Good Morning,

I’m saddened to hear of your wife’s struggles. I know personally how frightening it can be to suddenly become ill, seemingly without any warning. But please speak life concerning your wife’s situation. Her career is NOT over, merely delayed for a time.

In May 2015, I went running like any other day and it was a wonderful run. After stretching and getting into my car I proceeded to have a syncope episode for no apparent reason. In the wee hours of the night, I was rushed to and admitted to the hospital. After three days, I was discharged and referred to a neurologist. Just three days prior, I had accepted a position in another state and was excited. Since things had not yet worsened, I believed whatever was happening would pass. It did NOT. By mid-July 2015, I awoke imprisoned in a body foreign to me. My red and white blood count was low. I was severely deficient in all major vitamins and minerals. I was hypersensitive to light, sound, and smells. Chronic fatigue, pain, and insomnia became my constant companions. I went from reading and analyzing 100-150 pages per day to feeling like 15 pages were a marathon. Chronic brain fog and memory issues became the norm. Needless to say, I was devastated and terrified. I was rotated through doctors and lived at the lab. I was told everything from it’s just stress to I’ve never seen anything like this.

I knew there was an answer and I’m privileged that I am a researcher. It has taken 4 1/2 years to get to the answer, really to confirm the one I found three years ago. Over that time, I had to go on disability for 2 1/2 years. I’ve worked since I was 13. In April 2016, I almost died because what doctors were doing to help me was killing me, since they were unaware of my diagnosis.

I returned to work, before I received the diagnosis, from the Mayo Clinic, about two months ago. Yes, everyday is a struggle but I’m grateful for how far I’ve come. I remember when I also thought I will never be able to return to doing what I love. I attribute my improvement to a number of things. At the top of the list is what I think, feel, and believe about my condition. I shifted from fear and the belief that I would never get better to believing I would eventually find the answers and I would get well. Our bodies are designed and have the capacity to heal if we give it what it needs. I really encourage you both to read Mind Over Medicine, by Lissa Rankin, MD. She is a Ivy League trained allopathic/Western doctor turned board certified functional medicine doctor. Although the book is well researched, it is not a difficult read.

I also thought my illness “just happened” out of nowhere. I now realize that there were subtle signs before it’s onset. I’m happy to chat more and share resources, if you and your wife would like. On my journey, I sought answers from traditional, allopathic medicine as well as alternative and functional medicine. I found that both have their benefits...when you find the right fit for your needs. One has to be very discerning since chronic illness is big business.

I’m praying for your wife and you. Your wife will get better and there is an answer. I don’t know how long it will take but it will happen. You both have to believe it too. “What we choose to believe becomes our reality.”