Jennifer Kay Lewis

“And They Overcame Him By the Blood Of The Lamb and by the Word Of Their Testimony.”     Rev. 12:11

After much thoughtful prayer and encouragement from a close friend, and a woman of God, I have decided to share my personal walk with this man-made ‘diagnosis’ of Spinal Cerebellar Ataxia.  I would like to educate my readers about a disease that I have progressively walked with for years.

“Who are You?”  You are a Child Of God.  So am I!  Therefore, with a huge ‘leap of faith’ I would like to share my personal chronicles and provide a ‘testimony’ so that maybe I can help inform, encourage and inspire another.

“Perhaps the biggest problem with this disease is that it can so easily be misdiagnosed. A vitamin B deficiency, dementia, or Parkinson’s disease could be given as a wrong diagnosis.”                                 http://spinocerebellarataxia.org/spinocerebellar-degeneration.com.

Personally, I was diagnosed in 2004.  Doctors have informed me “we do not know the exact ‘type’ of Ataxia you have.  This SCA, affects my ‘balance’, walking, muscles, nerves, and has gradually weakened fine motor skills. In 1998, my first journey led me to Mayo’s in Rochester, MN.  Doctors ordered an MRI, performed an uncomfortable lumbar puncture, and evaluated countless blood-tests, hoping to define my symptoms.  The calendar counted days for about a year.  I went back to Mayo’s to be seen by a ‘team’ of specialists in the neurosciences.  (unfortunately, more scientific tests revealed no answer.)  Several more months passed before taking me to the next stop:    Washington Medical School/ Teaching University in St. Louis, MO.  The panel of doctors I saw there are among the best in the nation.  (Another MRI and numerous blood tests were all negative for suspected MS and Parkinson diseases).  Yet, another year came and went.   I ventured to UCLA in Los Angeles, CA.  (their 290 research centers are well-renowned).  After extensive aggressive tests, they eliminated many supposed diseases and disorders.  Finally, in 2004, my last effort proved successful.  The University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA would provide an answer.  Specialists  in Neurology there performed a battery of comprehensive examinations including another lumbar puncture, an MRI, and many more blood tests.  They diagnosed me with Spinal Cerebellar Ataxia, (SCA).

“She is clothed with strength and dignity,  and she laughs without fear of the future.”                                                                                      Proverbs 31:25

“Due to the fact that SCA sufferers know that this disease is not curable, it is important to show them utmost care. The discomforts and frustrations experienced by SCA sufferers are often extensive. Friends and family members must show their support at all times, helping the patient to live an as close to normal life as possible.” http://spinocerebellarataxia.org/spinocerebellar-degeneration.com

http://spinocerebellarataxia.org/spinocerebellar-degeneration.com

 

“Whenever you feel unloved, unimportant, or insecure,  remember to whom you belong.”                                                                     Ephesians 2:19-22

My Prayer: “Father God, only you know my future.  In your eyes, my life is like a spectacular parade.  I can see only a block or two, however, you can see from the beginning to the end!”  Replace my unsettled thoughts with your solid words that “promise me a hope and a Prosperous Future” and offer your Blessed Assurance.                                                                 Let my life be a Rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”

“Each patient will soon learn their limitations. The important thing will be for friends and family members to help them to feel comfortable, cheerful and wanted. Unconditional love has always proven itself as a healer.”                             http://spinocerebellarataxia.org/spinocerebellar-degeneration.com

            “Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created.”  Esther 4:14

Growing In Christ,

Jen

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“Thank You So much for taking your time to read my true story.”