Episode 39: "I Wouldn't Trade It For Anything" Says Jean Abbott After a Wrongful Diagnosis of Over Thirty Years Left Her Confined to a Wheelchair Your Biggest Breakthrough

Have you ever been told one thing, but it turned out that the truth was completely different? Can you imagine being told that you have a debilitating disease that you never had?
Today, we speak with Jean Abbott, a resilient woman with a mind-blowing story. Jean was misdiagnosed as a young child with Spastic Diplegia, a form of Cerebral Palsy
After 33 years of countless doctors visits, medical procedures, unnecessary medications she was correctly diagnosed with Dopa Responsive Dystonia (DRD) and given a new chance of life.
In this discussion, you'll hear...
-Why Jean says she would go through it all over again...04:30
Always wanted to show people that they could stay positive despite their physical limitationsOver 25 people got a correct diagnosis from hearing Jeans story
-Jean's faith journey...06:40
Jean accepted her debilitating condition and continued to trust God"When I think about the positives in my life, that's when I realize how blessed I really am"
-The effects of Jeans diagnosis on her family and growing up...08:20
Decided from a young age that she could still do everything all the other kids could do, but maybe just a little differentlyShe had 2 older brothers and nobody ever babied her
-How to shift limiting beliefs...10:15
Change prayer focus and how you're going about being close to GodDevotionalsDaily readings from Crushing by T.D. Jakes
-Jeans initial symptoms and diagnosis story...11:30
Diagnosed around age 4 with cerebral palsyLimited mobility with legs and armsSleep was a huge factor in symptomsSymptoms worse as she was getting older, which is abnormal for Spastic DisplesiaAfter having children, her symptoms were getting worse because sleep was decliningHad to use mobility scooterNo spasticity, no rigidity, lost all mobility that she had, couldn't even sit up in a chairDepression and anxiety set inDaughters were putting her to bed every nightStarted going to counseling with depression and anxietyWent back to another doctor and was told that something seemed strange and recommended a NeurologistWent to see new Neurologist and when she talked about the effect of her sleep. The doctor immediately said she thought she had DRD. Prescribed some medicationJean almost refused medication because she was in such disbeliefJean had new medicine and glass of wine at dinner that night and was able to walk alongside her husband to the car3 days later, on Easter Sunday (at 33 years old) she was standing in a parking lot without holding on to anyone (first time in a decade), that's when I realized my life had changedConnection to God in that moment that she had never experienced beforeAmazing calmness came over herEverything was scary but she wasn't going to let fear affect herNew doctor: Dr. Martha Nance
-Jean's best advice for those struggling with debilitating diseases...20:50
Trust that God has a plan for each and every one of usIf we hold on to the bitterness and hatred, we will be imprisoning ourselvesTry to reach acceptance for what we cannot change Take things day by day or even hour by hour
-How the family responded to Jean's new diagnosis...22:05
-The importance of accepting support during hardship...23:50
"If you let me help you, you're actually giving me a gift"
-Advise on asking for support...26:00
Be as open as you possibly can to let them inIf you say 'no,' you're pushing them awayJean's website
-How to...