Since my beautiful baby boy was born in November of 2015, I
have had a myriad of health problems. Including mini-strokes, hemiplegic
migraines, and blood clotting and thyroid issues. If I told a friend or family
member my diagnosis one week, it would change the next. I also felt that some
could not handle the load I was carrying and I would lighten it for them in the
moment. Those closest to me saw my suffering, and I am so grateful for my dear
ones who let me be angry, sad, and frustrated while we were searching for
answers.
Combinations of the spectrum of the medical field have
helped improve my conditions. And a great amount of healing has taken place in
an extremely short amount of time. Still I have felt unsatisfied. Too many
unanswered questions…until Wednesday. Some lab tests done in December confirmed
one doctor’s suspicions that I have certain critical genes that are mutated in
my DNA. This condition is called MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase/mthfr.net).
I have a compound heterozygous mutation, which is associated with decreased
enzyme activity, increased homocysteine levels, and basically explains every
health complication I’ve ever had in my life, including complications in
pregnancy. So where do I go from here? Three words: life style change. I cannot
change my genetic make-up, nor do I want to! But I can give the very best care
to the body that I’ve been given.
I am forever changed because of this trial. I am already
grateful for it. Grateful mostly to be alive! I believe in all good medicine,
and I am grateful for all the people who study and educate their minds to help
others.
“If we were to close the doors upon sorrow and distress, we
might be excluding our greatest friends and benefactors. Suffering can make saints
of people as they learn patience, long-suffering, and self-mastery.” - President Howard W. Hunter
I am a long way from saint. Feeling this awful has brought
back an old habit of swearing under my breath! But I do know that God loves me
anyway. He does. He really does. He loves us despite our imperfections and our
broken vessels. That is why He provided a Savior for us. The only One who
completely understands our pain and suffering.
“I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind.
In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us
unaided in the challenges that we face. Always there are those angels who come
and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal.”
– Elder Jeffery R. Holland
I know this to be true. As I’ve walked through my own
valley, sometimes feeling alone in a valley of the shadow of death, I have come
to know these angels. They have shown up at my door with flowers, spoken
encouraging words, flown across states to take care of me, fed my family, and
cleaned my house. I know many more unseen ones have guided me to inspired
physicians, spoken peace to my heart, and kept me safe.
I believe in miracles. MY LIFE IS ONE. And I will not take
it for granted ever again.
