Inexplicable Joy and Hope

Merry Christmas from the Brooks! The last post was from my birthday in May and we vow to be more consistent in the coming year! As the last post reveals, I am blessed to have a husband who sees my daily struggles and also sees the unconditional love and grace of Christ as we make this difficult journey. His post says more than I can convey here. Steve's previous post gives a glimpse into our hearts on this challenging journey. I hope you will take the time to read his post.

After our six week visit to Mayo and the return home, I must confess I went on a "doctor strike" as i tried to assimilate all of the information we had learned at Mayo. The months following Mayo left me somewhat overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted. In following through with Mayo recommendations, I have found relief for some issues. However, the most debilating issues remain elusive and we hope a follow up with doctors will provide some direction. We depart for Mayo on December 25th and will stay as long as needed for their teams to address

on-going issues. We ask you to pray for these appointments on the 26th, 27th, and 28th. We thank you in advance for praying for us.

I want this Christmas note to be about "joy and hope". After we returned from Mayo, although emotionally tired, we've had an amazing season of rest and blessings.

Current Medical Recap: For those who have been following this site know that I had two shoulder surgeries in the beginning of 2018. I am pleased to report that my left shoulder

healed really well. My incision split open a month after surgery but that was easiy fixed and has healed well too. Having to use my right arm and shoulder more than normal while my left shoulder healed caused me to tear the rotator cuff in my right shoulder. I am doing physica therapy everyday in hopes of avoiding another shoulder surgery. A few months back I broke my ankle as I stepped off a step and because of my loose connective tissue (from my Ehlers-Danlos disease) my ankle rolled way to far and caused a fracture. It is an avulsion fracture and not healing very well. I wil be having a lot of fluid drained off of it next week and we hope that will help the healing. Right now I am doing PT to work on strengthening the laxity of the joint. I have been blessed with an incredible physica therapist who understands EDS and works out my PT plan to maximize strengthening of all my joints. (thanks Austin)) I also have a great occupational therapist whose sole attention is on stabilizing the finger joints which disocate on a weekly basis. (thanks Fiona) Pain is becoming a daily companion and we are going to discuss this at Mayo and hope there are some new options other than taking pain medication. I haven't taken pain medication since my cervical fusion and spinal cord surgery in 2013. I'd like to not go back in that direction. Following Mayo recommendations has decreased the number of kidney stones I am producing so that has been nice. I still have some bleeding from my kidney and we will address that at our upcoming time at Mayo. I know that may seem overwhelming but in the theme of "joy and hope", I have to say we are blessed to have the medical team we do and knowing God will provide the strength that we need to do each day allows us to keep living this life with joy.

Life since getting back from Mayo: The past few months have been overflowing with great experiences! We headed out in our RV for several trips with family and friends. We took in 5 National Parks over a 3 week trip across the country and made many memories that will last a lifetime. We were also blessed to have a neice join our family and she is such a joy to be with. We are thankful we were able to visit her along with my brother and his wife. We were able to have many dinners and get togethers this summer and fall with friends we havent seen in years as well as enjoying our friends locally. Such fellowship with family and friends naturally brings much joy! While there have been countless moments of joy and hope this year, our greatest hope and joy that is constant and unfailing comes from our faith in our Savior Jesus. And Jesus is the single reason we celebrate Christmas! We pray you know this same Jesus and can experience "inexplicable Joy and Hope".

We thank you for joining our journey and we will post again soon!

Blessings and love,

Steve and Lee

---

Comments

Lisa Currall:

Lovely to get an update. So weird too, I saw Steve at Costco last night and said to tell you Hi !!! Hadn't seen either of you around town at all. If possible can you call for 5 min. before your trip?? If not maybe when you return. We'll put you on our prayer list. Many Blessings, Prayers and Merry Christmas Lisa

Teresa J Brooks:

Dear Lee & Steve: Thanks for the update and Merry Christmas to both of you. I will be praying for you Lee when you go to Mayos, and hope they are able to help you with your ongoing health problems. Love, Teresa

Kelly Anderson:

Merry Christmas! I will be praying for encouraging and helpful communication with all of your doctors. The grace you both exhibit through all of the pain and challenges shows forth your dependence on the Lord. Safe travels and I will check in after your home. All my love!

Steve Braden:

Merry Christmas to you guys. You are in our prayers. Love from Tennessee.

Ellen Bunch :

Merry Christmas and praying for safe travel and good results. Love you guys

Judy Wilson:

I will certainly have you both in my prayers as you journey to Mayo. It's the season of miracles. I pray you receive one. You deserve it more than anyone I know.

Jill Shelton:

Happy Birthday Steve & Merry Christmas to you both. I hope you get refreshed over the holidays and get some love and caring attention as well as good news on your next trip to Mayo. Don't give up on the doctors Lee, they are only trying to help and give you new ideas.

Meredith Hutchins:

Merry Christmas! I pray that you two will have a blessed and peaceful holiday together.

Joan Bouck:

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to both of you! Your lives are not simple ones, but your hearts are true and courageous. You make the world a better place by being in it and you deserve the best life has to offer. We are lucky to have both of your in our lives and, as always, you're both in my prayers. Take care, Joan FD3

sandra henry:

Wishing you a very merry Christmas. Will be praying that you get more help and answers at Mayo. Love you!