I am home!

Greetings from Virginia! I am home, and so happy to be with my family. When Chris and I arrived home last Friday night, Chris' parents, Bob & Maxine, were here to greet us with lots of hugs and love! (Thank you Bob and Maxine for helping us in so many ways! We love you!) The kids were asleep so I kissed their heads and watched them sleep for awhile (aren't they angelic ....when they are sleeping!)

Chris, I and the kids spent the rest of the weekend enjoying the fact that we are all in the same house together! One of the dearest "welcome home" gestures I received was from Seth. He sang and played, on his guitar, a song he called, "Welcome Home Mommy!" (He owns the copyright to it too!). It was incredibly sweet...one of the sweetest songs I have ever heard!

Since I have been home, several people have asked me the obvious questions, "How are you now?" "Do you still have lyme?" During my last day of treatment, I had those questions answered. They took another sample of blood to view under the microscope (in order to have a before and after comparison), and the sample showed a very significant decrease in lyme. However, I still have some work to do! The first slide showed about 30 cells infected with lyme and there were only about 5 cells infected on the second slide! Yea!! They also saw toxins in my blood...after six weeks of detoxing regularly, I still have toxins! A few of the injections I am taking at home will help to continue decrease the amount of lyme in my body. The other big concerns remain my food allergies, gastrointestinal tract/parasite, fatigue, occasional heart palpitations, insomnia and the candida issue.

Since I have been home, my level of energy and strength has not been as good as it had been in Reno. I am also experiencing flu-like symptoms once again. I am surprised, and disappointed. I don't know if the stress of adjusting to home is hitting me hard, or if I am doing something unknowingly that is weakening my body, or if it is the fact that my body is still fighting infections (but I don't have the luxury of the IV's to keep the toxins flushed out of my system). I talked to Dr. Fong a few nights ago, and he said it could be any or all of the above reasons. It will continue to take time to heal.

One of the possibilities is something I haven't really talked about. When I was tested for food allergies, I was also tested for seasonal and chemical allergies. I don't have seasonal allergies but I am allergic to two pesticides and a chemical called PVP/Povidone. It is found in a variety of things from laundry detergent, hairspray, ink jet printing, photo processing paper, and textile dyes. I didn't take the PVP allergy too seriously. I stopped using hairspray (health is winning over vanity!), changed laundry detergents and didn't think anything else about it.

After sleeping the first night, at home, in my bed, I woke up significantly weaker and with pain I haven't experienced in several weeks. I was trying to think of ALL the possible reasons. Then, it hit me....last year, I purchased a new (red)bedspread and curtains (around the time I started having more symptoms). Could the bedspread (textile dye) have PVP in it? Could I be allergic to my bedspread and curtains? Then, I saw a million things in my house that could be tainted with "textile dye"....including my clothes! (If I am wearing a white robe the next time you see me, you will know the reason!) Just call me "bubble girl!" In my quest to figure out why I am having these symptoms, we are trying to decrease possible PVP exposure, and follow all of the doctor's recommendations.

I must admit, I have been rather discouraged and disappointed the last few days. I have made progress, but I feel as though I have taken ten steps forward and five steps back. As I was brewing over my disappointment this morning, I checked my e-mail, and received this week's lesson plan for Raegan's class at church. There was a paragraph that spoke directly to me. It said, "Through every trial and tribulation, it is hard to remember that God's love is being poured out upon us. Often, we wonder why God would allow something bad to happen. Yet God's intent is to build into our lives the ability to stay the course and develop strong character, so that we can REST in the assurance that God has us in the very palm of His hand." Those words were intended for my four year old, but they touched the heart of this forty year old!
He is still walking with me.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Love to all!
Ronda









I talked with Dr. Fong on the phone a few nights ago, and he said it could be due to

Springs in the Desert

One day, 4 hours and thirty minutes until I land on Virginia soil....can you tell I am watching the clock? As I come to the end of my stay and treatment in Reno, I can't help but reflect on the time I have spent here and all of the incredible things I have learned and experienced. It has been a healing experience physically, emotionally and spiritually. It has been quite a ride...one I will never forget. Earlier in the week, as I was having a reaction to my push (it was a good one!), I was thinking about this healing experience, and I had a moment of clarity. In order to fully explain, I must take you back to last year.

