Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

I have been struggling with what to write for Joy for April. I feel everything but joy. I feel like I am a punching bag. I am black and blue and tender everywhere. My emotions are on the sleeve of my shoulder and easily triggered. I do not cry often, but I have been crying recently. More than I normally do. Here is why I have been emotional:

1. My electric wheelchair stopped charging. We just replaced the batteries with brand new so it was not that. Upon inspection my brother discovered two things. The battery charger stopped working and the wires hooking the controllers to the battery became frayed. Thankfully, I have a brother who knows how to fix things. He took the controller and the battery charger, and he fixed the fray wires and he ordered me a new charger. I am now back in business.
2. Recently blood work of my IGG levels shows that they are low. I was referred to an immunologist to see what we can do to raise my levels up so that I can continue my rituximab. My new doctor and I decided that I will be getting IVIF treatments, starting with IV’s and then moving towards the shots in the belly. I will be getting them at home. I have never had my port accessed at home before, so this is a new experience. I am glad that there is something that can be done to raise my antibody levels up.
3. I saw a pulmonologist, and I started using albuterol to help with the mucus production. It is helping me. I also changed my diet again. I went three weeks without dairy and low histamine. Talk about tough, most vegetables, all fruit, have histamine so it was a challenge trying to figure out what to eat. I am now, adding foods back into my eating plan. I love cheese, so I am limiting it in my food plan. I am noticing that I am not coughing as much. I like it.

Finally, I want to say that I do not know what JOY looks like for me yet. I will be on a self-discovery on what it looks like and feels like for me. This weekend, I watched a funny movie. I chatted with two of my best friends and a special man in my life. I took a hot bath with my Epsom salts and enjoyed reading in the tub. I also enjoyed tulips that I purchased for myself and the ones that I was gifted. I am looking forward to a time this week where I will be going for a run around the neighborhood taking photos of the flowers and trees that are blooming around me. Looking for the beauty in my area.

Please share below what brings joy to you…. Here is a song for you: For King and Country Joy

Until next time, keep breathing!