Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Adversity

Well...hopefully all of you made it through Monday without a scratch. My day turned out to be pretty ok. Little man had Taekwondo practice and as much as I hated to drag myself out of my pj's, he needed the exercise and kiddo interaction. Hubby finally sold our extra 5th wheel hitch which means I'll get the charm necklace that I've been drooling over for my birthday. Yay me!! I'll have to take pictures and post on Thursday. And I actually cooked dinner last night. The boys were kind enough to let me know I'd slacked off lately and they were due for a homecooked meal. I made ranch style fried chicken, cheddar-garlic mashed potatoes with fresh parsley, and a salad. I'm sure I could've been more creative with the veggies but that's another story.

Several of you mentioned struggling with your chosen path. That was the reason for my post. I think we're all faced at some point, or on a regular basis, with doubts or roadblocks. While my first instinct and reaction is to pray, I eventually have to make a decision to move on. The reason I'm so nostaligic recently is because I've been faced with some difficult choices and my path is changing because of possible roadblocks.

I've openly shared with you guys my passion to bulldoze forward with our family dream to own a restaurant. We've started and stopped in the past for various reasons but I really thought this was the time to move forward. I've put alot of time and energy lately into the business planning and building a solid foundation so we wouldn't be faced with problems later down the line. The website for my bath & body shop is ready for product pictures and descriptions. I've been so busy that I've had to put my publishing dreams on hold.

Until now. I think the decision has been made for me. I finally have a name for my health issues. Recently my body has been telling me to slow down and I prayed that I could find the strength to keep pushing and would slow down once we could hire people to step in and help. Wrong. My lab tests came back positive and the diagnosis is Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have an appointment with a specialist to begin my treatment plan to stop the progression, but my doctor believes I also have Lupus with possible lung and kidney involvement. Which really sucks because I'll have to start taking pills on a daily basis.

My doc says that RA and Lupus affects everyone differently but because of my symptoms and apparent progression, I need to forget the restaurant plans. He believes that once they begin the treatment I'll have some pain relief, but the stress and physical demands of owning a restaurant will be too much. They'll send me to occupational/physical therapy to help with the pain in my joints and muscles. My son's Taekwondo instructor says he'll add Yoga and Tai-Chi to his classes and that will help with my fatigue. And we'll have an excuse to get a hot tub. Darn it. ;)

Chosen path? What about roadblocks? Methinks my writing has sabotaged the restaurant. It looks as if my writing will take center stage again. I'll deal with rejections and editing just like I have in the past. If it doesn't work...find a way to fix it or move on. God answers prayers in mysterious ways. ;)

20 comments:

Wendy Paine Miller said...

Sorry to learn about your recent medical diagnosis. But a hot tub! Seems you are meant to write at this point in life...
I've been coming up against some unusual roadblocks lately as well.
~ Wendy

Susan R. Mills said...

Sorry about your diagnosis. I do think God answers prayes in funny ways, though. Maybe your writing is supposed to take center stage.

Natalie said...

Oh, bless you! My mom has Lupus. She's had some really hard times but she's also enjoyed years of remission. It might be a blessing in disguise. Enjoy this new phase of life. Good luck writing!

Tara Pammi said...

Hi Chelle,


I usually lurk around but I wanted to sorry about your diagnosis. But it is awesome that you're looking it as an opportunity to get writing center stage.

Good Luck!

Sri.

Jennifer Shirk said...

Everybody comes in contact with road blocks at one time or another. It's our reaction to them that make us who we are.
Hope you get some relief, sweetie.

(And yeah, a hot tub sounds like a definite neccessity) :)

PatriciaW said...

Aw honey, sorry to hear about your diagnosis. And the water thrown on your dreams. But, it's good you've got lots of dreams, and have another one to focus on.

Look into an anti-inflammatory diet, along with any meds your doctor prescribes. Helps my niece who has RA.

Chelle Sandell said...

