It's a emo anniversary.

Two years ago today the symptoms of Transverse Myelitis began. Even though I know it's for his glory the question "why?" still looms. As I think about where I was and what could have been I am very grateful for the everyday little things that I can do on my own (but with His help). I'm trusting and believing for the fullness as there is still a ways to go. So close, yet so far.

With the MRI complete they were able to see that the majority of the myelin all along my spine had been degenerated. I found this really good picture >

The image on the right is of someones healthy nerves (the white part) and their Myelin (the black part). The smaller pictures on the left show what pretty much happened to my myelin and nerves after they were degenerated. 

With the Cat Scan done they were able to eliminate M.S. because I didn't have any masses on my brain. However with the amount of Myelin that was degenerated nearly my whole spine length they thought it could be something more serious. They attempted to get me prepped for a spinal tap. They gave me Ativan it is used to relieve anxiety. Ativan also known as Lorazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow for relaxation. It worked just not enough to calm my nerves and because of how sensitive my skin was to the slightest of touch my neurologist was gracious and postponed it. I mean I was kind of freaking out because of how sensitive my back was. I was so so so relieved it never got done.

After a day or two of being on the steroids I was able to sit up and use a walker to get to the bathroom without anyone helping me there. As were on the subject I remember them saying if I wasn't able to empty my bladder that I would have to be put on a catheter. The average amount the human bladder will hold is 300-400 ml and you will usually feel the urge to urinate at 150ml. Well my bladder was maxed out at 638ml.. They say that it can hold upto 800 ml but obviously that wouldn't be healthy. So anyways after being able to get to the bathroom with a walker I thought I'd be able to take a shower...without any assistance. I mean being modest and independent as I am. To say the least I fell and was told later that I wouldn't be able to do that again because I would be a liability. So they gave me a shower chair from there on out. TMI.....?.......I think so. Sorry. :)

Like I said they thought I had something more serious it was called N.M.O. Neuro Myelitis Optica which causes you to be blind and paralyzed.  Here goes another round of tests! EEK! So I got on the phone and computer once again asking for prayer. Here goes the late nights talking to friends and family. I'm talking bout being up till 3 a.m. and every 2 hrs when the nurse came in to check my vitals. I had to stay on top of things always telling them how I felt and asking a billion questions. I also had to ask for Ativan so that I could sleep. On the day of the tests it took 3 different nurses and all the spots you can draw before they got some blood. They sent in a Serologic Test for NMO-IgG to Mayo Clinic to see if it was positive or not. Oh Lord Intervene! "Because NMO-specific lesions may not be evident on MRI, a blood test result that is positive for NMO-IgG enhances diagnostic accuracy. Mayo Clinic, where the test was developed, is currently the only laboratory in the United States that offers it." http://www.mayoclinic.org/medicalprofs/neuromyelitis-optica.html Pretty crazy that where I had my NMO-IgG test sent  was where the test was developed and the only place that offers it. I know that steroids played a big part in helping me get back on my feet. God is Merciful and just. I had friends, family and their prayer chains in over 10 states standing with me in prayer. I'm thankful for each and everyone of you continuing to pray for complete restoration. Very Gracious!