Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Trusting All Will Go Well


Feb 26th I went to Dr Smith due to continued pain in both knees ( and both hips to be honest with you) but Dr Smith is dealing with my knees.  Since the cortisone shot only lasted a week he has decided to do a right knee scope surgery on March 8th.
Dr Smith will be looking to see if it is the Lupus attacking these joints, Arthritis or Degenerative Disease then he will know the  path to take to get me out of some of this pain.

He will not be able to do anything for my left knee until after the right knee is fixed.

So today I spent most of the day getting Pre-op done.  I already had the MRI and X-rays of the knees so I got the blood work done, an EKG and a chest X-ray as well as a mini physical by my primary doctor.

All seemed to go well.  I am trusting that I continue to be in Gods Will and so far I have a peace about this whole thing.  Thank you for your continued prayers.


Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Never say never


I have had ongoing knee pain since October . I kept trying to deal with it through all the Lupus pain meds and  Prednesone would take the edge off.  Until now...

On Jan 25 my hubby went to Dr Jonnala with me and she filled out FMLA paperwork that I am unable to participate in work .  That I have a permanent impairment (Lupus attacking my joints) that is not curable but is treatable but I am unable to work while taking the drugs.

So on Jan 28th I went in to work talked to my boss, Human resources, payroll, a Director friend and my staff.  I told them the situation that I just could not work right now. I faxed in my FMLA paperwork to my regional and human resources.   The rest of that week was horrible pain.  Elevating knee, icing and resting.  On Jan 31st I stood up when hubby walked in door and my knee buckled...

On Feb 1st I was taken by ambulance to ER.  They referred me to Orthopedic Dr. I've now had X-rays and MRI.

Dr. Smith at Athens Orthopedic  said today, Feb 12th  from viewing my MRI that My knee is tore in a couple places but not all the way through, it is sprained on one side and swollen. I have arthritis in both knees and I got a cortisone shot in the right one. I will continue to wear the brace. If it keeps hurting I will have to have surgery and he would have to go in and clean it up but he wanted to try this shot first. I said I would NEVER get a shot in my knee. I was so scared almost sick at my stomach I was so scared.  I had heard so many people say how much it hurts....teeth clenched I did it. There was nothing to it!!!! I said "that's it?!?!? I want to go ahead and do the other knee too!!" He laughed said next time but can't do both together. Ha!!
So now I rest and wait for the pain to go away......



And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.  (Philippians 1:6)

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Lupus Hurts


Dr Michael Smith. Athens Orthopedic in Monroe Wednesday Feb. 6th sent me for MRI.

MRI at Open MRI and Imaging in Athens on Friday Feb. 8th.  MRI trip took a lot out of me.  I was on crutches. I cannot lift my weight with my hands so I had to put weight on my right leg..when we got home I elevated it and iced it.....last night was a very painful night and it interrupted my sleep...

Feb. 9th got up in a lot of pain to the point I will have to use wheelchair today.

Many thanks to our Sunday school class for the prayers, cards, delicious meals, emails and phone calls.


MRI results the 12th. I can not wait....I am thinking the only way to fix this must be surgery but I know God is in control regardless....Thank you for your continued prayers.



We wait in hope for the Lord;he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,for we trust in his holy name. Psalm 33

Monday, February 4, 2013

Thank you



My sweet daughter Heather came over this morning and cleaned my whole house including changing bed sheets,washed my fav blankie, cleaned bathrooms and floors. She made dinner for us that's ready to go and yeast bread is rising. Thanks so much Heather Watkins it means so much to me! I love you!

We made an appointment with Orthopedic  Dr for Wednesday morning at 10:00.

Nightmare weekend


Jan 30th knees are worse than ever.   Right knee worse. I did walk upstairs today and I regretted it half way up... Coming down was more horrible than going up. Heating pad most of afternoon.  Took tramadol  3 times today. I had a headache in middle of night again..  First time in a couple nights.

Jan 31st went to Walmart.  We had no food in house and I thought maybe I was laying around to much. I prayed about it.  Should I go or not??? I went and my knee was killing me...came home laid down..felt a little better...made dinner.  Laid down knee worse..7:30 Rick came home I stood up from recliner and my knee felt like a pop and knife stab. Fell back into recliner.  Could not move out of chair so I slept in chair till 3:00 am.  My hubby slept on couch beside me. Until I  had to go potty.  Somehow made it to bed with help of hubby.

Feb 1st  woke up in dire pain barely slept at all.  Could not get out of bed.  Tried crutches. Too much pain...Had to call ambulance.  Matt (son I law is an EMT)  came and got me in Ambulance and took me to Eastside Medical Center.

Was in ER all day. Dr said doesn't  look broke through X-ray. See orthopedic dr this week soon as I feel like it. I can't walk. At all. They put my leg in a fiberglass cast. I have a wheelchair.  It's basically a nightmare. Very painful.

Rhemy called me in ER. Said most likely Lupus continuing  attacking joints.  Or combo of osteoarthritis.


 When we left hospital I have to sit across back seat due to cast can't bend knee which is a good thing....

This Superbowl weekend my hubby did everything for me.  Cooked and got everything I needed.  I am basically totally dependent on him....I am getting better with crutches only because I can put a little weight on my leg.  Still very painful and hope to get an appointment soon with ortho tomorrow.

Today Heather is coming over to tidy up and make dinner for us.  A precious couple in our Sunday School Class is bring dinner tomorrow night.  They also mentioned bring a bag of pecans!  Yum!

Will update after ortho visit.