verse." Well, this is exactly how I am beginning to feel in regard to my health situation. I returned to the doctor on Tuesday for a follow up appointment. Well, after another x-ray, we found that.. *drums, please*.. we are back at square one.. AGAIN. Yes, that's right, my intestines still are not working. In fact, my colon is actually twice the size it should normally be and has zero muscle tone. It's safe to say that I was let down, again. As I said before, it's the same song, just a different verse ever time I go for my check-ups. So, my doctor and I have a consultation. I talked to her about how to medication was making me so sick and I poured out my heart about my frustrations and sadness over this situation. Here's what we decided..

My doctor wants me to try ONE more treatment. I will start it Friday around noon (please be in prayer with me). Once it's over, I will begin to take the SAME medicine on Sunday. Except, this time, she is giving me the medication in 8 mcg tablets (I was taking 24 mcg tabs). I will take 4 tablets a day, so ultimately I will be getting the same dosage of medicine, just over a longer period of time. We are hoping that lessening the amount of medicine I receive at one time will help decrease all of the nasty side effects I was experiencing.

So.. I will take the medicine for a week and return to my doctor for another follow up. IF I am able to tolerate the medication, she will try to keep me on it for 6-8 months then begin to wean me off (if possible). However, if I tolerate the medicine, there is a chance that I could be taking this medication for years to control my illness. Remember, this is a category X medication, meaning it is absolutely CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancies. So, although we are planning to wait on children for awhile, this scenario could mean we would have to push back the thought of children even further. We need to get me well/healed/whatever.

However, if I am NOT able to tolerate the medications, our next step is unknown. I will probably be referred to a specialist and go from there. The thought of the unknown scares me.

The devil is definitely trying to use this situation to get me down and, unfortunately, it has worked on occasion. I know that "God works for the good of those who love Him" (Rom. 8:28), but it can still be very tough and depressing at times. I also know that the same God that allowed the blind to see and the lame to leap can heal me, if it is in His will. I am praying that His will, regardless, be done. I am also praying for me to find the beauty in the midst of all of this pain, because God does give beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3). Pray with me, friends.

Love you all,