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From time to time, I will add updates on my continuing Rheumatoid Arthritis experience. Since being diagnosed with RA, I have been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis, Type 2 Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease (Stage3), Liver Disease (NASH) and Sleep Apnea. You have to wonder what then plan is for me. I may add comments on these items along with the RA. Though my tone may be down at times, I will add entries about better days too. I have reorganized the page so my most recent entry is first. Life goes on and with the help and understanding of family, the doctors and continuing research, so we shall, too! How I began my journey on the RA highway
December 8, 2008 -
My RA has been going though a rollercoaster ride
of flares for a couple of months due to (I think) the many cold fronts moving
through Central Florida. I have been monitoring the left hand. The
joints of the middle finger appear to be bending towards the right slightly
moving away from my ring finger and pressing on my pointer. My thumb has
become weak and in constant pain down into my hand. At my last visit to
the doctor, he gave me shots in my thumb and shoulders. I think he missed
the target on the thumb although the shoulders are less painful. Several types of ESWL devices exist. Most devices use either x rays or ultrasound to help the surgeon pinpoint the stone during treatment. For most types of ESWL procedures, anesthesia is needed. In many cases, ESWL may be done on an outpatient basis. Recovery time is relatively short, and most people can resume normal activities in a few days. Complications may occur with ESWL. Some patients have blood in their urine for a few days after treatment. Bruising and minor discomfort in the back or abdomen from the shock waves can occur. To reduce the risk of complications, doctors usually tell patients to avoid taking aspirin and other medicines that affect blood clotting for several weeks before treatment. Sometimes, the shattered stone particles cause minor blockage as they pass through the urinary tract and cause discomfort. In some cases, the doctor will insert a small tube called a stent through the bladder into the ureter to help the fragments pass. Sometimes the stone is not completely shattered with one treatment, and additional treatments may be needed. Until next time. August 12, 2008 - I've been without Humira for 8 months now and I certainly feel the difference. I am fatigued most of the time and must take naps to somewhat refresh myself. My doctor started me back on Plaquenil about 2 months back and it appears to be about 70% effective. I awake each morning and I must have cereal before taking my pills or risk becoming ill. Once I have my many meds I go back to sleep for at least 2 more hours while they are taking effect. November 26, 2007 - I just received information on my Humana insurance for next year. If I want to continue my Humira, I will have to pay 33% of the total cost starting January 1, 2008. Humira costs $1500.00 a month so I would have to pay $500.00 each month! This is something I can't afford to do so I am now in the process of finding another less expensive drug that will slow the progression of my RA and let me be somewhat mobile. July 19, 2007 - I know it's been a long time. I have been busy changing insurance and adjusting. In February I meet with the Social Security Disability judge and was approved for benefits. Since then I investigated different insurance programs to determine the best one for my situation and came to the conclusion that an Humana HMO plan was best for me. Choosing Humana involved changing my primary and Pulmonary doctors but getting the Urologist back I had to drop when changing insurance in January. After a shaky start, Humana has me organized and flowing again with my doctors and tests. Below is an update my health challenges:
So, overall I am stable at this time. September 10, 2006 - Well, I have quite a story to tell so sit back and I'll try to make it interesting. On May 18th, I said I was having Kidney stone problems. After 4 months of pain and passing many stones, it was suggested I see a Nephrologist. Because of all the stone problems, my Kidney function has been reduced to 45%. Now, to add to my ever growing list of health troubles I have Chronic Kidney Disease. I have added a list of health troubles at the bottom to help me keep track. May 18, 2006 - It has become somewhat more difficult to do things on the computer. The RA has been rough lately. I am more fatigued and my concentration is lacking. I am going through a time with Kidney stones again and even had Lithotripsy to destroy one of them. While going through all the tests involved for Kidney stones, I was informed that my Kidney function was not up to par. Now my primary doc is reevaluating my blood pressure pills and my RA doc has temporarily stopped the Celebrex. He said to take double doses of Tylenol for pain but not to take anything for inflammation. Where this is headed is yet to be seen. I will let you know more as I find out. The diabetes is still in control and the only problem in that area now is my weight. I can't seem to drop anymore pounds and am now fluctuating between 296 and 302. That's it for now, my hands can't take the typing anymore. February 14, 2006 - Long time, I know! The unusual COLD weather here in Florida has been causing havoc throughout my body. On my last visit to the RA doc, I told him about the extreme pain in my