Hey everyone! Life for Dan and I has been pretty boring lately. School has been consuming Dan and thus, I haven’t had the computer. Sorry it’s taken so long for me to update you. Although, to be fully honest I had to take some time to digest everything. Though, I have a lot to share with you medically, I also have some fantastic news. So let me start with the good, before I tell you what’s new with just me. 😉 (By the way, I’ve been writing to you for a while in my head… you just can’t read it till I put it down here…)
So to begin… Dan. You know, that loveable, crazy, amazing man I married? Yeah, him. Well, he has been working so hard- in fact he’s on his last week of  18 credits in 8 weeks. Ya’ll I can’t even express how proud I am of him for doing so well in all 6 of his classes. (Yes, 6 class at once for 8 weeks- I told you we haven’t had a life). While he’s been doing this, he has managed to take me to doctors appointments, visit my family in North Carolina, and somehow still help me a bit around the house all while keeping his grades up. Did I mention these are law classes? So needless to say, it’s been tough for him (keep those prayers coming please!). Anyway, once this week is over (finals are on Sunday) he only has one more class until he is officially GRADUATED!!! Let me say this again- HE HAS ONE CLASS TILL GRADUATION!!!!!! To say that we’re excited is a bit of an understatement. He’s been working so hard since I got sick to finish his degree, and it’s finally here!!
So that’s my fantastic news- just had to brag on my hubby for a bit. Now, to tell you what’s going on with me. 🙂 The good news is, I don’t have anything insane. Remember, the spinal tap? They tested for EVERYTHING. Fungus, brain tumor, bacteria- you name it they tested for it. Fortunately (yet unfortunately) the results are negative. There was nothing determinable in my spinal fluid. So my neurologist has put me on new anti-seizure medications (the first two caused allergic reactions- not fun) and has claimed that it is Lyme and Bartonella in my brain. Fun, right? I seriously thought we were done with this stuff.. guess not.
A couple weeks after the spinal tap, I got the final results form my Lyme culture… the one taken in February or March. As it turns out, I am not in remission. My Lyme and Bartonella are in full effect. Which ironically, was a relief to me since I’m still having balance problems, seizures, and I run into things (I promise I see the door frame but for some reason I still bump into it). Digesting that I’m not in remission like I had hoped, has been a process. I can’t say that I’m shocked, but I will say that I’m sad that this fight isn’t over yet. Two years is a LONG time for anyone to be ill. Dan has been great this whole time, though the spinal tap really freaked him out.
So what is to be done now with my Lyme/Bartonella? My current Lyme doctor has me on a new antibiotic. However, I’m not feeling any different. With Lyme, if you feel like crap, it’s killing the bacteria, if you feel fine… it’s not doing anything. Unfortunately, I feel fine currently. I have an appointment to see him at the beginning of August and hopefully create a treatment plan. If he doesn’t know what to do for me, then I will have to make an appointment with a very specialized doctor in Washington, D.C. Ya’ll, I don’t want to do it- the cost is enormous, but I know my health is worth more. So, please pray that my local doctor can figure me out.
As for our fun adventures. We’ve only had one since we last spoke. Dan and I spent the weekend of the 4th in North Carolina. It was great to see my parents and we also got to catch up with our friends Kevin and Rachel. Did I also mention, that one of my best friends, Beka turned 25? Well, she did and so we were able to make it to her birthday party! (That was the main reason we went to N.C…. shhh don’t tell the others 😉 ). It was really warm, and Dan had a ton of homework but it was still great to be able to spend time and see everyone. It’s hard when you live so far away from some great friends and family. (Though, we are blessed to be 15 minutes from Dan’s parents and oldest sister.)
Anyway, that’s been our life. Dan in school, me doing what I can to help him and processing what to do for me as our time here will come to a close soon-ish. We’re praying Dan gets his contract soon (August..?) and that the transition to officer goes smoothly for him. Though, we’re not sure when he would be leaving for OCS (Officer Candidate School). When he goes, I will be able to stay behind, and hopefully function lol. I do have a friend who is willing to move in with me when the time comes so that way I’m not alone and she can help me do things I can’t (mowing, vacuuming.. anything loud).
For those of you who have been praying for us these past 2 years. THANK YOU. We always feel so blessed when someone tells us that we are in their thoughts and prayers. I ask that you would continue to pray for us as we continue to navigate the medical waters for me. Also, please pray for Dan as he finishes his degree- senior-itis is REAL. We love you all and thank you for sharing in our journey.
XOXO,
De