Monday, October 4, 2010

When It Rains It Pours

Dear Friends:

Today I have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease: Grave's Disease. It is a thyroid problem that I am just beginning to learn about and it's not very exciting.

I have no idea what this is going to look like for daily life in the future. We won't find out about treatment plans until Thursday. I know it will involve a radical diet change, and most likely a period of rough times getting the thyroid medication balanced out.

I'm sure I'll look the same and have many days that really are the same. But, this is going to always be there in the shadows and I'm not sure yet of the effects.

I'm sad, but sure that this is God's plan for my life from here on out. It's just the newest way that I can submit to Him.

We would appreciate your prayers -- it does feel like a heavy load this fall.

17 comments:

willow said...

Oh Heather, I don't know what to say, what a lot you and your family are coping with at the moment.
I will be thinking of both you and Laura over the next few weeks.

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

I always think of Barbara Bush when I hear of Grave's disease. I believe she has had it since she was younger.

I will definitely keep you in prayer. An autoimmune disease is no fun (speaking from experience).

Praying for Laura, too!

Esther said...

Oh Heather. We will be praying for you all. May God grant you the peace that transcends all understanding.

Love, Esther Howe

Thoughts on Life and Millinery. said...

Sorry for this burden, but as Brenda mentioned, Barbara Bush was likewised burdened and had quite a full life with it. I'll be praying for great information and advances in the treatment!

liz nelson said...

thinking of you, Heather. i know it must feel like it's one thing after another. we will be praying for you (and Laura). let us know if there's anything we can do.

southseaislandhome said...

Oh boy, Heather. We sure are thinking of you all and praying for you all at this time - what a time you've been having - so much to be coping with - you are very, very much in our prayers.
It is interesting to read in your comments from others about Barbara Bush - that must be reassuring for you. When Teddy was diagnosed with epilepsy it helped in a small way to hear about others who had it - for instance, we found out that Leonardo da Vinci had a form of epilepsy too. Surprising!
Thinking of you. Lots of love and hugs.

Stephanie said...

Heather, I'm so sorry to hear that. One of my co-workers (about my age) was diagnosed with that this past spring. We'll be keeping you all in our prayers!

Lovella ♥ said...

I am so sorry dear Heather. ..I do wish I could pop over and bring you a supper for your family. .that is what I could do if I physically was closer. ..
I'll just pray.
Is this linked to your earlier time of not being well?
OH boy .. .I'm feeling pretty upset for you right now.

Alaina said...

Oh Heather, I am so sorry. We will be praying and please let me know what else I can do.

Amy K said...

Heather, my heart goes out to you! You and Michael have been a tremendous example of having strong faith during trials. I have just finished reading the information about Graves to try and understand this better. It sounds like having a diagnoses will now help to control symptoms. But I also know there's a lot of uncertainty and you already have so much on your plate and so much concern with Laura. We will keep you in our daily prayers! Love!! And please let us know if you need any practical help!

Catherine said...

I'm so sorry to hear this, Heather! I will be praying for you.

Heather Anne said...

Oh Heather - it really is pouring for you this season. I am so sorry for all this struggle for you and your family, and I will be praying for you. Really and truly lifting you up to the Father who loves us.

When my heart was first drawn to your blog you were in bed - a result of a T4 overdose which led to hyperthyroidism - I believe it was 2007. That 'crash' landed you in bed for quite some time, and yet, your four little ones (at the time), your husband, your family and your church family were given an opportunity to give and receive blessings in ways that they never would have thought possible if you had not struggled with such a debilitating condition.

Your faith in God's unfailing love, His provision for your family, and your sweet spirit just shined in everything you wrote from your bed and when you slowly, painfully, courageously were able to leave that bed of sickness and begin the journey to healing - we all rejoiced with you! Then to have the blessing of another sweet baby - it was quite an overflowing cup of blessing.

I know a little about chronic suffering and the overwhelming worry and fear involved in a child's serious illness, so I won't even try to find sweet words and pretty phrases to sooth this, but I will say, lean. Keep leaning and lean hard. God has guided you through dark waters and He will do it again. Confidently lean on Him.
Once again your family, friends, and church body have the privilege of being the givers and receivers of blessing. I know that this new trial will be met with grace. I'll be praying for you and your sweet Laura.

Monica said...

Heather, I've been thinking about you all week and praying for peace as you navigate these new waters. I couldn't help but thank God in the end that He has given you a clearer picture of the many questions you've had over the years. Know that you are loved and there are many standing beside you in this life. Oh, won't heaven be so sweet with no sickness or suffering?

SueJ said...

I will really keep you in my thoughts. I am gladdened by the strength that you faith gives you, even though I do not share it. Get well soon & keep safe.

Candice said...

So sorry to hear about your diagnosis. We will pray for you guys and for wisdom for you and strength as you face another challenge.

Rachel said...

I wanted to say that I have been praying for Laura (we met at COVF., and I got to hold her for something like an hour in the nursery) since I heard about her difficulties. I'm so sad to hear about this extra trouble right now. Praying for you as well!

hire blackberry developer said...

Everything will be alright dear. But I am feeling really sorry for you :(