Falling into Place

This was my view of hope! I know that is so tacky, but it was true!

When I saw this medical center, I didn't want to go in. I didn't want to know if they could or couldn't. I took my sweet time in the car, and got so nervous I kept having to pee. That's never happened before!

At first we thought the neurosurgeon was telling us no, but he was just explaining the research board and the data from my case he would have to give them for movement disorder research. I was a definite yes, and "that is generalized dystonia if I've ever seen it." I said, "Oh yeah, in my left arm and leg and right upper arm." He said, "No, all over, I can see it in your face, and your right leg is turned in. That's not normal." I was also asked about "freezing." I said, "Yeah, when it gets cold it worsens it." "No, freezing, like cramping and locking up." 

Apparently I have a kind that freezes rather than spasms and causes involuntary movement. Maybe that was the reason it had gone on so long with a lesser diagnosis. That's the first I had heard of it! It was the first time I've been to a doctor that could tell me about my disorder, and not have to explain it to the doctor. (Side note: This is absolutely okay because my disorder is rare. No doctor is going to know every weird disease. However, I have had tremendous help in the past by doctors who take my information, research, and help me based on what they were trained to do.)

They set the dates right there and then. Whoa. HUGE sigh of relief.

I don't want to re-hash, but this is my journal, and I wanted to be diligent in posting my DBS experience. Right now I am so overwhelmed with excitement, it hasn't hit me. To get this out there, it is not experimental anymore. During the visit we found it is quite standardized for Parkinson's, essential tremor, and even extreme OCD and depression can be treated with DBS. However, it's still scary and an implant in your brain. It is a longer process to "program" the pacers after insertion to get it to a therapeutic level. There can be setbacks, but most importantly, progress and success! If you know me, I'm a nurse that is scared of needles lol. SO. Not even thinking about the procedure, I'm just busy being excited! So there's my little DBS adventure for now. My dates are in December, starting with a half-day brain map MRI under anesthesia. They use robots now at this center to perform the procedure! In fact, I can be asleep for this! (Which is awful good because I would have a knowledge of what's going on if awake... darn my OR rotation in nursing school haha!)

And onward! I will continue with little blurbs in here! 

I sure love this guy  below :)

He's stuck by my side no matter what, he is really a strength through all of this.

Or maybe he's just super excited we make IKEA trips when we are down in Denver. We have our favorite traditions now! We are lucky the healthcare team behind the DBS is only two hours away in Denver! This experience is sure drawing us closer. 

Until next time, Denver!

Back in Laramie, everything has been going smoothly. It is very difficult to keep up with everything I used to do. Laramie has been a blessing. My work has been a blessing. I posted this too, but here's a little record of the newspaper I was featured in. My work is putting on a few fundraisers in which I am so grateful for. 

Read article .:HERE:.

Austin and I have been working hard, in all honesty to get this semester over with because it's been crazy. We are trying to make time to relax and have a date here and there! The Crowbar has been a favorite for us, and I realized I never really take photos from downtown Laramie. This town has been so good to us. I really could stay here. 

One of our favorite yogurt shops: Cloud 9 

I mean who doesn't love candy-coated pop rocks and mochi? Only me? Okay nevermind haha! I'm still a kid at heart :)

Austin and I absolutely love dusk, especially when it becomes crisp during the fall!

Laramie has had an especially beautiful fall this year. This was taken just outside my work!

I swear I'm going to buy that green house one day... some of the old-time architecture is too neat here.

And the Crowbar!

I may be a little too excited at the fact everyone is putting up Halloween decorations, even the stores!

I have a goal to snap some shots of the town and everyone's decorations, before snow comes! It's not too far off... in fact tonight is a 50% chance of a frozen mix, I better hurry!