Aquatic Therapy Pleasant or Torture

Hi, Everyone!!! Just had to use this cute adorable puppy for the cover for the article. I was trying to find a different picture but didn't want to post pictures of other people. I will try and post a picture of the pool where I do my therapy. The photo below is the pool where I do my aquatic therapy. The pool all the way around is 4 feet. Ok, those of you that know me know how short I am. With that being said the 4 feet of water is on my shoulders. You could say doing the therapy is a challenge all on its own. 

Today we did a few things it was quite rough on me. I am glad that I have over a week before I have to go back and pick up paperwork. I asked them to write out a plan for after this because I don't want to use up all my limited therapy visits from my insurance. They could appeal, but from what I have learned the insurance company about 90% of the time will say no.

I have to say that I am paying for it from what we did today. I have been sick and in lots of pain. I am slow moving right now as I write this.  I am thankful that I have a break from therapy for a while. I say that because when I go back it's a paperwork pickup. I will then take the pool therapy to land and incorporate it with my walking. I will beat this with my body. I don't know what the doctor will say when I go back to him in May. We will see. I then see my OI doctor in June. I will not be looking forward to this one as she's going to be moving out of state. 

I have to say so many thoughts are running through my mind right now as I write this. I know some of you may tell me not to think this way or that, but dealing with this daily is difficult. When challenges come up and trying to get through them is difficult and not always the way you think. When it comes to therapy we don't have many options. There are a lot of things that we cannot do because we could fracture easily. 

Thanks for taking time to read, have a good night,

Let the Dancing begin.....

 

 

Good morning! I pray that you had a good nights rest. I had a little challenge last night, but I'd rather not talk about it. Let's get onto our morning. I pray that you will have a good day ahead of you. 

I "danced" with my husband around our room. Him holding me up as we walked together. We walked the hallway together; talking along the way. I love these early morning "dances" even if they are at 4 am most of the time. Today it was 4:15 am. I decided there was no staying put in bed I needed to get up and get going. The pain was too much. I just couldn't lay there anymore. We made it to the stairs my husband helped me down the first few then I was okay to get down the rest. 

I got myself ready for the day then went to my corner of the living room to spend some quality time with the Lord. I opened my devotional to today and grabbed my Bible to start reading. I always read the scripture reference first then go into the reading.  The scripture for today's devotional is found in Revelation 2:9-10 (NLT) "I know about your suffering and your poverty--but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are the Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan. Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life." 

I know I underlined quite a bit here, but there is so much being said in this devotional for today. Where it talks about those living with intractable physical pain, some barely able to function. I know many in the OI community that deals with this daily. I know I have as of late. There are so many days that I cannot even sit up in bed on my own or rise from the bed on my own, but with the help of my husband, I am able to get up. Though it may be painful I keep my trust in God because I know He brings me through the pain, through the fire. He keeps my attitude positive when the enemy wants to annoy me and try to make my attitude less positive. When you think about things, when you are close to God, the more quality time you spend with Him the enemy can't attack you, but annoy you. When you're not walking with the Lord the enemy loves to attack and keep you from God, but that's not what God wants for your life. He wants you to live with Him. When I am dealing with lots of pain whether from injuries or otherwise that's when I am most vulnerable. Words from friends, things I read, maybe even a song that a friend sends I may take all of these wrong - that's when the enemy is causing doubt in me - making me question things. I shouldn't be doing either of those; I should be going to the throne because God is still on the throne. He is our strength whether we are at our weakest moment or at a strong moment when we feel we are close to Him. We need to hold His hand through all that we face whether we think we can go it alone. He is there to help us, guide us, give us wisdom in all situations, circumstances. We need to remember He has promised a crown of life sweeter than life itself. My Lord is a strong, strong mighty tower. Here I am Lord, I am running through the door! I am taking refuge in You! Hold me, Lord! 

Thanks for taking time to read,

Good Morning!!!

Good Morning, my friends!!! How are you this fine morning? I am doing a little better. This morning's "dance" was a bit tough, but we got off and started out of our room and down the hall. Taking that step down the first stair was difficult, but I descended just fine although there was a lot of pain. I still gave God the glory why because He was there walking with me and holding my hand as I walked. He gave me the confidence to take each step. Some of the simplest tasks can be the most difficult, but not when you have God by your side. I was up, rising and shining at 4 am again due to pain, but I took my medication and as you read started downstairs to begin my day. 

