Doctor’s Appointments and AirBnb Blessings

Soon after I was diagnosed with ALS, October 2019, I heard that there is such a thing as an “ALS clinic”. It is usually in a big city, scheduled certain days of the week and is set up so a PALS (person with ALS) has a visit with the neurologist, speech therapist, dietician, respiratory therapist, social worker and someone from the ALS association all in the same visit.  The neurologist who diagnosed me stopped practicing medicine soon after diagnosing me (maybe I was “too much”for her! lol) so for several months I had no official neurologist overseeing me.  This didn’t seem to be a huge felt need because most traditional neurologists don’t seem to have much to offer in the way of treatment to ALS patients outside of monitoring symptoms and providing mechanical support. So we have done a lot of research and chosen to go with a more natural, functional medicine approach.

However in April of 2020 I decided to go ahead and have a zoom appointment (thanks to Covid) with the neurologist at the ALS clinic in Little Rock.  Just getting started in this journey, it was all new and a bit scary to me. (I mean I have prayed for many with chronic diseases through the years, never dreaming it could one day be ME!) He mentioned on the zoom call that some come to the clinic every 3 months, some every 6 months and some once a year depending on the need.  I ended the call by saying, “Well, Dr M. I like you well enough, but I hope I’m one of those who only needs to see you only once a year!” He chuckled.

Last month, April 2021, a year later, Kevin and I drove the 1 1/2 hours up to UAMS to the ALS clinic in Little Rock.  I didn’t go because I felt like I really “needed” to, we just thought it might be good to meet Dr. M in person. We were thinking that if I were to need a feeding tube or breathing assistance in the future, it would be good to have a relationship with him and establish a better baseline. Arriving at the campus of UAMS we drove up to the third level of the parking garage and parked close to the skywalk which went across to the the intimidating, sterile-looking medical building. 

My speech has become a bit harder to understand so Kevin was great at helping me answer the receptionist’s questions as we registered.  Then the usual mundane process of having your name called by the nurse, getting your weight and vital signs taken (PTL I’ve been able to maintain my weight!) and then being ceremoniously escorted to a patient room… only to wait another 30-40 minutes. Dr. M, a cordial young, male, Filipino, doctor, did a brief neurological (physical) exam, answered a few questions and exited the room. Whew! Made it through that one! Then came the various therapists and support team one or two at a time.  Actually none of them were as “scary” as I anticipated. And I was able to see my friend, Cris,  from the ALS association who has been a tremendous support.  Turns out (on a whole) the visit went well and was helpful. Nice people! Maybe I wouldn’t mind seeing them more often… lol

Later in the week I had a zoom appointment with a new functional medicine doctor out of Houston, TX. She had a knowledgeable presentation at the Healing ALS conference we went to in Salt Lake City in October of 2019 and she had shared that her own husband has ALS.  So she has done a lot of research on the topic and we felt honored to be able to have scheduled an hour long appointment with her, reviewing my case.  Just a few moments before the zoom call I received a text from a dear friend that brought a tear of gratefulness to my eyes.  She texted, “Dearest Shelly. I want to share a special gift with you. A couple weeks ago when you texted for extra prayer I told the Lord that the next person who booked our little white cabin (AirBnB) I would dedicate that money to you. Most every time it is just over a weekend. A few days went by and I kept praying. Well the next gentleman that booked wanted to stay for a long time. His wife just received news that she had terminal cancer and they wanted to get away in quiet nature for awhile.  So… If you give me your email I can Zelle you $____(amount money). God loves you so much my precious Shelly and He is watching over you. I love you.” I was overwhelmed.  The generous amount offered was less then $100 short of the expensive doctor’s appointment just beginning! Talk about timing! Our loving God has done that again and again!

It’s like we were wrapped in a hug of God’s loving provision as we met with Dr. S by zoom.  She had gone over my present protocol with all the therapies and supplements I have been doing, made recommendations of more supplements and ordered more tests and lab work. Again, more expense, but my God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He has led, guided and provided at every turn!  

That evening I had a blessed appointment with the best Doctor EVER..my “Great Physician”, Jesus, thanking Him for His provision!  He has my life in His hands.  All healing comes from Him.  He loves me with an amazing love and means to do me well.  His character is good—all the time!  If He chooses to heal me physically in this healing path He is leading me on, I will give Him all the praise and glory, but if it is His will to lay me to rest, I will still praise Him!  My Heavenly Physician “has my back”, He provides for my needs and I can trust Him to do what’s best in my life.  HIS advice…I can TRULY trust!!  “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” — Psalm 20:7

“In you, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in your righteousness. Bow down your ear to me; deliver me speedily: be you my strong rock, for an house of defense to save me. For you are my rock and my fortress; therefore for your name’ sake lead me, and guide me.” — Psalm 31:1-3