Two months have flown by and I haven’t given an update on my health. It’s actually good news, and that’s the problem. My blessed life is so full that I end up having very little time to sit down and write.

So here are the updates from the last two months.

I had a rheumatology appointment in February which couldn’t have gone better. Back in October there were some numbers that were slightly concerning on my lab work. They didn’t treat it urgently like they did with everything else because it wasn’t serious, but it did warrant a closer look once the urgent matters were handled. The rheumatologist I saw was so thorough and informative. She told me what to watch for, but said she didn’t see any issues for me at all.

During the exam and while reviewing my charts, she said,

“Yeah, I really like what I am seeing. You look great. You are so healthy. Your weight is great. You are strong. Your eyes look great. Your skin looks terrific.”

She was describing someone who is not ill, but I took it as a compliment. I almost said, “Thank you. What about my hair and my outfit?” Being baseline healthy is something I used to take for granted, but not anymore.

My MRI was in March. It was my third one, but my first time doing the brain and spine together, so it took twice as long. The whole experience was daunting. After changing into a gown, they placed an IV for the contrast. I told the tech, “I may flinch, but that’s okay,” meaning don’t worry about my comfort, just keep going. He replied, “I would prefer you not to flinch.” I had to bite my tongue because I wanted to say, “I would prefer you not to stab me with a needle, but here we are.”

He got me all tucked in and was about to send me back until I asked about music. This has always been offered to people I know who have had MRIs. He said he could, but I would have to wear headphones. I told him that was fine. They already put noise-canceling headphones on you, so I wasn’t sure why that was any different. I requested peaceful worship music (which was provided at my other MRIs). CCM was the best he could do, but I took it.

As he sent me back into the machine, I still couldn’t hear anything but the noise, which sounded like a 1990s dial-up modem mixed with a warehouse forklift. After what felt like forever, I finally came out for a short break where he still preferred I not move. We got the music working, and then I went back in.

At that point, I started to get discouraged. I don’t remember exactly what he said over the microphone, but it sounded like I was only halfway done. I was over it. Lying perfectly still without any visuals for that long feels like a form of torture. I didn’t think I could do it much longer.

When the machine slid me out again, I started crying. He asked if I was okay, and I said no. I considered quitting, asking to come back another day, or even having J bring me something for anxiety from the waiting room.

“Are you claustrophobic?” he asked.

I said no. Inwardly, I thought, “In the sense that I immediately panic in confined spaces? No. I’ve never been claustrophobic. But in the sense that my body doesn’t like being confined to a metal chamber with no movement for 90 minutes? Yes, I guess I am that kind of claustrophobic.”

I told him I didn’t think I could finish if I was only halfway done. He assured me I was much further along and only had about 30 minutes left. So I went back in and finished.

The good news is they got great images, and the results showed no disease progression, no active lesions, and no new concerns!!!

That was confirmed at my neurology appointment earlier this week. She did a full cerebral function exam. She noted everything has improved/back to normal, and I am rejoicing over that.

Lastly, I had a neuro-ophthalmology appointment yesterday. Last November, I started seeing double and having significant vision issues. It was debilitating in some ways. They sent me to a specialist right away, but I didn’t have optic neuritis, which is the most common vision issue MS patients typically deal with.

At that first appointment, I was in tears because the doctor couldn’t find anything wrong and was ready to send me on my way. I refused to accept that and scheduled a follow-up. I also asked to see a different doctor, no matter how long I had to wait or how far I had to drive.

Thankfully, my vision improved a lot after treatment, but I wanted to keep my appointment just in case there were any concerns.

This most recent doctor visit was much better. After thorough testing and a careful exam, she diagnosed me with monocular diplopia. She could see from previous scans that there is minor damage to my optic nerves, leading to severe dry eye syndrome, which causes the type of double vision I have.

My brain has adjusted, and it is so faint that it doesn’t bother me. I don’t notice it unless I think about it, but it is still good to have answers. I can also use over-the-counter gel tears if needed.

I don’t have any more checkups until I see my neurologist again in the summer. I am so thankful for all the prayers and the good reports. Most of all, I feel like myself again.

Thank you, Jesus.