Well, ladies and gents, I am on a new chapter in my health and wanted to update you. I wish I could say my new year started off with bang and I'm ready to take it all on. However, God is commanding my attention. With that I am proclaiming, "I am an overcomer".
If you remember, I shared that back in November I had what I believed I to be signs of a stroke (a TIA). You can read that post
HERE. I am not one to sit and wait for trouble. Over a year ago, two of my blogging friends had major strokes within a year of each other. Right then I began to research what causes stroke and how to avoid it. At that point I decided to cut out much in my life because I could see how I might end up on the same path. I am a dietary health nut, so I don't take things lightly.
After that November occurrence, I tried to get into a general physician a few days later so that he/she could refer me to a cardiologist. However, they immediately told me to head to the ER despite the fact my vision impairment happened days ago. Mind you, they didn't listen to me and what I was saying.
TRYING
So, feeling kinda hopeless, I headed to the ER hoping to get some answers even though I didn't believe they would be able to find anything. I was right. After many tests, they sent me home with instructions to follow up with an optometrist. I didn't believe my eyes were the problem, but rather a symptom. But, being the good girl I am, I headed there anyway.
More tests were performed and the doctor told me he believed I had previously experienced retinal migraines in the two events I had earlier last summer, but it didn't explain my last episode. I asked him what if it happens again, he said we just will have to wait and see. I didn't like that answer. Wait and see? What if I have another and it's stronger?
The optometrist then suggested I follow up with a chiropractor because I had been having alignment issues. That could be very likely, but I still wasn't convinced. My family on my paternal side has a history of heart issues and I didn't want to wait around. So, I head to the chiropractor and get an alignment and no answers. Here I am again...I am an overcomer.
WHAT NEXT
Two days before New Years, I began to feel that same pressure in my left eye and then a few bouts of dizziness. On New Year's day, I had another episode where I saw kaleidoscopes again. This time they were longer. Afterwards, I have the same symptoms...supremely weak, woozy, and tired. It's because brain cells are damaged and your brain is working like crazy to make repairs. Plus, it interrupts your sleep doing the same repair work. No fun.

I am still in that place as I type with slow improvement, thankfully. On that day, I called the ER to see what steps I should take, they told me I needed to figure it out for myself that they couldn't tell me what to do. Ummm...yeah. Then, I called the optometrist and he referred me to an ophthalmologist. I still don't believe my eyes are the problem, but ophthalmologists can see signs of stroke or tumors, so I headed in immediately.
FINALLY
After two hours of testing to show that my eyes are perfect, he pronounced. "You're having strokes". An enormous wave of relief mixed with panic set in and I started to cry. It hung with me for a minute or two until the doctor asked me if I work. I replied, "Yes, I am self-employed."
"Okay, what do you do?" I wanted to respond...what don't I do? haha.
"I'm a blogger". Knowing full-well he most likely didn't know what that was offhand.
"What's that...what's blogger?"
"I create content online with DIY's for just about anything." He then picks up his phone and starts to search me out online. He pops open my blog and is like, "oooh....!!" He got so excited that I began to laugh and laugh. Boy, did I need that laugh right then. God is good. Laughter is the best medicine.
The doctor continued to be excited discussing my projects and blaring my videos. Smart man, I tell ya! He then showed the office (and the whole waiting room could hear his phone) what I do. There I stood eyes dilated, with vertigo, and head full of thoughts mixing around. I decided to choose joy that I can move on to getting some answers.
*please refrain from offering medical advice. If you feel you truly have something to share with me, just email. Thanks!
ONWARD
So, tomorrow, after much work by the doctor's office to secure me a quick appointment, I am heading to a cardiologist to see what's going on. FINALLY. I covet your prayers for direction in this for all.Just think though...it could have been worse. Without a doubt, God has me in the palm of His almighty hand. I am an overcomer and I choose JOY.
Death has tried to take me before. However, I came back mighty and ready to complete what He has planned for me to do.

I believe, without doubt, that I am under attack from the devil. He wants me to shut up speaking truths to YOU. He wants me to quit, he wants me to succumb. Ain't nothin' doin'!!! Remember this from
my last post?

For those of you concerned about the possibility of stroke or similar, I suggest the
Life Line Screening. It is affordable and they cover the basics for looking for stroke, cancer, and heart disease.
LIFT IT UP
If you are also faced with trials (health, finances, work, relationships) that seem larger than a mountain, say, "I AM AN OVERCOMER".
Give it to God. He's got the biggest shoulders in the world to carry it all. Share with us your overcomer stories! We need to uplift one another.
Most of all...never give up. All we are asked is to have the faith the size of a mustard seed (Luke 17:6).

For added encouragement, I wholeheartedly suggest diving into God's word. Open it up and explore all there is. It can be daunting, but start by looking up promises. Also, getting your hands on the movie of the same name, as well. Inspirational! Plus, this new book called, "Praying Through" looks promising to help us all when we are not sure how to pray.
Also, I invite you to pin and share so others will join with us saying, "I am an overcomer". There's nothing God can't do.

Thank you for joining me in my journey. My family and I are so grateful we have wonderful support. {{hugs}} Here is an update
in this post and video below.
UPDATE 2023: It wasn't until June of 2022 that I realized I've been married to a neurodivergent man, that some of my children are also neurodivergent. What is more, I've learned of my family of origin having enormous impact on my physical health in October 2023.
ALL OF THAT is what's causing my unknown "strokes". You can read
my journey beginning HERE.

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Also, more hope as I am an overcomer:
