A new door opening

I received a call last Tuesday while I was in Missoula, MT for a work meeting. It was from the National Institute of Health asking if I would still like to participate in their Movement Disorder study.  I was floored.  I had all but given up hope that they'd call. I mean, it's been like five months since the neurologist submitted my name for the study... They wanted me to come May 12th, just 13 days away at the time.  I couldn't believe it...could I make it work? Could Wayne come with me? What were they going to do? Would this help? So many questions...

After a quick call to Wayne I told them that I was available. They asked if I wanted anyone to come with me. Of course I said my husband, please! We fly out this Sunday and will back Tuesday.  Whirlwind trip, for certain.  I admit I am scared to death.  Wayne summed it up best... he'd rather be dropped off in the wilderness with just the clothes on his back then go back East. I totally agree. I just keep telling myself it's going to be an adventure. :)

I was just excited I was "normal" enough to drive myself to Missoula last week!  Now this??! It has been a long time since I drove myself anywhere that sort of distance. I was really worried, but I did fine and didn't seem to have any problems.  I was a bit twitchy in the afternoons and evenings while I was there, but I think I hid it well from my coworkers. All in all my trip last week gave me confidence that I can do it.  I will admit that I was pretty dang worn out when I got back home on Friday night.  I'm sure I over-did it....ok, I KNOW I did. :)   

Now I get to fly somewhere I've never been. SO thankful I won't be alone. I don't think I could do it otherwise. I told Wayne what if they decide I don't fit their requirements for their study? I would feel so guilty having NIH invest in airline and hotel accommodations and not be able to help them.  Wayne, of course, had the perfect reply..."It's science. You're part of a random sample. That's just how science works."  Leave it to my left brain.  :)  

Well, whatever they find I hope it helps....not only me but also helps others that are going through this bizarre disorder.  I'm not sure if they're going to do an MRI with their fancy MRI machine that looks at the functional areas or what.  Guess that's part of the adventure.
I'll try and keep up with the haps over the next couple days on my blog. 
Stay tuned!  :)