Once I was downstairs I got myself ready for the day. I then went to the living room to have my quality time with the Lord. I started by reading my morning devotional A Spectacle of Glory God's Light Shining through Me Every Day, by Joni Eareckson Tada. Today she wrote based on Ephesians 5:20. Paul tells us that we must be "always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." For everything??? I have wrestled with these words, why, because there are things that I guess I keep to myself - this is futile because God already knows! The Bible tells us we're to give thanks, not only for the good stuff that happens in our lives but also for those hurtful, crushing, heartbreaking, out-of-control moments as well. He asks us to see life from His point of view. I look at this disease that my son and I have, the Osteogenesis days are challenging, but God gets us through. I think that He sees right now, right now how one day we will be healed and how the tears, the bruises, the setbacks and sorrows of this life have worked for the glory of His name. I spent time in prayer and I thanked the Lord for everything even for the Osteogenesis and the pain that have been my companions. Not that I like them, but God has a calling, a purpose for my life, for my son's life -- for that matter for your lives as well. We can endure whatever He allows touching our lives. He has our lives cupped in His hands and He loves us and He works every moment for the best and for His glory. 

Hoping to see a friend today. Not sure what they have planned for their day, God does. I will be spending some time in the Word and trying to do some therapy things. I pray that you have wonderful days, filled with the mighty blessings that God has for you!  Don't miss out on all the little and big things that God has to show you. I remember walking with our son when he was a lot younger. He said, "Mama, Mama, look at these tiny purple flowers!" I totally missed them why because I was in the "adult tunnel vision" - this is how we get as we grow up. We become focused on the things of life, things we have to do, what's next on our agenda. That day when we were walking my mind was on when we get back he will go down for a nap, I can get dinner started while he sleeps I can fold the laundry that's washed...and the list continues. When he said that simple phrase "...look at these tiny purple flowers!" Stopped me in my tracks!!! I looked down at him and said show me, baby. He showed me and they were what we consider weeds, but God created them for our enjoyment. I looked closer, then he picked one for me - they were so intricate.  The colors blended just perfectly. Now I pushed that "tunnel vision" to the wayside never to reintroduce. I look for all the tiny things that God created. When I see something new, or something I have seen even daily I still thank God for that blessing. I go for a walk (for therapy) I look for things asking God to show me what He wants me to learn or gain through the walk. I spend time talking to Him. No, I don't get funny looks from people that are around me if any because we don't have to speak out loud to God when we're outside, out in public unless we choose to. 

Thank You for stopping by and taking the time to read my post. Have a wonderful day!!

May God richly bless your lives,

Another Day.....Day of decision..Can I go?

Here we are it is only 4 am! The last medication was 10 pm--I am in such extreme pain that trying to even do the "dance" with my husband came with tears, uncertainty whether I was going to be able to make even the first step let alone consecutive steps. We got down the hallway, then the descending down the stairs met with more of a challenge as I had to depend more on my body to make each step-down. I cried and winced with each step; finally, at the bottom of the stairs, my husband says, "Are you going to make it? Can you walk on your own now?" This is so difficult to listen to; difficult being in this situation and feeling helpless. 

My mind is running with thoughts, concerns, questions and so much more. This is so sad when you have to question whether you can or can not get out to something that you love; for me that's church. I love my church, my church family, but when my body puts decisions on me of am I able or should I go? I don't like these decisions. I would much rather just be able to be happy that it is Sunday, family day, the day of worship; let's go!!! Let's enjoy! Why am I silent about it you ask? Well, I am for now considering the time is 4:30 am and my family is asleep, but not me my body is writhing in pain. I am writing yet I am talking with God as I write to you. I will be in His Word after I finish writing here. I may add some of what He showed me through His Word. 

As I said I would share with you what God showed me in His Word. He brought me to Psalm 56. I will write it out for you. I may highlight certain parts which spoke to my heart.

Psalm 56 - IN GOD I TRUST

Be merciful to me, O God, for man

would swallow me up;

Fighting all day he oppresses me. My 

enemies would hound me all day, 

For there are many who fight against me, O

Most High. Whenever I am afraid,

I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His

word),

In God I have put my trust;

I will not fear.

