Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Trying something new

Hi Everyone,

I was reminded recently by a friend that I had not blogged in a while so I decided to make some time to do that.

I have looked at everything I have been doing the past 1 1/2 years and the bottom line is that I'm really not any better after spending gobs of money, once again. In some ways, I am worse b/c now I'm on Metformin and my blood sugar is worse than it was a year ago. I also went to the dentist and found out that I could be looking at a $3000 surgery to move my sinus cavity so they can place two implants (another $6000). This all stems from going to a bad dentist 15 years ago. I haven't gone back b/c I know we can't do this right now with one child in braces and another to start in March. I look at our clunker in the garage and think, "Gee, I could have paid cash for a couple of Honda Odyssey vans by now if it wasn't for the stinkin' medical bills." It gets very frustrating, but I can't stay in that mindset for long or I just keep spiraling downward. At least I can deduct some of the expense from my taxes.

I have to take myself to the Bible and some verses that help pull me out of my funk. One of my favorites is Psalms 40:2-3 "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord."

For months I've been asking the Lord for direction on what I should do next concerning my medical care. At the same time I met a wonderful gal in my Taekwondo class who also happens to be a chiropractor. She said she would give me an exam & x-ray for free so off I went. The bottom line is that I have a -8 curve in my neck, which means it is reversed. My head is off to one side and my spine is twisting in several places as it tries to compensate for the neck being so out of whack. What is really frustrating about all of this is that over 5 years ago I had been treated for this very same thing in Colorado, but couldn't find a chiro after I moved here who would continue treating me for it.

Long story short, I'm going to this chiropractor 3 times/week for adjustments and physical therapy. I am sore, but I was told that sore was good. It could take over a year of this therapy to get my back and neck back to where they need to be. Where the spine is twisting is where all the nerves to my pancreas and digestive system go. Go figure. She said that it may not cure the diabetes, but that the blood sugar levels would never go back to normal no matter how good I'm eating or how much exercising I'm doing with my back & neck out of whack like this.

Again, this is all very expensive as I know some of you can relate. I cannot afford both this chiropractor and Dr. Asa so we are giving Dr. Asa's clinic a rest for now. I still feel he is a very good dr., but I also feel he, and those in his clinic, have done everything they know to do with little results for me personally. I am very aware, however, of many patients he has been able to help so I would still recommend him if you are dealing with a health issue the regular medical establishment has not been able to help you with.

In the meantime, there has been lots of tears, lots of frustration, but also lots of peace as I know that no matter what the future holds, the Lord has my back. He's my rock and my foundation. Without Him, I would have given up a long, long time ago. I read a quote recently that said this, "God resurrects us anew each morning from our deep sleep. We can start any day as a new person by turning our backs on yesterday's mistakes and beliefs." Yep, he gave me another day. So I will decide to spend it as best as I can with those I love. What a gift!

Enjoy this holiday season no matter what your situation and have a very Merry Christmas. "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." John 3:17

Debbie