Much to be Thankful For

Time seems to be passing so quickly this fall! Here it is a week before Thanksgiving.

Last week, I had an appointment with my urologist. We scheduled it three months out from the day I started taking Elmiron to treat my interstitial cystitis. The appointment was very positive-she is pleased with the progress I'm making with the medications and diet (which I blew to pieces over the weekend and am now paying for!) but wants to add physical therapy to my treatment plan. Apparently, a lot of women who have IC also have a condition called pelvic floor dysfunction. Physical therapy should make both conditions considerably better.

My urologist also approved our BMP (Baby Makin' Plan) and recommended an OBG/YN that she regularly consults with. Right now, the plan is for me to continue my medications and treatment and if I continue to improve, we'll start trying a year from now. Please be in prayer about this subject with me. :)

This year, 2011, has been deeply trying and full of so many tests requiring me to trust the Lord and simply not lose faith. I know each aspect of my life is securely held in God's hands, though- my health, my career, my future children. And I'm thankful that His plans for me are so much better than my own.

As I think about Thanksgiving, I'm overwhelmed by the grace that has been shown me over the last year: a husband who has uplifted and loved me like the proverbial knight in shining armor, a family that has surrounded me in prayer and support, taking my changed life and diet in stride and helping me feel like less of a burden, friends who have cared for me and provided practical support and comfort to me and to Bryan, an employer who has given me the space to get well and to work around my chronic illness.

And I am also thankful that there is a company that makes acid-free, decaffeinated coffee. God faithfully provides love and mercy to His children, even when it's in the form of a substitute for a comforting beverage. And that's something to be very thankful for.