When I first met with my neurologist, he said that my condition (Dystonia) is genetic—not ands, ifs, or buts about it. So, he wanted genetic testing, and I had blood drawn for a genetic test on October 26, 2015. The company charged $20,210.00 for the test, and, fortunately, my insurance company paid in full.

When I had the test, I was told that my results would be available within 4 to 6 months. When that window closed without a word from my doctor, I contacted his office. His nurse told me about 3 weeks ago that the company was faxing the results to her that day, and she would then pass the results to the neurologist. I was nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs—I know these results have the possibility of informing me what the rest of my life will look like: Will I eventually be bound in a wheelchair because treatments aren’t effective? Will I be able to have deep brain stimulation surgery to ameliorate at least some of my symptoms? Do my sons, brothers, nieces, and nephew stand a decent change of developing symptoms? Do my blood relatives have a good possibility of passing the damaging gene on to their offspring? Yes, these results could inform me just what great impact to expect from my defective gene.

When a few days passed without any word from the neuro, I contacted the nurse again. The results, she says, are in his folder, on his desk, and a note is attached for him to call me to discuss the results. I learned that last week, and there’s still no call from the doctor—not a single word.

I’ve never been the most patient person, but I’m learning patience now. The doctor, although he knows the importance of the test (he pushed for it, after all), has not gotten in a hurry to let me know the news. I know I’m not his only patient. I know that he hasn’t lain awake at night wondering what news—good or bad—the test might reveal. But, I really wish he’d let me know something.

Pray for us. Pray that we might learn patience. Pray that we’ll know the results shortly. Pray that we’ll get good news. Pray that the test might lead to effective treatment.

Thanks so much to all y’all who regularly keep us in your prayers. God bless!