Chronic Compromises – Choices Part 2

So, a few days ago, I posted about choosing to be positive in a negative world.

Yesterday, I faced a situation that could have changed that.

I had a phone appointment with my respirologist that lasted about an hour, give or take five minutes! Dr. W. is a very thorough and personable doctor. She is the one who diagnosed and is treating my compromised immune system and tracks my pharmacy records to see if I am using my puffers enough for my asthma (I am not, so that is a good thing) she holds me accountable).

She had also taken the routine blood tests, including a fasting blood sugar level that was sky-high. There were a few other things, including heart tests, a challenging breathing test to determine once and for all that I have asthma.

What was very clear to her is that I have Type 2 Diabetes. A Naturopath I saw for a while in 2014 told me I was diabetic; however, my GP said that it was the prednisone spiking my heart rate and sugar levels. This time Dr. W has ordered new blood tests, both fasting and random. Then I am to see my GP for what happens next.

I also told Hubby that I want to try and take our dog, Miley, for a walk once a day, no matter what. I need to get exercise, and while I have lost 20 pounds, I have to lose a lot more. I will also start seriously working out with the chair yoga DVD a friend lent me.

Dr. W also mentioned that Vocal Chord Dysfunction could cause my gravelly voice and other symptoms. The ENT I saw in December will refer me to a vocal coach.

This is where the “choice” comes in. I could choose to be depressed and/or mad at the world (or God) that I have more conditions and more medications. However, I decided not to go that route. Instead, I grabbed the Diabetes books I got when Dad came to live with us and started learning about what eating habits and life changes I will have to adopt.

I also want to write more – here in my blog and my book.

I want to get into a daily routine, which can be difficult for someone with chronic pain. If I have to miss a day because I can barely move, I either work too hard the next day to catch up or get overwhelmed and do nothing. I need to learn how to make a to-do list AND not feel guilty when I can’t do it all.

I happened to be watching “Zoe’s Extraordinary Playlist” on TV the other day. Zoe was always down or frustrated, and her friends kept telling her to “choose to be happy.” It was not easy; however, she found that it worked…

…So have I!

Lydia!

Photo by Egor Myznik on Unsplash

PS Rather than including a song I decided to share a verse that is very important to me and applies to the post.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

James 1:2-4 NIV