A Turn In the Road

Today (Feb 19th) I went to U of M for my routine "Scleroderma" check up. My first appointment was a pulmonary function test and the second was an appointment with Dr. Elena Schiopu http://www.med.umich.edu/scleroderma/faculty/index.htm#schiopu who is my new specialist since Dr. Seibold took a new position as Professor and Chief of the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Connecticut Health Center.

Dr. Schiopu is a delightful woman who had such a sweet spirit about her. Dr. Seibold had already filled her in about my case (an my personality.LOL..) so she already knew a little about me as she entered the exam room. After reviewing my pft, blood work, and skin, Dr. Shiopu announced that my condition was experiencing a "turn in the road" and along with that, she felt I no longer needed to be on an immune suppressant!!!

I was so excited with that news.....that I cried!! Ken and I just looked at each other and smiled!!! Through my tears I said that God was in control and I knew that every day was a gift from Him! She said that I would be able to go off the meds immediately with no side effects....
Wow.....NO more monthly blood work!!! Yay!!

I can't say that my scleroderma will be completely gone forever....but I can say...it is at a turn in the road.....my skin is improving....I am continuing to have hand therapy and seeing improvements there....and on Monday I will have an evaluation to begin physical therapy for my legs so I might improve my walking/etc. Currently I still have great difficulty getting up from a sitting position and climbing stairs. This will be my next challenge....but I welcome it!!!

After nearly one thousand and ten days since my original symptoms.....I praise God for giving me Hope.....Patience.....and Joy!! I still have alot of life to live.....and I am grateful for the opportunities I have had since my illness, my disability, and my retirement.

My new projects have included editing the Area 32 Special Olympics newsletter, developing and filming a video for the Michigan Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation to be shown at patient education days, and of course "Thursdays" with Grandma!!( or whatever day of the week it turns out to be)

I'd like to rent a billboard that says "never give up"!!
If you suffer in life.....seek the joy in your situation...it is there....Don't give up....let people help you in your need....don't isolate yourself....educate yourself.....and did I mention:) "Don't give up!!!" Cry when you must....laugh when you can...

For me....God is my strength....my refuge! His word, the Bible, is my road map and the Holy Spirit my comfort. My life is far from perfect...but my joy is close to full!!!!