Hi Friends,
So this week has brought forth many storms! My husband and I had a situation this weekend that caused some marital tension. Wanting to be as real as possible yet keep some things sacred for just my marriage is a fine line to draw; however, want I do want to share with you is NO marriage is perfect and we all have battles we are facing and my husband and I, no matter how much we truly love one another doesn’t mean we are excluded from these life trials. We are in counseling and loving the freedom to share our truths with one another while receiving a fresh perspective for our marriage. It has been single handedly the BEST decision we have ever made for one another.
Than this Thursday was the day of my mano/ph test. I pray no one has to go through this because it isn’t very fun. Yet it’s doable. First what they do is numb the nose, once the nose is numbed up a bit they stick this flexible tube that monitors your esophagus up your nose and down into your throat. Once in place they have you sip water (saline) a series of 10 times before they take it out. Sounds simple, but friends this is mentally and physically exhausting. You have to fight off all your natural urges to get the tube out and take calm deep breaths instead so you can get through the test. Luckily I watched a series of YouTube videos that really helped prepare me for what was ahead.
This is when it starts to really suck the tube begins to go past the nose and into the throat. At this time it feels like you are being choked and I began to dry heave. Hence the tray next to me. I just took deep breaths and listened to Mark Baldwin “Quiet Reflections.” the music really helps distract and ease the anxiety. My husband was a huge support when it became really intense He would rub my shoulders and encourage me to keep going.
Once in place they have you lie back a little and relax. Then when you have calmed down they begin the process of saline and taking swallows with the water. This is repeated 10X.
Once this test is DONE they remove the tube. This is painful and very uncomfortable being that their are little rigid barbs at the end of the tube and they aggravate the nose a lot as the tube is being pulled out. After the tube was out my nose began to bleed for several minutes. Once the bleeding subsided, they numbed up the other side and inserted the tube for the 24 hour ph study and I was free to go!
All in all it was rough but I did it! Going into this I prayed a lot and the moment I got there I opened up my Jesus Calling. Todays devotion read, ” Relax And Let Me Lead You through this day.” The Bible passages it referenced was Pslams 32:8, 119:35, and 143:8. I felt God’s presence from that moment forward. I had this peace and calmness I otherwise wouldn’t have had. Life is a roller coaster of emotions but I am so grateful that I can have this one trial down in book. It was amazing to not only feel God’s presence but the love and support from my husband. He was able to step in and encourage me when I wanted to tap out. I am blessed! Even in the pitfalls of doing what we may not want to do their is immense strength and courage that shines through when we feel at our weakest. “For when I am weak I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-11) I know this to be true time and time again because God is the one who carries me when I surrender and allow Him to do it.
Hugs,
Julie Black
Faith Based Heart by Julie Black 