During March, 2007, I came across a few verses in the Bible that puzzled me. (There are many things in the Bible that puzzle me but this was the puzzle of the hour.) The verses are Psalm 84:5-6 "Blessed (happy) is the man whose strength is in the Lord; in whose heart are the highways to Zion! Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a place of springs..."
For some reason I could not get these verses out of my head, nor could I fully understand their meaning. I was so curious; It became a challenge. I even looked up the key words in Hebrew (I know! I am a "geek." You can say it!) but I still couldn't completely "get" it. As I was laying in bed, during a push, (too weak to move) the meaning of these verses became very clear to me. This is what came to me...

"Blessed (happy) is the man whose strength is in the Lord.."
I have been striped of strength; my ability to care for my husband and children, my ability to work, my ability to control what goes in my body (and what comes out!), my ability to sleep, even my ability to get dressed and showered on some days. I have needed His strength because I have none of my own. I am a "human-female" full of fears, doubts and insecurities, and in my weakest times, He has been my strength. I have reached out to Him because I needed Him so desperately and He met me in the middle of my weakness.

"In whose heart are the highways to Zion!"
It is this place of weakness that has been my "highway", my way, to Zion. ("Zion" is the place God dwells or God's presence) It has been my highway to depend on Him and His presence like never before.

"Passing through the valley of Baca (sorrow), they make it a place of springs..."
Reno is a valley with desert terrain and mountains all around! I am a visual learner...how much more visual can you get! Being in this valley, in pain and need, I have found a place of springs.."Water" in the desert. How incredible that Jesus says, " I am the Living Water...drink of me and you will never thirst again." (Another verse that has puzzled me...How do I drink from Jesus? Maybe, I am a little too visual) This "Water" is the same Jesus who I asked to forgive my sins and come into my life as a child. He is now close and offering me water, His presence, in the midst of my sorrow. I have to tell you, I have tasted and it is sweet!

I am not a theologian and obviously a slow learner. (I am not sure I will be so curious in the future!) God had to take great lengths to show me the meaning of these verses, but you know, I wouldn't go back! These verses have helped me to see a meaning beyond my recovery. It will forever be imprinted on my heart, and I will never be the same!


Thank you for indulging me as I have rambled on, these last six weeks, about pushes, needles, body fluids and the like! I have been very honest about this road (I guess "torture" can make you pretty honest!), and you have been very gracious to keep reading. As I prepare to go home, I don't feel like this road has ended. Infact, in many ways, I feel it is just beginning! I will be going home with daily injections, medication and a plan to take care of myself. I will also have a few 4-5 day follow- up treatments (at three months and six month) in Reno. I am glad to have a plan, and I do feel that I am on a "healing road."

When I return home, I will continue to write about my recovery, and you are welcome to come along with me! I will try my best to update you as much as possible. Thanks again for your outpouring of love and support and for walking with me on this journey.

Love to all!
Ronda
















"Happy is the man whose strength is in the Lord

Food Allergies and more

Tomorrow is my last day of treatment! It is hard to believe. I think it will be real when I am at home. As excited as I am about coming home, I must admit, I have been a little nervous. I know what to expect here and when I have a problem, I have a safety net...the clinic is only a few miles away. I have wondered what to expect when I go home.

A few days ago, a new face appeared in the IV room. She is from NYC and went through five weeks of treatment in January for lyme disease. (She had neurological symptoms such as numbness and she was dragging her left leg. Since treatment, she is walking fine and no longer suffering from these symptoms! Isn't that incredible?!!!) She is back for a week of follow-up treatment. I told her I will be going home soon, and she said, "You will be taking it easy for awhile, Won't you?" I didn't dare tell her I was hoping to go back to work next week. I told her about my concerns when I get home, and she told me it took her three to four weeks to begin feeling stronger. As I continue to ask questions, I am being advised that rest is necessary to recuperate from treatment and allow the immune system to continue to get stronger. So, I am rethinking things. I have decided to definitely take it easy for awhile, and let my body dictate my activity level. This is a journey, and I need to pace myself.

