Today was a big day for us. We got my test results back and
headed up to KU bright and early this morning – more on that later. I hope that
each and every one of you have a person you can rely on; a person you can turn
to for help or guidance; a person who loves you unconditionally; a teacher; a
friend; an inspiration; a hard worker. I have been blessed with someone like
that – my mom. Today (just like any other day we need), she woke up early (even
though she didn’t feel good) and got ready to watch my kids for the day. She
greeted us with a warm smile and instantly snuggled my sleepy daughter who was
still in her jammies. She had the house tidy ready to go for the busy day. My
son went to his typical spot, found an acceptable TV show and made himself at
home. I don’t need to tell her what they need for the day, she knows. They love
her, she loves them – we all love her. She may be a dedicated daycare provider
but to them she’s always “Grammie”. Recently there have been many moments that
I just feel like I can’t go anymore and I don’t even have to tell her what I’m
going through. She gets me and understands. I love her for that. She’s always
there when I need her and she’s the same way with my children and all her
grandchildren for that matter. When we were putting together our list of people
to help, I asked my son who he wanted to do something nice for. He said “Grammie”.
I was happy he chose her; not that she needed help but just to do something
nice for her. We know she takes good care of all of us and we need to do
something nice for her to say thanks. My son found this little brownie kit that
you can cook a small brownie in a cast iron skillet. He thought she’d love it
because she “cooks good food.” He also found a little mini Christmas tree. He
said “she’ll love that because it’s a plant and it’s Grammie Green.” Her
favorite color is green. It wasn’t the gifts for her he picked out that made me
proud; it was that he picked gifts especially for her with careful thought and
consideration that made me proud. She deserves so much more than a little
brownie and mini tree but I hope she always knows how important she is to us
all!
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| Lane's lovely gift :) |
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| My beautiful mother |
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| The best guy I know at the med center walkway |
On a side note, I’m also so thankful for my
husband. He took off work to drive me to KC to the doctor so we could get another
set of long awaited test results. I’ve noticed he’s been getting impatient like
me but he tries not to show it. Today we finally got some answers. It only took
4 doctors, 3 different hospitals and several tests that I don’t really care to
refresh my memory on. After a LOT of lab work, we have found that I have a Non-Celiac
Gluten Sensitivity. Long story short – this has caused a lot of problems in my
GI tract. Basically my body is damaged and overtime has created inflammation
and other sensitivities to food. The list is massive and a little overwhelming
but the main culprits right now are gluten (obviously), dairy, egg, oats, rice,
onions, tomatoes, beef, etc.. the list that of things I’m actually tolerant to
is probably smaller. However, I think the main problems are my nutrient deficiencies
caused by this Non-Celiac sensitivity. My body is constantly fighting itself
and I’m losing nutrients as fast as I can take them in. My results were low in
almost vitamin/nutrient/mineral, etc. I will be starting supplements, meeting
with a nutritionist in addition to my doctor, and IV/injection infusions.
Believe it or not, a person’s magnesium levels can be so low that they need
weekly injections – I started those today. I’ll also have a vitamin C infusion
at my next visit since my body doesn’t have much ability to do anything, let
alone fight off infections this time of year. It’s a lot to process. I had so
many emotions today. When I first heard that diagnosis I wanted to cry tears of
joy. I’ve spent so much time, money, energy on this problem and I was happy to
have an answer. Then I got mad. I was mad about the time, money, energy and I
found out that a lot of my previous efforts only hurt me worse. Then I was sad
that it took so long to figure it out and that I had to go so far to find the
source of my problems. Then I was thankful that God put me where I was as it
has helped me grow and learn patience and understanding. Then I got scared. I’m
scared as I know it’s a long road ahead and that it has gotten this bad.
However, I feel like I’m in the right place and mindset now. I wasn’t a few
months ago so that’s more reassuring. I can’t get better if I’m not in the
right mindset to help myself. Plus I have a pretty awesome support system. Thank
you to everyone who has sent a text, FB message, stopped by my office, asked
how I’ve been feeling, etc. It’s so great to know you’ve got people who care! All
in all – I feel it was a good day and I’m thankful for it all, especially my
doctors and that wonderful guy I call my husband! If you pray – you can pray
for our sanity (especially his) as we begin our new (more strict) diet plans
and supplements. But- this too shall pass……
