The last 48 hours have been a time of (im)patiently waiting.

My 27-year-old had some health issues about a month ago that we saw a dermatologist for treatment. After bloodwork and a biopsy, he diagnosed her with leukocytoclastic vasculitis. LCV is an inflammation of the small blood vessels for some reason, and, in her case, was releasing blood under her skin making it appear she was bruised in several places on her body. He prescribed a medicine, she took it, and I heard no more. I monitored the bruising.

About three weeks after that appointment, I noticed something happening with her leg that prompted me to contact the dermatologist again. Over the next 7ish days–while waiting to see the dermatologist–her leg got increasingly worse. She could barely walk, in lots of pain when walking, bruising from the knee to the ankle which increased daily, and more.

Dermatologist appointment was Tuesday morning at 8am, and I went fully prepared to end up in the Emergency Department. I was concerned about blood clots, blood cancers, other cancers, just let your imagination run wild and I probably thought it. Dermatologist did send us directly to the ED as he also was concerned with blood clots. Over the next 14 hours, my girl had blood drawn multiple times, two CT scans, two ultrasounds, no food, and lots of great nurses.

The CT scans and ultrasound showed no blood clots nor internal bleeding, which is GREAT! However, it didn’t answer any questions. Her blood work came back with very low hemoglobin and several other numbers way out of whack including her B12 and thyroid function. The hemoglobin was low enough that two units of blood were ordered to do a transfusion and she was admitted to the hospital. So, after 14 hours in the ED, we were transported to the second floor for observation and a little more testing.

We saw the hospitalist late the next morning (Wednesday) who asked a lot of questions, looked at her leg and her numbers and then reiterated the words of the ED doctor, “I have no idea what is going on. This is confusing.” Or something of that nature. Little did they know, that’s what every doctor says about my girl. After the blood transfusion, her hemoglobin had risen slightly and held there each time it was checked; however, still low. An antibiotic was started.

A hematologist came in and addressed anemia, extremely low B12, and the thyroid numbers. She did say all the blood tests she had ordered for the scary stuff were “fine” and there was nothing wrong with her blood. It was “probably autoimmune” and she needed to see a rheumatologist. Since there is no rheumatologist on staff at the hospital we were, they mentioned transferring her to another hospital. Another antibiotic was started, as well as B12 shots and levothyroxine for the thyroid. Oh, and an ultrasound of the thyroid.

Thursday morning, my girl was not having it anymore! She was ready to have her IV out and go shopping. Never mind, she still can barely walk. But, lack of sleep, constant noise and poking and prodding makes one a little grumpy and ready to go home. Don’t misunderstand, everyone was spectacular with us, but it’s just not enjoyable for anyone.

Doctor came in much earlier Thursday morning and said she was “safe and her hemoglobin is still low but stable” so he was sending her home and putting in an urgent rheumatology referral for her to be seen. I had told various people that it was like her body was attacking itself, and the doctor made a similar statement when speaking to us. He felt like the attack was over though and he sent her home. Notice, I have never said she was better, because she is not. Her leg is still swollen. She is still bruised in numerous places on her body. Her hemoglobin is still low. Her B12 is still low. Her thyroid numbers are still out of whack.

A year ago, none of these things were true. Her bloodwork one year ago today was all normal. I have no idea what is wrong or where we are headed, but my girl takes everything in stride. She has never had things “easy” and has learned to adapt and adjust at every turn. So, we will soon see a rheumatologist to find out what is going on inside her body, and we will manage her pain and swelling until then.

She is so blessed with so many people who love her. One person text and said they were praying for us and were sorry we were going through this along with all the other things in our life. My genuine answer to them and to anyone is, “I am blessed with a good family, many good friends, and a good, good God!” He protects and cares for us throughout every step, every turn, every tests, every everything. We leave our life in His hands and trust in Him fully.

We aren’t done with this journey, this is just the past 48 hours.

Forever Blessed.