Cautiously Optimistic

Wednesday July 4, 2007

Someone wrote today asking if my diagnosis had been positively confirmed yet.

The neurologist says that all of my signs and tests point toward ALS; however, there is no definitive test to positively confirm ALS. The only way to know for sure is to wait and see if the disease progresses, and it’s too early to say.

It's a bit confusing, though, because some of the early symptoms are the same as hypothyroidism, and my family has a history of having thyroid issues that don't show up on blood tests. So, even though my thyroid labs look normal, I have 19 of the 21 symptoms. (The only two I DON’T have are depression and tiredness. ☺)

So, after telling us that he was quite sure that I had ALS, I asked the neurologist if I could try the thyroid medication to see if it might make a difference. He said that I could, and he immediately wrote out the prescription. I've been on that medication now for 12 days and several of the symptoms of hypothyroidism have dramatically improved. The most hopeful ones are the ones that overlap with ALS, like my swallowing is back to normal, and my slurred speech is gradually improving (meaning that I don’t always sound “drunk” ☺)

All of that to say that we still don't know. We are "cautiously optimistic" but only time will tell if I have ALS or hypothyroidism. Meanwhile, I feel really well, and that's weird with such a heavy diagnosis hanging over our heads.

Today Paul and Kristin came from Pennsylvania for four days to celebrate Independence Day with us here at David and Rhonda's. That means that our whole family is together, and I can assure you that this is the best medicine on the planet! Four grandbabies under four create the sweetest kind of chaos, and I am loving every minute!

Please continue to pray that God's perfect will will be done in my body. He is a good God, and I want him to get the glory he deserves through all of this!
There’s not one doubt in my mind that He can heal me—no matter what I have!

I feel absolutely buoyed up by your prayers and my confidence in Him is FIRM!
Thank you for praying!