Category Archives: Life

It’s that day…

August 4, 2016 3:49 pm , 2 Comments ,

Its that day.  The one we’ve been counting down to for a couple months now. The one that we’ve prepared so intensely for. The very day that we’ve anticipated getting here so that we can begin this journey of killing this disease off and regaining health for Cory and myself and our three kiddos. It has seemed like it took so long to get here and yet it snuck up on us.

So, we’re off…  We’re happy….  We’re together…  We have great hope…  And we have a long journey/adventure ahead of us!

Yesterday we had our FINAL pre-Germany IVs and then headed home to finish up packing and say our goodbyes to family and some special friends. Several of them stopped to pray with us before leaving and we definitely felt the LOVE!image

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Please continue to pray for us, pray for safe flights tomorrow, for safe drives today and tomorrow, for all the last minute details to fall into place, for everyone to stay healthy and not catch any bugs on the planes, and for no pain episodes!

Ill be blogging as much as I can to document this treatment and our trip!  This will be he best way to keep in touch and up to date on how everything is going!

We love you all and are so blessed by your care and provision for our family!

Sincerely, Dani

Posted in: Family, God, Health, hubs, Life, Lyme Disease, Prayer

Basically… my sis made me cry! LOL

August 2, 2016 11:00 pm , 2 Comments ,

Guys… I am a MESS.  I am working on getting all my pills, vitamins, and herbals packed up and portioned out for the flights and our time in the hospital.  I am packing snacks for the drive up to Seattle and the 13 hours of flights we will have.  I was taking some time to write a few notes to friends and family that I wanted to hand them to tomorrow, and I just lost it.  Yes, I know the day has been a long one and I am not sleeping at night again… but it’s not just the end of a LONGGGGG doctor filled day.  I am emotional as tomorrow is our last day at home.  We are stepping out into this first of many phases of treatment this Thursday.  We don’t have all the answers.  We haven’t a clue what Germany even looks like, if we will have decent internet so Cory can continue working, what we will do for the kiddos meals, and on and on and on!  I am of course overwhelmed… however, I am even more so overwhelmed by the love that has been poured out towards us by so many of you.  People committing to pray for our family, safety, and healing, people helping this first phase financially, and people just saying that you’re there and reading along.

I have to point out one person though… Cory and my family has ALL jumped on this journey and have helped from the very beginning with everything from brainstorming to meals to finances and they all play such an important part in the big picture and we love each of them!  But, tonight my sister here in Bend is on my heart.  I was writing her a thank you note, which turned into an “I’m so blessed God picked me to get you as my sister” note.  Rachelle has been here tangibly every step of the way.  I have called her crying.  She is there for a hug.  She has Grey for us even right this second.  Rachelle and her hubby made our video, worked on the story with my other beautiful sis, they sacrificed countless hours filming, editing, and just responding to emails.  She is working on future fundraising efforts… basically, she is AMAZING, and I am blessed she’s my sister!  Thank you sis for your unconditional love, for your fierceness in fighting for my families health, for your hugs, shoulders to cry on, your forever friendship, for loving on my kiddos as if they were your own, and being my voice when I can’t find my own.  I LOVE YOU more than I can say!

Sincerely, Dani

This is seriously the BEST pic I could find of Rachelle and I tonight… we are going to have to start taking more sister pics ASAP!

This is seriously the BEST pic I could find of Rachelle and I tonight… we are going to have to start taking more sister pics ASAP!

Posted in: Family, Health, Life, Lyme Disease, Prayer, Update

Enjoying the Moments!

August 1, 2016 11:21 pm , 1 Comment ,

Three more nights until we head out.

Two more doctors appointments for each of us.

Our almost 6 year olds’ gifts are wrapped and packed.

I still need to pack 5 carry ons.

I need to buy snacks for our trip.

… And in between packing, doctors appts, and errands, we are trying to soak up the moments at home with our bunch  they’re squeezing every last second out of pond swimming, hammock swinging, Olympic balance beam routines, loving on our ranch pets…  especially Jake and the kittens…  These are the moments that make you stop, smile and remember how much I have to keep being strong for!image

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imageWere getting so close to go-time!  We wanted to say a HUGE thank you to each of you who have brought a meal our way, for my Gpa who picked up my prescription and took the car to get its oil changed today, for everyone who has sacrificed funds for us to be able to go to Germany, and for every single prayer…  We LOVE each and every one of you!!!

Sincerely, Dani

keep praying  keep sharing  xoxoxx

 

 

Posted in: Family, God, Health, Life, Lyme Disease, Prayer, Update

Packing has begun…

July 30, 2016 11:38 pm , 2 Comments ,

UPDATE UPDATE… Today was better than yesterday by far!  We are sooooo thankful for that!  The kiddos got to swim a lot, we picked up the last couple travel items we needed and packed the kids clothing up…  I cannot believe that it is time to pack already!

Its a super short update, but were exhausted and heading to bed!

Thank you to everyone who was praying that tonight would be a good one…  We’re all relieved!

