A little over a year ago a good friend told me for the third time in a year – “Daph, something isn’t right.” “You need to go back to the doctor again.” “Make the appointment!” Candice insisted and told me, “I’ll go with you.” Well, strategically this conversation was held in front of my mother who ended up going with me since Candice couldn’t. You see, I was short of breath. I was easy irritated. I was tired all the time and not sleeping well. It had been awhile I felt like this.
To make a long story short – I went to my doctor and was referred to a pulmonologist who sent me for testing. I had a blood-gas test done. As soon as the nurse drew my blood she asked, “How long have you been on oxygen?” I responded, “I haven’t been.” She then said, “I hate to tell you but, you will be.” She said, “Your blood should be a bright red due to oxygen flowing through your body.” She showed me. My blood at the time was a very dark burgundy color – almost black.
My life and lifestyle changed at that moment.
Within two days multiple oxygen tanks and a condenser were delivered to my home. It was overwhelming! I couldn’t even take in all the instructions and had my nephew there to hear along with me. I was told not only did I need to be connected to oxygen while awake, but also needed to connect it to my CPAP machine while sleep.
I fought being relegated to pulling around a large wheeled oxygen tank. In the first week I called the doctor to ask if I could have a portable one. He said no. I didn’t go anywhere for the first week or so. Somehow I was still working.
The biggest hurdle – No doctor would say whether it was possible to get off of oxygen in the future. No one gave hope.
Something (the Holy Spirit) deep inside me moved and silently said – I’m God. I’m in control. I am not just a healer – I am THE HEALER! Do as they say. Wear the oxygen. Use the CPAP machine. Listen to the nutritionist. Lose the weight. This is just a temporary state. You have much more to do for me.
I saw the looks of gloom on some faces. When people would ask, I would let them know, “Oh this is temporary.” “I have too much more to do!” I dragged that tank to meetings, on trips, to family gatherings. I dragged it in and out of Christina Cultural Arts Center – where the parents I worked with often reminded me in the midst of running around that I needed it.
I refused to believe the report. I did what they told me, but I rejected the sentence pronounced. Tests now show no permanent damage to heart or lungs! Basically, I need to use my CPAP machine at night to assist me in obtaining proper sleep/breathing along with proper diet.
The most important thing I learned. Watch whose report you believe. Call those things in God’s Will which aren’t as though they were. Seek God and believe/create your own report from that. Use wisdom, knowledge and understanding while in the process – follow wise counsel and be obedient.
lifeandgodliness 