right knee so he sent me for x-rays of both knees. Results are coming soon. My son and his wife took all of us to a dinner show (Capone's) for my birthday and a bad choice on my part, I took advantage of the all you can drink cheap Rumrunners. The "Devil" entered my body that night and it took 4 days to exorcize him! A suggestion to others, WHEN YOU ARE TAKING MEDS DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL!! But at this time, I am back to feeling pretty good except for the knee. According to my quarterly blood tests, my diabetes is well in control which is good. And the Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), also known as Tic Douloureux has calmed to the point of almost nonexistent. I guess I can look forward to more sudden attacks in the future. October 29 - A lot has happened since July. First, my RA is finally back in line after the insurance fiasco. I am back on Humira and now back on Methotrexate and they seem to be helping. On my last visit to the RA doctor, he injected cortisone in two of my fingers to help with pain and movement. It worked for about 3 weeks and then they began hurting and getting tight again. I saw my primary for what I thought was another flare up of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. I have had 2 flare ups in the past 15 years and assumed it was the same thing. This time it was something different or misdiagnosed in the past. The doc's conclusion, Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), also known as Tic Douloureux, considered by many to be the "most terrible pain known to man." After researching TN extensively, I found out it was known as the "suicide" disease years back. The lightest breeze would drive me crazy. I had a CT scan, MRI and MRA with a dye injection and nothing was found. Thank God there were no tumors but it didn't answer my questions about the pain. I am on Tegretol for the pain but have to get used to it as it is causing dizziness and nausea. And the pain is still lurking under the skin waiting to be triggered. I wouldn't wish TN on my worst enemies! July 10 - Well, as I said on June 16, we are experiencing a delay in transferring our insurance. I got fed up with the grass and forced myself to mow it. I was down with pains for 3 days. I went to my primary doctor just before the insurance delay and he prescribed the Prozac. He also stopped the Lopid because it wasn't making a difference with my cholesterol. The blood test was for cholesterol and liver enzymes. The next one will test my Hemoglobin. I don't think my Glucose meter is working properly. I tested before a meal and after a meal. The reading was 145 both times. We will see. June 16 - My wife and I went on a trip over Memorial weekend. We flew back to New Jersey to visit with some of my side of the family. It was a great visit that included a trip to Ellis Island and the boardwalk in Wildwood. (The Original Hot Spot at Boardwalk and Oak even is better then it was 20 years ago!) Upon returning, I developed a bad cold that caused the RA to flare up. I am feeling much better but still feeling some lingering effects. I see my primary in a week and look forward to starting Prozac. I have another blood test coming up and I am afraid the A1c test may show an increase. I have been having trouble getting my glucose numbers down. My wife's company is going to change the insurance so there will be some delays and adjustments coming soon. We will see. As you may have noticed, following the first statement, this is not a very up entry. I apologize, I am not very UP right now. May 8 - Since my last post I have been dealing with an extended flare up. My shoulders, neck, arms, hands, and feet have been hurting terrible. I went for my regular visit to the RA doc and he wants to start Methotrexate again since my liver enzymes dropped to the normal level. He also thinks an antidepressant would help me. I told him what my primary is doing as far as the liver enzymes and he agrees we should wait to be sure they stay within range. I am looking forward to trying an antidepressant because I really want to feel better and if it helps, I'm all for it. Many years ago, I was having some real difficulty coping with life. Depression, to me, was like drowning. It's hard to describe to someone who hasn't experienced it (just like RA). Thankfully I wasn't to the point were I didn't care about what my actions would do to my family. The phyciatrist asked me one time if I thought about harming myself and I said, "I couldn't do anything that would cause my wife and children any pain." He prescribed Prozac and within 3 days I was out of bed and cleaning our closet. Not something I would normally do but at least I was DOING something. Prozac's effect on me was positive. I had ambition and my confidence was more than back. I felt great and spoke up when I felt the need. And it helped get me through issues I wasn't capable of handling before. I watched the movie "Prozac Nation" recently and agree with a statement from the movie. Prozac gave me a break from my troubles so I could get a gripe on my life. I look
forward to the possibility of
Prozac helping me the way it did many years
ago. I am not ashamed to admit I may be depressed. Anyone with a
chronic illness is susceptible to a degree of depression. We live with
constant pain and the fact that we can't do many of the things that we used to
do without the slightest bit of conscious thought. We usually are on some
sort of drugs to help us that may, in turn, cause us other health problems.