With that said, I do feel better, and have times that I am free of symptoms. I am getting a taste of what it is like to feel good again. Because of this taste of "feeling good," I am noticing when symptoms come back. In the past, I have had so many symptoms, it has been difficult to know "what" was causing "what." On Sunday, I felt good, and after lunch, I started having a bad headache and fatigue. I noted it, but didn't know why it happened. Monday morning I woke up feeling really good. I ate breakfast (rice cakes, cashew butter and blackberries...this is what you eat in my world), and immediately, I had a headache and felt awful. Then it hit me, "Maybe, the food I am eating is causing the symptoms." I gathered samples of some suspicious foods and brought them to clinic. They tested me with the foods, and found that, yes indeed, I have developed more food sensitivities! Soon I will be eating tree bark....No, you don't have pests eating your trees...it is your starving neighbor!!

Since my body is continuing to develop sensitivities, they have advised me to go on a rotation diet. With this diet, you rotate foods every four days so your body won't be as likely to develop sensitivities. (I only have four foods left so it shouldn't be too hard!) I also starting taking food allergy drops. The drops are suppose to desensitize the body to foods so, over time, foods can be reintroduced. Unfortunately, I had a bad reaction to one of the food allergy drops today. I will take the drops my body can tolerate and give my immune system time to get stronger.

With all of the new awareness of how foods are effecting me. Today, the doctor suggested I stay one more week to further "tweak" things for my food allergies. As you can imagine, I wasn't fond of that idea! After a few tears, and looking at all the options, I am still planning to come home. They are willing to work with me through phone and e-mail, and send me new things to try as I need them. I think getting home, and giving my body a break will be good medicine in itself!

Push Update: I have had moderately strong reactions this week with fever and body aches, but by morning I feel good and I am ready for the day! I only have two more to go!

I must share something that just happened as I have been writing. A patient, who is in a wheelchair, just walked with a walker. The whole clinic broke out in applause! How incredible!

I will write tomorrow. My last blog from Reno...stay tuned!

Love to all!
Ronda

But You Don't Look Sick

Hello everyone!


It is my sixth week, and I only have four more days of treatment! It really is hard to believe. I really get to go home on Friday!! The mention of home has never been more sweet to me!! How I have taken so many things for granted....the sound of my children's voices, the comfort of being with my husband, the ability to control my own schedule (without needles involved!), to clean my own house (am I really saying this?), to sleep in my own bed. I am so excited to get home. It is the same feeling I had as a child waiting for Christmas! It just can't come fast enough!



It has been an incredible six weeks. Infact, life changing! I will miss the wonderful staff at the clinic. They really do care, and they have been so supportive. I will also miss the patients. I have met some wonderful people. They come from all walks of life, and from many different places. However, we all share one thing...the loss of health, and the road to recovery. They have had very long roads, and I have been inspired by their stories. Most of the patients are professional men and women (nuclear engineer, mortgage banker, teacher, attorney, school administrator, full-time moms) who are now disabled and unable to work because of lyme disease. They have all been through traditional therapies, and have come here seeking hope. It has been interesting to see the similarities in our symptoms and stories. It is affirming and comforting.



Of course, we have had many conversations as we have watched our IV bottles drip. We haven't quite solved all of the world's problems, but I will get back to you on that one. I think we are close! Of all the conversations we have had, there is one conversation that has not left me, and I want to share it with you. Most of us have been told at one time or another, "But you don't look sick." We have talked about how hard it is to explain why one moment you feel fairly well, and the next moment you feel so fatigued you have to go to bed. Lyme disease (as well as many other chronic diseases,) is so different than having the flu or a cold. When you have an acute infection, you stop your life for a few days (unless you are a mommy!), you have that "sick" look and you go to bed. Within a few days, you feel better and resume your life. With lyme disease, you never know what you are going to get from day-to-day or even hour-to-hour.



There is an article that was written by a woman who has lupus about this very topic. Her article is called "But You Don't Look Sick...The Spoon Theory." In this article, she quantifies the energy to complete task and live life into spoonfuls. A patient may wake up with six spoonfuls of energy/strength one day, and two the next. As one task is completed, (such as showering) one spoonful of energy is taken away. The trick is you must plan your entire day and all the things to be done, and you never know how many spoons you have for the day...but when they are gone, they are gone.

