Starting to feel "normal"

So on Thursday I was fortunate enough to be able to go down to 7.5 mg. of prednisone... this is the lowest I have been in a year.  So far I'm hanging in fairly well, with only minor withdrawal symptoms.  I can honestly say that I've seen some deflat in my face since going down.  This is partially due to the fact that my skin no longer bludges against my glasses and I can finally see my cheek bones start to come back.  Its making me feel slightly normal again.

I continue to "take it easy" but have started to run in the pool regularly and that seems to be building my muscle strength a little.  My blood tests came back almost normal, except that my muscle enzyme had elevated and is not normal.  There could be many reason besides the fact that my disease is active.  I go back to the doctor the 2nd and 3rd week in July so I will no more then.  In the meantime, I'm trying to be figure out "normal" is for us now.

Thanks for the continued prayers.

Reason for being MIA...

Sorry for the delay in blog posts!  It has been crazy around the Hatch house with lots of house projects and a little surprise birthday party thrown in there for my mother-in-law... which shows that yes, I am feeling well!  I have been down to 10 mg. of prednisone for a month and have shown no symptom withdrawals.  I go in next week for blood tests and then hopefully will be able to go down to 7.5 mg.  I have lots a tiny amount of fluid in my face, so they tell me, but not the "magic" drop off I would like! :)  I think i'll have my work cut out for me!  I have been able to go to the pool a few times and run/swim in the water which has felt nice on my joints.

Anyways, sorry for the absence, but it has been good.  I finally feel like I'm starting to get back to a "normal" life.  God seems to be blessing us with good health these past few months and the ability to enjoy life to the fullest.  Another blessing for us, and yes I'll brag a little, is that Chris got accepted the the MBA program at the University of Minnesota.  Although this means we will commit to live here for 3 more years, I'm confident that it is the best decision right now for us and I'm so happy for him!  We will CELEBRATE tonight! :)

That's all for now for our wonderful blessings and good news! :)  Have an amazing weekend... I know I will! :)