Matt still has one more meeting with a cardiologist Monday, but today his doctor sat down with us with all the results from blood work, scans, and tests, and everything looks GOOD.
And correction...his resting heart rate is NOT 38...his resting heart rate is between 50-60 (not low for someone who was an athlete for so many years), and got down to 38 while sleeping, and the doctor is NOT concerned about this.
No blood-sugar problems, no thyroid problems, no parasite, etc., problems, no heart problems....which means that all the major symptoms he'd been experiencing in November boil down to stress.
Crazy how stress can not only mess with your mind and emotions, but really take a toll on your heart and stomach, energy level and appetite! So, we are (as we have been for the last 2 months) looking at more ways that we can help lower and manage Matt's stress level!
Being in a foreign culture is stressful alone, and has been extra hard on Matt who is an introvert (gets his energy from being alone) in a VERY extroverted society. Teaching several classes, writing papers and doing assignments for his master's degree, leading things administratively on the ground at Emmaus, being responsible for maintenance issues on the compound, having two little ones at home, visitors, etc., etc., etc., got him worn down! (imagine that.)
Matt's continuing to spend a lot of time in thought and prayer about what he can let go, what he has to stop doing, how he can make time to exercise and pursue some of the things that he likes to do, etc.
We are VERY grateful to have help (Sam and Cammie) on the way with what Matt calls his biggest burden: the maintenance. (When we lose power and water and everyone looks to Matt to fix it and Matt has a degree in Bible and Theology, it's stressful).
We are also VERY grateful that Matt is OK!!! He is healthy and strong and I'm just so very grateful for that! We were getting very concerned that something was seriously wrong (yet another stressor!)
Praise the Lord for a great report!
Matt's parents leave tomorrow after a great (final!) birthday celebration today for Lily, and we've had a really good time with them! We head back home on the 12th, and all we have until then is R-E-S-T!
Thanks for all your prayers!!
I'm behind in my blog reading; I didn't realize Matt has been sick. I'll be praying for him. What a blessing that God is providing help at this time.
ReplyDeleteStacey, we are thrilled that Matt's tests have all been negative. Yes, stress can and does affect us in so many ways. We will be praying that God will show Matt ways to reduce the stress and will continue to send people (like Sam and Cammie!) to lighten his load. So thankful you guys have had times of rest the past month and pray the next week of pure rest will refresh and renew you. Love you guys!
ReplyDeleteThat is so great to hear!! Praying God shows him were to put "Matt time" in his day/week :)
ReplyDeleteThat is so great to hear!! Praying God shows him were to put "Matt time" in his day/week :)
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ReplyDeletePrasie God for the great news!!
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