The article and conversation with other patients has really helped me understand my own body. I was always frustrated, and never understood how I could feel okay when I woke up and ready to collapse a few hours later. I just never knew if I would make it until 11:00AM, 2:00 PM or 5:30PM. This visual picture has given me a better understanding, and helped me to be more patient with my situation. Of course, I am hoping for and looking forward to the day when I will wake up with enough spoons to get me through the entire day, but until then, I will appreciate every spoon I get!

This article is very good, and may help you understand anyone in your life who has a chronic illness. If you are interested in reading it, you can go to www.butyoudontlooksick.com, and click on The Spoon Theory.

I am off to get my push. By the way, Friday's reaction was mild, but I had less energy over the weekend. Feeling better today. I must have a few more spoons today!

Love to all!
Ronda

5th Week Down, and Counting....

I have officially finished my fifth week!! I will be home one week from today! I am getting very excited. I cannot wait to see my family and friends!! The end of this "stent" of treatment is in sight! I am feeling so much better. I am ready to come home! I still have work to do, but the improvement I have seen is so encouraging. I am headed in the right direction. I have not felt any numbness and very little fibromyalgia pain this week. Also, my energy level (fatigue) continues to be so much better. They checked my central nervous system (through acupuncture points), and it is greatly improved as well!! The doctor looked at me and said, "You won't be in a wheelchair anytime soon." I am so thrilled to know my body is healing!! Next week, they will look at my blood again (under the microscope). I am very hopeful; I will see an improvement.

This week has been full of more test, treatments and dr.'s appointments. My gastrointestinal tract is still of concern...not much improvement, yet. I had a gastrogram on Thurs. I had to swallow a pill, and it transported information to a receiver about the ph (and other info) of my stomach and intestines. It was an interesting test! I will get the results on Monday. I'll let you know what I learn.

I have also started colonic hydrotherapy treatments. Yes, it is a fancy name for what you are thinking! (I told you I am desperate to get better!) With this treatment, they were able to place probiotics (the good guys) directly into my large intestine. I am cheering them on!! I have also started taking Nystatin to kill the candida, and a few herbs to help kill the parasite. If the herbs don't do the trick, they will put me on Flagyl.

Today, I am providing samples to check my hormone levels. (Like I said, they are testing everything!) To complete the test, I have to fill four vials with saliva throughout the day....no foam allowed. It is tricky! The hardest test I have had to complete so far. Who thought spitting could be so challenging!

Push update: I experienced big reactions on Monday and Tuesday. On a scale of 1-10, they were an eight and nine. The good new...I was okay the next morning and felt fine all day! The last time I experienced that big of a reaction, I was very weak and unable to "recover" as quickly. My immune system is getting stronger!! On Wed. and Thurs., I had little reaction. I have asked them to give me a stronger dose today. I enjoyed the break, but I know the bigger reaction means I am getting rid of the bad boys. Hopefully, I will be standing tomorrow!

Since it is Friday, I payed the clinic for all of my treatments this week. Thanks to you and all of the INCREDIBLE gifts we have received, once again, I was able to pay everything IN FULL!! I can't tell you how much your prayers, love and support mean to me. You have so blessed me and my family! Thank you!!!!!!

Love to all!
Ronda

A Mother's Day to Remember

Mother's Day...I must admit; I was not looking forward to it. I avoided thinking about it, and when I did think about my children and Mother's Day, I could tell a good cry was brewing. To celebrate the day, my sweet mother (who flew home on Saturday) left me a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and my wonderful husband shipped me Mother's Day cards and all of the sweet letters each of you have sent to our home while I have been in treatment. I read the cards from my husband and children, and read each of the cards and letters you sent to me! I felt very loved and so appreciate all of the encouraging words and prayers!! Thank you!



