Most of you may remember a post I did not long ago about my unknown illness. If not, you can read it here.
I have some good news.
We know what it is.
It is a food "sensitivity."
I know. I was just as shocked as you are. After, are you ready for this, an allergist, a pediatrician, a gastroenterologist, a family medicine doctor, and back to the allergist again, we found out why I was so sick.
At some point, I developed a sensitivity to eggs, corn, barley, sesame seeds, walnuts, and shrimp.
Crazy, huh?
My allergist recommended cutting these food from my diet then eating one at a time and seeing which ones i reacted to. Let me just say, corn is now my worst enemy.
After all this good news, a new problem arose.
Anxiety.
With my illness, and going to college, and going to high school, and working for the Honors Mentorship Program, I developed anxiety and started having panic attacks.
I had started grinding my teeth somewhere in the middle of my food sensitivity so, the diagnosis of anxiety wasn't too shocking. I had also become uncomfortable and anxious about staying home alone for three hours in the morning before I went to school, something most people would find laughable. The worst part however, was driving.
Every time I got in my car to drive to school or go to work, I would get lighted or a headache, feel nauseous and my ears would start ringing. These are the classic symptoms of a panic attack and I have them every day.
I have been working with my doctor to find the best treatment for me. We are currently trying a combination of medicine and counseling to curb my anxiety and cut down on the panic attacks. Goodness knows I don't need to panic while driving.
Since my food issues have gotten better, so has my relationship with God. Let's face it, it's easy when times aren't rough but, I'm starting to think the physical journey was just preparation for the emotional one to come. He has been with me and given me the strength to fight through much of my anxiety and while I would rather not have it at all, it's all in His time.
God got me through my physical illness. I know he will get me through this emotional one.
