The Diagnosis

First off, once again thank you to those who have served our family, through the countless prayers, Moms/Dad, being willing to take me to the ER when I thought I may need it, Urgent Care, numerous Dr's. visits, friends who have cared for our children during this trial, Heather Doty for her prayers and medical counsel, and especially to Stefan and both my Mom and Mom Dahl(Dad too) for your love and support through this.

This is what I would call the most difficult trial I have ever walked through-and still am. One reason I have not been quick to post what the diagnoses is, 1-I have been exhausted, 2-I am required not to do anything that would cause any extra stress right now, and 3-I understand some people would have different views about anxiety and I am not in a place both physically and mentally to talk through that. So I will do my best here to describe what I know based on what I have personally experienced.
Yet, all this has been extremely real! I had many symptoms such as dizziness, feeling faint extremely painful migraines that at times would not subside, nausea, shakiness, numbness, waking up in the middle of the night feeling like blood was rushing into my head. (Again all very Real symptoms-actually some visually happening). Very scary too. My first episode happened when I was teaching a Sunday School class, with no prior warning. I immediately went home. These episodes of feeling faint and dizzy I thought was due to having a virus. Through numerous visits to the Dr. I received 2 possible diagnoses, 1-hypoglycemia, 2-hypertension (high blood pressure).
I was put on meds for high blood pressure which has helped some, and a diet for hypoglycemia. Though the same symptoms kept returning. During this time I was struggling in many areas-especially fear. I knew something was not right with my body and symptoms seemed to be getting worse. Through the counsel of a friend Heather (who is a Dr.), I began to piece together what was really going on. I was finally able to see my internal medicine Dr. who is fantastic too!!! As a matter of fact on the way to my appointment to see my Dr. I had another episode of dizziness, feeling faint, and couldn't breathe, this one was the most difficult ones yet to walk through.
My Dr. stated that she would do some blood work, but she also stated that I had anxiety. All blood work came back normal. What turned things around was the fact that I had shared this with Heather who had also said it sounds like anxiety. So I was able to get into see my doctor more quickly.
I walked in and told her, "I don't think I have hypoglycemia." My Dr. states., "I know you don't." I replied, "it's anxiety isn't it?" My Dr., "Yes it is, I knew the moment you walked in here that's what you had, but I didn't think you were ready to hear it." WOW!!!

So what I have is yes, Anxiety-but a neurological dysfunction in my brain which is causing these symptoms. This is not the same as some who are diagnosed with Anxiety where they are unable to cope with things in life. This is more of a hormonal imbalance type of anxiety. It's also as if the sensors in my brain are not connecting the way they should. Picture my brain being on a mad bear chase non stop-even when I am at "rest"-that may be a funny way to look at it, but even during sleep symptoms can still be there. Something I am unable to control through trying to discipline myself-again this is physical.

I began to notice symptoms of this right after Ava's birth. I began to have migraines. Then when I got pregnant with Isabel, I could see where it began peaking its head.
Anxiety is a real thing...yes there is sin at the root-fear, which I am learning to battle, but we live in a fallen world. Yes, our bodies are wonderfully made, yet we are but dust. If one part of our body fails it can trigger other parts and then it can so easily go in a downward spiral. That is what is happening to me. Thankfully I am on medicines that are by God's grace provided for this. I am getting stronger day by day, getting much rest, eating nutritiously, taking lots of vitamins, staying away from anything stressful (even talking about this at times), and focusing on being peaceful and on joyful things. What am I learning from this? 1-that God is God, 2-He cares for us even in the moments that are brains/bodies aren't even able to function properly, even when I couldn't even quote scripture because I truly couldn't, or even think upon Him-He is still and always there, He knows every cell in body that is both working or failing. 3-All things are working out for my good through this because I am His daughter and He is my God.

There is my diagnosis...please continue to pray for healing (which will take time), my body returning to good health for the sake of my family-they have done so well through all this, but they are ready to have both Mommy and wife back to good health.

Thank you Again!!!