24 days to go...

There are 24 days until THE BIG DAY! This past weekend was supposed to be my bachelorette weekend in Sea Island, Georgia hosted by one of my best friends, Morgan. Unfortunately, after being in the hospital for 6 days and still not feeling any better, we had to rearrange the plan. I didn't want my health to get in the way of one more thing, so we continued with the date of last weekend since it worked for most everyone, but we stayed in Greenville. The great thing is, we stayed at a hotel and didn't even feel like we were here! I spent 3 days with my amazing cousins and friends who went above and beyond to make me feel special. I am beyond blessed with family and friends who love me. My cousins picked me up in their car decked out in crazy bachelorette stickers, flags, and such. My artistic friend Sarah decorated the hotel suite with the most incredible touches, and She, Ashley, and Danielle had everything planned for the weekend. My sister and future sister-in-laws joined us too!

They were also great about pacing the weekend so I could still take naps and rest in between activities. By Sunday night I was tired and the pain was still so bad (had never gone away). I decided I would use Monday to pray about what the next step would be. I wasn't getting any relief from the medicine for nerve damage, so I didn't think that is what it was. Monday morning one of my Bible study leaders suggested we call Dr. Young, a wonderful surgeon here in town. My first thought was, ok, but it will take weeks to get in to see him. Later that afternoon, my mom called Dr. Russell, who did surgery on my hernia back in 2005 to see if it was possible that the hernia has broken through the surgical clips. He is a dear friend and goes to church with us and always looks after me. He didn't think it was likely that the hernia was back, but he said he would call his friend Dr. Young to see if he could work me in. As God had planned it, it was the same Dr. Young my leader had suggested and he saw me immediately. He was so thorough and did some more tests and exams. His findings were that the cartilage/ligaments around my left lung were torn and that was causing the severe pain. It is extremely unlikely that this would happen in a "normal body", but with EDS, it is not as uncommon. My connective tissue is already so weak, that it doesn't take much to tear. The reason it has been so painful for so long is that every time I breathe (which is a lot haha) it would expand the torn tissue even more. There is obviously no way to "rest" the lungs, so I just need to take it easy and not put too much stress on my body. He also prescribed two meds to help reduce inflammation and calm everything down. Once it gets closer to "the big day" I will go get steroid injections in my rib cage area to really numb the pain so I can enjoy the wedding and honey moon :) I am so thankful for God's plan today in putting Dr. Young in my path. After we finished the appointment, he sat down, held my hand and PRAYED FOR ME! He prayed for my health and my marriage, that God would bless them both. How awesome is that?!?! God is good! The best news of all....it is the first time in almost 4 months that I have felt a hint of relief from the pain! The meds are already working :) :) :)

Thank you all for your continued prayers! Keep them coming. I am praying this pain starts to cease sooner than later. Also please keep my friends Lindsey and Tricia in your prayers as they are both facing health issues as well. XOXO