Roller coaster ride

As I am lying down, lazily reading the Bible, I decide to take a break and check my emails. I see an email notification that there is an important update from one of the medical clinics I visit. I recently have changed some of my appointments and think this must be a notification informing me of a change I made to one of my appointments. I decide to login to my patient account to investigate the notification.

Upon entering the site, I cannot discern that any changes have been made. The appointments I cancelled are still cancelled, and the appointments I had made are still scheduled. I then notice an appointment I have with my pulmonologist in two weeks is missing from my “upcoming appointments” list. I think this is odd. I then check my cancelled appointments log. To my shock, my pulmonology appointment is listed as cancelled. “Oh no! How can this be! Is my pulmonologist mad at me!? Why is my appointment cancelled?” I nearly break out in tears. I have not been feeling well. I had resolved earlier in the day to use every last ounce of energy to make it two weeks to my pulmonology appointment to seek medical care. I was not going to go back to the hospital or emergency department no matter how terrible I felt. But now, what was I going to do!?

I look at the clock. It was after 6 p.m. I could not call the clinic. They were closed. But, oh, I must find out immediately why my appointment is cancelled. I do have my pulmonologist’s email address. Do I dare email her? Will she answer the email so late in the day? I decide I have nothing lose and email my pulmonologist. As I wait for a response, I decide to go back to reading Scripture. A half hour passes before I check my emails. To my shock, there is an email response from my pulmonologist. The email states she has a meeting and will be out of town the week of my appointment. I am relieved I have done nothing to cause the appointment to be cancelled, but I again nearly burst into tears. “Oh, I feel so awful. I am so sick. I cannot wait another 2-3 months to reschedule an appointment with my doctor. Oh no. No! This is so heart-breaking! What should I do? What can I do?” I decide not to email my doctor and tell her how sick I am feeling. I remind myself that this is just a test from God. God is in control. He knows my needs. He will direct my path if I just allow Him to.

Two hours later, I am in the midst of administering my IV antibiotics when the telephone rings. I think, “This is odd for someone to be calling at 8:45 at night. I wonder who it could be?” The man on the phone informs me he works for my doctor. “Your doctor had a change in her schedule and has to cancel her appointment with you in two weeks. But I am to offer you an appointment for next week.” I sit a bit dumb-founded and say, “This next week as in seven days from now!? Well, yes, of course. I will take the appointment.” I am in disbelief. I won’t have to wait 8-12 weeks to see my physician! I only have to wait seven days. Yes! SEVEN DAYS!!! I want to scream and shout and dance with delight. “Oh LORD, LORD!!! I can’t believe it! I am so sick. I have been lamenting all day I did not think I had the strength to endure two more weeks of being so sick. And now, I only have to wait one week! Yes, ONE WEEK to see my doctor!!! Oh how You so quickly turn my sorrow into joy! How quickly You have heard and answered my prayers. I just might have the energy and stamina to remain out of the hospital until my appointment with my pulmonologist. Thank You! Thank You! In Jesus’ name. Amen!”