Thursday, February 8, 2018

More Tests and a Health Update

 


   Monday I had a doctor's appointment for routine blood work and I also had a physical.  Unfortunately, or maybe it was fortunate in some ways, I was have a Fibro flare and was having trouble sitting down, getting up and even walking.  You could clearly see the pain in my eyes too.  My doctor took one look at me and immediately knew that I was struggling.  I told him that I was having a flare and also told him it was on the milder end of the scale compared to some.  He asked me to describe what a bad one was if this was "mild" and I told him it was when I had to hold onto the walls just to walk and was in even more pain than I was right then.  I also shared that I was in pain every day, but that flares took it to a whole other level.  He took a look at the rash on my face and told me that he was going to test me again for Lupus, R.A. and for inflammation in my body along with all the other things he normally tests me for.  We talked about how all of this was affecting my mental health, along with the stress brought on by the ugly extended family situation and me no longer being able to work and how this is affecting every aspect of my life. I shared that I feel like I have lost a huge part of who I am and it just makes me feel sad and I want the old me back.   He then worked with Jeff and I to come up with a comprehensive plan to try and help me feel better and is having me try a new medication to see if that helps.  He knew that when I actually conceded to try a new medication, that I must be desperate because I do not like taking medications at all, preferring to use just natural supplements and such.  He then examined me, asked some more questions and then gently helped me sit back up. He then told me that I was to call him, his nurse or the hospital if I had any questions or problems with the new meds or if my anxiety gets worse, especially since Jeff is gone at night for his job and I am alone.


   I am still awaiting the results of my blood work, but do have a follow up appointment in 2 weeks to see how I am doing.  I suspect that we will be going over my blood work at the time and making more treatment plans if it comes back that I have Lupus or R.A. or both.  He is really leaning towards thinking that I may have Lupus, although I have tested negative for it for years even though I have the "butterfly" rash on my face that past doctors had thought was just Rosacea.  Since it is getting worse, he wanted me tested again.  On one hand, I do not want Lupus at all, but on the other hand, there are medications that you can take that help with that and with the pain that comes with it.  At least that gives me hope if I do show that I have it.


   Some of the many reasons I appreciate my doctor so much is that he sees all of his patients as individuals and gets to know and really care about each and every one.  He takes an interest in our family and always asks how our kids and grandkids are doing.  He is gentle and caring and you can see the kindness in his eyes.  He goes out of his way to help you and will really listen and support you.  He knows that finances are tight for us, so he suggests things that are low cost or free to help us get healthier.  He is also there for us when we need him and we do not have to wait for weeks to get in to see him for the most part.  We can usually get in within a few days time.  He actually takes time with each of his patients and becomes their friend, as well as their doctor.  He is honestly one of the most compassionate people I have ever known.  I have been in a puddle of tears in his office several times now and he is so good to try and help me in any way he can and comfort me. He understands my anxiety issues and does not dismiss me thinking I am "off".  He also understand that I need to have Jeff with me for most of my appointments and is fully supportive of that.  If he can't treat me for something, he seeks out the best doctor he can find who can and follows up to see how I am doing. 

   So now we try the new things he suggested and wait to see what the results of my blood work are.  I am already starting to see a difference in my sleep and have gotten 2 nights of having a little over an hour in the deep sleep stage, something that has been eluding me for years now.  I track my sleep on my fitbit so it has been interesting to see the changes already.  I am also getting more of the REM stage of sleep.  So far, it is helping and I hope it just keeps getting better.  Even this little change is giving me more hope.





 

 

22 comments:

  1. I am so glad you have such a compassionate doctor. What a blessing!
    I hope it is not Lupus, but an answer is an answer. Go from there.
    I hope the medication works for you. Lack of sleep and quality sleep can cause many, many problems as well.