Sincerely, Dani

Posted in: Family, God, Health, Life, Lyme Disease, Prayer

Struggling…

July 29, 2016 10:55 pm , Leave a Comment ,

We’re struggling.  We’ve now had two bad nights in a row… and I feel far too weak to have a third.  Cory and the kiddos are worn out with overwhelming stress about me.  Part of me wishes I could share a video with you of what our “bad nights” look like… and the bigger part of me is so thankful that few ever have to see it.

Tonight started with me laying out by the pond watching the kids enjoying a post-dinner swim!  It was the perfect weather, and the sun was just right! Shortly after, my eye started to twitch, the pain set in and I had to get inside to lie down on the couch.  Cory and the kiddos came in a couple minutes later as I cannot be alone when these evenings start.  In just a few short minutes I was shaking, telling Cory “I could not handle the pain.”  He was encouraging me, getting me ice packs for my neck, making up detox drinks, rubbing oils on my feet, temples, and neck.  Hayden was running for detox refills every 15 minutes, Lucy was rubbing my feet, and they were all coaxing me to start breathing each time I would pass out and stop breathing.  I was in soooooo much pain that it overtook my body, I start convulsing, tears flow, and I stop breathing for 15-30 seconds and then passed out 7 or so times just tonight.

Once the majority of the pain passed, I started an ionic foot detox bath… hoping to eliminate as many of the toxins as I could.  We’ve finally gotten the kiddos all tucked in and Cory and I are sitting here trying to unwind while watching some Seinfeld…  Then BED!detox

Please keep praying!  We need each one.  These nights are full of pain and fear.

We need financial help getting treatment for our upcoming trip, for the treatment of co-infections that I have after Germany, and then to tackle all the treatment the kiddos will need here in the States.

We are so incredibly grateful for everyone who has brought a meal, donated to the you caring site, and for ALL of your prayers!

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Sincerely, Dani

https://www.youcaring.com/danielle-cory-hayden-lucy-grey-pratt-597453#.V4Z1JQg6IHM.facebook

Posted in: Family, Health, Life, Lyme Disease, Prayer, Update

9 Days ’til Germany!

July 27, 2016 6:04 pm , 1 Comment ,

I’ve been having some hard days and nights lately, which is my only excuse for not blogging.  I have been hit with crazy emotional struggles, and on Monday, just spent all parts of my day crying randomly.  I don’t’ have a specific reason for the tears, just a lot of smaller things lumped into one big “cry-fest” I guess.  The kiddos are struggling being alone so much, I am worn out by all the doctors appointments each day of each week, Cory is worn out by his IV’s as well, and the stresses financially seem too much to bear right now.  Life is pulling at all corners and we are feeling so-not-good at anything being spread so very thin.  However, we are hanging in here and today is a new day… one where I have scratched so many items off my ever-growing To-Do List, we each had a successful set of IV’s, I spent time watching the kiddos swim and giggle in the hot sunshine, and Cory is trying his darndest to work really hard!

Thank you to each of you who has helped with dinners… we are sooooooo very blessed by the food!  Thank you to everyone who has shared our story with friends, family, TV stations, newspapers, etc…  we are raising awareness and hundreds of thousands of Lyme patients just within the USA are going to reap the benefits of your efforts.  Thank you so much for the financial help… we have so far to go, but every selfless gift both big and small is a massive help in this battle we’re facing!  We are only 9 days away from flying out and we have so much yet to do…  please pray for safety- driving, flying, traveling, focus for Cory working, ease of cleaning the house and getting packed up, strength for each day for all five of us, and for the finances to get the treatment we all desperately need!

Thank you, thank you, thank you all!

Sincerely, Dani

psalm-3_3

Posted in: Family, God, Health, hubs, Life, Lyme Disease, Prayer, Update

Our God is bigger!

July 23, 2016 3:16 pm , Leave a Comment ,

Were trying to work hard around the property today so that we don’t leave for Germany for a month and return to all ten acres being taken over by weeds and it looking like a jungle…  While I was able to pull weeds for only about 10 min I was struggling with fear. Fear of taking our whole family to a foreign country and exposing everyone to harm. Fear of the world in which we live in and the unknowns that present themselves daily. Fear of health. Fear of…  You name it!  I had to quickly reel my thoughts in and remember that our God, who made Heaven and Earth…  Made everything in it…  He is soooooo much bigger than all of this. I can give Him my worries and fears, He can hold them with just his pinky finger if I’ll let it all go!  That’s the key for me at least…  Letting it go. Not picking it back up again and again, but actually leaving it at His feet!  He’s got all of this. He has our marriage. He has my kiddos. He has our travel plans next month. He has our safety. He has the doctors hands. He can handle it ALL!

Holding onto this simple truth…  I hope you are too!

Sincerely, Dani

And because I’m having to take it easy today…  I’m extremely weak and fatigued…  Look at the gorgeous and fun views I’m getting to take in…  Love each of them so much!image image image image image

Posted in: Family, God, Health, hubs, Kua'aina Ranch, Life, Live IT Out!, Lyme Disease, Marriage, Prayer, Update

Best Doctor (and staff) EVER!