April 21 - Good news for a change. In 12 months I have lost 40 lbs. and my 3 month Hemoglobin A1C blood test came at 6.1, down from 6.7 in January. What it means is I have lowered my Hemoglobin A1C by .6 points and am .2 points from being considered non-diabetic. I attribute this and my weight lose to changing from sugar to SPLENDA in my Iced Tea and coffee about a year back. And watching the sugar and carbohydrates content in the foods I buy for me. This doesn't mean I can go crazy eating, it means I have to continue doing what I am doing to keep my numbers down. Another interesting outcome from the weight lose and eating right is my liver. The last enzyme test shows I am in the healthy range. Again I have to continue what I am doing to keep the enzymes in range. As for my cholesterol, the HDL is a little low and the Triglycerides are a little high so I am going on Lopid to balance everything. My RA has been minimal considering all that has been going on these last few weeks. I think the Humira is actually helping. Time will tell. I have sort of reverted as far as being tired all the time. I don't have the ambition I had a few months ago. My primary doc says I wear the "mask of depression" and wants to try Prozac or some other antidepressant to help improve how I'm feeling. If my next blood test shows the Lopid isn't raising my liver enzymes, I will start taking an antidepressant. April 18 - I have a sad note to pass on. My mom passed away April 10th at the age of 85. She had many health problems, including Diabetes (she had been on Dialysis for almost 10 years) and RA. My wife, brother, sister and her husband spent Sunday at her side waiting for the doctors to confirm what we already suspected. She was admitted Saturday night with chest pains (the blood test showed stress to the heart but not an attack) and we were called at 7:30 Sunday to inform us that she had coded and they had to give her CPR for 25 minutes before there was a pulse. From that time on she didn't respond to sound or nerve tests. After we heard the diagnoses from all of her doctors, we had to make a decision that no one should have to make. All I have to say is, be sure you have a living will so your family doesn't have to go through the pain of making such a decision. March 15, 2005 - If you have tried to find my web sites, you know they were down. The mother board in our server went on vacation and didn't come back. I finished the diabetes education classes and went on the trip to the Northeast. My shoulders bothered me some in the cold but when I returned to sunny Florida, they and the rest of my body hurt a whole lot worse, go figure. Again, I have been busy filling out forms for disability and the lawyer. Since I am unable to write anymore, having my answers stored on the computer helps a great deal. For many of the questions I just have to copy, paste and make some minor adjustments. It still takes time to do with my fingers and hands hurting but it is easier. February 04, 2005 - Well, things are busy. My RA has been giving me major troubles. We have had some really cold nights and days and my shoulders have been unbelievably painful. My doctor didn't renew the Humira quick enough for me to keep on schedule so I will be starting from day one again. I went for the SSI physical in January and sent the reconsideration forms in only to be denied again. The letter says they recognize my RA, liver disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and diabetes but because of my supervisory background, I am able to work. Never mind having to nap every afternoon, short concentration span and the constant pain. I have called a lawyer, I'm too tired to continue fighting on my own. I have added new findings on Rheumatoid Arthritis and heart attacks. Click on the icon for more information.
