Hi all!

Hi there.  I wasn't sure if I was supposed to use the thread thats already there or start my own so if I did this wrong, I am sorry :)

I am 24 and live in the Chicago area.  I was diagnosed with mito in May 2008.  It effects me in many many ways.  I have gastroparesis and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction.  I have a few...attachments.  I have a G tube, a surgical J tube, and a Hickman central line.  I am currently failing at J tube feeds but unable to start TPN.  When I had the surgery to place the line, it is theorized that something went wrong and the anesthesia damaged my liver.  We are still waiting for those numbers to come down.  I also have reflux and ulcerative esophagitis.  I have an autonomic dysfunction called POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome).  Essentially, when I go from sitting to standing, my pulse jumps through the roof and my blood pressure bottoms out.  I've had several bleeding peptic ulcers.  I have hypothyroidism.  I have astigmatism and myopia.  I also struggle with transient neuropathy, which is a load of fun.  I'm sure there is more that I am missing.

Outside of being sick, I work full time.  I teach special education, low incidence severe and profound.  I absolutely love my work and get very depressed and down when I am not able to be there.  I am also active in my church and a few other volunteer things.

My life has really changed over the past year.  I have had to reevaluate things and shift my priorities.  At one point, I wanted my masters in nursing but know that will not happen.  I have had to slow down and let my body really guide what I do, I am known to take on everything and then crash and burn.

I'm really glad I was lead here and hope to get to know you all more!