So I guess I'm an adult now.

Adulthood.
So far, I have a love/hate relationship with it.

I am only a few days into being 18 and so far my life has consisted of angry courthouse visits, ridiculously long tests, too many dishes, an abundance of dirty laundry, and painful migraines. Icky, icky, icky.

But, aside from all of this ickiness, I have been quite blessed the past few days, too. I received countless emails, texts, facetime calls, phone calls, visits, and facebook & twitter posts wishing me a happy birthday from all over the world.

Thank you all for blessing me despite an icky day.

I also got some goodies. Goodies that I am over-the-moon-excited about.

Grandma Tracy made me a birthday pie. Notice, no cake. I don't like cake. Rhubarb fluff pie was much better.

Uncle Vern's gift was so great. I fell in love with this beautiful spoon cookbook/book/plate/everything stand while we were down in Kansas City a couple months ago. Opening up that package, I would have never guessed this little treasure was hidden inside. I am so excited about it! And as many of you know, spoons hold a very special place in my heart. So thankful for such a thoughtful uncle.


Also not pictured; my incredible, overly generous brother, Spencer, bought me all 10 seasons of my favorite show, Friends. And my sweet, caring, adopted sister, Lexi, has gotten me something but refuses to tell me what it is. I am currently learning patience. I don't like being patient. Bleh.


Overall, I am in awe of the blessings that continue to be showered upon me. Thanks, guys. You da best.

Dr. Jaisani & The Lord's Faithfulness

I have seen these doctor's offices much too often. 

Yesterday, Friday, November 8, I sat in a new doctor's office once again. 

As many of you know, I have had a less than desirable experience with doctors. Some don't believe I am sick, some just don't know what POTS even is. My family doctor just recently referred me to a new Neurologist up at Sanford.

Terrified, I sat in that office yesterday, scared that this appointment would be like all of the ones prior to this.

The nurse came in, asked the usual questions, took my blood pressure, etc. Ya know, the whole run down.

After about 10 minutes, in walked in a sweet little woman named Dr. Zeenat Jaisani, (try saying that 5 times fast!), and her unusually tall medical student guy. They both shook my mom and I's hand, sat down, and unlike my past appointments, Dr. Jaisani actually looked happy to be there; she looked eager to to see me. This, my friends, was a first.

Long story short, Dr. Jaisani is the best doctor I have ever been to. Here's a few reasons why:

     1) She knew what POTS was. Like, for the first time, I never had to educate the doctor; I could just be             the patient. She already knew everything she needed to know. It was so stinkin' cool.

     2) She wants to do everything she can to get me better. First doctor to every say that.

     3) She looked at me straight in the eyes and said, "There is hope." Oh my goodness.  Remember the first             part of the verse on my new tattoo? 'As for me, I will always have hope...' Hokey smokes.                           GOOSEBUMPS. 

After talking for a while, she came up with a treatment plan for me. This treatment first consists of a multitude of tests, including: lots and lots of blood tests, MRI, MRV, a sleep study, and a 3 day hospital stay up at Sanford to measure my brain waves and brain activity. I am also starting on 5 new medications. Now, as some of you know my body doesn't react well to medications. Dr. Jaisani knows this, but these are medications I have never tried and she wants to see how I react to these first. If the medications just aren't cuttin' it for me, I have other options, such as a spinal tap and a few other things. 

Like she said, this is not going to be a fast process. Slowly, but surely, she thinks this plan is really going to work for me.

Friends, I cannot express the the gratitude in my heart. The Lord's faithfulness is ever true and was made even more evident yesterday. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about how long we've prayed for a doctor that would actually care enough to see past my 'non-sick-looking' exterior and see the pain and suffering I've endured the past 8 years. 

GOD IS JUST SO GOOD, PEOPLE.

There is a long road ahead of me on this new journey but I know The Lord's loving hand will guide me every step of the way. 

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, 

for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

xoxo

My Newest & Most Precious Tattoo

Hey folks. Take a look. A reaaaaaal good look. 

Everyone has some story or meaning behind every tattoo for the most part. My other tattoos are very near and dear to my heart, but this by-far is the most precious. Why you may ask? I'll tell you.

Well, as many of you know, I've been sick for quite some time now. In this time I have learned many things. I learned who my true friends are. I learned to appreciate the little victories. I learned and I felt true agony. I also learned how great our Lord is. I learned so many things. But the most important thing I learned?

Hope.

I learned hope.

During countless tears and late nights where I didn't know if I could endure the pain any longer, the only thing that remained was hope. In the middle of endless doctors appointments and hospital stays, the only thing I had left to cling to was hope. Hope, that the Lord might bless not only myself, but others though this. Hope, that maybe someday, there will be a cure. Hope, so that I may carry on.

Still to this day, that is what I cling to. And I will continue to praise Him more and more every single day; whether I'm in excruciating pain or not.

Well, there you have it.
I hope you love my new addition just as much as I do.

xoxo