1-6 weeks?!

Alan left Monday to go to the Diamond headache clinic in Chicago. It was sad to see him go because we weren't sure when we would see him again...one week, Thanksgiving, or even up to six weeks. When Alan first arrived the doctor said he would be out 5-6 days, but honestly I didn't believe it for one split second. But boy was I wrong and I'm so glad! Alan was discharged today and will be flying back to Orlando tomorrow night! He had lots of blood work, MRIs, drug and health seminars, and he met with one of the top headache doctors in the country daily.   With new medication, better understanding of some dietary and lifestyle changes, and lots and lots of prayer, the doctor thinks we might have the migraines under control -- down to 1-2 a month...we'll take it! Sadly the clinic was filled with 67 other patients, ranging from teenagers, to single, married men and women ( although 75% of migraine sufferers are women). Two patients have had headaches everyday for a year. I CANNOT imagine.  Alan's  roommate was on his third visit to the clinic. Many of the patients have no hope and no joy.  I'm not usually a pessimist, but we've been through so many different remedies, I'm finding it hard not to be these days, yet  I know the reality of what is true -- our hope and joy continue isin The Lord and we will be victorious in this battle; Alan is coming back tomorrow, he will be with us for Thanksgiving; and we have had a tremendous outpouring of love and prayers, around the world,and through our community here.  Alan's mom came to help me this week and it was such a weight off of my shoulders. I am deeply reminded of the Lords loving kindness even during difficult circumstances.  We will let you know Alan's progress with his new medicine.

headache update #1,000

Sometimes I feel like a broken record and I am hesitant to write anything pertaining to Alan's chronic medical problems. I fear that I am complaining or am not sensitive to other people's pain. But so many people are praying for us and are concerned for us and we do not take that for granted. Thank you, thank you! I am learning so much about the body of believers and how much I need each person. It is humbling to say the least. 

Alan received his CPAP machine(constant positive airway pressure) (you'd be amazed how many people have told me they or their spouse use one, but I was clueless as to what it was until recently). 
He has been sleeping worse than before because it is hard for him to get used to.  He still has several migraines a week. At his last appointment with his neurologist she said she she couldn't do anything else for him and suggested he go to a headache specialist. This means Alan would need to check in to a clinic for anywhere from 1-6 weeks.  After many many phone calls and research the earliest appointment we could get was February, but it was with our third choice doctor. That was just too long to wait. We have been praying that something miraculous would open up. God knows our needs and He can move mountains, so we were trusting Him for an earlier appointment. During dinner this evening Alan received a phone call from our first choice doctor in Chicago saying that they had a appointment November 18!! That's in 12 days!! We are so thankful and praise the Lord for His provision for us.  His mercies are new everyday.