1 year ago today I stood on this stage and led what turned out to be the my last Christmas Eve service. This moment is something I look forward to every year! I am so thankful a band member captured this picture so I can forever remember it!
1 Year Ago
This moment was pure joy 1 year ago. I had no idea my life was about to be forever changed. I tested positive a few days after this with COVID and then that is when all the craziness began. A long list of debilitating symptoms started to develop about a month later. A few months after that, along with many doctors appointments, ER visit, and multiple tests, I was diagnosed with POTS.
This journey I have been on has been extremely challenging. I have learned the hard way what life with a chronic illness is like. Nothing can prepare you for something like this. It’s hard to stay positive when you know there is no cure for what you have. It’s hard to keep fighting when you know you won’t get better. I have had to step down from the job I loved and am still in a battle for disability.
It is WAY easier to give up than to wake up each day and fight. But that is what I am going to do! Each day is a gift we are given so let’s make the most of it.
Today
While I don’t know what the future holds, I know for sure that we are well loved and cared for. I cannot even begin to say thank you enough for the prayers, love, encouragement, unexpected financial blessings, and support you have given our family! This means the world to us!
I am far from where I want to be, but find myself getting stronger each day. While I may never step on to this stage again for this moment, I am thankful for the incredible 3 years I had at Calvary serving as the Worship Pastor.
If you find yourself in a difficult season of life this Christmas season, know that you are not alone. We are in this together. PLEASE take every opportunity to show love and kindness to those around you. You never know how much that simple act of love can forever change someone’s life!
PLEASE take every opportunity to show love and kindness to those around you. You never know how much that simple act of love can forever change someone’s life!
Also, if you do not know Jesus, I want to share that there is NO way we could have gotten through this past year without our faith in Christ. Dealing with chronic illness is such a difficult daily battle and you need all the help you can get. I would love to share with you how my faith in God helps me find the strength to not give up. Please feel free to message me if you would like to talk more about this!
Merry Christmas and let’s make this next year a year full of victories!
Check out this post to find out more about My Unexpected Battle With POTS.
I can’t imagine what you are going through but I know Our Lord is There. I have known you since you were in 5th grade. What a godly Example you were when I met You. I am honored to be a minuscule part of your Life. We Truly Love You and Your Family.
Thank you so much for the encouraging words!
I can’t imagine what you are going through but I know Our Lord is There. I have known you since you were in 5th grade. What a godly Example you were when I met You. I am honored to be a minuscule part of your Life. We Truly Love You and Your Family.
Do you have a recommendation for doctors in or near the Texas panhandle? There are no certified specialists in this state and therefore my physician is just treating symptoms the best he can. I know I have POTS, my cardiologist ruled everything else out, and I have the genetic markers for Ehlers Danlos syndrome. I’m trying to find someone to help bc both of my children are showing early symptoms of both POTS and EDS. I want to know if I have MCAS syndrome as well, due to allergies getting worse. ( all of these are genetically related) I’d like my kids to know as much as they can so they don’t have all the anxiety and misdiagnosed psychological disorders like I did, if that time comes.
I am so sorry to hear that you have POTS and can’t find a specialist in your area! Unfortunately I don’t know of any in the panhandle but you can use this map on Dysautonomia International’s website to find other options nearby:
http://www.dysautonomiainternational.org/page.php?ID=14
That’s not the only list out there, but hopefully it will help! You can also try contacting The Mayo Clinic as well. One of the most frustrating things about this is how difficult it is to find a doctor who knows how to diagnose and treat POTS! I’m literally writing a blog post about that now! Please feel free to reach out with any other questions. I would love to help any way that I can!