I want to thank everyone who reached out during the week with their support and love after my update last week. So I promised them and myself I would keep providing as much of my journey as I can. You know I was not up to par at all when I gave up dinner with friends. This past week saw me dwelling over the possibility of lupus - which turns out I don't have at this time. On Tuesday, I just returned home from a planned CT scan when I had a note to contact rheumatology (I belong to an HMO). Before I could reach out they called me and I had an appointment two hours later. It sort of scares me when things move so quickly as my head goes to "it must be worse than I think." I met with the doctor who looked over all my test results so far and checked each of my knuckles and joints. He ordered more blood work (I have provided many samples lately) to conduct different types of tests. In the meantime, he prescribed Prednisone for a week (which I'm calling a miracle drug) to help with the joints. I'm still stiff, but the pain and swelling is much better.
As most of you know when you have a portal, you can see the test results before you hear from the doctor. Yes, I look which then sends me down the research rabbit hole of hell! I love that so much information is out there, but at the same time....phew! I see a word or test number/abbreviation I don't understand I look it up. Then I keep going and going. I finally have to stop myself and wait for Drs notes or calls. I also have to realize that just because things don't look the way I think they should does not mean it's a bad thing. I have to be honest, I'm truly not sure I want to see the test results before hearing from the doctor.
The Drs believe I had a virus which caused my inflammation to go beserk with my immune system being compromised. I have a telemed with the rheumatologist this week to go over the test results and as a general follow up. We are all hoping to continue my immunotherapy for as long possible so I'm being closely monitored. The other good news of the week is I got to my second PT appointment. I did some work on balancing, walking and support while sitting. He also tied my shoes to avoid an extremely painful part of my foot. I've been doing my exercises and trying to do a bit more.
As I talked with someone the other day I called the word HELP a "four" letter word worse than the "F" word. We were discussing the need for help and how none of us truly like to ask or receive it. I'm trying to get better at it, but at the same time, it feels a bit like giving in. I would much rather help others when I can than accept help when I need it. Thank you to my BFF for jumping in quite a bit lately to keep me going. I am so grateful for you.
There were other things I was going to write about this week, but decided to give you a data dump instead. Oh well, perhaps cleaned out my brain for other stuff.
This past week I finished reading: "The LIGHT AFTER THE WAR" by Anita Abriel - two Jewish friends survived the Holocaust and the life/adventures they have. "COMING HOME TO SEASHELL HARBOR" by Miranda Liasson - second chance at love. "OUT OF THE DEEP I CRY" - Julia Spencer-Fleming - part of a mystery/crime series (I jumped in at book 3 - might have to get the others). I also watched: Pitch Perfect 2 and Crazy Rich Asians.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
July 23
Parent’s Day – fourth Sunday in July
Picnic Table Day
Vanilla Ice Cream Day
July 24
Amelia Earhart Day
Cousins Day
National Drive-Thru Day
National Tequila Day
Tell an Old Joke Day
July 25
Culinarians Day
National Chili Dog Day
Threading the Needle Day
July 26
All or Nothing Day
Aunt and Uncle Day
Summer Olympics Begin – Not until 2024
World Tofu Day
July 27
National Love is Kind Day
Take Your Houseplants for a Walk
Take Your Pants for a Walk Day
Walk on Stilts Day
July 28
Buffalo Soldiers Day
National Milk Chocolate Day
National Waterpark Day
System Administrator Appreciation Day – last Friday in July
July 29
International Tiger Day
National Chicken Wing Day
National Day of the Cowboy – fourth Saturday in July
National Lasagna Day
National Lipstick Day
I am leaving it here for today. I've gone on long enough and I feel the need to get the day moving. I hope you have a good week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"A helping hand can be a ray of sunshine in a cloudy world." - Author Unknown
"Your hand is an extension of your heart. Give it freely." - Author Unknown