GratefulOne

I haven’t written for awhile, partly due to computer problems and partly due to lack of inspiration.  I decided today that it was time to write, whether I felt inspirational or not…so here we go!  In case anyone reading today hasn’t been following along the last 6 months, the main medical issues I have been battling are: 1) Adrenal Fatigue (main symptoms: significant fatigue/lack of energy) and 2) Parasites (multiple effects on body systems- hard to pinpoint). 3) Gut issues brought on by parasites (working on absorption, gut lining. ..)

The last two months have been a continuation of doctor visits, blood tests,  days of incredible hope and optimism, days of discouragement and negativity, and an increased level of uncertainty due to the unpredictability of my health.

The good news is that for 26 days (12 in March and 14 in April), I had glimpses of healthy, energetic, happy Melissa.   I thank God for those 26 days!! The unfortunate news is that each time I had a 2 week stretch of seemingly restored health, I immediately experienced symptoms indicating that indeed, I am still sick.  This back and forth of health to sickness has been exhausting, and while I have thoroughly enjoyed the days of  restored energy, the let down when symptoms strike again has been incredibly difficult.

Other good news: I found out from an Endocrinologist recently that my recent blood work indicates:

1) My cortisol level is now normal, so I’m no longer suffering from Adrenal Fatigue.

2) All thyroid tests are normal (except needing a few more biopsies on thyroid nodules, but the first and largest was benign and he assured me this isn’t linked to fatigue.)

3) My Vitamin D level is significantly  improved. (This was one more possible cause of my fatigue.)

4) The parasites were over 80 % gone as of late March.

The frustrating part about the above paragraph is that while it’s great to know that many issues are improving, it does not explain why I am still experiencing symptoms of fatigue, low energy, brain fog, and others.  There are still days in May that I would rate just as bad as days from February.

Next Steps:  This frustration has only brought out my determination to find the source of the problem.  In the last week, I have sought out referrals and have started contacting a few other specialists, I am considering Barnes or Cleveland, and I am already on the list to be seen at Mayo in Rochester in August.  I will continue pursuing the appropriate medical professionals until we find the answer.

So, I press on- not only with the medical field, but also in faith. I continue to lean into God, trusting that He is going to continue to guide and direct this healing journey.  I will continue to attend Healing Rooms and other prayer times as often as possible- pressing in for healing. I will to continue to walk at my favorite park every chance I get.  I will continue to extend grace to myself when I just can’t follow through on a social plan or a house chore.  And I will continue to look forward to the future when I will be healed, restored, and this mystery will be solved.  In the meantime…even on the frustrating days, I’m going to keep learning to find joy on the journey!