What can flesh do to me?

All day they twist my words;

All their thoughts are against me for evil.

They gather together,

They hide, they mark my steps,

When they lie in wait for my life. Shall they

escape by iniquity?

In anger cast down the peoples, O God!

You number my wanderings;

Put my tears into Your bottle;

Are they not in Your book? When I cry out

to You,

Then my enemies will turn back;

This I know, because God is for me. 

In God (I will praise His word), In

God I have put my trust;

I will not be afraid. 

What can man do to me?

Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God;

I will render praises to You, For You have 

delivered my soul from death.

Have You not kept my feet from falling, 

That I may walk before God

In the light of the living?

Now as I stated earlier that I would highlight some parts. I said that I would go over how they spoke to me.  The first one where I highlighted "Whenever I am afraid... I will trust in You." This part speaks a great deal because I am reminded of the scripture from II Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." This speaks volumes because God has not given us a spirit of fear - we need to hold steadfast to this truth. When we come against a situation that causes fear we need to go to the throne of God for His strength, His love, His guidance to the Word that only He can give us. We have to remember to praise His Word, why? You may ask why, but because His Word is our life instruction. He in His Word tells us all we need to know. He tells us all that we need for what we are going through. We may not think so, but trust Him and He will guide you through His Word what He wants you to read. What He wants to show you to get you through.

I put my trust in Christ as a teenager. I had a great childhood, my parents did all they could with me and my brother. My Mom stayed home with us until we were older then she worked part-time and would be home when we returned from school. My Father, he worked extensive hours yet on Friday night when he'd return home (mind you he had given instruction to my Mom prior to getting the camper ready) we'd leave for camp. We'd go for the weekend. My Mom would give my brother and my instruction to get things ready to go. Pack the things we wanted to bring. She would end with bringing your Bibles. You know there's nothing like reading God's Word around the campfire. My parents let us get involved with sports and other extracurricular activities with school. You may think that that's crazy you in sports!!!! You have Osteogenesis!!! Yes, I know I do. I was born with it, yes. In regards to my parents, Osteogenesis was not well known. Not many doctors were or are even today aware of Osteogenesis. I know my parents did all they could to protect us. Yes, I did fracture a lot growing up, but the things that I did when I fractured I am glad that I had the opportunity to do them - they were fun even though I experienced an injury. I choose not to allow the Osteogenesis to rob me of the fun.  God is with me, God is in me. He is my shield and protector. 

I as mentioned that I put my trust in Christ as a teenager. I had some bad influences around me through school. There were some friendships that I had to turn from because I knew they would lead to ungodly things. I pray for those friends even though I have walked away from the friendship. I got involved in what I thought was a good group to be involved in until I learned some of the secretive things about this group were unbiblical and of the occult. Mind you as a teen that would scare any teen away although I can say that some friends of mine that I made while in this group are still involved, yet as an adult now. I had some wonderful Christian family friends of our family, my youth leaders, my parents, my Pastor, Pastor Blaine. All these people influenced my life directing me to the Lord, to His Word. They talked to me, answering questions when I needed them answered, mentoring me when I needed it. I am so ever grateful that each one of them came alongside me. I accepted Christ, I then took my next step in Faith and was baptized. I continue to grow daily. God teaches, shows me so many things. I love walking with my Lord.

This morning about 7:40 am I rose from bed to begin getting ready for church. The pain wasn't as crippling as it was at 4 am. That I was thankful and I thanked God for allowing me to rise without as much pain. The dance around the room and down the hallway was much easier this time. I still needed assistance, but I wasn't crying because of pain for that I am very thankful. We complain when things are good or bad. We all experience challenges in our lives that tempt us to complain or even give up. When God sends His blessings (and He will), fight the urge to complain. Bob Russell said, "It is a rare person who, when his cup runs over, can thank God instead of complaining about the limited size of his mug!" So when you feel the urge to complain take a step back and spend time with God. 

Thank you for stopping by and reading my post for the day. I know this is a longer one than usual, but this is just some of the experiences I deal with that never get shared. I keep them to myself, or just my husband and I know about them. I don't share them with our son because I don't want to cause unnecessary worry within him. I know he has the same disease, but his experiences may be same or could range very differently from my own.

Blessings, Have a wonderful Sunday,