On a much lighter note, my wife gave me a surprise 50th birthday party and planned a trip back to New Jersey for the Mummers Show of Shows in Atlantic City. We are then going to the Big Apple (New York City) for a few days. What a surprise, I'm so excited! I hope I can tolerate the cold for the trip. My sister has come home so I am able to get some rest. She is doing great and is back to work part time. I have started Diabetes education classes and found out My insurance supplies the glucose meter and associated items. December 30 - I apologize for not having entered anything for the last few months. I have had problems with the cold and have also had to push myself to help take care of my ailing 84 year old mother. My sister usually takes care of mom but she was in the hospital form October 31 to just recently when she was transferred to a nursing home for rehab. You see, my sister has been complaining to many doctors for over a year, about pain and numbness in her legs. Finally one listened and did everything possible to help with little luck. He had to remove her right leg and, because of a damaged nerve in her left leg, she has to learn to use it again and without her right one. I have been trying to finish the more than 20 pages of Disability forms for reconsideration. Because I am unable to rest much through the day, the fatigue is awful. I have visited a doctor for a mental exam and will go for a physical exam next week. I have constant pain in my shoulders adding to the pain I already have in my arms, wrists, hands, fingers, knees, feet and toes. Well, have a great New Year eve and I will write "next year". October 27 - For the last week or so, I have found it tough to get myself out of bed. Partly because of the stiffness and pain but I have also been feeling so tired and weak. As I sit here trying to type, I am fighting falling asleep. I may be having a flare but I am due to see my RA doctor November 11th and I may be calling on him sooner if this keeps up. The sleep doctor is suggesting the possibility of another sleep study. She thinks we may have to increase the air pressure to try and help me sleep better. I have been cutting out the sugars and I spend extra time in the supermarkets reading the labels. ? Maybe this has something to do with my other problem. ? Hhmmm! October 5 - Sorry it's been 2 months since my last update. In case their is someone who doesn't know, we had a few uninvited guests visiting us in Florida. On Friday, August 13th, Charley rushed in knocking our power out for 8 days. On Sunday, September 5th, Frances took her time and knocked the power out for 4 days. We watched Ivan attack our neighbors in the Panhandle on September 16th, and Jeanne couldn't pass up the opportunity to smack us while we were still down on September 26th. This time we were one of a lucky few, our power was only out for 6 hours. The Bi-pap equipment continues to help me sleep although I wasn't able to use it during much of the last 2 months. I have finally started the Humira. The first injection was done at my doctor's office and on October 30, I gave myself the injection. I am a big baby when it comes to needles so I'll explain how I was able to do it myself. I awoke at 8:30 and went right to the fridge for the needle. I cleaned a spot on my thigh, opened the package, cleared the syringe of air and quickly pushed it in my leg. I pressed the plunger until it stopped and removed the needle. It may not sound like a big deal but if I had hesitated, I wouldn't have done it. We will have to see if it works for me like it did for all the people giving their testimonials. I certainly hope so! I went to see my primary doctor after having a glucose tolerance test. He informed me that I now have Type 2 Diabetes. Oh well. August 04 - I have been using the Bi-pap equipment for almost two months now and I appear to be getting a better sleep. At least I am not keeping my wife awake with my snoring! I sent a "Reconsideration" form for disability and filled out the on-line forms as required. I hope it works. I called the RA doctor and they had me come in for a tuberculosis test to find out if I have been around the disease. The drug of choice is now Humira, an new drug. I passed the test and the insurance company gave their approval so my doctor ordered it delivered to their office.
June 23 - Well, I have had the Bi-pap equipment for a week now. It's taking some getting used to, I'll tell you! And it's really called a Bi-pap machine because the positive air flow eases up when I breath out. There are three pieces to the set up. I have the Bi-pap, a heated humidifier and the mask. In addition to these, I have an oxygen generator to add oxygen throughout the night. There are times during the night when I have trouble keeping the mask sealed but overall it is working. I even had some ambition last Friday morning and was going to do some needed work around the house.......and then it rained. Disability turned me down on the first attempt and now I have to send a "Reconsideration" form stating why I feel I should receive help. I am sending the doctor report on my Sleep Apnea with the form. It says I should not drive, be on a ladder, on the roof, etc. The RA has been flaring recently possibly due to not continuing the Methotrexate. I am waiting for the insurance company to OK Remicade or Enbrel. Until then I have been using more Prednisone to try and control the inflammation. This stinks because I feel I am going backward while looking forward to feeling good like the people in the drug commercials. June 01 - I had the sleep study on the 28th. The first half of the night was to evaluate and see if I have sleep apnea. Within 3 hours, I had much more than the 45 episodes needed to qualify for the mask to help me sleep. The second half of the night is for determining what air pressure is needed to keep my air way open