Hello family and friends,
This is Karissa's mom. I realized that even though we announced it on Facebook a few weeks back, probably some of our family and friends are not on there, so that I needed to add an update in an email, and here on Karissa's mission blog.
Update on Karissa: Thanks to all that have been asking about our dear daughter since her return from her California Venture mission due to migraines. As you know she loved her mission and being a missionary. We are still searching for answers to her headaches. And we feel our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are aware of us and give us blessings each day to be grateful for.
Karissa had her headache doctor appointment today, which had both good and bad news. The bad news was that the doctor said having headaches start at Karissa's age was pretty normal and that she may have them the rest of her life. Since they are every day, Karissa will be starting again on medicine she was prescribed on her mission, Topiramate. Starting with 25mg a day for two weeks, then 50 mg for the next two weeks, and 75 mg and so on until 100 mg a day will be the max dose. Karissa will also continue taking the supplement, Magnesium, 500 mg. So the good news is, Karissa's doctor thought that Karissa should see a lessening of her headaches in a few months.
They will also be scheduling an appointment for an MRI in a couple of days. We are waiting for the approval and hope to get a call soon.
Also for those who did not know about Karissa's Chiropractor visits, here is the other update for those:
Karissa is doing pretty well but still having headaches daily. (Three bad migraines since she has been home.) The good news is we are hoping she is getting some help at a chiropractor for now. She has been going to a chiropractor every Mon-Wed-&Fri. They first X-rayed her and said she has a 'reverse curve' in her neck and many people they see with that, have headaches and so they are hoping to be able to fix it.
They said Karissa should see improvement soon, but they are planning on
seeing her for six+ weeks or more.
Also the first Sunday home they asked Karissa to help in nursery and she was able to stay but last Sunday I had to take her home after sacrament because of the pain. This last Sunday, she was able to stay all three hours at church. She was also able to help at missionary preparation class for the Youth and only had a slight headache. Hope we get more answers. Just thought I'd update even though it's only a little info that we have so far.
Thank you for your thoughtful prayers and for the many who have said they have kindly put Karissa's name in one of our temples. We very much appreciate it.
With Love,
The Karatassos Family
Also the first Sunday home they asked Karissa to help in nursery and she was able to stay but last Sunday I had to take her home after sacrament because of the pain. This last Sunday, she was able to stay all three hours at church. She was also able to help at missionary preparation class for the Youth and only had a slight headache. Hope we get more answers. Just thought I'd update even though it's only a little info that we have so far.
Thank you for your thoughtful prayers and for the many who have said they have kindly put Karissa's name in one of our temples. We very much appreciate it.
With Love,
The Karatassos Family