Well, it’s confirmed that this lady DOES have a brain!

And the brain does NOT show any signs of a breakdown in the protective covering of the nerves, which would be MS…so MS is not likely.  Whoo-hoo!

The other news is that there is damage to nerves in my neck — a fact that didn’t surprise the doctor after looking at my X-rays. I’m all out of whack, and my spinal column is pressing on the cord and causing damage.  Unfortunately any kind of adjustments to my neck cause intense fibromyalgia flare ups. So no more adjustments, at least for awhile.

And finally it’s confirmed that I have a whole slew of foods, chemicals, medications, herbs, supplements and food additives that I am sensitive to. The ALCAT test does not measure immune response but somehow measures the reaction to the food over a period of time. No wonder I keep feeling like food makes me sick.  It does!

I’ve been a bit depressed pondering The List, as I’ve come to call it in my brain. But God knew just what I needed: a doctor who listens — and who doesn’t mind using email!  This evening, in typical hand-wringing fashion, I responded to the good news about the MRI and the bad news about the food sensitivities:

…I’m also depressed and discouraged about the food findings..I am afraid to take anything new, even vitamins and supplements. Afraid to the point of experiencing severe panic attacks. I am worried they will make me nauseous…Sometimes I’d rather just die in my sleep than have to worry about this incessant fear.

And then I got this back from my doctor:

I understand your frustration. Please keep in mind while we focus on what’s wrong, there are many things that are right!

How about that? I’m alive. I can walk and even run (if a monster is chasing me, that is). My heart is strong. Even though I have asthma, my oxygen levels are great. I was able to gain my weight back. When I cut myself, I heal. I have 20/20 vision — even at my ripe old age! My ears work great. I’m feeling much better now than I was a year ago, and I know more now than I did yesterday.

So…yes.  Good news all around! I will focus on Psalm 139 tonight…if I were a musician, I’d write some music for these incredible words:

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

My days were ordained, and no matter what storms you may be slogging through right now, your days were ordained, too! There is a way through.