"Surviving"

Aren't these so incredibly lovely and attractive?? 

First of all, thank every one of you for your prayers, encouragement, and comments you wrote for me on my previous blog entry.  You have all been great sources of encouragement during a frustrating time.  I still can't type very much..., especially not right now as my hands are FROZEN from my ice packs!  Here's a quick update: 

I went to the doctor and he said, "no more cortisone injections".  He did one in each wrist back in December, but due to some side effects of discoloration on my wrists and some numbness of the nerves, he will not do any more injections in the tendons. He is fearful that he will actually do more harm than good to the tendon by repeated injections.  At first I was really frustrated about this, as I wanted "fast relief".  But, I continue to be reminded that God does not call me to a life of comfort.  This trial is for HIS glory..., I couldn't see that last week and I was really angry, but I can tell that the Holy Spirit has been working through your prayers and He is changing my perspective.  This is for HIS glory alone  (John 9:3).  Okay, so no more injections...., my next best option in order to try every conservative measure to avoid surgery, is to wear these immobilization braces and go to physical therapy 2 x's a week.  I have now been wearing my braces almost 2 weeks and am learning how to take care of Elijah Brooks.  It's not easy, but I am learning.  It's amazing what you can do when you are determined to take care of your children.  In my therapy sessions, we are trying a different type of steroid treatment...., cortisone patches that stay on my wrists for 2 hours at a time, every other day.  This cortisone, unlike the injection, is more of a topical medication rather than something actually being  injected into the tendon itself.  I have only had 1 treatment so far, and have 5 to go.  Please continue to pray that this treatment, along with  the immobilization of my wrists will get these angry tendons calmed down quickly.  

Thankfully, I have alot of help from my wonderful husband and various church members.  I have different ladies here at my house helping me with Elijah Brooks and driving me to and from my therapy.  What a blessing these dear saints are at such a trying time.  In fact, one precious lady named Brenda, brought her crib, stroller, high chair, and carseat down from her attic and has basically set up a little "nursery" in her home and is keeping Elijah Brooks for me over at her house for a few hours a week just to give my hands time to rest.  I hate being away from him, even for a few hours, but right now I really do need to take care of myself and let my hands rest.  What a tremendous blessing dear Brenda is to our family right now.  She even comes to pick him up at my house so that I don't have to put him in the carseat and drive!  She came this morning to get him, and he went right to her, laughing and smiling, and never even looked back at me!!!  I was so thankful and heartbroken at the same time!!!  Thank GOD that he is such a laid back child who will go to anyone.  That really makes it easier for me right now as I am having to depend on so many people to help me. 

Okay, I am pretty sure I said that this would be a "quick" update!  Those of you who know me best know that I can't ever write anything and make it "quick".  I seriously need to stop typing and rest these hands. Thank you again for your faithful prayers. We desperately need you to continue praying.  

Love to you all.