An Update

So many people have been praying about my appointment on Monday.  Thank you!

Monday, Mom and I drove over to Weston to the Cleveland Clinic.  I saw the Rheumatologist and after reviewing my tests, everything came out normal. I have such mixed emotions when I receive test results.  I'm so happy that things are normal.  But, then I realize that we are no closer to finding the source of my problem.  Talk about roller coaster emotions!  It's strange, because even my inflammation levels are down.    That hasn't happened in a while.  But....I still don't feel well.  The pressure is just as strong as ever. And so much more in my neck/jaw area lately. Dr. Elzawawy said that my pain is coming from somewhere that isn't in his expertise and I needed to go back to my Primary Doctor at the Clinic, Dr. Holley.  So, I no longer have a rheumatologic problem.

When I saw Dr. Holley, she told me that she has been waking up at night thinking about me and brainstorming about where my pain could be coming from.  I told her that I have been praying specifically for her to have wisdom and for God to help her to help me.  And that many people have been praying.  It's so amazing to see God working.  I stand amazed every time!

She has a few new ideas of what could be going on.  She doesn't seem to be leaning towards nerve damage any longer.  I'm presenting with symptoms of having a vascular problem.  Even though the MRA looked carefully at my aorta and the blood vessels in my chest area, she wants for me to have an ultrasound of the carotid artery in  my neck.  She's wondering if maybe I have an abnormality there.  Possibly even from birth.  She also wants to check my thyroid.  Even though it is functioning fine, she wonders if there is a cyst or nodule that has been missed and it's sending nerve signals to different parts of my body.  The third thing she wants to do is check my esophagus and make sure it's healthy.  So, I will have an XRay where I have to swallow a liquid and they will watch it go down.  Pretty cool!  I hope it's yummy!  Maybe chocolate flavored? :o)  After these tests, I will see a Vascular Medicine Doctor.  Whew!  That's a lot to think about!

As they scheduled my appointments, I fought back tears.  I'm going to be missing my Joshua's birthday (17 years), my anniversary (19 years!) and Brenna's birthday (14 years).  I called Patrick and through tears told him what I will be missing.  I have an amazing husband.  He knows just what to say.  "We will get through this together"  "The Lord knows what is best"  "We will celebrate when you get back"  "We love you and want you to be well more than anything"  Oh, I love my family!

So, it's more waiting.  Next Monday I head back for my appointment.  Can I ask you to pray some more?  Eventually my posts won't be always requesting prayer for me and my family.  Eventually I will be posting about some quilt I've made, the great things happening while watching our church grow in St. Barths, or the cute things my kiddos are doing and saying.  But, for now, this is what the Lord has brought into our lives.  It's not all that fun and colorful.  But, He does know best and loves me like no other can.