Thankful for my FATHER

Hi Folks!

I pray that you were all blessed with a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.  I hope you remembered to really think through and thank God for all the blessings that have come your way over the past year.  I wonder if you even took the time to thank God for the things you wish wouldn't have been in your life this year.  

For example, my Grandfather died on July 15, 2010...10 days before my birthday.  My Grandpa, D-Daddy, was my living example of Jesus Christ.  He taught me so much and helped to lead me to making a decision to accept Jesus Christ into my heart and become my Abba Father, my Eternal King.  Well, last night before I tried to go to sleep, I lifted up my concerns, prayers, and thanksgivings to Jesus.  Before I knew it I was sobbing.  The human part of me was broken because my D-Daddy was gone.  I didn't get to sit at the table and eat turkey and dressing with him.  But, at the same time I was sobbing and praising my Father because my D-Daddy was having Thanksgiving with Jesus and I know that because I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior through His gift of Salvation (Romans Road to Salvation is list below) I will eat turkey and dressing with not only my D-Daddy, but my Abba Father when He calls me home.

I wanted to update you on my medical status as well.  It appears that the antibiotic is working and is attacking the Lymes within my body.  Praise You Jesus!  Regardless of my thanksgiving to the Lord for the gift of the antibiotics, I am struggling.  My vision has become blurry, especially in the sunlight or in the car.  I have made the decision not to drive for the safety of everyone on the road.  My hearing is not as good as it has been.  I am struggling understanding what people are saying, mistaking words for others, missing words completely, or becoming extremely confused.  Lastly, tonight and last night I have had what appears to be mild seizures in which I fall asleep immediately following.  Jeff has witnessed some or nearly all of these problems.  He is going to call my doctor Monday morning.  From articles I have read, these side effects are listed as side effects of Chronic Lyme's Disease, but we feel much better knowing that my doctor is aware of everything.

I would ask that you please continue to pray for Jeff and me, along with our families and medical staff.  We know we are in the Hands of a Healing God!

Love ~ Sydni

Scared This Morning

Hi Everyone!

I simply want to ask for prayer today.  This late afternoon I have an appointment with my physician to review the results of my blood work from about a week and a half ago.  This will show whether or not the antibiotic I have been taking for about a month is actually working.  We will determine what to do after we know the results.  

This disease really is scary and frustrating.  I am struggling in my adjustment to the side effects from the antibiotic... vomiting, nausea, fatigue, visual & hearing issues, trouble concentrating, balancing issues, sleeping all the time and having the worst possible muscle cramps throughout my entire body.  I'm worn out from eating a meal and almost immediately after I am going back to sleep.

Due to the side effects I can't go and do anything without someone else being right there with me.  I can't drive.  I can't do many things i enjoy...sing in the choir at church, attend Bible Study, work with the youth, play in the bell choir, and go to church.  I struggle at home with all daily tasks,such us; Dressing, attempting to clean, cook even something simple for lunch.

"Under Our Skin" - Extended Trailer

Lastest Updates

I apologize for not keeping you updated a bit better.  I haven't been feeling very well and have been sleeping most of the time.  

On Friday I had some blood drawn to determine whether or not the antibiotic I am presently taking is working.  We will find out next week on Wednesday when I return to see Dr. Knight.

Yesterday I had my first Swedish massage after my chiropractic appointment.  It was amazing.  For 30 minutes I can honestly say I had no symptoms of the Lyme's Disease bothering me.  God bless you, Callie!

In regards to Jeff's grandma Carol, she has returned to her nursing home facility on hospice care.  She is one tough cookie and really fought through some major breathing issues.  Thank you for your continued prayers.

Just wanted to let my youth friends from Grace Pres know that I miss all of you and love you all.  Knowing that you are praying for me blesses my heart and helps me to face this disease every day.  God is awesome!  

Love you all -
Sydni

Waiting

Just wanted to let you all know that I had blood work drawn yesterday.  This test is to determine whether or not the antibiotic I am on is working against the Lymes.  It will be a while before I know anything, but I will keep you posted.  

I am so thankful for all the prayers, encouraging words, precious thoughts, and loving support everyone is sending up and around me.  There are no words to thank you enough.  I love you all!

God bless,

Sydni

PS. I appreciate that some of you have signed up to follow this blog.  That means so much to me! :)

A Thanksgiving!

Thank You Lord!  

Mom & Jen got their Lyme's Disease test results back this morning and they were negative!  I am so thankful.  I certainly wouldn't wish this disease on anyone.  Knowing they don't have it truly lifts my spirits.

Thanks for your continued prayers :)

Prayers to Heaven

Dear Jesus,

I believe in the power of prayer, so I am calling out to you tonight.  Lord as you know Grandma Carol (Jeff's Grandma) is very sick and in the hospital.  Lord Jesus, I thank you for giving us the chance to spend a few hours with her today, even though she slept.  Lord I know that she is battling and trying to fight, but she is tired and has been fighting for some time.  Abba Father, please heal Grandma Carol.  I know that is a hard question to ask, but when it is your will, heal her here on earth or as you walk her Home to Heaven for all Eternity with You.