    Take care my friends. Gentle hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Cheryl, I am hoping not too. It is wonderful to have a great doctor who really cares. And thank you for the hugs. :)

      Delete
  2. I really hope these new meds bring you some relief, Debbie - how awful that you have to live every day in pain. I'm glad you have a wonderful doc that you trust, that's so important and I'm sure brings you much comfort!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Debbie, it really is. I am really hoping that something helps give me back even a portion of my old life. Be blessed. :)

      Delete
  3. It's wonderful that you have a kind and caring doctor who notices when you are struggling and who provides compassionate support. If only all doctors were like that! I hope that there will be some solutions for you in whatever those blood test results show. Take care! Meg Xxx

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi - I have RA - it is in my shoulders all the way down to my feet. thankfully though - it is not in my back or neck. It is difficult to work - I have a home daycare. the getting down on the floor, back up again, lifting children takes its toll. I go to bed very early - between 6-7 - just to lay down and rest - I sleep pretty good though most nights, and I get up at five. I am really sorry you are alone at night...with my anxiety and panic I dont think I could do that at this stage in my life. I did it for years when my daughter was young - and it was so hard - I was so afraid all of the time. I have my husband now - and since my daughter and divorced with our two grandchildren - they live here with us -- it is such a blessing to have a house full now with my anxiety. Financially it is very tight for me (my husband survived stage 4 cancer) and can not work, both my grandchildren have some special needs - especially my grandson so my daughter can not work....-- I am really glad to hear you have a good doctor.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Meme, you are dealing with so much and I am sorry that you and your family have gone through such hard things in your lives. (((((HUGS)))))) and lots of prayers for all of you.

      Delete
  5. I am so happy you have such a compassionate doctor.
    That makes all the difference!
    I am so happy you are finding some relief, and pray that you will get some answers soon. Anxiety sucks! Hugs my friend. : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Billie Jo. Anxiety does suck. I don't know how I would make it without my hubby and my family and friends. My doctor really is a huge blessing too!

      Delete
  6. Your doctor sounds wonderful. I hope the blood test results will help with the diagnosis and you can get relief from the pain. (((HUGS)))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Bless. I am hoping so too. I would love to be able to go back to doing even half of what I used to be able to.

      Delete
  7. Hopefully, they will find some answers. Knowing would be better than wondering, no matter what the results. I have a very active imagination and can think up many scenarios that never come true, thank goodness. But, when you've faced a lot of trauma in your life, you can't help jumping to the worst conclusion.

    Sleep makes a huge difference to me, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so right Becky and that is exactly how I feel. (((((HUGS)))))

      Delete
  8. Hi Debbie!
    I'm glad your feeling better and hope that you don't have Lupus, but that they find out what's the best treatment for you, so that you can feel better.
    We are praying for you, this side of the Atlantic!
    :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Paula, I hope not too. I'm still waiting on the tests results. Thank you so much for your prayers. (((((HUGS))))

      Delete
  9. Debbie, there are so many great treatments for Lupus and RA. I am proof of this. I hope you can find out what is going on. I feel so bad for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I really do appreciate the encouragement. Were you able to get out this weekend and enjoy the weather on Saturday?

      Delete
  10. Debbie, Prayers sent your way and hope you feel better.And have answers soon. I have a question for you about fibro do you lose your balance and fall at times. I have been going thru this for a year and all the tests show nothing but I do have some other signs of fibro and wonder if you experience this. Thanks Joyce

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HI Joyce and thank you. I do know that is one of the things that can happen with Fibro, along with other conditions. I will get light headed and have vertigo sometimes but have only fallen once and I am not sure that was Fibro related for me. I hope you are able to get some answers too. This is such a frustrating disease and seems to take forever to get a proper diagnosis.

      Delete
  11. Thanks Debbie, I am aware of that and just began putting things together to see what it could be. Thanks hope your feeling better. Joyce

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HI again Joyce, I am feeling better, thank you. :) I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete

Thank you for taking time to comment on my blog posts. I really appreciate it and being able to get to know you through your comments. I hope you have a wonderful day!