two months later

Two months ago today, I was released from the hospital. I’m feeling humbled, as God has continued to heal me and lead me on the path of renewal and restoration. More blood tests and another doctor’s visit yesterday brought, for the most part, more good news and continued improvement, despite my Chick-fil-A confession (Oh, and did I forget to mention the Wendy’s fries I had at the airport on our layover in Houston?)

My creatinine count is down to 2.8 from the previous 3.5, and almost all of my other tests have continued to improve and/or are back to the normal range of what they should be. Almost everything Dr. Aragón had to say ended with an exclamation point, and he couldn’t stop smiling after looking at my test results. He was so pleased that he doesn’t need to see me again for 2 months! (I won’t miss the needles, cost, or drive out there, but I do kind of enjoy seeing him each week!)

I do, however, have high cholesterol and a minor infection, for which he gave me 2 new pills. BUT I have been relieved of some of my nurse roles, and now only have to watch my blood pressure and check my weight a couple of times a week. No more measuring and keeping track of liquid input and output – it’s amazing how freeing that is!  Over the next 60 days, I’ll be slowly stair-stepping myself down from 30mg of the steroids to 15mg and Dr. Aragón doesn’t want me going back to Niños de Vida services until I’m down to 10mg. So I’m guessing the Lord wants to continue to teach me about (and give me the opportunity to practice) patience for the next 2 months.

I will go see my nephrologist in 2 weeks and I’m hoping that he’ll let me relax on the diet a little bit. Salt and cheese will be welcomed back with open arms when I get the green light. For some reason, I’ve really been craving pizza recently. I comfort myself with pineapple, and it’s quite delicious, but just not the same.

It was inevitable that it would happen, but Chase started developing a cold the last couple days. He had to sleep in the guest bed last night, which of course, made me sad, so I’m hoping and praying that it goes away quickly so we can be around each other again!

God is good, life is sweet, and I’m thankful for it all. I’m reading a book, One Thousand Gifts, and I highly recommend it. It is artfully and refreshingly poetic and full of profound truth.

Found myself relating to this Psalm in a new way this morning (and praising God for how far he has brought me over the last few months):

I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth – praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40:1-3