Perseverance

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:2, 3, 4, 12, 17 (NIV)
A night in the ER brought about more appointments, suspicions and more medication. I was able to talk to the head of the ER who gave me a prescription for the same pill that brought my blood pressure down when we had arrived at the University Hospital Emergency. It was only to be used if the top number of my blood pressure went up to 190 or higher. Fortunately the fluid pill that I had started the day before seemed to be working quickly and my pressure did not spike up over 175 again. I was also set up with an appointment to see the blood pressure specialist the following week. As the week passed it was uneventful as I continued to relax on the couch and family and friends stopped by to visit and help out with cleaning and meals.
There were suspicions of kidney artery narrowing after I had been examined at emergency, so my appointment with the blood pressure specialist encouraged other future appointments. Another medication was added to continue to bring my pressure down. The specialist felt that would be beneficial as my body continues to find some sort of stability. She also wants to have a look at my heart after examining me, so she told me there would be an ultra sound set up for both my heart and my kidney.
So the count is 3 blood pressure medications and one waiting in the wings only for emergency. More waiting, teaches more patience as I wait for the phone to ring with appointment dates. I have taught myself how to keep my blood sugars under control without the use of insulin. I have been eating smaller portions at mealtime, eating snacks in between and trying to keep everything on the same time schedule. As the next week passes I am starting to have more hours where I feel better than not so good, but still not really being able to do much more than resting on the couch. Resting is probably a good thing as my body is working so hard to stay afloat, but that brings a little complication with my lungs. No movement is causing my lungs to feel heavier and tighter, so it is time to treat me with IV antibiotics. On Feb. 10th, Wednesday afternoon Gary took me in to get me started on on my first med. At this point I have been on the 3rd blood pressure medication for a week and I have already seen positive results. I have a cuff to check my own pressure with at home and could see the numbers were staying down more regularly.