It has been 6 weeks since I started taking the L-Methyfolate. I have noticed subtle differences such as increased clarity, focus, and ability to handle stress. It is possible that as I continue on this medication, I will see some more subtle improvements.
I am still struggling in a lot of ways. I still have fatigue, nausea, and headaches every day. I am still unsteady at times and am still getting 1-2 migraines per week. I do not currently have any medication for migraines that works for me without causing side effects that are worth the relief.
I saw my neurologist today who clarified some of the gene mutation questions I have. The MTHFR gene I have is mutated at 1298 (one copy). It causes an inefficiency in how my body process folic acid found in nature into L-Methylfolate (which is the form the body uses). There is a range of inefficiency, from not being able to process it at all to being able to process different percentages. I could increase my folic acid intake by a large amount to correct this, but it is more efficient to take the Deplin (L-Methlyfolate), and skip the step of making my body work harder to process less or none at all.
Due to my consistent struggles with migraine, we are going to try to get my insurance to cover Botox injections for migraine. It is supposed to be effective at preventing migraine. I have tried other preventative medication that has been covered, but it has not helped and given me terrible side effects. Please pray that the narrative the neurologist writes will sway the insurance company to cover the Botox treatments. I'm not sure if it will work, but I'm willing to try.
I will also have a sleep study to check my oxygen levels and decide if a CPAP would help my daily symptoms. The past sleep study I had showed low dips in my oxygen while I slept. I'm not excited about the prospect of using a CPAP, but maybe it will help.
I've been so discouraged lately. I am so weary, and feel like it's been so long. 2 ½ years has crawled by and I feel like I don't remember what it feels like to not be in pain or be limited in so many ways. I've seen God's glory in ways I can't believe, and I know He is holding me through this. I'm grateful for all the lessons I've learned and this journey, but I can't help feeling down.
I know that even when I can't go on anymore, my King in all His power can. Please pray that I will continue to see God's glory through this path I've been set on.
Kate,
ReplyDeleteI can understand the suffering since I am in the same boat. I also had my TBI in May 2009. Still struggling with allday/every day symptoms - balance issues, fatigue, nausea, low level headaches etc.,
I am off of all the medications since nothing seems to help.
We all keep hearing people who recover so well after a severe TBI and I personally know quite a few and even one with severe brain stem injury who lost part of the function in one side but believe it or not she carries on life happily.
But these post concussion symptoms completely ruining my life. I am doing visual training exercises for few months and not sure it is helping much.
Sincerely hope your botox injections get approved and most sincerely it works for you. One good thing is still there are plenty of things to try to keep our spirit alive.
Best to you.
Sam,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you are in the same boat as me. It's a tough one to be on, but at least it's not the Titanic, lol! You are right, there are a lot of things to try and a lot of research being done. It could be worse. I pray you will find relief in something soon. Hang in there.
Thanks for the encouragement,
Kate
Thinking of you here. Day by day.
ReplyDeleteJo