Update from rheumy appt...more waiting | Arthritis Information

Share
 

I saw my rheumy yesterday afternoon and was able to follow up on all my loose ends:

He checked and I still have that never-ending sinus infection, so he prescribed a different antibiotic.  Once again, I have cancelled my lumbar epidural.  And now I wait.

My bloodwork shows that the Rituxan did deplete what it was supposed to, but without the anticipated results.  I am 0% better than when I started.  Make that -5% because I didn't get this sinus infection until two weeks after the infusions.  My doctor said it's too early to start Orencia (despite telling me last month we could consider it this month) and I will have to wait until at least April. 

My bloodwork also showed that my rheumatoid factor is still negative (which doesn't help me with disability insurance benefit limitations) but my sed rate and CRP are still high.
 
He agreed to run a heavy metals scan for any chronic low-level mercury exposure I may have gotten on the job.  So now I wait for next month to run that labwork.
 
My aquatic physical therapy was giving me about 1% improvement until the last few weeks when they overdid it and I was in terrible pain for 5 days each time.  We're back to the slowed-down version and I am going to continue that, and wait for it to do more than 1%.
So all in all, I'm no better, and I continue to wait.  It's so discouraging.
 
Hugs and now that's looking on the bright side - no ginormous needle!
 
Hugs,
 
Pip
I am so sorry to hear you are not better.  I will keep you in my thoughts.Innerglow, I'm so sorry.  You're having a rough time aren't you?  It seems so much of our lives are waiting for results, often not getting them, and waiting some more for the often promised relief we need.  And to have a long lasting sinus infection on top of all that, well, no wonder you're discouraged!  At least you have the good news of no needle and  that's something.  It sounds like your RD is trying hard to help you.  Maybe it's just a matter of a bit more time (more waiting, I know) before he hits on the right answer for you.  And remember, spring is almost here and that makes everything better!      Hugs.
 
 
Sorry you're having such a rough time, IG.  Hoping some improvment comes your way soon!Oh Innerglow.  I'm sorry to hear this.  I'm glad you can find a bright spot and have a plan to carry on with your aquatics.  Here's hoping the Orencia will help.Innerglow, sorry things arent so good right now. i do hope it allo  improves for you soon.
Big gentle hugs for you
I am sorry InnerGlows. I hope this antibiotic gets rid of that nasty sinus infection this time around.
 
Much Hugs.
I am so sorry things aren't going better.  I understand the frustration.  I used to do the water aerobics and really enjoyed it, hopefully you will continue to be able to build up tolerance to it. Ya know, I was trying to find this great line my stepson wrote on his MySpace, but it looks like he changed it, so I will have to try to remember/paraphrase.  The poor guy has his own troubles....a resurgence of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome that has taken him down the path of travelling to specialists, having experimental treatments and left him without sight in one of his eyes.  Plus dealing with being 15, which is hardship enough in my opinion.
 
Anyway, he wrote something like....I live in waiting rooms, and I'm in waiting rooms to live.  I know he wrote it better, but it was just so profound when I read it.  I'll try to remember to do some living while I'm waiting.
 
Thanks for all the sweet thoughts.
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com