May update (and sneak peek!)
How unspeakably wonderful to know that all our concerns are held in hands that bled for us.
-John Newton
Dear friends,
Last week, I started experiencing some “mito crash” symptoms again.. So thankful to God that this one’s mild compared to the 2 flares I had in November and December, but it’s still been a bit of a challenge in its own way. 🥺 My dr. ordered dextrose infusions, and I’m grateful he was able to place orders quickly to nip this in the bud faster. I’ve improved in many ways (my eyes are no longer droopy, my bladder/kidneys are functioning back to normal, etc.), but my muscles are still weak/heavy, and the pain is severe—I haven’t been able to fall asleep until 5-6 AM….so very exhausted. 😞 Would be grateful for your prayers that I can return back to my previous baseline!
I mentioned in my last post that my elbow joints have started to become painful, and I’m sad to say that both shoulder joints are now hurting as well. 😢 The rheumatologist said that conditions can happen gradually sometimes, and I’m wondering if that’s the case with me. Not that I want another disease, but it would be so nice to have some answers as to why I keep having crashes since something seems to be exacerbating the mitochondrial depletion.. Since January 2024, this marks my 4th one. But before January 2024, I had only one flare which was all the way back in 2020! And, that was also the first time it ever happened!! It would truly be a dream if my body could become more medically stable like it was in my 20s. 🥺
My second opinion with another rheumatologist was originally scheduled for late June (which I’d been waiting months for), so it was discouraging to receive a phone call recently from his office, saying that he’ll be out of the clinic that day. The appointment has now been pushed out to the end of August—I sure wish it was required for doctors to give notice more than 2 months in advance.. 😔
Haven’t heard yet what the Undiagnosed Diseases program has decided regarding my case, but as soon as I hear, I will be sure to update you all with the final decision of acceptance or not! Would appreciate your continued prayers about this.
In other news, I’ve very slowly been working on having my lettering art made into notecards and other fun items, and the art in this post is one of the designs (of many 😉)! The cards even have my Pain With Purpose logo on the back. 🥰
It’s taken a lot of time and effort with how much goes into starting an actual shop, but I’m so excited. I’m sure I speak for many (who are living with chronic illnesses) that it’s hard not to feel useless.. 😢 So it’s truly been special to work on something like this, and I hope my cards and other products can be an encouragement to many. 💗