Thanks so much everyone! My main reason for telling you guys was to let you know that our chosen path could change in the blink of an eye. It's how you move on that matters. And like Jennifer said, it shapes us. :)

I prayed for direction and I'm assuming this is the answer. :)

Natalie ~ I know how your mom feels. :) I have my good days and bad. Certain things are known for setting it off and you quickly learn how to adjust. The meds will also help with the symptoms and flare ups now that they know what it is.

Chelle Sandell said...

Thanks, Patricia! I've already put together a shopping list and started planning a few meals. I try to put them on notecards so all I'll have to do is grab the ingredients and get started. Hugs to your niece. I'll start looking for pain management tips and on how to live with both diseases to make things easier on us.

Tamika: said...

Chelle, I pray you find the relief and treatment that works best for your condition. This may seem like the biggest roadblock, but I aready see God in the midst working things out.

Enjoy the hot tub, you deserve it!

Happy writing.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Chelle, I'm so sorry to hear about your health problems. Prayer is the answer to every problem, no matter what it is.
And I'm with the rest. Father God is telling you to write.
My prayers are with you, honey.
Theresa
Oh, and enjoy that hot tub.

Bethanne said...

I'm in a meadow right now... there are beautiful trees here and there, tall yellow grasses, and OH! I see a deer!! :P No path that I can define. So, yeah, I totally understand how you mean about direction. Sometimes we get to a meadow, and we have to just wait for the path to be discovered. Big hugs, honey.

Chicki Brown said...

I was out all day yesterday and didn't read this until now. Honey, I am so sorry to hear this.

Things happen in our lives that seem like roadblocks, but they are just detours. Once you start your meds, change your diet and start exercising, I guarantee things will look better.

Please come back to CV when you're up to it. In the meantime, I'll be calling out your name daily to the Lord for your healing.

Erin Kern said...

I'm sorry for what you're going through. When stuff happens that i have a hard time with i just tell myself that everything happens for a reason. i hope, now that you're writing again you'll come back to the group. we miss you!

Bella said...

Oh Chelle, I'm so sorry you're going through this. I just heard about this through the crit group. I wish you'd come back and find solace in something you once loved-writing. I'll add you to my prayers.

Bella

Angela Jefferson said...

Chelle,

Believe me, I know receiving this kind of news can be devastating. I felt the same way when I was diagnosed with MS and continue to have my moments now years later. I beat myself up because the pain, fatigue and numbness affects the pursuit of my dream to write consistently. But everyday, I pray and thank God for what I have and what I CAN do. Be patient with yourself and be open to receiving the treatment you need, even the pills. I take about 20 pills a day but the regimen keeps me going.

Gina Conroy said...

I understand all about the roadblocks. It seems my writing journey has me trudging up hill in snowdrifts three feet tall! Needless to say, I'm still trudging, though it's hard to figure out if roadblocks or as I call them, interruptions, are something we should overcome or God's way of steering us back on the right path. It's something I'm still trying to figure out, hope you're on the right path and get the help you new to overcome this physical roadblock.

Jenna said...

Chelle, you're in my thoughts and prayers. Stick with the positive attitude - it will take you far. Know that your critique partners are ready and willing for your return.

Z(Aasiyah/Nolwynn) said...

Chelle,

Sometimes we don't understand how God's ways works. We just have to believe that He knows what he's doing. What may seem like a stumble now might in fact be allowing you to leap over a lot of bad stuff. I know you have the courage, spirit and strength needed to plod on and emerge the victor! Know we all think this about you!

I'll join the other CV gals - come back ASAP, our arms are wide open waiting for you!

Huge hugs

Z(Aasiyah/Nolwynn)

Karen said...

Sometimes what we want is necessarily what God wants, or maybe He's just telling you His time for you is not now. But in time He will clear a path for you to exactly where He wants you.

Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm looking forward to following yours.

Chelle Sandell said...

Thank you so much, you guys! I'm one to believe that things happen for a reason. God has plans for me and I'm trying to just roll with the waves. I feel fortunate compared to the news some of my writing sisters have received lately.

That's one reason I love to meet and hang with my online blog buddies. The encouragement and support is priceless!!