Banner Sponsors
For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
Delartful BearsHi Everyone,
Ilze's going through a VERY tough time at the moment with her health. I will let her tell you all what's going on, but she's having a very difficult time at the moment, and it's going on way too long.
Just wanted her to know that everyone cares about her and hopes she will start to get better soon/
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: 
Feel better soon I hope.
Danni xoxoxox
Waggle BearsIlze, sorry that you're going through a difficult time right now with your health. Please take care of yourself. Sending hugs and thoughts and prayers that you'll feel better soon.
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Back Road BearsHugs and prayers are headed your way, Ilze!
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
:pray: :pray: :pray: :pray: :pray: :pray:
Past Time BearsSending good wishes for a quick recovery, Ilze. I'm so sorry you're not well right now and we miss you. :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Ilze, so sorry to hear that you are under the weather, we are all thinking of you here and here are some hugs for you as well :hug: :hug: :hug:
Get Well Soon!!
hugs,
Krista
Matilda Huggington-beareI'm sending good vibes and loads of positive energy to you! Ilze!!!!!!!!!!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance: :hug: all wrapped up in a hug!! :hug:
Jellybelly BearsOh dear Ilze not you too 
...I'll PM you. (((huggles)))
Lots of good wishes that things improve soon.
Bearz by IlzeIt really means sooo much to me! I’m not one to complain, so I’ve been suffering in silence the past nearly 9 months. Every time I think that I’m getting better I have a setback again – I think the mental anguish I’ve been going through is what is getting me down the most. Gosh it slowly chips away at you and chips away at you until there’s nothing left of yourself to give.
Monday I reached a very low point and I felt that God has forsaken me, because it feels as if I’m never going to be healthy again. I know I have people around me who care for me and love me very much, but I felt so alone. Later that same day, I received an unexpected surprise parcel in the mail from a wonderful lady (she’s 70 years old) whom I’ve been communicating via email for the past 7 years. She sent me two most wonderful Bibles (the Woman of Faith Devotional Bible and the Living Faith Bible) as well as a gorgeous little mini bear angel (that she made herself) which se sent as she said I needed an angel. So just when I lost all hope, God restored my hope again and I realised that He is actually still right here next to me and never left my side for one single second. I’m still doing it really, really tough, but I have hope again.
What’s wrong with me? Well, the doctors don’t really know….all I know is that I’m in a lot of pain and discomfort and painkillers don’t do much for it. I’m jumping between GP’s and specialists on a weekly basis. It is very tiring and emotionally draining. It all started on the 4th of September last year. I got the sniffles and thought it was just a usual cold that will go away in a week or so. Three weeks later I was very sick and the doctor told me I had adult croup or laryngotracheobronchitis (acute Pharyngitis, larangitis, thracheitis and bronchitis all at the same time). This is very rare in adults, but apparently it is usually viral and it would have to go away by itself. After 6 weeks of this and still getting worse I had blood tests which confirmed that I had Mycoplasma pneumonia which is supposed to be the less dangerous of the types of pneumonia you get, but a bit more tricky to treat (and can apparently cause croup in adults). A 14 day course of antibiotics were supposed to fix it, but it didn’t. After another 14 day course of antibiotics I was still in agony, but blood tests and x-rays were fine. I slowly recovered and was able to resume my exercise routine for about 2 months and then on the 4th of March the terrible burning, pain and discomfort in my right bronchial tube came back with a vengeance. It has been 10 weeks exactly today and it has not left since. And the doctors cannot tell me if it is from the pneumonia or what ever else it is causing this. They are speculating that it is still inflammation left from after the pneumonia, but in the specialists own words “my best guess is….”. You always think that doctors would be able to help you, but when they throw their hands up in the air, and can’t tell you much is very disheartening. I’ve been on so many pills and nothing is working. I also suffer from post traumatic stress which is due to an abusive marriage I was in back in the late 80’s early 90’s and I also get panic attacks, so with this uncertainty of what is going on with me and the constant pain that is unbearable as it hurts with every breath I take, I lived in a constant state of panic all the time. It feels as if this is never going to end and that I’m slowly going insane. My heart goes out to all those people who suffer with constant pain and illness, because I KNOW how it feels. Oh, how I wish I could do something to help.
