Health Update #1

Today is my 50th birthday, and it is not at all what I thought it would be.

For the past two years, I have not felt well. I went to several doctors and was told it might be my thyroid and various hormone issues. I had a variety of symptoms, including sleeping two hours a night for an entire year. Despite working out, eating healthier, drinking more water, giving up caffeine and alcohol, working with highly recommended doctors and practitioners, things continued to get worse.

In August of this year, I became allergic/intolerant to all food (but four things), most medications and supplements, personal care products, scents, light, and EMF. I went to a handful of doctors who had no idea what was wrong, and after two months into this ordeal, found a doctor who recognized my symptoms as Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

MCAS is a rare, chronic illness and an umbrella term for multiple causes and conditions. There is still very little know about it. And while it sounds like an autoimmune disorder, it isn’t. Not all MCAS is created equal, and it’s not something that happens overnight (even though it may seem that way). In my case, my immune system believes everything is a threat and my cells go into “cell danger response (CDR).” This illness affects every cell, tissue, organ and system in my body, creating constant symptoms, from tolerable to unbearable. This condition can be lifelong and there is no cure or timeline for a full recovery.

I made the choice to lean on God from the beginning of this, and I do see Him working. He guided me to my incredible medical team, which unbeknownst to me at the time, were quite well known for healing people from all kinds of horrible illnesses. Also, by the grace of God, I was able to get into their clinic despite their very long wait list. They do believe a full recovery is possible and are doing everything in their power to get make that happen.

Most people with this illness spend years trying to get a diagnosis, and then longer trying to find a doctor who can treat them, many times having to travel out of state. Not only was I spared that excruciating wait, my medical team, which I see almost every day, is a ten-minute drive from my house.

For four months, I have been homebound (and couchbound), unable to work and in a lot of pain. I am only able to drink water and eat four foods. I also have to limit my use of TV, cell phones, computers and lights. I wish I could say that I have an unshakable faith and trust in God that I will get through this, and that my mindset is always one of hope and positivity. Some days I am capable of this, and other days I feel like I’m in a deep hole and can’t see a way out.

For the past several months, I have thought about getting baptized, but it never felt like the right time. On December 8th, my husband and I were baptized in the church I grew up in by our closest family friend who also performed our wedding ceremony and my sister’s and grandmother’s funerals.

I am so grateful to everyone who is praying for me. For those of you who have consistently checked in and visited me, you have no idea how much that means to me. And to my husband—my biggest support system through this nightmare—I don’t have the words to adequately thank you for how you’re taking care of me. I could not do this alone. And because of you, and especially God, I don’t have to.

To the all-knowing, all-powerful and almighty God: I thank You for bringing me closer to You, for strengthening my faith, for deepening my relationships and for renewing my mind.

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6