so I can breath and sleep. In my case, the air was at the maximum setting and I have to use a mask that covers both my nose and mouth. The next step is a visit to the doctor to discuss the findings and arrange for the C-pap equipment. May 26 - I went to the doctor for my liver yesterday. He explained that my blood test results show increased liver enzyme levels over the last test. He is sending a copy of the test and his opinion to my arthritis doctor. He asked me if I could function without Celebrex because he feels it may be a cause of the liver disease. I have run out of the drug for a few days causing a flare that lasts for days after resuming the Celebrex. At the risk of my liver, until something better is found, I must continue taking Celebrex. May 15 - Well, the 28th is almost here and not too soon I might add. I am anxious to get the sleep study done so we can do whatever needs to be to get a restful sleep. SSI sent me to a doctor for his opinion of my RA. He took x-rays of my hands, had me do some movements and asked me some questions. As we were finishing, he looked at my hands and said, "I can see that you have arthritis." Good observation ?!?!? I saw my RA doctor last week and he told me to drop the Methotrexate because of NASH (see below). He is trying to get approval from my insurance company for Remicade or Enbrel. Either drug will have to be injected at the doctor's office from what I understand but they have been known to work very well. I won't allow myself to get my hopes up. As it has been since my diagnosis in 2001, We'll try it and see if it works. I thought I wouldn't be visiting the doctor for my liver again for a few years but his office called to make an appointment. The nurse said my blood tests were still high and the doctor wanted to see me. I'm going but if he only wants to see me to tell me the same thing, I am going to charge him for the visit! March 30 - I went to a doctor for sleep apnea last Tuesday. She prescribed Flonase and Zyrtec. She also set me up for a sleep study on May 28. I will stay overnight with all kinds of wires attached to me. This study will determine what is needed to help me (and my wife) get a better night of sleep. The goal is to help me be more alert and have more energy during the day. I am looking forward to more ambition and to being able to do more around the house. I tried to replace the fence around our yard but my hands and wrists were in so much pain that I had to stop....And the shortness of breath didn't help either. I went to my primary doctor and we are trying to get approval for Xenical to help reduce the fat in my liver. This is one of the drugs my insurance won't normally cover. March 10 - I saw my RA doctor on the 4th and told him about my liver. He reduced the Methotrexate to 4 tablets once a week. He is going to try and get approval from my insurance company to begin Remicade infusions. I went to the doctor for my liver to discuss the liver biopsy. He said the test wasn't decisive as to what is the cause. Could be the Methotrexate but he isn't sure. To my surprise, all I need to do for now is regular blood tests and in about 2 years have another biopsy done. If things are considerably worse at that point then he will decide the next step. February 24 - Well, the primary situation causing stress this month has been the repeated attempts to get the results of the liver biopsy. I was told to call the doctor a week after the procedure for the results. I did and they hadn't received them as yet. I called throughout the week with the same response. Today when I called, the results were in. I do have NASH (it's really something how we get so used to the abbreviation of an ailment when it effects our lives) and have set an appointment for March 4 to lay out a plan for treatment. I guess it's extreme diet time (Could this be the basis for a new reality show?), we'll see. February 12 - After not hearing from the doctor about arrangements for my Liver biopsy for the possibility of (non-alcoholic hepatitis) non-alcoholic steatohepattis (NASH) since the November appointment, I decided to call. They called me back a day later and set an appointment. I went to the hospital Same Day surgery department on Tuesday morning, the 10th and had the biopsy done. (Go to my description of the procedure) As for the RA, I have constant pain in my fingers, hands, wrists, feet shoulders and neck these days. I have to use heating pads whenever possible to gain some relief. I think it's getting near time to make adjustments to my meds. I turned 49 on the 24th of January. I feel much older. I finally finished filling out the online SSI Disability forms. It took me a total of about 5 hours to complete. I need to sign in about 15 places and get some other papers together so I can go to the SSI office and get things rolling. January 14 2004 - I went to my RA doctor on the 8th. The MRI of my right wrist and hand shows mild damage to the knuckles. Now I am filing with SSI. We will see how that goes. I saw my primary doctor today. He gave me a referral to a sleep specialist. He thinks I may have sleep apnea. I thought it was the RA pain and drugs causing my fatigue. Does it ever end? No news from the doctor on my liver biopsy. I guess I'll have to call and stir things up. My wife had surgery (Hysterectomy) on the 5th so I am helping her in and out of bed and to change her clothing, etc. I don't want her to know how much I am hurting so I bite my tongue a lot. I have been taking my meds irregularly so I am able to help when she needs me. This is causing a bit of havoc with the RA. She will be better soon and, hopefully, I can get back on track. I'll be 49 on the 24th. WOW! December 22 - Thanksgiving went pretty well. I prepared much of the meal a head of time giving me rest periods while the turkey was cooking. My son Adam helped with the 7 apple pies by peeling and