Procedure #2

As I've mentioned (very briefly), I have two rare conditions that seem to have taken over my life for the past 6 years. My largest complaint has always been nausea (imagine having the flu 24/7), and yet it's always the biggest question mark for my doctors. This past January, I had an appointment with a new specialist (Dr. S) that went really well! In March 2011, I was diagnosed with Gastroparesis, which is paralysis of the stomach - basically I can't break down my own food, making me extremely nauseas. When I was sent to this new doctor, it was a match made in heaven as she's a neuro-gastroenterologist (Gastroparesis is a nerve/stomach condition), so I figured she'd be extremely helpful!

Over the years, I've clicked most with doctors who are willing to listen to my input and who aren't afraid to order tests and bloodwork, even if they've been done in the past - Dr. S. is one of these doctors. Last Thursday, I had a test done to verify my Gastroparesis and to see if anything had changed (I had this same test a little over a year ago). Along with this, Dr. S also ordered a more specific stomach procedure, which I have tomorrow (technically today since it's 1 AM..,ha). To be honest, I don't know much about it. All I know is that it's a 7 hour procedure that I'm put under for while they prod around my stomach to find what the main cause of my illness is. I'm so glad that she's ordered these 2 tests...it's a step in the right direction to figuring out the final diagnosis of what is wrong with me.

These past few years, and especially these last 2 in college, have been so difficult. Whenever I have new tests scheduled, I always get this combined feeling of hope and dread; Hope that they'll finally find something, and dread that they won't. Over the past year, I've come to terms with being ill and that it's just an obstacle that God is putting me through for a reason I have yet to learn. God constantly tests me through these health hurdles, and I'm hoping beyond hope that tomorrow is a positive in his plan for me. I'm at the point where I don't even care what they find - if it's scary, it's just something else to learn from. I know that I can go through anything thanks to my faith in the Lord, my incredible family, and the love and support of my friends.

Here's to hoping they find something tomorrow!

Now, however, it is officially time to sleep - I have to be up in 4 hours to get to San Francisco on time! (I know...very early test!)