Weekend Update

I have been to the doctor a couple times this week to regulate my Coumadin (blood thinner) dose. I have been able to stop the heparin which is nice since it involved poking myself twice a day and the heparin leaves a bruise every place it is injected. The deal with the blood thinners is that they do not dissolve clots but prevent new ones from forming. The clots that are in my lungs will have to dissolve on their own. The doctor said this can take 3-6 months. Each place that there is a clot (at least 4 each in different lobes) prevents blood from flowing freely and there is a lot of inflammation in that area so the lungs can’t work well. He said that I can expect to feel extremely tired and not to push it because I will feel worse. Starbucks (the dog) likes this schedule!

I have been really beat this week. I get out of breath with even minimal activity like going up and down our stairs. I do at least one errand a day just to get out and then come home and take a nap! I have a migraine almost every day but it has been manageable with Imitrex. When my doc asked a neurologist what could be done about the headaches he said, “not much,” and that it could be an “interesting” few months. Hmmm…not sure I like the “interesting.”

I can’t even whine to TJ . Well I could, but not legitimately. He got to do the heparin and Coumadin thing, has felt worse longer and had more stuff going on- and he doesn’t complain. I might have to go out for coffee with a girlfriend and get it out of my system.

I see the hematologist on Tuesday to discuss the results of the blood work he did and hope to get some answers for the cause of the clots. We are very impressed with the hematologist.

T.J. has been able to do a couple video presentations to the RG lead team meeting in Bangkok and has several more to go. Technology can be a real gift! Overall, he is working on getting his energy back.

While we certainly are ready to get off the health roller coaster and have some energy back (life is dramatically different than 15 months ago) we really are not discouraged. God is in control. He loves us and He never wastes life’s experiences.

Prayer requests:
-That God would give Mary Ann the energy she needs to get through her days.
-That God would help us both stay encouraged and continue to trust in God’s -goodness.
-That T.J. would continue to gain strength.

Thank you so much for your prayers. Jon and Chip are doing well although Chip experienced some “post traumatic” stress after he got back into school after the Bangkok hospitalization. Jon has a part time job in Knoxville but is looking for something more permanent.

Blessings

Mary Ann and T.J.