I’m Coming Out

On By Sarah DuronIn multiple sclerosis

ihaveMSGuys, this is my “coming out” post! It is my first online confession of the new adventure I have undertaken, albeit, not one I would have chosen. So, here it goes. [deep breath] …I have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

What?!
It all started about three months ago. I woke up in the middle of the night feeling like electricity was all throughout my body. Thinking that I just drank too much caffeine that day, I went back to sleep. The next night it happened again, except it was much worse. The nightly episodes of misery, feeling like my nerves were exposed and misfiring, continued and worsened. During the day, I increasingly became more and more numb from the ribcage down, and also noticed that my legs were getting weaker. Finally, I went to the doctor. This was the beginning of a long process of doctor’s appointments, lab tests and MRI’s. Finally, on June second- my birthday of all days, I received the dreaded and increasingly apparent diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

So, what exactly is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a progressive autoimmune disease that causes damage to the central nervous system. The brain is the control center for the rest of the body, and communicates to the body via the central and peripheral nervous system. Much like electrical wiring, this interconnected system is covered in a protective coating called the myelin sheath. This coating acts much like the rubber casing of an electric wire, preventing electricity from escaping, and allowing messages to be transmitted. The immune system of a person with multiple sclerosis attacks the myelin sheath, exposing the nerves. (Oh, that’s funny, because that is EXACTLY WHAT IT FEELS LIKE.) Ultimately, as the disease progresses, the myelin is replaced with scar tissue, causing permanent disability. Yippee.

Why did this happen?!
Ironically, I was in great physical shape. I had been training to get certified as a Balance Culture fitness instructor. I have always been a health nut and a weirdo about keeping chemicals out of my home. I am a very happy person. I have the most amazing, beautiful daughters who fill our lives with joy and beautiful chaos; I have an amazing marriage to my best friend (who is as kind as he is dreamy); we are in Florida- the land of perpetual sunshine- near the beach and Disney World; and we are at literally the greatest college on the planet, Southeastern University. I am beginning the masters program, Ministerial Leadership, which is a bucket-list dream of mine that God has turned into a reality. Basically, everything is PERFECT! And then, MS hit the scene.

So, what now?
After a grueling decision process, I have finally begun treatment. We chose to go with Rebif, a self-administered shot three days a week that you are supposed to do for the rest of your life. I am two weeks into treatment, and so far, no side-effects! This is incredible, because all multiple sclerosis treatments come with the longest list of possible side effects and risks. God is definitely with me in this. I feel the effects of all the prayers that are lifted up on my behalf. The road hasn’t been easy. I haven’t handled this gracefully. I have had a whole slew of emotions, all the stages of grief: self-pity, depression, anger, rage, denial, Nutella binges, you know, the usual. It has been hard to accept that my life is forever changed, forever crippled by some stupid disease. But, for the record, God will heal me. I already feel it. And what a blog post THAT will be, so stay tuned! Anyway, whew! I am glad to have the “coming out” conversation out of the way!

Proverbs 4:18 is one of my favorite scriptures, and it says, “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.” I firmly believe that my future is bright, that the best is yet to come, and that my life will continue to get more, not less, awesome.

45 thoughts on “I’m Coming Out”

  1. Sarah… I had heard about this and we have been lifting you up in prayer..:David and I have been members of SCC for 27 years and have watched “little Denny” grow up… I have only visited with you briefly on a couple of occasions but you are one of the sweetest people I have ever met and we are believing for total healing in Jesus name!

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  2. Sarah… David and I are believing for you total healing in Jesus name! We have personally experienced His healing power in our own lives and we claim His miraculous touch for you!
    Kathy and David Lowrey

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  3. Sarah Gleason

    Oh my beautiful (inside & out) friend! God will use you mightily through-out your journey & you will inspire so many people I am certain! Another dear friend of mine that is our age has recently been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. It can be so scary but just know you are incredibly loved & prayed for!!

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  4. Teresa Powell

    Sarah

    You know how much I love you. Always have …….I am sitting in a pedicure chair unable to stop the tears …..just got a message from Amanda asking me if I knew. I didn’t.
    Your raw post was so beautifully written. I will be praying for you day and night. praying for your girls and DROD 🙏🙏🙏

    Please instant message me your address.
    You have an army of angels on your side
    With love,
    Ms Teresa

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  5. Lindsey

    Hey sweet friend, I’m so sorry to hear about this. You have been on my heart and I have already been praying for you and I will continue until you are healed. I had a heart condition years ago and the doctors had no hope for me but Jesus did. I pray the same healing for you my friend. I love you!!!!!

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  6. Lisa Barefield

    Sarah,
    You are a jewel not only me but everyone you meet. I am a firm believer that through Christ, you are healed & set free from MS. Anxious to witness all God has in store for you! I love you as my own!

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  7. Tony Foster

    Sarah, we had heard some talk about this possibility and have been praying for y’all. I’m sorry to hear that the talk was true and will definitely continue praying, and I am believing that this is an opportunity for God to show up and show out with His healing miracles.
    Love y’all!

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  8. Ashanti

    You are such an inspiration! This is victory blog number one!! I’m so praying for and looking forward to the healing victory blog!! You’re a champion! And it’s and honor to know you! I love you!

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  9. Abby Powell

    Sarah, I just want you to know first of all that you’re literally one of my favorite people to walk this planet. Your strength inspires me and I continue to still pray for you. It’s funny…the devil is thinking he’s winning but little does he know, that you missy are going to be healed. I know your story will touch so many lives through this season of your life. People will feel encouraged, strengthened and inspired to hear your story. I love you Sarah Duron and those beautiful babies are blessed to have such a wonderful and strong mom. And for Denny; to have such a wonderful and strong wife. You’re such a blessing!

