Just the beginning..

This is just the beginning of my journey. I'm so excited to see what He has in store for my life, but before you can know where you are going you must know where you have been. So this is my story.

I was born and raised in a southern God fearing home. I was taught to love the Lord and love your neighbors. I gave my life to Christ and was baptized at the age of 8 and I rededicated my life to him when I was 13. No, I don't claim to have always made the best life decisions but these roots run deep. I'm learning to seek His will for my life more and more every day.

I decided to go to nursing school the last month of my senior year. It has been the best decision He has help me make. I'm not going to lie, its been the most stressful experience ever. In the end though, it will be so rewarding to know what I did helped to save some one's life.

Partly due to some not so good genes and way too much stress, I began to have some stomach problems not long after starting my first semester of nursing school. Embarrassing as it was, I told my mom I needed to see a GI specialist. I took my nursing final on a Friday and had a colonoscopy the following Monday. The results were exactly as I had expected. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. We began treatment immediately hoping to get it in remission as soon as possible. I soon found myself taking 12 pills a day, but quickly realized they weren't doing anything but making me eat less. So we began to explore my options. My doctor suggested that I try Remicade. Its an IV infusion that takes anywhere from 2 to 6 hours to complete. Eventually these treatments would be 8 weeks apart. Not so bad right? That's what I thought too but the side effects were terrible. Achy joints, flu like symptoms, terrible abdominal cramps and the list goes on. It always seemed to take a couple days for me to fully recuperate after each treatment, but I getting better and slowly getting into remission. So I dealt with it and tried to put it in His hands.

Now a year later the one thing I've feared has happened. I'm no longer able to take my miracle drug due to a serum sickness reaction. In essence, my body is fighting off the drug. So now, having tried and failed with two other medications, my options are limited. My doctor feels that Humira is the next step for me. This regimen consists of two injections in the stomach a month. Obviously, I'm not at all excited.

I read a quote today that said, "the Lord doesn't give you anymore at one time than you can handle." Most days I feel that I am pushing my limits. But there again I know His loving and protecting hands are guiding and guarding me. I'm waiting on Him to show me what my next step is.

I don't write this seeking sympathy from anyone. I write this hoping to be an example for those who are going through a trying situation. These verses have become my strong tower:
        
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will direct your paths. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn your back on evil. Then you will gain renewed health and vitality.    Proverbs 3:5-8