We're almost through the month of February. I can't believe it! This month has been better to me emotionally and mentally. But physically it's still been a little difficult. Between me and the baby we've been to more then half a dozen doctors appointments and procedures.

And I pretty much hate my new doctor 😭it's such a pain to find a new one!!! But this one won't prescribe any of the meds that keep me functioning. So now I have to scramble to find a new doc before all my refills run out. It's really discouraging and makes me so grateful for my past doctors who trusted me and gave me strong meds, trusting that I wouldn't abuse them. Sigh...

Joshua's been sick for several months now. I'm so glad we like his pediatrician! He's got RSV/Bronchitis now. Before that it was Influenza A. It's pretty ridiculous. I'm sure looking ford to Summer! I need a trip somewhere. 😎

Leif's just finishing up his final FNP class before his Precepting starts. He is flying out to Chicago this weekend for a big in person exam at his school. I can't wait until the 1st of March. He'll be done with school until we can find a Preceptor for him to round with. And don't even get me started on that!! We've never had something be so hard to fall in to place.😣😫😤😩😠.

So, on THAT not so POSITIVE note... the boys are doing well in school! And our ward family is Fantastic!!! And we have a new friend who was baptized this past weekend. 💗

So, in between the struggles, there are plenty of great things going on to keep us going. 😁

A Trip to The Mayo Clinic

The Mayo Clinic is a world renowned hospital known for working with complicated and rare diseases. They are champions in the field of research and diagnostics. 

Over the years as I've battled chronic illness I've always wished that I could have an appointment at the Mayo Clinic. But I never had the proper insurance carrier to go there; until now.

I realized yesterday that this very well might be the time in my life when I could qualify to go. And sure enough, our insurance is within their network. Even with the closest clinic being in Scottsdale Arizona. So today I called for an appointment. There is a huge need for care for the particular condition I'm seeking care for (Autonomic Dysfunction/Dysautonomia/Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) so there is a long waiting list. But that's ok with me. I need some time to prepare. 

once I get my appointment I will be flying or driving out to Scottsdale for a week of extensive testing and consults. It's not going to be convenient in any way, shape, or form. In fact, there's a possibility that Leif won't even get to go with me. Which would be SUCH A BUMMER. He might be in the middle of precepting for his FNP program. I am praying that it will all fall together so that he will be able to go with me.

While there, I will also have the chance to be tested for Osteogenesis Imperfecta and a second opinion about the Behcet's disease diagnosis. It will be monumental in my life to be able to talk with specialists about all of these conditions IN ONE PLACE.

Feeling Grateful and Excited!!

HCG Diet 2.0: Twenty Days In

It's been almost two weeks since I've updated about the diet. We're about twenty days in and it's been a success so far. I have lost about 13 pounds. I'm actually going to take a couple of days off because I'm going food crazy due to my period about to start. Also it's Valentine's day tomorrow. So I'll follow more of a Keto style diet for the next few days and probably a cheat or two. Hopefully it won't mess things up too much.

I have an absolute minimum of 10 pounds more I want to lose. I'll be thrilled if I can lose 15 more. I have enough HCG for another month. I'll keep you posted.

HCG Diet 2.0 Update: One Week

This week has been a whirlwind. Filled with a lot of struggle and sickness unfortunately. The stress has caused my auto immune disease to flare leading to a mouth full of sores. So eating has been limited to my shakes. Period. So the weight loss, yeah, it's happened. I'm NINE POUNDS DOWN.  That is a lot of weight and the docs would probably be right if they told me that was too much. But I'm not complaining. At least that's one thing this week that hasn't struggled. ;)

Little Man Has the Flu

We have finally figured out what has made Joshua so sick. He has Influenza A. Poor guy is miserable!!  So are we!  The only time that is a repreave believe it or not is during the night. He's so sleepy that he sleeps six hours straight which is better then his norm. Otherwise, yowza it's bad! His fever was 103. That's what tipped us to know it was more then a bad cold. gratefully that's broke.