I can't even believe I am writing that! The statement begs for more hope and optimism than I am willing to dole out just yet, since the weeks leading up to this reprieve have been so horrible. But still, I am both hopeful and optimistic that things might be starting to turn around for me.
Nine days ago I underwent the first of a series of almost-monthly peptide injections aimed at repairing my broken immune system, which I now believe is the most likely cause of my recurrent sinus infections. My new doctor is treating me for Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrom (CFIDS, for short), as well as Chronic Sinusitis and Asthma. The website cfids.org has some great information for more on this condition. Here is a quick overview:
Almost everyone experiences fatigue from time to time. But for at least one million U.S. adults, teens and children, the fatigue is crushing, unrelieved by rest and accompanied by a constellation of other punishing symptoms. They suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS, also known as chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (or CFIDS). Its symptoms are debilitating enough to destroy good health and active lifestyles, end fulfilling careers and devastate families.
More people suffer from CFS than MS, lung cancer or AIDS. Yet 80% have not been diagnosed by a medical provider.
The local doctor I am working with is one of only a handful in the US performing this rather cutting-edge treatment for autoimmune and immune dysfunction diseases such as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Asthma, and others. It is amazing to us that we even found him: his ad in the yellow pages was located below that of a typical ENT/Allergist, and it stated: "We treat the cause, not the symptoms." THAT got my attention!
The treatment I have been receiving for four years (yes, we have now passed the four-year anniversary of the onset of my initial symptoms-- wow!) has been doing just that, to little or no avail. It was time for something new. Granted, I didn't expect to have to seek care in Florida at all. I thought, having just had sinus surgery and it being summertime, my most healthy season, I would be all set, at least for a few months. But that has not been the case. This past month has been perhaps the most painful of my life. The achy flu-like fatigue, headaches, and sinus pressure were nearly unbearable at times. Until just five days ago, I had to take one or two Extra-strength Tylenol every day by about 4 PM or I could not make it through the bustling after-school, dinner, and bedtime hours.
Now, for five days, I have had no pain, no pressure, and feel my energy is back to at least 90% of my normal energy/functioning level. Typically when I am "feeling good," my energy baseline is at 70% of my "normal" with occasional increases coinciding with a strong dose of oral steroids and/or Sudafed. This time, I am happy to say, it is all-natural. I have even been able to go walking on a daily basis, without any consequences! This feels fantastic.
So, as I labeled the title, I am now cautiously optimistic that I am on the road to recovery, Lord-willingly, once and for all. I am taking one day at a time, however, and will continue to keep my activity level low and my state of mind calm and relaxed. Thank goodness for my husband, who has stepped up tremendously in helping me in so many ways, any time I feel I need to stop and rest. He encourages and supports my newfound ability to relax (aka be lazy!) which for the first time in my life I am actually enjoying!
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