Today I went back to get the results of my 3 month blood tests. I went not even expecting anything other than good news. I had a very positive attitude and was excited to hear that all my levels would be starting to improve.
I have to say that most of my levels were improving, from my hormones, thyroid, liver, and kidney tests were all starting to improve due to the supplements he has me on. The test I was most excited for was the candida test. I had not been able to get that down to a measurable level until I started taking essential oils. Since these oils the candida levels in my body were coming down. In fact before I started the oils my levels were greater than 100. Which means they were too high to even be measured. I took the oils for 4 weeks and my levels were down to 43. I went off of them for 6 weeks and I seemed to have many more lung flares due to the inflammation of the sarcs in my lungs. I went back on the oils and was re-tested 2 weeks ago. Today I found out my levels were even lower (40). I am pretty sure my candida levels went back up those 6 weeks I was off the oils and once I went back on them they started to go down. I also was able to see just how much more my sarcoidosis flares up when I am off these oils as well.
So along with all this good news the doctor also was very concerned about a new test he had run on me. I am not sure why he had these tests performed but he must have had a hunch. Today I found out I am insulin-resistance, or pre-diabetic. As he told me this news I didn't think much of it until he started to ask my family history of diabetes. I told him my dad has been a type 1 diabetic since he was 16 years old. I also told him both of my grandmas were type 2 diabetics.
I was so shocked to hear this as my diet has been pretty darn good. I know I have not eliminated all fruit or sugars but since this diagnosis I now have to be gluten and dairy free as well as fruit and sugar free. If I am not absolutely careful with what I eat and take the additional five prescribed supplements my body can easily slip into a full blown diabetic state.
I have to admit at first I started to feel a bit down, feeling that I had worked so hard these past 18 months at trying to feel better just to know gain another diagnosis. I felt as if I was talking one step forward but then two steps back.
As we left the office I started to talk to my oldest daughter who was with me and as a nurse herself told me, "Mom you have to really work hard at trying to not allow your body to become a diabetic because with Sarcoidosis I don't think your body could handle both diseases!"
I started to tear up at first wanting to cry at the overwhelming thought of taking even more supplements and becoming even more strict on my already limited diet. I thought of how careful I have to be so that I did not become a full blown diabetic but also with the realization that no matter how hard I try to avoid it, genetics could be the determining factor.
I tried not to focus on the what-if's and the overwhelming process ahead. I prayed in my heart to be strong and focus on the good. As I did this I remembered what the doctor had said about how being insulin resistance promotes inflammation in the body and how this could be another reason adding to all of the sarc flare-ups that I continue to have.
I felt an overwhelming gratitude and the thought came into my mind saying, maybe this is just another piece in the puzzle of uncovering what could help me with this disease. I thought back of how this Doctor had told me about the research he had done on this disease and how the latest research has proven that an infection in the body caused by microbes or bacteria, is what is leading to having sarcoidosis.
I also remember the conversation we had about a nation wide research which is currently going on all over the United States. I told him I was contacted to be a part of that study. They are taking 400 sarc. patients and studying the cause and cure for this disease. The reason for this study was because there is just not that much known on this disease. I also told him that the study was looking at microbes, bacteria, and fungus as being a part of the cause leading to infection in the body as a cause of this disease.
He was super excited to hear that what he was asking me to try was something that science was finally trying to prove. He also reminded me to take the SIBO (small intestinal bacteria overgrowth) test this next week and he will call me with the results. His hunch is that because I have candida I could also have this overgrowth, in which I do they will treat my entire body with a broad spectrum antibiotic for a few weeks that will kill all bacteria and then we will start a very strict regimen to build up the gut with good bacteria. His hopes is that by doing this we can eliminate the infections that are hiding in the lymph system and lungs that might possible rid myself of all the inflammation and flare-ups.
I know that the Lord is completely 100% leading and guiding me to finding these things that could help me, I know that He is in control and that I must trust in Him and this process completely. I know that if I do I will continue to find improvement and pave the way into putting this disease into remission and hopefully sharing with others who have sarcs what has worked for me.
Trusting in the Lord completely and this process, doing my part while patiently waiting and accepting whatever new diagnosis comes my way is what I must do to show Him that I will humbly do whatever it takes and overcome what ever I am given. I know I am never alone and He will always be there for me! I am thankful for doctors who care, family who loves me, and a Father in Heaven who hears and answers my prayers!
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