A Test of Faith

A Test of Faith

A Test of Faith May 23, 2009, 3:22 PM

Hello to all, this is Steve posting for the first time on Lee’s behalf. I will warn you in advance that I am likely not nearly as colorful or detail oriented as my darling bride but she has had a very tough last few days and so I wanted to briefly bring you up to date on some things that have transpired so you can know how to pray specifically for her. First, however, let me say how MUCH all of your “posts and prayers” have meant to her. Lee was very hesitant about starting the Care Page, but I literally see her eyes light up and spirits rise when she reads the thoughtful words of love and encouragement that so many of you have offered through the site. Thank you!

On another positive note, in her last update Lee had requested prayer for the GI medicine injection that had worked so miraculously to restart her intestines but then seemed to stop as abruptly as it began. Following her last post and the “emergency Miralax” dosing, the injection was back to its old self for three shots in a row. It functioned like clock work and gave her significant relief from her abdominal pain & bloating. Also, her Dr.’s appt. with the PCP on Wednesday went very well at the time and it seemed as though we were all on the same page with the path forward for the next phase of development in her treatment plan in light of the insurance denial of her current pain medication.

This leads me to the most recent events of this past week that have left Lee struggling at a level I’m not sure I’ve seen before in my 27 or so years as her best friend. She had a follow up appointment with her pain management physician on Thursday. We thought this was simply the final planning meeting for an inpatient admission in a couple of weeks to manage the transition from her current medicine regimen to something else that was responsive to her GI shots and more acceptable to the insurance company while still giving her adequate pain control to maintain a reasonable quality of life as we attempt to find the root causes of her Autonomic Neuropathy. All seemed to be going well until a final five minute conversation between her pain management doc and her PCP turned the entire plan on its heels. Apparently, the PCP had been in phone contact with a local neurologist who expressed concerns (without having ever seen Lee or understanding her extensive history) that her medicines could be causing some of her Autonomic Neuropathy and/or making her chronic headaches worse. For some reason, this conversation sent her pain management doc reeling and he began immediately reducing Lee’s medicines without a clear path forward on how to manage her headaches. The PCP also convinced him, contrary to the conversation she had with us just a week prior, that she did not believe it would be possible to get an approval for inpatient admission to manage Lee’s medicine transition. I have now played phone tag with the PCP for two days and we are planning to see her on Wednesday next week to try and get some straight answers on what went wrong. At the same time, Lee’s GI shot failed to work again on Thursday after the three straight successes. So, here are the specific areas where we would so appreciate your prayers:

•             For favor and open dialogue with the PCP to get back on track with advocating on Lee’s behalf

•             For adequate control of her headaches and GI symptoms as we work through the medicine and insurance issues

•             Favor with the insurance company (we hope to get to meet with a review team next week or soon after) on approvals for her treatments and the inpatient stay

We are constantly aware that God is still in control even in the midst of these newest battles. I am so thankful for the spirit of perseverance in suffering that He has developed in Lee but, at the same time, I long for relief and healing from the pain I see her endure. Thanks again to all of you for helping me pray to that end with the eternal hope we have that all of her tears WILL be wiped away “in a little while”. We love you all very much!

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Messages

Kimball & Elizabeth Parker May 23, 2009, 3:39 PM May God bless you for giving Him the glory through all the struggles, frustrations, and anxiety. We are in prayer for and with you. Thank you for sharing your lives with us in this way. Kimball & Elizabeth

Di Cieslak May 23, 2009, 3:48 PM Thanks for the update, Steve. I’ve been praying for you both and will continue to lift you up to the Lord. You two are such a tremendous blessing. Please let me know if there’s anything you need - we’re neighbors, after all! Love and prayers, Diana

Teresa Smith May 23, 2009, 4:12 PM Dear Steve & Lee: My heart goes out to you as you struggle with these new issues. We feel so helpless here to do anything other than pray for you. Just know that we love you both very much and will continue to pray for God’s mercy, wisdom and grace as you look for answers. Love, Teresa & Earl

Emily Vahey May 23, 2009, 4:27 PM Hey Lee. (Good post Steve) Our hearts are heavy, yet filled with hope. We as a family have prayed for you multiple times and will continue to do so. Grace keeps asking about you and if you are getting better! Faith of a child! We love you a lot and can’t wait to take you to an all you can eat buffet soon! dave (em, grace & jack)

Jon Dickenson May 23, 2009, 5:42 PM Hey Guys It has been a long time. To this day my life is blessed because of your persistence Lee. If it were not for you, I probably would not have gone on the retreat may years ago. That retreat changed my life. Steve I have been praying for you and that God will give you strength as you serve as husband and caregiver to Lee. I miss you both. I just took the time to sit down and look through all the pictures. I was moved to tears more than once with all that you both have been through. Just know that you both mean a great deal to me. My prayers are with you both. Jon

Nola von Neudegg May 23, 2009, 6:01 PM Hi Steve and Lee, Just want you to know you have my full support and I will do anything I possibly can to help make this situation better. We must always remember to do everything we can and then let God take care of the rest. Keep the faith, Nola

Juli Sharp May 23, 2009, 6:20 PM I miss you guys so much back here in Tennessee! It hurts me so for Lee to have all this pain. I have and will continue to pray. juli sharp

Debby Swecker May 23, 2009, 6:46 PM Oh Lee and Steve, I will be lifting you both up in prayer through out this Memorial Day weekend. The Lord is with you - you couldn’t possibly be getting through all of this without his strength, hope, love and care. I will pray for healing, wisdom for the doctors, favor with the insurance company and a deep presence of the Lord for you both. Debby Swecker

Rae Jean Bettmeng May 23, 2009, 8:11 PM I hurt for you… we love you both so very much. Your love for one another is such a blessing to those of us who watch you so passionately care for each other. What a sweet picture of Jesus! We are praying for you both. Blessings, Rae Jean

Jason Benjamin May 23, 2009, 8:55 PM You both continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!