This whole ordeal has made me stop and reassess my life. I read in piece (not one of the bible verses) in the Woman of Faith Devotional Bible that reads:
“ We Live in a culture that is extremely “me” focused. Me first. My stuff. My life. My way. But life has a way of bringing us to our knees. When Life deals a hurting blow, we realize that we don’t know all the answers. But that’s a good thing. A weak man is never as strong as when he reaches up to God for help and healing. The end of yourself is where healing begins. The Saviour waits for you. Isn’t it interesting? In times of distress we find that it’s not at all about us. It’s all about Jesus. – by Babbie Mason”
This made me really think about things.
Brandon BearsI pray God gives you strength, as he wraps his arms around you. Gives your doctors knowledge that they can diagnosis your illness.
Please know that you are LOVED. 
Donna A.
TinyBearSorry to hear you are not well Ilze
I´m sending lots of prayes and hugs you way.
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Posts: 1,836Ilze, I'm sending tons of positive thoughts and prayers your way. I posted a lil' bit of what happened to me in Sarah's thread about "spoons". It's a very draining experience to be ill and on the roller coaster of addressing and managing that illness. If your doctors are guessing and giving up...find new doctors. Travel to the best if you have to, but find a doctor/doctors who will give you more than a guess. Jeez...when did doctors turn into magic 8 balls???
The 2 doctors who wound up helping me the most are true blue MDs associated with very very good hospitals, BUT they practice what is called "preventative medicine". I guess you could say it's more on the holistic side......but it's really not as much of that as it is simply going back to basics. Really addressing the body as a whole rather than dissecting it like all of these "specialists" do. These 2 doctors who worked together addressed for me what 6 specialists and at least 3 Emergency room visits could not.
I'm really thinking of you, let me know if I can assist you in any way at all :hug: :hug:
:hug:
~Chrissi
I am so sorry to hear that you have not been well Ilze.
Sending good wishes for a cure for your illness and I really hope that you will be feeling well soon.
Hugs
Carolyn
:hug: :hug:
DoodlebearsPoor you Ilze, I do hope that you can soon find doctors who know what they are doing. Chrissi's idea sounds good to me and that's just what I would do.
If your doctors are guessing and giving up...find new doctors. Travel to the best if you have to, but find a doctor/doctors who will give you more than a guess
I hope you can soon get your pain under control Ilze, as a long time sufferer with constant pain and illness I can relate to how you must be feeling. Stay strong and email me if you just want to chat or let me know if there is anything I can do to support you. I'm sending you this special prayer and lots of hugs.
Hugs Jane.
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Sorry to hear that you are unwell. Take Care Ilze and I pray that your doctors can help you out soon. :hug:
Awww Ilze hope the doctors can get to the bottom of this and you recover fully soon :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Pauline
I am so sorry Ilze. Pain is not a good companion. Today is my jaw. Can not talk much and it hurst just to move my head. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I do know about pain and what it does to your body and your mind! I pray the Lord help you and that you find somebody that can help you get well. :pray:
God bless you.
Gladys
dusty attic bearsOhhhh, sending you lots of hugs, try and stay strong, mind and body, i am sure that you will get through this soon.I have been through something simular lately, it went on for 7 months, and when you are really ill you feel as though you will never get better again.I really hope that you get sorted soon.Take care.
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Hi Ilze,
I am so sorry to hear that you have been going through such a terrible time. Sending lots of hugs and prayers that the doctors will find out what is wrong and control your pain.
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Hugs,
Past Time BearsYes, Ilze, chronic pain really is depressing and I surely hope someone can find the source of yours soon. I wish you comfort during your times of deepest distress. :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
BrisbaneIlze I hope you are feeling better soon and that your doctors can help you... :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Ilye~
As many of you know, my daughter has Cystic Fibrosis, so I am well aware of lung diseases and pneumonia. When you can't breathe then you are prevented from doing even do the simpliest tasks. The one important thing that I've learned is that doctors are only human and they make mistakes (way too often). I agree with Chrissi to get a second opinion. I took my daughter to several doctors before she was even properly diagnosed with CF.
I will keep you in my prayers.
:hug:
Kathy
WienIlze,
:hug: I hope that everything will turn to the best for you and that have the strength to get better!!!!!
All the best!
Sending you loads of sunshine
Gaby
Patsy Lake BearsIlize I am sending prayers and hugs for a speedy recovery..
Chaska, MinnesotaMany prayers for Ilze. I do hope she is feeling better soon. :hug: :hug: :pray: :pray:
