Ever had one of those "Ugh!" kind of days, Gentle Readers? The kind of day that starts too early because you are too uncomfortable to sleep, then irritating things (like counting calories and recording food) take more time than they should and stop you from doing things you'd rather be doing (like sewing), and then your exercise is lovely but leaves you tired and hungry, and you have to choose between more exercise or lunch. (And lunch wins out, of course!) Then you head to physical therapy hoping to convince the PT that this whole
lymphedema thing is a figment of your (and her) imagination, but she reminds you that you have one arm that is a full 3 centimeters larger than the other, and really needs treatment. Besides that, none of your non-stretchy blouses will fit on your arms, which is really crimping your style!) So, against your desires, you are again sent home with an arm that looks like this picture. It has two kinds of stretch gauze on the fingers and hands, cotton sleeves, springy foam, and the the stretch bandages to keep everything tight and draining. And it is to stay on for TWO nights until I return to PT on Thursday. Try typing with this thing- or even worse, cooking, gardening, showering, sewing! And it is NOT comfortable, nor cool.
Definitely an "Ugh!" kind of day.
Just this morning I was talking to a friend who is in the midst of severe health issues, and we were talking about what we do on these "UGH!" kinds of days to get through. Here is the short version:
- Rehearse God's attributes.
- Review the excellencies of Christ
- Remember the truth of who you are in Christ
- Refuse to let it get the better of you.
So, there you have it, Gentle Reader-- four R's to beating back the "ugh"s. Do you have other ways of fighting the "ugh"s? If you do, I'd love to hear them!
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9 comments:
Rejoice that this pain is not wasted, but is a fire to refine us further into His image...and a tool to encourage others. :) (Disclaimer: rejoicing is often easier said than done!) :)
Excellent point, Shannon- and going back to the old "counting your blessings" is also a good idea!
And congrats to your little soccer player! :-)
Thanks for this today, Dear Chris!
I also count my blessings when life seems overwhelming. Does your PT do lymphedema massage? One of my co-workers does it, and it seems to really help.
Hi Enid- Yes, I get "manual lymphedema drainage" twice a week, and the PT has taught Dave some of the basics, and he does it over the weekend and on week days when I don't see her. Isn't he wonderful? It does help.
I'm sorry about the lymphedema, Chris. I have been praying for you regarding that and will continue. Thank you for the four R's. I am battling, well, I'm not sure what--some sort of discomforting mixture of discontent, uncertainty as to how God will provide, and probably a few other things besides--so this is a good reminder for me and a little more specific than remembering God's trustworthiness and faithfulness, which I've been trying to do.
Praying for you, too, Melissa!
Oh Chris, I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this. Praying for relief for you.
I'm not a doctor, don't I play one one tv, and didn't even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night - but my sil who had lymph nodes removed with her BC surgery has a rebounder (you know, the mini trampoline) that she uses a bit each day as it is supposed to help improve circulation in the lymphatic system. Maybe this is common knowledge to folks like you or your therapist. Sorry if it's redundant info.
As a log arm recipient myself and having the same above bandages just 2 weeks ago...it does work and its worth the hassle! Over 880 mm down through bandaging. UGH though. Agreed. Need to remember its just a season and the Lord will bring you through it. Who knows...maybe you will need to be an encouragement to someone else because of going through this trial? All works for His purpose if we let it. And you shall be restored!!! Counting those blessings every new day!!!
~Rachel
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