Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Quest for Life

Just thought ya'll would like to know - my period arrived last week, Feb. 9th! Not going to get in too much detail, but I was happy to have the pain, cramps & "stuff" that I've been getting since I was 11! Back to normal here, I hope :)

In other news, my friends finally convinced me it was time to give my body a break and surrender to Prednisone. I started a round of Pred last Friday, Feb. 10. - dose of 5mg/day, for 30 days. That's the time I have left to find myself a new rheumatologist! My GP told me "this is no way to treat RA! - you have to promise to make it a priority to find a rheumatologist!" (to clarify, it was my GP I crawled to, to ask for a round of Prednisone...) So far so good with Prednisone... hope I get an appointment with a rheumatologist soon. I've had some setbacks, thought I found a good one twice, but one doesn't accept more patients and the other works in the hospital that sent me home, when my liver was failing! (not going back there again...)

I did go see my GP for another reason as well though! I get regular check-ups for my blood, more specifically my liver. I'm taking Chinese Herbs, and want to be sure they're not doing damage to my liver. The results were amazing! All my blood work came back better than maybe ever before! My cholesterol was Perfect (162), liver purring like a kitty cat ;-) A nurse told me, I should frame my test results, they're so good! I'm happy the overhaul of my diet and the Chinese Herbs are helping me. I was all smiles after :)

My OB/GYN appointment was rescheduled to Feb. 28 - going to ask for a recommendation for a endocrine gynecologist. I see lots of medications in my future, but such is my path. When I do surrender to medications, I know I've tried everything else. Still keeping common sense as my companion though! :)

This is how I looked a few days after my official diagnosis, on my 35th birthday ~ I had a glass or two of wine that night :) (removed the picture) Sure helped me mellow out, after a stressful week! The anniversary of my diagnosis is coming soon & so is my birthday! Maybe I'll be in square 1 around the same time this year again... I hope to have started treatment, at least. I have heard lots of good about Enbrel... contemplating if I could ever give myself a shot. At this time, I don't think I can/could. But - first things first, I must find a rheumatologist who:

1. Knows what they're doing
2. Has waiting time less than 30mins
3. Speaks fluent English
4. Is a woman
5. Listens to me
6. Believes me
7. Won't tell me "I've been doing this for 30 years"
8. Has been a rheumatologist for 10-15 years max.
9. Understands my complicated medical history
10. Takes me seriously !


A leader, once convinced that a particular course of action is the right one, must....be undaunted when the going gets tough." Ronald Reagan

1 comment:

  1. Pretty:)

    I was always dead scared of any needles/shots. Couple years with RA cured that.

    Good luck on your quest for a Rheumatologist! I've had 2 amazing male rheumies - just saying :)

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