I tried to make an appointment with my doctor today while we were there for the sequel to Liam’s check-up (he’s 34 lbs and 93 cm tall, although that latter measurement is very iffy as he insisted on leaning against the wall with his heels three inches away from it). The nurse said, “She’s just had a cancellation; would you like to see her right now?” So HRH played with Liam in the waiting room while I went back in and recited the list of things HRH and I had talked through last night that had been plaguing me for a couple of months: general fatigue, joint pain, muscle stiffness and pain, weakness in the arms, headaches, loss of appetite, chills, poor sleep, waking unrested, lack of concentration… I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t all connected, and connected in a bad way. I figured it was a sleep thing that was negatively impacting everything else, and the aches were a result of the damp and cold weather we’re having.
Is it all connected? Well, most likely. Without missing a beat she asked me a couple of other questions (who knew my increased sensitivity to wool, angora, and silver might have something to do with it?), then made a tentative diagnosis of fibromyalgia, with a possibility of it being rheumatoid arthritis. The blood tests I’m doing next Tuesday will confirm one way or the other, and indicate the necessary treatment.
Better to know and do something about it so I can get back to living properly instead of wincing a lot and being unable to pick Sparky up.
And we all thought the Princess Bride “to the pain” was funny at the time… :)
My doctor told me the Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) test would be non-conclusive either way but rather would be of assistance to the rheumatologist in assisting making an assessment. My test came up negative, and about a month ago I had my annual physical with my doctor who told me the description of my symptoms were making it more and more clear that it is RA or something that provides RA like symptoms.
I don’t have to say, but I will anyway, that you have my unwaivering support and whatever assistance, support, etc. you need. Can I actually say “I feel your pain” humourfully here? :)
To have a pain in my joints or a pain in my head, it’s clear which one I will choose. My daughter can always become the world’s leading cybernetist and build her old man an Iron Man suit :D
Ick. I hope very much that it’s not fibro, and something more easily fixed.
You ought to talk to Darroch’s WOSM, who’s been living with the condition for a very long time now. She will likely have some good coping tips for you. :)
I’m sorry to hear about all those symptoms and I hope something can be done for you.
MLG
Just catching up on your posts now since I use lj …. I’m very sorry to hear about your health problems. If your doctor is the same one I think she is, I think you are in pretty good hands. Please let me know if there is anything we can be of help with.
oh sorry to hear about this…I hope they find out exactly what it is and you get some relief soon!