After enjoying my cards, things became very quiet. Then, came the tears. I was a pile of tears. The emotion was a good relief, but then, they became an avenue for my fears. As a mom, my biggest fear is not being there to care for and protect me children. My thought was, " I am not there for them today. Can I guarantee I will be there in the future?" I was griped with fear and all of the "what if's" that come with the unknown of the future. All of the sudden, the phone rang, and it was my friend, Laurel. She was just calling to say, "Happy Mother's Day," and check on me. I tried to fight back the emotion, but when I heard her voice, the tears flowed. She listened to me cry (it's not the first time she has done this!), and she said, "Ronda, Fear is F-False, E-Evidence, A-Appearing, R-Real. I knew she was right. I needed to live in the "reality" of today. I was trying to worry about tomorrow and a future I can't predict or control. We finished our conversation and then, my friend Debbie called. She was calling to see if I received a package she had sent several days before (the post office is also hard to predict.... I had not received it), and she encouraged me to get out and do something fun.



When I hung up the phone, I decided to get out of my four walls and drive out to Lake Tahoe. I needed a change of scenery. On the way out, I stopped by the office to check on her package. They had it! I started to open it (the kids inside of me couldn't wait to open it), and then thought, "No, I'll wait until I get to Tahoe." I asked a woman in the office about the best way to get to Tahoe, and she was kind enough to give me pointers. Then, she said,"You should go to Jake's for dinner. They have great food." I thought, "I wish.... but with all of my food allergies, I will have to stick with the cashews and sunflower seeds I packed!"



The ride to Lake Tahoe was incredible! I felt like I was being drawn into a postcard! It was beautiful, and a sense of adventure was building inside of me. Being surrounded by the beauty of nature and the mountains, I was being reminded that God is "walking" with me. I felt such a peace and sense of His presence! I couldn't wait to see the Lake.



When I arrived in Tahoe, the first order of business was to find a bathroom! The Lake had to wait! I entered a little downtown area and decided not to challenge my non-existent parallel parking abilities. I needed a bathroom with regular parking! I turned down a small, nondescript street, toward the lake, and right in front of me was a huge sign that said, "Jake's Restaurant." I started to laugh. I thought, "What are the chances that I would turn down the one street in all of Tahoe that leads into Jake's parking lot!" My next thought was, "God, am I suppose to eat here?" I was wearing a t-shirt, jeans and tennis shoes , and nothing had been done in the make-up or hair department. I was not planning on seeing or dining with anyone!



I saw that Jake's was connected to a small indoor shopping mall. Shopping?? Now that's what the doctor ordered! I can shop in any condition! I went inside the mall to find a bathroom and souvenirs for Chris and the kids. I walked into a clothing store, and quickly realized it was not a souvenir shop. It was a woman's clothing store. I turned to leave, and then, I saw a "Sales" sign. Anyone that knows me well, knows I cannot turn down a good sale!! I looked through the sales rack and found a cute black top. It was 70% off! What a bargain! The sales lady asked if I would like to try it on....I couldn't offend her! I tried it on, and it fit and looked great! I thought, "Maybe I am suppose to have a Mother's Day dinner and I need to get dressed for the occasion! All of the sudden, I felt like I was in a reality show where the girl is taken to get fitted in a new outfit before an evening out! I was starting to get into it! I thought, "God I know you are walking with me, but are you also taking me out for the evening?" " Do you do that kind of thing!??"



The top was cute and I was ready to buy it, but I looked down and the tennis shoes where not working for me! I couldn't wear the top with tennis shoes! Conveniently enough, as I came out of the dressing room, I spotted a display of shoes across the store. I wandered over to shoes and my practical side was shouting..."This is crazy! What am I doing?" I looked at the shoes, and found the cutest pair of strappy sandals. Strappy sandals are adorable, but on other people. I have very wide feet, and strappy sandals don't work for me! I picked them up and put them down again (several times!). Finally, I thought, "Just try them on, and get it over with!" I tried the pair on display, and they fit perfectly! I loved them! The sales lady said, "Since these are the display pair, I will give you 10% off. She was speaking my language! I walked out of there with an outfit for dinner! I changed into my outfit and rubbed chapstick and lipliner together for my lipstick. I was ready for dinner. I said, "Okay God, if you are orchestrating an evening for me, there has to be something I can eat on Jake's menu" I walked into the restaurant no longer feeling like the "patient" but a beautiful woman going to dinner.



