This was one heck of a summer around here. After finally recovering from the hysterectomy in May, I noticed that I was having some pretty persistent hand pain over the summer. After a couple months of having to hold things differently or use my hands in different ways, I figured it was probably time to go get checked by the doctor. The first suspicion was rheumatoid arthritis. So quite a few blood tests were run, and of course, I got the call that I would have to come into the office to get the results. Not usually a good sign. One of the RA tests that they ran came back moderately positive. This test is very specific to RA and gave them confidence that it was indeed RA. The primary care doc wouldn't diagnose me with it, but referred me on to a rheumatologist. So, after my first appt with my rheumatologist this past week, I do have RA. Now Tommy and I share something else in common...autoimmune diseases....great.
Right now I'm starting steroids to try to calm the inflammation and pain. I will take a 2 week dose before I go back to the doctor. At that point, she will have all the blood and xray results from my appt. They took 6 viles of blood and had to run hand/foot/chest xrays to see where I am now and check some baseline conditions before being able to start certain strong medications.
I am a bit overwhelmed with it all. The emotional side effects of the hysterectomy weren't quite finished and then we started this RA journey. I try not to read too much. The mangled hands you see of older people who didn't have the drugs they do now should not be my future. I guess just the unknown of how aggressive my RA will be or what other joints it will affect keeps me a bit on edge. Right now my hands are very affected and my feet are quickly joining them.
So here is my first arthritis foundation purchase. I know my kids will love it!
3 comments:
We love you all so much. Please let me know if there is anything we can do. Seriously.
I agree with ESullivan :) We love you guys so much & we're here if you ever need anything - we've both had one heck of a year, I'm just glad we have each other to go through the journey with! Love the T-shirt!
So sorry to hear your RA dignosis especially when you are still recovering from your surgery. Will be praying for all of you as you receive medical help to deal with RA as well as direction in the days ahead where to make or continue to make your home.
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