Updates

So it has been a little while since I last updated on the lives of the Jordan Crew. We are doing just fine. No extra kids staying with us, Trey’s surgery to re-remove his adenoids went well & he’s breathing well, DJ’s studies are coming along nicely & I am learning more about my physical condition.

I have been to numerous doctors & it has been frustrating to be “dismissed” by multiple doctors that don’t treat RSD & then refer me to other doctors that also don’t treat RSD. This past week DJ & I travelled to Richmond, VA to see a specialist there. Dr. Merritt far exceeded our expectations - he sat & discussed treatment options, medications & tests that he wanted to confirm Reflexive Sympathetic Dystrophy. I am scheduled for a 3 Phase Bone Scan which is considered the gold standard to diagnose RSD. Thankfully I was able to get that test scheduled here in MD & not have to travel to Richmond for that. He started me on some medications to help my central nervous system stop throwing the fit that it’s been throwing & my pain has lessened considerably for which I am grateful.

I learned that Raynauds Syndrome, a condition that I’ve had since I was a teenager, where my fingers & toes get very white & numb when exposed to cold weather is NOT a circulatory problem which I had previously been told but rather a nervous system problem where the nerves on my blood vessels constrict causing the poor blood flow to my extremities. Dr. Merritt hypothesized that I have always had some central nervous system issues but have managed them prior to this event. Having Raynauds does make me more susceptible to RSD as both conditions are caused by a hyperactive central nervous system. Low doses of anti-seizure medications have helped to decrease the response of my central nervous system to the point of injury.

I am thankful for Dr. Merritt’s medical opinion & analysis of my condition. He helped DJ & I recognize many of the other minor health concerns I have had might have been either caused by or exacerbated by an overactive central nervous system. This led me to start looking for an alternative medicine doctor. As a critical care RN, I have great respect for critical care medicine & medications that can save one’s life. I also value preventative care to keep one from needing critical, emergent care in the first place! Preventative care might mean taking synthetic drugs but it can also mean altering ones diet & lifestyle. I have seen Applied Kinesiology work very well, in conjunction with natural supplements, in maintaining good health. Obviously there is a time & place for both approaches to health & well-being. I am taking steroids, anti-epileptic drugs in attempt to get things under control for the “critical state” that my foot & leg are in but hope to maintain good central nervous system health through more natural long-term treatments. So that’s the plan & I will let you know how it works.

The child that we are hoping to adopt is still lost in a bureaucratic system of chaotic paperwork & social workers but I think it may just be God’s way of giving us time to get my foot under control before adding another special member to our family. DJ has been wonderful in encouraging me to persevere through the discouraging times & this challenge has strengthened us both individually & as a couple. Thank you all for your continued support & love.