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      1. Mary Jane Jennings

        Sarah, my family is standing with you and believing for complete health for you. One of the scriptures I have used through the years is Galations 3:13. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become the curse for us. (MS is part of the curse. So, you are redeemed from MS.) I also love that the name of Jesus is above every name.
        The whole Jennings-Hulett-Schuler family loves you and Denny Rodney. Your blog is awesome:)
        Come see us at Northpoint sometime.
        Love,
        Mary Jane Jennings

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  10. Kelly Rouse

    This is a beautiful spilling out of your heart Sarah- so real and raw and inspiring. You ARE handling this gracefully…allowing the Lord to use this for the good- no the GREAT purposes He has for you and those who love you. What a model of faithfulness and courage! And I am so proud to be your friend. You have a huge team of cheerleaders to pray with you and for you, to cheer you on as you conquer this! I’m believing with you for total healing! Sending love, strength, and prayers your way tonight and the days to come. Thank you for sharing this with us.

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    1. Thank you Kelly!! Im so proud to be YOUR friend!! And look forward to getting back and doing life together 🙂 I love and admire the difference you are making in the most precious lives :))) You’re a hero! Thank you again.

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  11. Sarah, Bob & I are praying for you and standing in agreement with you that you will be healed in the Mighty name of Jesus. We knew you and your precious babies at Celebration, and you have always been one of our favorites.

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  12. Reg & Susie Adams

    Sarah you have been on my heart so much through your diagnosis. I guess I should thank you for the increase in my prayer life! Reg and I are praying, believing and standing in faith with you for your healing! We love you!

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  13. Morgan McMullen

    Hi Sarah!

    I stumbled across your blog, because I love the Duron family. I’m so grateful for their example. Now, you’re a part of it. I actually was in the same preschool and kindergarten class as Denny Rodney. First of all, I am so sorry. Your diagnosis was the last thing I expected to read. I’ve had my own health struggles over the last couple of years, and I can totally relate. Although we don’t have the same diagnosis, I can relate to your feelings and the timing of events. I was a newlywed in the midst of my health issues, and I was ready to conquer the world too. I’ve always had a heart to make a significant impact for Christ. I’m sure that’s why I am so drawn to and encouraged by families like the Duron’s. I’m praying for you. I do believe that the enemy is trying to intimidate you. I believe that he doesn’t want you to know how strong Christ is in you and through you. He doesn’t want you to get a deeper revelation of His love and grace, and that’s what God will use this for in your life…to reveal His love and grace…for your good and His glory! As well as you know Him, you will know Him more through this trial. You will find Him over and over again in it…disguised as the face of your husband, family and friends. They will be His hands and feet. I felt impressed to encourage you. I know you already know all of this, and I encouraged by your choosing to share your journey in such an authentic way. There were times that God used complete strangers to speak truth into my life, and it ministered to me in a totally different way. God used my trials and health issues to show me the importance of rest. And that resting in Him is more productive than anything I could be “doing” for Him. When we are struggling and physically weak, we are dependent upon Him in an even greater way. I pray that you continue to walk in His truth…that you are more than a conqueror, that you will overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of your testimony, that what the enemy has intended for evil…our God means for GOOD. I believing that He will take you deeper and that you will walk on water. Keep your eyes above the waves. Keep your eyes on Him. His righteous right hand will uphold you. As you receive His comfort, I look forward to how He will increase your influence to comfort others for the glory of His name. I will continue to read about your journey and pray for you as God brings you to mind.

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  14. Abby Satterthwaite

    Sarah i have tears reading this. i saw your post on fb so i clicked on it to read. Thanks for being brave and sharing…. What a testimony … God will heal you… You are an overcomer in more ways then one…… I know your in the right place surrounded by the best people in the world ! ❤ Hugs loves and prayers coming your way! Im cheering for you sister XOXO Abby

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  16. Billy and Rhonda Jordan

    Sarah, GOD IS FIGHTING FOR YOU, BY HIS STRIPES, YOU WERE HEALED, YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR, THROUGH HIM! We will pray for you, and believe with you for YOUR complete healing, IN JESUS NAME! We love and bless you and yours!

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  17. Britney Bass

    What an inspiration you are Sarah! I remember you from Tech! Beautiful then and beautiful know! I came across your blog and I wanted you to know I’m praying for you! I can’t imagine all the emotions that come along with this news! Especially as a wife and mother! Prayers headed your way! I can’t wait to read how the Lord is working on your life!
    Tech Love!

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  18. eltonvealsjr

    Thanks for sharing your story. It’s in our weakness that his strength is made perfect! I was blessed when I read this… And was humbled all the same to read such vulnerability .. It’s super encouraging. Stay faithful to your course Sarah! Because HE is and has been faithful to us! Praying for you always!

    -EJV

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  20. Sandy Lunsford

    SO beautifully written. You are healed in Jesus name!!! I don’t know why this is happening to you but I am sure that you WILL get thru this, keeping the joy. You’re awesome and I just love you. Praying for you all the time! 😘

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  21. Carol Ann Pirtle

    My dear Sarah, it so saddens me and my family to hear of your illness! Know that we will be lifting you up in prayer daily. God is all-powerful and can conquer all diseases with a word. You are precious to me! Mrs. Pirtle

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  22. Alliece Cole

    Sarah just got a text n went to ur blog.. So sorry to hear.. My brother was diagnosed w MS 2 yrs ago.. We r believing for his healing n now yours… Standing with u… Prayin.. N I know God is gonna do great things thru u.. He already has… N He is not finished with you yet! “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27 luv u!!!!!!

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