I was seated next to a window looking out over the lake and the mountains. It was incredible! I feasted on sesame encrusted bass, jasmine rice and veggies. It was perfect. I was soaking in the moment when my phone rang. It was my friend Debbie; the friend who sent me the package. I told her about my "evening out," and told her I finally received her package. She said, "You have to open it now." I had it in my purse so, I pulled it out and opened it up. In the package was a beautiful silver, handmade necklace. Attached to the necklace was a tag that said Matthew 6:26. The verses read, "Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they, and why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all of His glory did not clothe himself like one of these. But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Do not be anxious then saying, "What shall we eat? or what shall we drink or with what shall we clothe ourselves.....Therefore, do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Wow!! I was speechless! I was crying again but this time they were tears of joy. Yes, God was feeding me and clothing me. How incredible that he knows me (He knows all of us!), and cares for me! I can trust him with all of my tomorrows. He knows all of my days! I will never forget that evening, and the necklace will help me remember. The necklace is an oval pendant, and on the pendent, is a small bird with a crown on its head. It is beautiful and a perfect reminder! Thank you Debbie!

After dinner, I found a quiet place on the lake to reflect and enjoy. It was very peaceful! I drove home with a new peace and deeper understanding that God is with me, and knows my needs (as well as my family's needs). Nothing is out of His hands.

Love to all!
Ronda

Party Push!

Yesterday turned out to be a rather interesting day. I have fallen into a routine, and feel like I know what to expect at this point. Infact, I have found myself being the old-timer who gives advice to new patients. Well, just when you think you know what to expect....it changes!

I had my usual IV treatment and decided to try something called, lymphatic drainage therapy. I was told it would help with my inner ear pain by draining the lymphnodes (in my neck), and relieving pressure in the ear. As I was having this done, I heard the staff talking about the fact that it was Dr. Fong's Birthday. They were planning to have lunch and cake in his honor, and they were encouraging all of the patients to stay after their treatment to celebrate. I thought, "How nice! This is the most excitement I have seen in quite awhile....why not!"

As we were singing Happy Birthday to Dr. Fong, I started feeling unusually cold. I put on my jacket, and still felt cold. I sat down and covered myself up with a blanket but I only felt colder. Within minutes, I was shaking! Yes! I was having a reaction.....I had not yet received my push, but I was having a reaction. Dr. Fong looked at me and said, "Are you okay?" I felt like saying, "I don't know! You tell me!" The staff piled blankets on me, and they where very caring. Dr. Fong said, "You are controlling the shaking quite well." I just smiled, and said, "Thank you God!" Everyone ate their lunch and watched me shake! What a way to "shake-up" a party! Poor Dr. Fong, he couldn't even celebrate his Birthday without tending to a patient! I heard a few of the new patients saying, "What's wrong with her?" I couldn't talk...I just had to laugh.

It took about 30-40 minutes for the shaking to stop. (By the way, this reaction was still mild compared to the shaking I experienced last week.) Once everything calmed down, the doctor started to check everything in my IV to make sure it wasn't the culprit. They finally decided the lymphatic drainage therapy caused a "delayed" reaction. They said, "The culture can have immature cells that stay in your system, and continue to mature. When I had the lymphatic therapy, it released these cells into my circulatory system and caused a reaction." I don't think I will let anyone come near my lymphnodes for a long time! I was able to drive home after three hours, and stayed in bed the rest of the day.

I woke up this morning feeling good. Infact, I went to the grocery store and took my mom to the airport to fly home this morning, and I have energy to spare! I was completely wiped-out after picking her up from the airport two weeks ago. It is a noticeable difference! It appears, I have turned a corner! I know that I still have concerns to tackle, but I do feel better.

Love to all!
Ronda

A really good day!

It has been a really good day. I feel stronger than I have felt in a long time. I am really enjoying it! I know that I would not be at this point without all of your encouragement, strength, love, prayers and support. Thank you!

Push update: My reaction to the push last night was fairly mild. I had a low-grade fever for a few hours and a little bit of pain, but it was NOTHING compared to last week at this time! A mild reaction means my immune system is getting stronger....that is a good thing! I am sure they will go up on the concentration again today. I'll let you know how it goes.

