Doctor's Appointment

The weather here in Texas (at least southern Texas) has been absolutely beautiful!  So beautiful that the snakes are coming indoors and we are going outdoors. Okay, seriously, it was one snake and it did "kick us out" of the house till Daddy came rushing home on his black stallion (aka honda) to save the day. All before 10:00 this morning.  Actually, I think the nice weather caused the business next to us to finally weed eat their property (and they started kindly before 7 this morning...still going and its 1:30...they did pause for lunch ..generous...keep in mind to most this isn't a big deal but the non stop sound grates on my nerves) which chased the snakes to our leased acre, and one found its way inside our house, which chased us out, brought daddy home and the thing found its head crushed.  We just finished  studying the Fall in the Garden in Bible and History and we recounted the "serpent" in the story as we peered through the door window at the snake in the house, waiting for daddy to come save us.  I love the country but I am a city girl through and through unfortunately. I believe that the inside of my house should be my "sanctuary" which means no none humans please.
Whew!!! Still beautiful outside!
Mondays appointment with the doc went well.  I left the appoitment encouraged. We went in with questions (as always) and came out with answers.  About a week ago I began compiling a list of the returning symptoms knowing if asked "what symptoms" I woudn't be able to recall on the spot. I was amazed at a page long list of symptoms. I did notice that most of the symptoms that have gotten worse are neurological in nature.  I copied the list and gave the doc a copy.  She examined it pretty thoroughly and didn't seem surprised by it.  It was explained to us that, yes, the Lyme test was negative on both parts but that the top wouldn't remain negative in the future and that it would be positive for the rest of my life.  I understood it correctly then, and I chalk up the top being negative to the fallicy of the test.  It is not a 100% sure proof test.  She said that the flare up of symptoms is most likely due to  the bacteria coming out of the tissues, or cyst form, which is a good thing. The bacteria can "hide" in the cyst form and very little touches it. The Flagyl that I am on during the weekend is suppose to target the cyst form. She did ask if the weekends appeared to be rougher and I said yes.  As far as the 3 antibiotics, she doesn't want to change anything up since its still showing signs of effectiveness.  We did ask about some of the other meds and found out that, after 9 months of taking it, that I didn't need to take the Cyclobenzaprine which is a muscle relaxer, every night.  So, I haven't taken it the last two nights and I feel more clear headed during the day. My only concern is in a week or two when its out of my system what the muscle cramping will be like. I have been taking a powder called Reliv that a lady at church gave me to try. It has all kinds of vitamins, etc.  I think I have seen a small difference in the muscle cramping when I take it daily...literally. If I miss a day the calf muscle in the right leg cramps.  Ah, I just remembered a question we meant to ask and I don't think we did. If we did, I don't remember the answer. The question being is it typical for most of the symptoms to be on one side?
We did bring up the new symptom which was the sharp pain above the right ear and she looked in my ears (yes, the doc actually got out her stethoscope and examined me...first time I think...of course this was after Chris asked the Assistant if this was normal for her) and she said the right ear wasn't infected but it was "caved in", if I remember correctly. She looked at the left ear and said it looked worse and asked to clarify which side I had the shooting pains.  She asked if I take anything for allergies and I mentioned I may have some of my nasal sprays left from last year and she said, no, and gave me a 10 day supply of Xyzla.  Not sure what we are supposed to do after 10 days, Today is day 3 and I really don't notice a difference in the allergy symptoms of drainage but the head episodes have been fewer.  We'll see what happens.
The shoulder was brought up again, and for some reason it caught the assistants attention this time, where it really didn't peak the doc's interest last time.  We again, explained that I had xrays and MRIs on both shoulders last spring that showed bone on bone in both shoulders equally.  This is what tipped docs off that this thing was systemic and not just my right hand.  The assistant began collecting information and requesting those reports while we were seeing the doc.  We didn't hear anything before we left and haven't heard anything since and probably won't until I call several times to inquire....just seems to be the track record.
I really liked how the doc was being proactive with the allergy stuff and also in giving a flu shot, trying to give my body every chance it has to feel good, especially since the immune system is not up to par.  Our next visit is Nov. 1st. We did not walk out of the office with lab requests like we did last time.  It may have gotten lost in their quest for MRI reports. Not sure.
I think that is all I remember.  We had a pretty good day of school yesterday which made me think maybe we had turned a corner and have began to find a routine and groove. But, today was back to "rough" but the snake didn't help matters any.
We had an answer to prayer Monday after the doctors appointment.  Our AC has gone out twice.  The first time it went out we were told we needed a whole new system, with duct work, etc.  Yeah, we knew what the landlord would probably say on that.  The second time it went out the AC people said the same thing.  By this time we were frustrated with super high electric bills knowing it would probably be cheaper with a newer unit but there wasn't anything we could do but pray, and pray we did.  Sunday, it ran all day and it was cooler outside then inside...go figure. Then Monday we got the call that they will be replacing the AC unit and they are scheduled to come tomorrow.  Such an answer to prayer.  Between a new unit and the gorgeous weather (minus snakes, hopefully) we are hoping for lower electric bills which would help so much financially.
Just can't beat the weather we've been having. The girls have been outside playing. Funny how they will tolerate bugs better when its cooler outside. Unfortunately, the bugs still love them.
Today is Wednesday and its our busiest day.  Get through Wednesday and its home free till next Wednesday.  I am staying on top of my naps, especially as I get in snuggle time with the girls. I nap with Maddie on Monday's and Becka on Tuesday. Wednesday I don't get one and Thursday and Friday everyone is on their own....sometimes.  I'm trying to turn the lights off at 10:30 and eat what I supposed to.  All in effort to push through and come out on the other side of this lyme colored phase of life. Taking it one step at a time and only by the grace of God.