Health

As many of you, friends and loved ones, may have heard through our updates, I, Becky, have been struggling with poor health for a few months.  It started last fall with a general run down feeling and a series of unrelated infectious illnesses.  I saw a local doctor and was diagnosed with anemia.  This had occurred the previous fall as well.  Two years in a row is not good.  I began taking iron and looking for a specialist in Santiago (ie big city) to get a more thorough exam and testing.  Added to my general run-down feeling, low resistance, and anemia came crushing fatigue and debilitating joint pain.  Now life was really not fun.  

Although I have given enough bodily fluids to start a research project, as yet we do not have a definitive diagnosis.  It appears to be something autoimmune.   Along the way a nodule in my thyroid was found, although my thyroid levels are normal.  This is being followed up thoroughly.  I am on an arthritis medication for the joint pain which helps most on all but the worst days.

It is discouraging to be so incapacitated by some mystery problem.  But we count our blessings.  We have a supportive church community here.  Having part time house help is a huge blessing.  The warm sunshine we have most days is a delight even when one is sick.  I am learning a great deal of humility and growing in trusting in God that He can work this for the good.

We appreciate your prayers and support.