I have a Mystery Illness

October of 1999, the fall I was 16, my prolonged summer illnesses showed no sign of going away, and I was starting to have a goiter in my thyroid. I was being bedridden nearly all of the time, and when I was somewhat ok?  I was at the doctor's office, trying to figure out what in the world was going on. Medicine after medicine, at first it was thought to be thyroid related, then it became clear it was something else, that was setting off my thyroid issues.  It would be 6 years before I got the diagnoses, "lupus like" immune dysregulation, aka a mystery illness, still unknown to the medical world.

 After more medicine than I could name, all of which were just making me worse, one wise doctor saw I was 90lbs at 5'11", and took me off all the medicines.  His advice?  Lots of green tea, herbal teas, broccoli, and melons to eat.  Caffeine, if I need it, to just keep me going.  For bad days take Aleve.

Thus it has been 4 years, slowly regain weight, and treating myself.  I rarely see a doctor now, save for annual physicals. What's the point?  They dont know anything about my issues.  Thankfully, I have only had small flares for a good long time now, except after being sick.  These have been a good few years, and I pray it holds on, as Rob and I prepare to head out to work with the Navajo in the next few years, and I seek what I am to do for ministry beyond helping Rob.  I know God will help me as I deal with all of this, and just help me keep going.

If your like me, suffering chronic pain or mystery illnesses, hang in there.  I am praying for all of us.
If your not suffering, pray for us and be here for us, thanks!

~ Michelle