Diagnosis
Well, it's here at last. After three months. The diagnosis :) We found out last week. After lots and *lots* of visits to specialists (the pediatric rheumatologist... the dermatologist... the infectious disease doctor...), the diagnosis is pretty clear. Thankfully, it is not any form of arthritis nor a hidden infection. It is not Lyme disease or lupus. It's just a very, very severe case of eczema. A condition that I will have to live with for the rest of my life. Everything - the exhaustion/fatigue, joint pain, infections - stems from my eczema. Nothing is really going to change, I just have to learn to live with it.
It's been a hard week, but I think the worst is over. When the doctor told us the diagnosis, it took all of my energy not to break down crying right there. I know it's not the end of the world, but it's still a hard idea to get used to. It's hard to wake up with pain, but instead of thinking, "It'll be over soon" , I have to face the fact, "This is life."
So, that's that. I wish I could say I've been happy and content in the face of trial, but, heh, that's not the case. Like I said, it's been a rough week. I'm grateful for this new stage of life - just as I turn seventeen - and I know I'll learn even more through the upcoming trials, and that beyond all the pain, He has "plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future." And I can rest in that =) Joy will come and so will contentment.
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
'It is well, it is well with my soul.'
Juliet, your patience, joy, and faithfulness through suffering are a constant reminder to me of how, no matter how hard things are, there is a way that God wants us to act. And you demonstrate it. Thanks so much!!
My dear friend,
God is good all the time. I pray for you every day (That is completely true) and I am honored to be your friend and to watch the Lord use you in ways we never could have imagined. I know He has and I know He will. Thank you for your example.
I love you so much.
Shannon
P.S. This summer? How about I visit? :-) (Mom: "If you want to visit Juliet, we might be able to make that happen.") Eeeee!
By the Omnipotent, may you be borne up in that way that brings the most glory to Him, and in turn, the most in eternal joy to you! But, I pretend not to understand what you truly feel now. I pray God, by His Spirit, comfort you. - A prayer from WA.
Juliet, you are truly a beautiful example of peace and joy. I am so sorry that you're having to endure this, but I pray that God will continue to grow you through it. I love you so much and you are always in my prayers.
GA: *big hug* Soli Deo Gloria. Thanks for *your* encouragement!
Shan: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This summer? For real, for real? Thank you so much for praying, dear.
Tightchord: Thank you, whoever you are :)
Carissima: I love you too!
This is a hard thing to deal with! I work as a Rheumatologist scribe in a medical office and love every minute of it, many of the patients i see on a consistent basis have such faith & hope. I look up to individuals who go through this on a daily basis.