Onward and Upward

Susan and I are ready to write the last post to this blog. We feel that we have all the answers that are available and it’s our task now to walk out recovery and return to normal life.

After visiting with an internal medicine doctor at Mayo on Friday 2/26, we came back to Athens and returned to Mayo the following Monday night. Over the next two days Susan had several tests done, saw a neurologist, a psychiatric PA and the internist again. Mayo had all our previous labs and reviewed them. In the end, their work confirmed what our other doctors had speculated – that the weakness and paralysis was indeed conversion disorder. Mayo’s approach was helpful because the internist looked at all the results from tests and exams and helped us to understand the whole picture.

The fact that no “organic” problem is present is a tremendous blessing. Ultimately, no one can say for sure why this happened when it did. Mayo did confirm that Susan is in perimenopause, a time leading up to her “change of life”. That could have amplified the effects of stress that was otherwise manageable for her. We are simply thankful that she will eventually make a full recovery. The results from Mayo will go to our local doctors. They will work with her on an ongoing basis to help control anxiety with medication, exercise, diet, etc. While the prognosis is excellent in the end, no one can tell us how long recovery will take.

So, how is Susan doing? Well, better but not recovered. Every day is marked by either fatigue or anxiety or a combination of both, but it’s clear that she is doing better each week. For instance, two weeks ago she struggled to take a 20 minute walk which left her exhausted. This weekend we took 2 walks, 50 minutes each and she was still able to do some things afterwards. Even so, something like being late for church can cause anxiety and tears can come for no reason. She is handling it all quite well, full of faith for recovery, pushing herself to be as productive as she can and focusing on regaining her health.

Once again I will thank you all on Susan’s behalf for your support and prayers. I’ll ask Susan to keep her Facebook profile updated from here on out.

It’s important at this point to say how much Susan and I are thankful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through this ordeal. Contrary to what some might think, sickness and suffering does not discourage us. Assurance of salvation and the rich life we have in Christ, which lasts for eternity, is much more valuable than momentary health and prosperity. There is only one God and he is the Pearl of Great Price!

God Bless you all!