As I mentioned weeks ago, one of my concerns is my gastrointestinal tract. I had a complete work-up by a GI doctor last fall, and he could not find anything wrong. My internal medicine doctor thought I could have celiac even though all the tests (including biopsy) were negative. So, I have just assumed I have celiac disease. When I arrived in Reno a few weeks ago, they also did several test. Well, I have received the results of the test, and they have found PLENTY wrong. I have a friend in my intestines. Yes, a parasite! He has made himself at home, and he is wreaking havoc! I am malabsorbing food, and I don't have any of the good bacteria in my gut! I have plenty of the bad ones (including candida) that are out of control, but the good ones have gone MIA! (I have been taking probiotics but there is still no trace of the good guys!)

I have also been diagnosed with food allergies. (Note: my allergist did a skin test, and said, I did not have food allergies. Lesson learned....you should get both a skin and blood test in order to be sure) I am very allergic to milk, eggs, almonds, flaxseed and moderately allergic to beef, and a few other food items. I have been on a gluten-free, candida diet for five months because I suspected a candida issue (as well as possible celiac), and the diet has helped many of my gi symptoms. Although helpful, it is very restrictive, and I was using eggs, almonds and beef to get protein, iron and other nutrients. With this new information, I have been forced me to get rather creative with my diet! I am using olive oil and coconut oil to get more calories, and I have added tofu to get more protein. The Texas girl,who grew up in beef country, is eating tofu!!

I saw the doctor (Dr. Fong) yesterday, and based on my progress and new found problems, he recommended I stay an extra week. It was a hard one to swallow! I have been counting the days until I can come home to be with my family!! Chris and I had a long conversation last night, and we decided to follow the doctor's advice. I am going to continue treatment through May22nd, and I will fly home May 23rd.

You know, I have learned so much about my body since I have been here. I have lyme disease but I also have many other problems that have gone undiagnosed (for a long time) and contributed to my health issues. I am so thankful to get to the bottom of it all! I have not always done the best job of taking care of myself. As a mom, I am usually the last one to take my vitamins, eat right, rest or exercise. Since I have been so ill, my prayer had been, "God please show me what is wrong and how to take care of my body." He is answering my prayer, and I have a new resolve to take care of myself! If you have a healthy body, please take care of it, and appreciate the blessing of health! It truly is a gift...don't abuse it!

Love to all!
Ronda

Hello Everyone!



It is a beautiful day here in Reno! There is a beautiful blue sky that is a perfect backdrop for the mountains! I love the mountains! I can't get enough of them! I heard the latest earthquake report last night. Yesterday, we only had ten earthquakes, and the largest one measured 2.9....a relatively quiet day. It is all about perspective!



I started my fourth week of treatment yesterday, and had my fifth push last night. Driving to the clinic to get my push, I was nervous...I had butterflies in my stomach. It was like driving to a place where you know you are going to get beat-up, and you ask for it. You anticipate the pain. It is like picking your poison...quite convoluted! After they gave me the push, I got in bed and waited for the reaction. I waited and waited and waited.... Finally, about three hours later, I started getting slight chills, a temp of 100F and a small headache. The reaction was very mild. In a crazy way, I was disappointed. Knowing that a reaction means the bad stuff is being killed, I wanted to get more of a reaction. Today, I have asked them to go up on the strength of the push. I will let you know how it goes! Wish me luck!



Although the push was mild, I could not escape some excitement. Before my reaction started, my hand started to swell at the site where they gave me the push. I called the clinic, and they advised me to keep ice on it as well as a homeopathic cream. (They told me swelling is extremely rare...leave it to me!) The swelling was pretty bad but finally, stabilized before I went to bed. It is still swollen but looks much better this morning. I have it wrapped up and will be "nursing it" for awhile.



Many of you have made generous donations to assist with the cost of my medical care, and I am so very thankful to you! I pay the clinic for the services I received during the week each Friday. This week, I will be able to use the gifts I have received to pay for my treatment!! THANK YOU so very much for loving me and supporting me in such a tangible way! I am completely amazed and overwhelmed by your kindness!