slicing the apples. I made extensive use of my countertop mixer for the 5 pumpkin pies and whipped potatoes. I haven't heard anything from the doctor on my liver biopsy for NASH. I guess the insurance company hasn't given approval for the CT w/biopsy. The MRI was done on my right hand and wrist. No news on that either. I see the doctor in January. I am doing what I can to avoid the Flu bug. Shoe bug, stay away! I found that if I take my daily nap any later than 2 pm, I am not able to get a decent night of sleep. My hands are hurting more these days. It's guess, because I am doing more for the holidays. They will be over soon enough. I have already begun preparing for the Christmas meal. I roasted a turkey and made a large stew pot of gravy. After I cooled everything in the fridge, I sealed them in freezer bags with my handy dandy Food Saver (I love this equipment). I have to cook a ham and a beef roast yet. I am serving everything slice up in it's own gravy so we can make sandwiches of choice. Also, I am preparing Cole slaw and the Scalloped potatoes again. We are having an assorted buffet this year and I am hoping it will be a more restful day for me. Have a Merry Christmas! November 16 - I went to the RA doctor and we are getting ready to do an MRI on my right hand. It should show visible signs of joint damage. He his increased my MTX and decreased my prednisone. I also went to the doctor for my liver and he is attempting to get approval for the liver CT w/biopsy. I had a bad experience last Sunday. I was removing a hot tray from the oven and my right hand 'quit' on me. The food went all over and I got mad at myself. It made for a tense day in the family. Yesterday I made some food I hadn't made in a while. I made Cole Slaw and Scalloped Potatoes. These dishes require some major use of my hands and today I am feeling the results. Actually, it took a toll on my body as a whole. I am asking for a lot of help in preparing Thanksgiving dinner this year. Otherwise I would have to call it off. We'll see how it goes! October 2003 - The Hydrocodone/APAP does a far job of controlling my pain and I'm not sure if the Methotrexate is working. I am still having pain in my joints, just not as bad as it was at the peak of last months flare. My primary care doctor sent me for an Ultrasound to check my Liver and then had me go back for a CT scan to confirm the Ultrasound findings. It appears, I have an enlarged Liver and may have a condition called (non-alcoholic hepatitis) non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Something else to think about while I battle RA. I have set an appointment to visit an Gastroenterologist in November. We will see. October 28 - The flare-ups continue. I don't think the Methotrexate is doing any better then any of the other drugs. I feel as though I am getting a cold. My immune system is not able to battle the viruses. September 2003 - I feel as though I have pain in every joint in my body. I called my doctor and was able to get in a week early. He says the RA is becoming very aggressive and has added Methotrexate to my drugs. I was trying to take the Hydrocodone/APAP only at night but the pain has become so bad, I am taking it at least 3 times a day now?...And my doctor increased the dose too! I am now unable to work at all. July 2003 - I had to give up my job because they wouldn't give me part time. I have since started another job driving a van transporting elderly and disabled people throughout our county. Now my neck and shoulders constantly ach and feel stiff. I must wear my wrist braces all the time and have to be sure not to work too many hours each day. So far my employer is working with me and I still must take time off to battle flares. My new RA doctor has started me back on Prednisone at 10 mg a day and has prescribed Hydrocodone/APAP for pain. (I continue taking Celebrex) I will have to see how I react before taking theHydrocodone/APAPand driving. March 2003 - I am on the down side of another Flare. I went to the RA doctor and he tells me the pain in the fingers of both hands is due to the return of the CTS. I have decided it is time to seek another opinion and am now in the process of changing my primary care and RA doctors. I call out of work frequently and have had to ask for part time. I am awaiting a decision. SummeryI was working as the foreman/welder in a steel fabrication shop here in Central Florida in 2001. The outside temperature was averaging 88 to 95 degrees and the thermometer in the shop was at 110 degrees by 1pm every day. I was always fatigued and my arms were blown up like balloons most every day. My joints hurt, especially my wrists and hands. After enduring these conditions for a few months, my wife suggested we go to a doctor. The first stop was the hospital. After tests and x-rays, I was told my RA factor was positive and I may have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus or some other inflammatory disease. I needed to see my primary care doctor. NOW, I was beginning to get concerned. The
doctor said "DISEASE" and I could feel the anxiety building. I went to my
primary doctor and he referred me to a Rheumatologist. His examination revealed the
early stages of RA and "possible
to both hands". I felt as though I WAS FALLING APART! At least that's what I thought. I had surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on my left hand in November and the right one in December 2001. All better !?! As for the RA, I continue to experience *flares and my drug regimen has changed many times. I am able to cope most of the time and look forward to a treatment that will help reduce instances of flares and their severity. *flares - some days I feel like I am pushing myself beyond my limits. I feel as though my medicines are out for lunch. Most days I feel like I have the flu.
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