I Think We Can All Agree That Life Happens: An Overdue Treatment Update.
- May 18, 2021
- 4 min read
Update for May 7-16th, 2021
Since I last updated, I have organized new meds (multiple times), started Month 2 of treatment, and spent more time in bed.
May 7-9: Over this weekend I received all my IV and other medications. Because I am doing two IV bags in the AM and PM, I had to revamp my “medical station.” We also celebrated mom for Mother’s Day. David, Mom, and I did a video chat to open gifts and then Lydia called so all four of us were able to say hello and celebrate mom together. Mom and Dad went to the Hippie Festival, which I was super happy her because she has wanted to go for years. While they were gone, I tried to plant a few plants on my back porch, but just putting clothes on tuckered me out. By the time I was out there I did not feel good, this seems to be a regular occurrence, if I even try to do anything. I did take some meds so I could go out for just a small amount of time. (Always good for my soul)
Monday, May 10: The official start to my second month of treatment. Although the moments are slow, time is flying by. My Lyme Specialist said this month would be long and tough, once again, He was right, and this is only the beginning. I started doing an antibiotic bag, so two in the AM and PM. Also, I started other medications this week. I did okay with first bag but went downhill quickly with the new bag. Lots of stomach pain and nausea, as well as body pain. Worst part of the new bag is it leaves a nasty taste in my mouth but doesn’t go away for hours. It kind of seems as though its seeping out of my gums and tongue. Water makes the taste worse, seems like breathing does too. I tried swishing almond milk and forcing sleep to escape the taste because it perpetuates the already very nauseated stomach. Monday was rough!
-->Joy Pocket: I had to go to the doctor in the early AM Monday and while I was waiting for Mom to pick me up, I found this little guy. He was sliding along doing his thing. I don’t know why but it brought joy to my heart to watch the snail taking a morning stroll on the sidewalk. Ha ha
Tuesday, May 12: On Tuesday, I did a ringer. The doctor wants me to be going through them faster than I have in the past. I am still working on the right timing but did better Tuesday. I didn’t fell very well but made it through. Mom did a bandage change for the first time in several weeks because of her burnt hand. Thank God her hand healing well.
Wednesday, May 12: Wednesday early morning, Nikki came over to get a quick tutorial at becoming a nurse in the Ervin home. Wednesday was much like Monday. Meds really
knocked my system, but I forced real sleep to help rest/escape the feels of treatment. I was in bed the majority of the day.
Thursday, May 13: Another early morning. I got blood work done, my
phlebotomist (Yes, mine, because we’ve determined he’s probably drawn my blood at least fifty times.) said he could tell I was pretty dehydrated.
I think because I’ve been so sick on my stomach it’s been hard to keep up with water intake, not to mention that taste that gets way worse with water. After blood work, Nurse Santa got my LR bag hooked up. The week’s medication build up has worn me out a lot.
Friday, May 14: Meet Nurse Nikki. Nikki came to stay with me this weekend and help with my IV’s. Friday’s antibiotics hit me hard early on. I had to rest a lot.
BUT with great pride I got to watch my younger brother graduate from grad school!!!
I am so happy for him and proud of him. He has already got a counseling job working with at risk youth. I sure wish I could have physically with him to celebrate, but Nikki and I did a little celebratory dance for him. David, I am proud of you. You are meant for great places, to help with great growth and comfort. You are going to help those who feel silence find their voice!
Saturday-Sunday, May 15-16: Nikki set me up with LR bags for each day. I had to rest a lot of the time she was here, but I enjoyed seeing her face and chatting with her during the weekend. Nurse Nikki also washed my hair for me, which was much needed! NIKKI THANK YOU FOR HELPING THIS WEEKEND! Love you friend.
On May 17, I start week two of this new protocol. With another week, additional medications are added. I have had to rest much more, I don’t feel well on a regular basis at this point and have been takin Epsom salt baths to help detox and soothe body ache and anxiety.
This last ten days has been not only physically tough, but also mentally and emotionally difficult. There has been a lot to remember and balance, as well as just deal with the
magnitude of treatment. Over the past couple of years, I have been told to ask for what I need, which feels difficult to do. However, at this time I really need to be built up with encouragement, investment, and listening ears.
I don’t have the capacity for criticism even if its constructive. I am really hard on myself already and don’t need any added pressure or judgement.
So, checking in, letters, texts, messages, polos, and chats work out great especially because I get sick at random and can come back to the message. Phone calls can be iffy, but I would love to try to schedule some chat time.
I am making it through moment by moment day by day. God continues to make His presence known, so very faithful. Thank you to those who have been praying, those who have written letters, checked in, even sent packages. Your faithful efforts truly keep me going.
Please continue to pray for me as I navigate this new protocol this month. Also, be praying for my sleep and my body pains/nausea. Pray for my heart and my mind as things unfold with treatment.
Comments