For several nights now I have woken at 1 or 2am in the morning and unable to return to sleep until about 5am. It is during this interim of non-sleep that I am most vulnerable to spiritual attack and this morning (Thursday, June 13) was a front line assault. After numerous needle pricks, transfusions (another tomorrow), and a very uncomfortable bone marrow biopsy, it is looking like David has an autoimmune disorder that is attacking his red blood cells—thus dropping his hemoglobin count. What is causing this? The doctors are baffled, but an assault on my spirit last night may provide a possible clue.
After David's esophageal surgery in early March, David started having edema (fluid buildup) in his legs and face. This lasted for several weeks and the diuretics prescribed did not seem to be doing anything. I was getting frustrated. Then I watched an episode of And We Know and the narrator read a testimony of a person who had a severe case of edema that would not clear up. After taking a supplement made from the sprouts of the Coriolus Versicolor mushroom (a product that boosts the immune system) the edema they were suffering from cleared up. I thought, "might be worth a try". I bought a bottle of 60 tablets and had David take just one a day. His edema did not clear up. So, I suggested two tablets a day as prescribed on the label. It still did not lessen the swelling.
The bottle was now empty, but it was after this that David started becoming weak and lethargic. I have blogged about the gradual decline in health here for all his prayer warriors to follow. Once it was becoming clear that this might be autoimmune related, last night it hit me (and not in a good way), did the immune booster put David's immune system into hyperdrive? Not finding anything to attack, did it decide to go after his red blood cells? What had I done? What pain, suffering, and near death did I put him through?
Here is the product's description from the Web site:
Designed specifically for immune health, Forest Natural only combines the most potent strains of Coriolus Versicolor (more commonly known as Turkey Tail) and Ganoderma Lucidum (more commonly known as Reishi) to create inForce Plus. Both Coriolus Versicolor and Ganoderma Lucidum have been used for medicinal purposes in eastern cultures for well over a thousand years. There are hundreds of western style clinical studies suggesting that both Coriolus Versicolor and Ganoderma Lucidum offer a high level of immune support, and many other beneficial properties through Triterpenes and Polysaccharides. Based on these and other studies. Forest Natural utilizes its proprietary extraction processes to create this proprietary blend of the most potent combination for our customers.... Ganoderma Lucidum has several molecules, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides and peptidoglycans, that may be responsible for its health effects. It has been found to boost the immune system, improve heart health and blood sugar control, enhance anti-oxidant status to prevent cell damage, and studies are showing it may be helpful in fighting fatigue and depression.
To fight back against this onslaught, I sought the defense of my Savior and Attorney. If I was indeed the cause of my son's trials, I would need Jesus to come to my aid and deliver me from condemnation. The worst condemnation I can ever experience is that which is based on facts I cannot refute or deny.
I covet your prayers in this trial. If I am "guilty as accused", then I placed that charge at the foot of His throne, seeing that I am merely a servant and He is Lord.
