Well CRAAAAAAP!

Looks like it's time to adjust the sails... again

Today's doctor's visit was less than stellar.  I feel as though the wind as gone out of my sails.

While sitting in the doctor's office, I looked over a copy of my blood work.  I noticed my white blood cells were uncharacteristically low (< 3.0) and my thyroid tests results didn't look so great.

Doc comes in, says, "How have you been feeling?"

I tell him my list of aches and pains, my unusual fatigue, and recent weight gain, despite my exercising/jogging efforts.  He says, "Well given your recent blood work, let me do a physical examination on you." 

So I hop up onto the paper-covered table and endure what feels like the worst physical examination of my life.  He started with the joints in my neck and shoulders, worked his way down both arms and my spine.  Then got to my knees, shins, and ankles.  By this point, I literally had tears of pain slowly trickling down my face.

He looked up, and said, "This is really bothering you isn't it?"

I said, "I haven't felt this much pain since you first saw me, 4.5 years ago." 

He said, "Ok, I was afraid of this.  I believe you have FIBROMYALGIA.  Your pressure points, joints and muscles are all giving you pain and extreme discomfort."

I said, "I've noticed after having a massage done at (insert my favorite place), I always feel worse for a few days, then better.  And the fatigue is much more than being tired. I feel like I literally have to "push myself" to get things done."

He said, "Well I believe the lupus has left your kidneys alone for awhile, your urine analysis came back great.  But I think it has now targeted your muscles and connective tissues.  You have fibromyalgia.  Here are 2 MORE DRUGS FOR YOU TO TAKE EVERY DAY."

I said, "Okay, will that take care of the tired feeling and the weight gain?"

He said, "No.  From your blood work, it's showing that you are also bordering on HYPOTHYROIDISM.  Does this run in your family?" 

FAMILY:  I have no idea.  I am not aware of anyone in our family that has this, if you know of someone, blood relative to me, please send me a message:  bevik81@hotmail.com

He did not give me medication for my thyroid at this point.  He said since I have 1 indicator showing definite hypothyroidism, 1 indicator just on this side of the healthy range, and 1 indicator safely in the healthy range, we are going to give my body a chance to naturally fight this off. 

I said, "Good, because with the 2 meds you gave me for FM, I will now be taking 20 PILLS A DAY!


He said, "I know.  I'm sorry I have to do this.  As you know there is still no cure.  How is your walk fundraiser doing by the way?"

I said, "My team is doing AMAZING things!  We have collectively raised over $12,000 for this year's walk."

He said, "You should be very proud of yourself and your team.  You guys are making a difference."

I said, "Thank you, they really are doing wonderful things for all lupus patients."

So he sent me on my way to the pharmacists and told me to take care of myself.  I'll see him after I get back from vacation. 

So all of you that I will be seeing soon, if you have a cold, cough, sniffle, please please please kindly keep a safe distance away.  I'm extremely susceptible to infections and getting sick right now.  Doc says its okay for me to make this trip, just wash my hands a lot.

Good night all, this chick has had a rough afternoon.