Come for a visit, stay for the hospital-ity

I am so grateful and thankful so many of you-all have been concerned about my health. I have been very reluctant to write anything about my health, because, well, I do not really want to talk about it. I am enjoying Christmas, and the topic of my health seems to drain the life out of my joyous mood. But I have decided to share a brief summary of my health escapades to get folks up-to-date on my current state of health.

Last week, I was very ill. I was struggling to breathe without gasping for breath. I frantically called my doctor's office, and praise be to God, I was able to get in the same day to see the doctor! The doctor was very concerned about my ragged breathing. He ran a few tests, I saw a several more doctors, I was given oxygen and ultimately was wheeled over to the hospital. (I was a bit shocked by this. I knew I was not feeling well, but being hospitalized seemed beyond comprehension.) While hospitalized, I saw a lot of doctors, was poked eight different times (two of which were for arterial blood gases...VERY PAINFUL!!!), did some more lung function tests and was started on a non-invasive ventilator.

For the moment, it appears my mitochondrial disease is affecting my diaphragm. This makes it very difficult to breathe. I can only take shallow breaths and thus always have shortness of breath. Doing the least bit of activity makes me gasp for breath and talking makes me very tired. Sleep has been very difficult because I struggle to breathe when lying down. The increase in labored breathing is causing stress on my heart. In order to compensate for the decrease in oxygen being inhaled into my lungs, my heart is being forced to pump hard and fast to deliver the needed oxygen to my cells. This added burden has caused a significant decrease in my heart's ability to pump blood effectively.

Now that I am home, I have been using a non-invasive ventilator at night and any time I am sitting or lying in bed. The ventilator uses high pressure to force air into my lungs. When I breathe out, the pressure is drastically reduced to allow my lungs to exhale carbon dioxide. This machine has been incredible! It is a relief to not be struggling to breathe all the time. I have more doctor appointments and testing in the days and weeks to come. Unfortunately, there is nothing which can be done to reverse this process. Mitochondrial Disease affects muscles, and the diaphragm just happens to be the most recent victim of the disease. I am very grateful for everyone's love and support. "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything gives thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).