It’s been a while! (… and a doozie)

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

- Thessalonians 5:16-18

Hi Friends!

It’s been a while and, after a long wait through the springtime to meet new doctors, a lot has started happening this past summer. And, it’s been an overall positive trend, even with a few hiccups and hurdles. 

First, my new pain doctor has continued with the occipital nerve blocks with a different solution and a more gentle procedure. This has resulted in a faster, week long recovery verses a 4-6 week long recovery! He also added trigger point injections throughout my neck and upper back in July which, paired with his nerve blocks, has caused a noticeable change and improvement in my pain management. 

Secondly, my primary care physician sent me to a myofascial release doctor, who has been life-changing in working on my connective tissue and nervous system! My movements have improved over the summer to the point that the rocks-feeling I had in my joints - especially in my hips - has lessened to a gravel/sand-like-feeling!! Translation: I’m moving more smoothly and even walking faster. This doctor also gently aligns subluxations back into place, as well as aids with my spasms. And he encourages my continued chiropractic work, as well. 

And finally, the biggest improvement - if you can believe it or not - has been by the help of my new POTS specialist/cardiologist. With changes, tweaks, and additions to my home POTS protocol, I have more, regular blood pressure back!!! I still have bouts with heat intolerance which will make my blood pressure and oxygen levels drop. However, being able to move around more, be awake more, and have more of my mind with comprehension back has been the biggest relief, physically and emotionally. 

The effects of really low blood pressure, with the great fatigue and surprise of additional pains related to it, was so unexpected. It seemed to amplify the physical pain that had not yet been relieved, which was really excruciating and discouraging. Y’all, I could barely lift my cell phone to text or read something without crying out in pain from the weight of it and/or the frustration from not understanding and being overwhelmed by the simplest communication. I had difficulty keeping my eyes open; even rolling over. A normal, ideal blood pressure range is 110/60 to 120/80. Mine varied between 69/41 to 102/56. And I had been dealing with it since August 2022.

Between the occipital nerve pain and low blood pressure on top of the already painful management of Ehlers Danlos, with all that comes with that, it was as though all I could manage was a quiet survival mode where I felt as if I was bearing a massive barbell of weight and waiting until, looking forward to, the release of it all. I could hardly think through much around me or even follow storylines, visually or audibly. Though, I made the best attempt I could to interact when needed to do so.

Thankfully, I wasn’t alone! First and foremost, I leaned on and rested my mind in my Lord, on the finished work of Jesus Christ and the promises imputed by that awesome, historical event. The Lord has blessed me with an amazing, dutiful, vigilant husband who is such a wonderful caretaker to me. He also brought alongside Mark and me a great crowd of encouragers, “A Friend of Jesus”, and helping hands. (And oh! What burdens y’all have been used to lift!) 

I praise God for His gifts and promises, these improvements which are enhancing my quality of life, and I praise Him for y’all - your prayers, aids, and helping hands!

Thank you for using the site and for your grace with my lack of communication. Gratefully, I’ve started coming out of some of the fog from this bout and can start posting more often and reconnecting with loved ones! 

God bless each and every one of you! And may God have all the glory in my circumstances and in yours.

Thank you for your time! Love, Na’Cole.