July 21, 2016 10:00 pm , 1 Comment ,

It’s been a longgggg and successful week of doctors appointments and IV treatments for both of us. I had 6 total IV appointments and a doctors appointment and Cory had an appointment and two IV appointments. We’re absolutely wiped out, but everything went well and for that we are so very thankful!

I wanted to share tonight quickly about our Doctor here in town. I have had several hundred people ask where we are receiving treatment and how you could schedule a visit…  I wanted to make sure it was ok to share that info first😁  I have the go ahead, so here it is:

We feel crazy blessed and insanely thankful to have found Dr. Payson Flattery!  He is the Director at the Cebter for Integrative Medicine off of Norton Avenue here in Bend. Dr. Flattery is the most open minded, smart, investigator, and caring man we’ve ever found in the medical community…  And we’ve been looking for a VERY long time. He’s human and we all make mistakes at times, but Cory and I both feel like he has been used in huge ways already in our health. He has finally properly diagnosed, began intensive and yet gentle treatment immediately. He is not offended to support the Germany Kliniks protocols, and he had become a welcome and friendly face to see each day at his clinic!  We are so thankful for him and his incredible team…  Each one of them:  Mary, Wendy, Cindy (they each keep the office running and greet us with smiles!), Kaitlyn (she has to set each IV!), Joanna (the gentle and sweet colonic lady!), and the Doc himself!  If you’re looking for a great office with a warm staff and a doctor who will seek answers without giving up…  Give them a call!

Now, I’m going to go snuggle with my handsome hubs and call it a night!

Countdown to Germany is happening so fast…  Help us anyway you can!

Keep fighting for answers!  Keep sharing!  Keep PRAYING!

Sincerely, Dani

 

Posted in: Health, hubs, Life, Lyme Disease, Update

Hubs starts treatment…

July 18, 2016 10:48 pm , Leave a Comment ,

I’m sooooo tired, so I’ll make this short tonight. Cory and I were at the doctor shortly after 8 am today. Cory started his IV therapy today to prepare for Germany with PTC and Glutathione. imageHis IVs went well, but it was so hard to see him start this battle with me…  You know how you’d take all the hurt away from your loved ones if you could?  Well, in this case I’ve given it all to them instead. 😩  I cannot go back in time. I can’t dwell in the past. And I cannot beat myself up anymore…  Now is the time to move on and count blessings, so that’s where I’m trying to stay each moment of each and every day!

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I began my morning with Neuro Prolotherapy.  Another first for me today, and a welcomed one in hopes of eliminating my constant head, neck and shoulder pain. The doctor injected about a dozen sites with dextrose…  I could honestly feel some relief instantly. My pain is not gone, but it is a couple levels lower up there…  And I’ll take that as I’ve had my migraine for about 11 weeks now without relief.  I also started high dose vitamin c infusions today which after we finally gave up on getting my veins to cooperate for the catheter, took about 1 1/2 hours to receive. We had to forego the catheter again today as my veins collapsed three times again and I’m quite bruised for the day.image

Im having a better day than yesterday for sure, and I’m soooooo thankful!  Thank you for your prayers today, I really felt them!

Unfortunately, Cory has not been feeling so well…  Poor guy has been struggling with severe brain fog, and just all over feeling awful. He ended his day by coming down with one of his horrible migraines that he can get from time to time. He’s been in bed since early evening and in so much pain. Please pray that this passes and doesn’t keep him up all night.

I head back to the doctor tomorrow morning for more IVs and then for a colonic early afternoon. We will also try to place the catheter again tomorrow…

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They looked happy here though… We snuck out quickly and got some birthday gift ideas for little Grey Everly who will turn 6 in Germany! Silly kiddos!❤️

Special prayer request for today:  kiddos need to hear some good news soon. Maybe see mom and daddy feeling good, less stressed, and able to play with them for a bit…  Even just a short time!  They have not complained, but I’m gone a lot now and they are spending so much time alone and I can see the worry on all three of their faces at times.

Sure love each of you!  Thank you for your prayers, support, and shares!  One thing I know…  God is good all the time!  ALL the time!
Psalm 27:13-14(NIV)

13 I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.

Sincerely, Dani

Posted in: Family, God, Health, hubs, Life, Lyme Disease, Prayer, Update

A Really Really Hard Night.

July 17, 2016 10:02 pm , 2 Comments ,

Tonight was a really really hard one. We made it through, but the pain overtook my body and I couldn’t handle the pain. Cory and the kiddos said they counted 12 times that I passed out and stopped breathing when the intense pain spiked. We are struggling. The kids are fearful yet strong. Cory is worn out yet loving. I hurt still, but I know that God is holding us all and carrying me through as I’m not able to walk it on my own…

Please, please pray.

Sincerely, Dani

Deuteronomy 31:8

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Posted in: Family, God, Health, hubs, Life, Lyme Disease, Prayer, Update