Love to all!

Ronda

Earth, Wind & Fire

Hello Everyone,


Wow! It has certainly been an interesting week, and I am sorry I have not been able to keep you updated. I have been very weak since the last time I wrote, and I have limited computer access. I have been using a computer at the clinic and the business center where I am staying. It seem like "the stars have to line up" for me to find an available computer and feel well enough to write all at the same time.

Reno had two days of very high winds this week....up to 70 miles/ hour. There was a fire about five miles from the clinic and they were having difficulty containing it because of the high winds. Yes! We have it ALL here! Earthquakes, wind and fire.....anyone care to join me in Reno!

As far as treatment, I had my third push on Wednesday. It was another hard one. Within an hour, I began shaking. I was ready for it this time...or so I thought. (I don't think I will ever be completely ready!) Once I started shaking, I began to focus my mind on God's presence, and the shaking didn't completely stop. I was a little confused. I thought, "What's wrong?" I expected my body to calm as it did the day before. I kept focusing, and my body kept shaking. It wasn't nearly as scary or severe as the first one but the reaction was not subsiding. I was puzzled. Was I doing something wrong? Then, the answer came almost as quickly as I could ask the question. There are times God chooses not to remove our pain and discomfort. God is not a genie or a vending machine....we put in the right coinage and get the expected result. Pain has it's purposes, and when I suffer, He is there with me to walk through it. The fact that He didn't take away my pain does not mean He wasn't with me. He walked me through it this time. It was a comfort to know I was not alone. He had me!

When the shaking stopped, my fever started to climb and my head and neck throbbed. (I was told to watch my temp., and not let it get above 105F.) When my temperature reached 104.6F, I decided it was time to do something! I took a fever reducer and it slowly started to come down. I had pain and a temp throughout the night. By the next morning, (Thursday) I was so weak I could hardly lift my head. I managed to get dressed, and when I brushed my teeth, my mouth was filled with blood. It scared me. I went to the clinic and was seen by one of the doctors. They said my reaction was completely within the normal range, and to expect to get weaker before I get stronger. I guess I was just surprised at how weak one can get.

Later in the afternoon, I had my IV therapy, and I had a bad reaction (Yes! I was ready for this day to end!). I started getting a bad headache, numbness in my face, and dizziness. There was a new doctor, Dr. Lee, overseeing the clinic because Dr. Fong (my treating physician) was out of town. Dr. Lee came to check on me, and as we were talking, he randomly said some things to me I will NEVER forget. He said, "When you have lyme disease, you can no longer spend any excess energy on things that don't matter. You must focus your time and energy on your priorities and what is important....you have a limited reserve, and you can't afford to waste any of it. You also can't waste emotional energy on resentment, anger, bitterness or being concerned about what others think of you....this is the silver lining. " After he left, I thought long and hard about what he said. This is how I have desired to live my life, and so often failed. Having lyme disease, I no longer have a choice. He is right, this is a silver lining....I am being forced to live without pettiness, people pleasing (this is a hard one for me!) and things that don't matter. Wow! It will take me a long time to absorb it all.

By the end of Thursday, I realized a decision needed to be made about my daughter. I was too weak to care for her. Grammy is here to help me, but when mommy is in the house, there is no substitute for her. Chris and I decided it was best for him to come and get Raegan so I can completely focus on treatment and rest. It was a very hard decision made with tears, but I know it is the right one. Chris arrived on Friday and he took Raegan back to Virginia ("Vigeena,"as Raegan would say) on Saturday. I talked with them today, and she is happy to be back home in her own bed with all of her toys, family and friends. While Chris was traveling back and forth, my friends, Laurel and Brian invited Seth over for a "two-night" sleep-over! Seth is loving this sleep-over thing! Thanks Laurel and Brian!

This weekend, I am feeling much better, and enjoying a few days without IV's and treatment. Tomorrow, I will be ready to get back to business! I hope each of you have had a wonderful weekend, and blessings in the week to come!

Love,
Ronda

Hello

Today is a really tough day. I am very weak. I'll try to write more later.

Love,
Ronda