Turning the Corner

The past week has been a roller coaster of emotions for Susan and me. What I did not mention in my last blog is that the neurologists at MCG suggested that Susan might be suffering from conversion disorder. It’s a diagnosis that neurologists give when a person has neurologic symptoms that cannot be explained. It was the suggestion that this might be Susan’s problem, rather than a straightforward physical problem, that sent us into a tailspin last week. Was the problem, as some say, "all in her head"? Was she somehow to blame for it?

I could run down the detail, but suffice it to say that we spent last week processing what we’d heard at MCG. I had a bout with a stomach virus and Susan continued to have weakness and lack of stamina. We both struggled to do some shopping Saturday (her with weakness and me with the virus), and went home at half time from the Super Bowl party Sunday at our friends the Tanner’s.

By Monday it was clear that Susan was not just going to get better on her own. The inability to live life was very exasperating and disappointing. However, we had appointments with an OB/GYN and the family practice doctor Tuesday. They both spent a lot of time with us, discussing what we’d learned at MCG and what options we had. They both suggested seeing a psychiatrist as well as getting some additional blood tests to address any factors that might have contributed to the onset of conversion.

Susan spent yesterday afternoon at a local psychiatrist’s office. They were able to actually begin treatment for conversion disorder. Susan came home tired but having turned a corner and feeling very encouraged. She went today for more blood tests and is still tired, but things are much different around the house tonight. We have hope.

It’s not clear how quickly Susan will recover or when she’ll be able to return to work. For now she will just push it as much as she can and stay in touch weekly with her doctors to assess her progress. We’re taking it one day at a time, thankful that she can make a full recovery and that we are getting very good care.