I don't believe it coincidences, and this week just affirms that. So much has happened in the last three days, I will try to summarize as best as I can without being long-winded.
On Sunday, some of the elders at our church, family, and friends gathered to pray over me. It's something I've been thinking about for some time now, but wasn't really sure if I was "sick enough." Since we are at 17 months now, I figured it's time and contacted the church last week. It was an amazing time of prayer and I felt God's presence and so much peace! I know some of you couldn't make it but were praying from afar, and I so appreciate and cherish those prayers.
On Monday, I went back to Dr. Gladd to get my adrenal gland results. We've been praying that they would show something, anything, so that we know what we are dealing with and could start moving forward. God answered those prayers! My adrenal glands are barely functioning, which is causing my extreme fatigue and very low metabolism (for you medical people out there, 24 hour cortisol level = 10, should be between 23-42). I also have three parasites in my digestive system, which may be part of the problem. We are going after these problems with gusto, and I am also back on a gluten-free diet for 3-6 months just to try and help calm my immune system down (I showed a small gluten-sensitivity, not high enough to need to avoid gluten long-term, YES!).
On Tuesday, I went to see Dr. Bader, the geneticist. If you recall, I was sent to see her because another doctor thought I might have Elhers-Danlos Syndrome. Well, I do have type III EDS and she also thinks I have another genetic disorder, Mitochondrial Disease. In the onslaught of information and questions I totally forgot to ask what to do about the EDS, so we will have to get to that another day. In the meantime, I will soon be going to have a ton of labs drawn which will be sent all over the country. Results will come back in about 6-8 weeks. I've not had a lot of time to research Mitochondrial Disease, but I'm not loving what I've read so far. However, if there is one thing I've learned in the last year and a half, it is not to get ahead of myself. As I've told Katie many times, "Worrying does not help the situation and is, in fact, sinful. God does not want you to worry, because He tells us in the Bible that He will take care of us."
Do I think it is a coincidence that I was sent to a geneticist for one thing, only to have them "suddenly discover" something else? Um, nope. I also do not think it is a coincidence that we are finally starting to get answers the very day after the elders prayed for me. You see, my God is a God who carefully orchestrates everything, including all of the events in my life. I trust Him, and I am resting in His loving arms, and it feels so much better than worrying (trust me, I've tried both!!). For those prayer warriors out there please pray for:
1) tolerance of the parasite med. for the next 10 days, the first dose did not go well (nauseous)
2) patience-the kids are starting to wonder why God isn't answering their prayers for mommy to get better, so pray for their patience, as well as our patience while we wait for answers
3) increased energy and stamina - it seems to be decreasing for some reason
4) The Floors- Troy's surgery is next Tuesday at 12:30; hopefully the FINAL leg of their cancer journey!
Thank you so much, Karin
Praying for you Karin. I have a close friend who also has major adrenal deficiencies among other medical problems. I know the battles she fights daily and how seldom she feels well. Praying you will continue to get more answers and that God will give you strength for each day until He totally restores your health.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post Karin, you are in my thoughts and prayers! You are such a strong woman, you have such a great attitude in the midst of such struggles. You inspire me! Keeping you in my daily thoughts and prayers and you continue to go through all of this. Hope the next 10 days go well, take it easy!
ReplyDeleteJill Raypole