Guardian Angel

Our little family of three has taken a major hit in the last week. As previously stated, Troyce had a seizure at work last Monday. His job terminated him last Friday. Since he was only there for about six weeks, he didn't qualify for any benefits and they didn't have any job that could accommodate the restrictions his neurologist put on him. We have since applied for unemployment, but so has everyone else in the country. My eye is doing better, but it still isn't back to where it used to be. We are down to one income, and we are stressed. If anyone knows of any place that is hiring please let us know. He hasn't had a seizure like this in YEARS. He can do just about anything, including manual labor. We are trying to not lose faith right now, but it is super hard. Everything happens for a reason, and we don't always get to know that reason. It may be years down the road when we realize what that reason is. For now, we are going to be living at the bare minimum. Just k...

It’s been a few days since I have posted. In the mean time, Dawson had a stomach bug and then gave it to me, my mom, my sister, and my dad. My surgery is still happening on Thursday. Yesterday I had to go get Troyce from work because he had a massive seizure. He can’t drive anymore and has to have a note from the doctor to return to work. My faith is slipping. I feel broken and angry. Every night I pray to God and it’s like he isn’t hearing me. When does it end? When do we get to catch a break? I know He doesn’t give more than what you can handle. But I’m close.

Well, I have lost 5 pounds in the last month! I am so proud of myself. I work out just about every day, except Saturday and Sunday. I haven't been stress eating either, which is super huge for me. I also started Grad school yesterday. I did all of my work for this week and I have been researching for my first project that is due not this Sunday but the next. I don't know about this though. The professor is requiring APA format and all I've ever known is MLA lol. This is too hard! Kidding. I'll get it figured out. Luckily Google docs has an APA Report template. I haven't been thinking about my surgery. In fact, I haven't read a single pamphlet about it. I just keep hoping it was all a bad dream and that I'll wake up and be fine. I know at some point I have to face reality, but that isn't today. It'll probably be the morning of March 19th on my way to the clinic. Just keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I'm going to be very dependent for a while....

Ya'll. This time change has our house all messed up. Dawson was sleeping better, but he is so off his schedule. Mama is tired. Daddy can't remember to take his medicine. We are all out of sorts. I wish we could be like Arizona and not switch. That would be nice. I started grad school today! It is more intimidating than it actually is. Looking at the assignments, it isn't as much as I thought it would be. Fingers crossed I do well. I am thinking about free writing on my blog. I need to get my brain flowing again. I haven't worked on my novel very much lately and I need to just get the creative juices pumping. Would ya'll be interested in reading that? The posts wouldn't be geared towards anything, just any time I get a creative thought I would jot it down. I think I'm going to do it.

I have one full week and a half a week before my surgery. I am very nervous. It only has an 80% success rate. If it doesn’t work, I will eventually lose my vision. By how quickly they were wanting to fix it, I would say sooner rather than later. Troyce is doing well on his new medication. He hasn’t noticed any side effects. Dawson’s fever is gone, but his nose has been nonstop pouring for two days. This little snot monster is leaving a trail everywhere! My sister will be preaching tonight at 6pm at Sardis UMC so come out and support her!

Dawson woke up this morning and wasn’t running a fever. He did have one that was 99 but it’s back to normal. We will just have to keep watching him and see how it goes. We aren’t sure what keeps causing them. Each one of us has been hit with adversity. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we overcome this adversity.

Well, we have another fever virus. Mom took Dawson to the doctor this afternoon. Negative for flu. Ears are fine. Just a fever virus. And I’m just like, seriously?” Oh well. Tylenol, Benadryl, and cold compresses it is.

Dawson's fever got up to 103.6 in the middle of the night. I gave him tylenol and a cold compress and it came down to 99 by 2. It has stayed there. We aren't sure what is going on with his fever, or why he keeps getting them. It could be teeth, but we just aren't sure. I am already stressing about all of the medical bills we have. Healthcare is a joke. On a different note, I am down 4 pounds.

Well, guess who spiked a 102.5 fever today. Dawson. We have determined it’s from his molars. He can go to daycare tomorrow as long as he’s below 101, and he is. As for me, processing this whole eye thing is rough. I don’t know how I feel about it. But, God’s got this.

Here is the post you all have been waiting for. What is going on with Leigh Ann's eyeballs? Well, I do not have a tear. I have a partially detached retina and it is fairly large. In my left eye, I ALSO have a partially detached retina; however, it is much smaller. March 19th, I will go for surgery. They will be able to laser the left eye, but they are going to have to put a buckle in the left eye. How did this happen? Well the most common answer is trauma. I have not had trauma. I am nearsided, meaning I can't see far away. My eyes are longer and more oval shaped. Retinas are one-size-fits-all. My retinas had to stretch to fit my eyes, leaving thin spots. Over time, these thin spots deteriorated and made holes. This caused fluid buildup. Will I get more? Luckily, the retina specialist did not see any more thin spots, but I will have to go every year to be evaluated. I do not have any symptoms, and that baffles the doctors. Normally, a person with a detached retina would be seei...

I will have a very umm..what's the word..concerning(?), eventful(?) post to share with you tomorrow. I went to see the retina specialist today and let's just say that did not go over well. On a different note, Troyce saw the neurologist today. While she is unsure if it is in fact seizure activity, she does see a slower part in his brain. We already knew this. She is treating him for mood induced seizures. She did not say he can't drive, but we aren't getting our hopes up. He will have to go back and see her in a month. Happy and uplifting note, Dawson only woke up twice last night and he went right back down so this mama got some much needed sleep! We never know why things happen. Is it karma? Not necessarily. It is God's will. I have to keep telling myself that he will never give me more than I can handle. He pushes to limits, but he always knows what you can and can't take. Right now, my family is going through a major trial and test. We just ask that you sen...

$1,558. That’s how much an MRI and EEG is without insurance. And that with a discount from the hospital. That much money (plus $120 for the initial doctors visit) to continue a never ending cycle. $1,558 for a persons negligence almost 25 years ago. Troyce will see the neurologist tomorrow to get a game plan for medication for his seizures. He had one the other night. We just want to find a new normal. On another note, I had my yearly eye exam. Those of you that noticed I’ve been wearing glasses, I’m out of contacts and my prescription is expired. Go me! Well, I have a retinal year and I will have to have laser done to keep it from expanding. If it continues to gain fluid, my retina will detach and I’ll lose vision completely in my right eye. When it rains it pours. Y’all just keep us in your prayers. We need them so much right now.

Well, I finally decided to bite the bullet and add Troyce to my insurance. This whole process has been a struggle, and I'm so grateful for everyone who has been there for us. He will have to go see a neurologist to get put on medication, and then our new journey begins. On a positive note, Dawson now weighs 14.58 lbs and is 26.5 inches long! Yes, my baby is small. No need to remind me. He is perfect just the way he is. Dawson is a very energetic munchkin and we love him so much! I will be starting grad school next Monday and I am ready to get going. We are taking life one day at a time, but we are so excited to see what the future has to hold for us. Please continue to lift us up in prayer and send good vibes our way. We are going to need it.