We have a funny little saying “only before Africa” that we like to say…as it seems the craziest things always seem to happen before leaving on a mission trip. For me, today was one of those days indeed! I now know I’m in the small percentage of people who are allergic to the malaria medication I was taking–and honestly I’m just thankful the day turned out like it did!
Richard had one of his biggest meetings of the year today (he was in Houston) and I was in Georgia with the littles. I woke up feeling nauseous and wished I hadn’t taken the malaria medication the night before. Hours passed…the dizziness started–and then I knew because I was here with the children I needed to call for help in case something happened. I was hugging the toilet when everyone got here {so thankful for my sister April, brother-in-law, Christy Elphick and the Jones family!} Kevin and Leasa took me to an urgent care as soon as they got here–but the doctors there sent me right away to the ER. I was completely out of it and was carried in–so I don’t remember so much of that part.
On the way to the ER, I could tell my breathing was slowing down and I was losing consciousness a bit. Then I felt my hands and feet tingling and going numb (now I know it was due to lack of oxygen, hyperventilation and hyptokalemia (a reaction from the medicine causing your heart to be irregular from low potassium). The Jones’s are ALSO going on the trip to Africa–so this was a little pre-trip bonding I guess you could say because they were right by my side the entire time. Next thing I knew the ER was stripping me down and putting heart monitors all over my chest, ivs in and a shot or two in my arm. Then I was wheeled back for xrays and then bloodwork. And in between it all vomiting all over the place. NOT FUN.
At one point I really thought things were not good–so I turned to my friend and told him to please tell Richard I loved him if anything happened. I have never experienced anything like this before–so for me, it was really scarey–and honestly…I’m just so thankful for hospitals and doctors and medicines to reverse an allergic reaction like the one I had today!
That being said also–I’m so tired now, and not quite sure the best anti-malaria route to go–but because malaria is so bad in Zambia this momma has to figure out something:). I’m home now and all is well–and I’ve got anti-nausea medication to help me until the anti-malaria I was taking is completely out of my system. Of course these things happen before mission trips. God has a big plan for us!!! Please keep our entire team in your prayers–that we would be protected from illness, sickness and any harmful thing. Tomorrow is my last full day spending it with my family–and after today’s craziness…I want to just gobble my little ones up!
ON THAT NOTE–I didn’t make it to the post office today…so your t-shirts are delayed by ONE day;). Rico Suave has volunteered to mail them tomorrow for me:) Hope y’all all have a great night…and so thankful today turned out for the better!
XOXO,
andrea
by admin
Oh Andrea, the enemy is full swing trying to thwart the great plans God has for this trip. We are lifting all of you up in prayer.
Oh Andrea ~ that sounds just horrid. I am so sorry that you got THAT sick. Praying for complete healing, rest, restoration and protection.
Oh, breaks my heart to hear the scare and unknown while it was happening. So thankful that the enemy was shut down and God brought you home in better shape. Yes, as always, sending prayers for you and your amazing team.
Been there with some scary health stuff. SO THANKFUL you are ok!! Rejoicing with you in God’s faithfulness!!! Praying for your fam and your team as you prepare to leave!
Oh my word, for heaven’s sake, Andrea. Sheesh. You sure go all out when you do something. Oh Man. One thing’s for sure: ther enemy must not like that you’re heading over there and that can only mean really beautiful things. Will beging praying NOW! love you. For goodness sake BE CAREFUL. xoxoox
Praise God you received quick medical attention and are turning things around… Will pray for your continued protection! I know God is going to use you in a mighty way! God bless you… Will pray for a special day with your family tomorrow. Rest well, friend.
So thankful you are ok! Get away satan, you will not prevail! Have a wonderful trip!
Good grief!! So thankful you are better! Praying for all of you as you head to Zambia! Blessings!
Oh Andrea, I am so sorry! That sounds awful! Will be praying for a full recovery for you! And for your upcoming trip!
How entirely terrifying! I had a much less severe reaction, but similar – no thanks. I have heard that drinking papaya tea is a good anti-malaria route. May want to look into it! You are definitely being attacked – stay strong and guard yourself with the armour of God!
Oh my goodness! You poor thing!!! I started reading your post and my eyes just got bigger and bigger. I so grateful you’re doing better!
Medicine CAN BE an amazing thing. (Sometimes anyways!)
Kelly