Jesus, I also lift up our family to You as we face uncertainty.  I pray that you will provide strength, comfort, and peace.  Help us to depend on each other and also place all of our anxieties and fears in Your hands.  Help us to trust in You with everything.

Lord, I ask that You will be with Grandpa Ed (Jeff's Grandpa) as he adjusts to living in the nursing home.  I know he has been asking Grandma Dorthy to take him home, but it is just not in his best interest.  I thank you for giving him a kind roommate that continues to look out for him and reach out to him.

Lord, be with Linda, Uncle Bill, and Dorthy as they help Grandpa adjust.  Use the rest of the family to provide strength, comfort, peace, support, encouragement, and love.

Lastly, Lord, I thank you for my family.  Thank you for giving me Jeff as a wonderful and amazing husband.  He is both my best friend and the love of my life.  Thank you for my parents and sister Jen and for their continual support, help, encouragement, and love.  I couldn't face the pain and fear of this disease without them.  Thank you for my Mema and Granny and for their love and encouragement.  They continue to cheer me on throughout this battle.  But, thank you God for Your Son, who died on the cross to forgive me of my sins so I may some day live forever and always with You in the Home You have gone to prepare for Your children.

Also, thank you for the dear friends and prayer warriors that have been lifting prayers and thoughts to You on behalf of all of us.

In Your Holy Almighty Name,
Amen 

Almost Week 2

Well, it's been about two weeks now that I have been on antibiotics.  Oh, they make me sick.  My doctor told me that the first seven weeks would be rough.  Apparently, week 7 is the worst.  I won't torture you with all the details of my symptoms from my body's attack from the antibiotics, but my doctor said as awful as I feel, this very well could be a good sign that the antibiotics are fighting the lymes throughout my system.  Please continue to pray for Jeff and me.  This is extremely difficult for both of us and is very scary.  Truthfully, I have begged Jeff to have me hospitalized because I just can't handle all of this. I know God is with me and I am trying to take it one day at a time.  


Also, pray for Jeff's Mother's family.  Linda's Dad was admitted into the nursing home on Friday.  Grandpa is not handling it very well, but with his dementia and Parkinson's it is in his best interest.  Grandma stayed in the retirement home with the kitty.  Pray for comfort & strength.

Also, pray for Jeff's Father's family.  Bill's Mom was admitted to the hospital yesterday via the Emergency Department.  She is in very poor health and the doctors have said the next 24 hours are critical.  Pray for peace & comfort & healing.

Thank you & God bless -
Sydni

Break Downs Happen Everywhere

Well folks, break downs happen EVERYWHERE!  I have been having troubles with the way my body is reacting to the antibiotics, but that's nothing compared to sitting across the table from my Mom and talking about Lyme's Disease.  What was really hard was not her reaction, but mine.  I keep wondering if this disease may have resulted in my hysterectomy at 25 years of age.  Mom continues to remind me that it was connected to a cyst rupture at the time I had appendicitis and my appendix was removed.  I was 14 years old then.  I just don't know what to think.  As we talked, I cried.  Rationally, I hear and know what she is saying to be truth, but my HEART still breaks and figuring out how to BLAME anything that has prevented me from having children.  THIS really is only one area of life that I am pondering. So many things have come to mind since I received this diagnosis one week ago.  I'm certain much of my life will come forth here on this blog over the next weeks, months, years, etc.  I just pray that anyone else that reads a single word from this blog understands that yes, I am upset, angry, and have even cursed God... Jesus still loves me and has forgiven me.  I adore my Abba Father and without Him there is NO WAY I would be here.  Believe me, Jesus would have died for any single one of us.  He took everything for us on the cross.  I'm so thankful, but that doesn't mean you won't see me crying.

Love you all - 
Sydni

Whew... side effects

Last night was a nightmare.  The antibiotic I am taking to fight the Lyme's Disease battle can make me queasy.  I was sitting here watching television and all of a sudden I was in the bathroom vomiting like crazy.  Then I was completely exhausted.  This stuff is nuts, and yes I am on medication for the nausea.

This morning I was trying to drive to Bible Study and I had to pull over in a grocery store parking lot and call Jeff to come and get me.  My vision had gone completely blurry.  I couldn't tell one car from another, I had no idea whether I was in the lane on not, and I honestly believe I now know what it feels like to drive extremely drunk.  Fortunately, Jeff had the day off for Election Day and he was able to take care of me.  Thanks to Mom for running back to Peoria with Jeff to get my car.

I ending up sleeping in the recliner all afternoon.  I was just out cold.  

I have to admit the side effects of the medication are awful, but I am willing to keep them in hopes that the antibiotic is positively attacking the bacteria throughout my body.  

I so appreciate all the kind thoughts and prayers of support Jeff and I have been receiving.  We love you all!

Sydni