Shifting Gears

Within the next month I will have four doctors appointments if you include the trip to my rheumatologist on Tuesday and if they are all as productive has Tuesday, I will be thrilled.

When I first left my rheum appointment, I cried as I once again felt like we were grasping at straws hoping for anything that might help how I was feeling.  Thankfully for the drive home, it was just me, my thoughts, and God. It was as if God was whispering in my ear to look at the bigger picture and see the positive. Once I did, I was able to see hope for the days ahead (its amazing what happens when you listen!).

The appointment started off like usual going over medications, symptoms, etc. We decided my current treatment was not working so we had some decisions to make and that’s when it happened. He asked me what options I would like to see happen. I was invited to become an active participant in my health care and if you score frequent flyer miles in doctors’ offices like I do you know that is a great thing.

We had always grouped any pain issues with fibromyalgia but had never been able to get a hand on it so I asked if we could back up and start over. I had felt like we were missing something and even though I had bloodwork done not long ago, I asked the possibility of testing a false negative (especially since I am that way with Celiac). He said it was completely possible so we started looking for other options. The joint pain the last two weeks has been pretty bad with Sunday being the worst I’ve felt in a long time joint-wise. I have started to notice some redness and swelling with some of my joints. He did an exam and he felt some swelling of the joints of my hands but not enough to make a definitely diagnosis but enough to keep an eye on.

So the new treatment plan involves two new medications – one to help with the muscle aches and pains of fibromylgia (with the added bonus of helping me sleep and possibly helping my gastroparesis) and the other is an anti-inflammatory to help the swelling and irritation of my joints.

Its only been a couple days but I am feeling really positive. I love the fact that I was able to be an active partner in deciding my health care. I felt that he not only was listening to what I was saying but that he also heard what I was saying. That is one of the best feelings in the world as a spoonie!

Now to hope my next three appointments go as well!