Sandi Henry May 23, 2009, 11:17 PM Steve and Lee, my heart breaks to hear what you guys are going through now. I pray that God will intervene w/the doctors, insurance co., and even the meds to let Lee get some relief. Steve, I know you hurt just as much as Lee–seeing her in such pain–but I’m thankful that you are by her side. I am praying that God will work another miracle, because we know He can, and we know that you’ll give Him all the glory! Thank you for taking time to share with us. Give Lee a big hug for us. love, sandi

carol sparks May 24, 2009, 12:50 AM Lee and Steve, I will continue to pray for your needs as you request. May God extend His mercy and grace to you both. In His love, Carol Sparks

Todd Derrick May 24, 2009, 1:55 AM Steve and Lee, We have been keeping a regular check on your site since Todd showed it to me a couple of weeks ago. We were incredibly saddened to hear the latest round of bad news, and admire you both for your strength and perserverance. You have been, and shall remain, in our thoughts and prayers. Much Love–Angie & Todd

Barbara Faubert May 24, 2009, 2:03 AM Lee & Steve, I am a friend of Martha’s and have been keeping up with the care page since she told me about you being on this;(what a great way to keep up). Your Mom is certainly an inspiration to all who know her and it sounds as if you got that gift as well. I wish I could have some encouraging words for you but can only say I will continue to pray for you and especially these last specific request. God bless you both. Barbara Faubert

Michelle Grande May 24, 2009, 10:09 AM Hey guys, thank you for keeping us updated! We will pray specifically for God to provide the doctors with the wisdom, knowledge and ability to provide you care. I am remembering a trip to the beach a long time ago……great fun!!! We certainly miss you greatly!! May God provide you with reduced pain, increased motility and great understanding of His plan! tony, michelle, ashley and aj

Tom Mclain May 24, 2009, 10:55 PM Sorry for the set backs….. You guys encourage me each time you post. Please know that many people are praying for quick recovery and stablization. Your faith is a wonderful thing to behold. Thanks for reminding me what a great God we serve.

Link Hudson May 25, 2009, 1:42 AM I will continue you praying. I love you both. In His Grace!

Dennis Hackworth May 25, 2009, 1:42 AM We will pray for the specific requests. We love you both so much! Let’s continue to know God better and love Him more everyday! Dennis & Mary

Julie Greene May 25, 2009, 2:32 AM Lee and Steve, When I read about the challenges that face you daily, I find myself speechless…looking for something encouraging to say and not knowing exactly what that might be…other than, we serve a living God who is sovereign and good. This is what we hold on to in times as these. You continue to be an inspiration with your faith and perseverance. We love you. Julie and Brad

carver lovely May 25, 2009, 1:00 PM My prayers are with you. Carver

Betsy Ramsey May 25, 2009, 9:13 PM Lee and Steve, Thanks so much for the update and I am so sorry about the setbacks…we lift these requests up to our Abba daddy who has our name written in the palm of His hand. There is a song called “Peacemaker” by Greg Ferguson that you can google and listen to…I think you would enjoy it. Our love and prayers, Rocky and Betsy

Roger Badger May 26, 2009, 11:59 AM I’m on the prayer train buddy and I’m stoking the boiler to the Lord! Lee- My love and prayers are at full throttle kid, hang on! -Roger :)

Kelly Wahle May 27, 2009, 3:44 PM Hi Steve and Lee, You don’t know me, but I have been following your carepage. I learned of it through another carepage. I am home-bound much of the time because of chronic illnesses (including chronic headaches). Because I have so much time on my hands, I find I have more time to pray for others (than I did before). I wanted to let you know that I am following your carepage and I am/will be praying for each of your specific prayer needs for both of you. What I have read of your story is very moving and very inspirational to me. Thank you so much for sharing. Having chronic/daily pain, I feel very connected to what you say and it lifts me up. So, really, thank you for sharing about your journey. I send you gentle hugs and a lot of love. Kelly Wahle

Susan Jenkinson May 27, 2009, 6:47 PM You are in my thoughts and prayers. As my sister has had to remind me lately, God is still in control. He hasn’t let you down in the past and He will see you through again. Joy will come in the morning. Love you guys! -Susan Hatton Jenkinson

Don Disney May 28, 2009, 12:04 AM I love you both and I continue to pray for you.

Royce Brooks June 20, 2009, 1:16 PM You know we are praying throughout the day and even when we wake during the night, but I want to devote 5- 6am here (2-3AM for you)to be your prayer warrior because I know the middle of the night can be your roughest hours. Know that I will gladly come and fill in for Martha when she needs to come home if you will let me. Love to the three of you! Royce