"Anniversary"

You may know this story. Most of you lived it with me. But, this is a tale of battle and celebrating small victories and I'd like to share it so that God can get the glory. One year ago...in about an hour or so...I fell asleep. That doesn't seem like such a big deal, right? But it was. I was at an indoor percussion rehearsal: drums blasting, keyboards playing, cymbals crashing, Jenny snoring. It's just not normal to fall asleep amidst all of that noise. But, I had changed some things about my diet (eliminating caffeine) and so I figured it was just fatigue from that: not a big deal. Once caffeine was reintroduced into my body, I assumed everything would be fine. Not so much. I was able to push through work, but everytime my kids would go to P.E. or I'd have a few free minutes, I'd be asleep. That's not a shining point in my teaching career, but it's life. Praise God that I was able to last while they were in the classroom! I was taught to push through, and that's what I did. I would push for as long as I could, but when I had down time, I was asleep. I took a nap every afternoon and went to bed early. Realizing that it wasn't getting better and that it was greatly affecting my life, I went to the doctor. The doctor suggested that I had a vitamin D deficiency (VERY sad for a FL girl) and put me on an 8-week regimen of prescription supplements. While doing what I could to increase my vitamin D and see that my body was properly storing it, I missed quite a bit. One thing I'll never forget is when my mom, sister, and I went to The Fox to see Mamma Mia. I slept through at least half of it. Being passive simply was not a positive thing for me. There were many scary times, such as when I left a winterguard rehearsal and had to pull over at the local grocery store and sleep because if I didn't I might fall asleep at the red light again. My life changed drastically: I would fall asleep at random times, in random places, and in random positions. I kept a bag with me everywhere I went in case I had to stay wherever I was because I was too tired to drive. I was unable to sit through a church service and let's don't even talk about sitting through trainings and meetings. I'm sure I looked as miserable as I felt, having to open my eyes wide just to keep them open, take breaks so that I would be active, or fidget.

Well, once the 8 weeks were over, I was shocked. I just knew that toward that 7th or 8th week, I would start to feel that "pep" again. I'd get my energy back and be able to do more than just push through my obligations. The day I took my final pill nearly broke me. There was no miracle. There was no answer. It obviously was not a vitamin deficiency issue so we were back at square one. And square one is not a pretty place (just try googling "fatigue"). But, I'm not a quitter and I am a fixer. I desperately desired answers. As Carla jokes (and even told Brad when he married me), "Jenny doesn't necessarily have to have the right answer. Just give her an answer: it makes her feel better".  Boy, does she know me! So, I prayed. I confessed scriptures about healing, and I went back to doctors. Long story short (and yes, I'm taking out the most depressing sleep study experience ever), I've seen several doctors and the ultimate consensus is "narcolepsy".

Do I believe I have narcolepsy? No. But I do know that narcolepsy medication really makes a difference. The initial prescription was for something that would cost $100 per month, but my amazing doc back home (and Mr. Ottoway) suggested ritalin as an alternative. I take it three times per day and it makes a huge difference!  Brad even helps me figure out when I should take it if we're going somewhere so that it won't wear off :-)

The truth is, even without ritalin, I'm better than I was a year ago! I don't know what it is, but "narcolepsy" is answer enough for me...for now. Someday, I'll go to Progressive Medical Clinic and they'll figure it out, but that's not in the cards right now.

I had so many wonderful, supportive people who helped me every step of the way. My honey, family, friends, my amazing parapros, other coworkers...I just couldn't name them if I tried, so I won't. But, know that I am thankful for you. I love you and appreciate all that you are and all that you've done.

The funny thing is that I am truly appreciative for this experience. I was forced to re-think my priorities, forced to lean on God for everything (to get me through each day and get me home safely), forced to make some decisions about my present and future. I truly believe He has used this experience to get my attention and to make me do some things that I would've been too scared to do otherwise. Thank God for His wisdom, His provision, doctors, and all of the support I have received and continue to receive.