Well, the doctor I went to does seem to know his stuff. His list of honors, schools, books he as written and co-authored, 1000's of papers and publications, on the board everywhere from the Arthritis Foundation, to head of several studies in research for all types of Rheumatilogical disorders, of which I am now one in a study. He is developing a specific "gene" testing, heading the research for it to be a definitive way to diagnose Lupus.
Anyway, after three hours in his office, between his nurse practioner, and him, then the blood work, I left there with the diagnosis of Fibromyagia added to my list. I had been told years back by a specialist that did some occiptal nerve injections in my neck to try to help the migraines, that he felt I had fibromyalgia. At that time, is was of course not truly recognized by most doctors as even a true syndrome or illness. They felt it was more of a "hysterical women's" thing, and that we are just hypocondriacs. But, in the past 10 years or so, Fibromyalgia has become a true medical issue, and it does definitely cause horrific amounts of pain. It in many ways is extremely close to Lupus as far as symptoms. The one thing that differs is that the Fibromyalgia effects muscles, and not joints. Whereas Lupus can effect joints. Thus due to my situation with all of my joints, I have a couple of diagnosis with them. Lupus of course, but also degenerative joint disease. I went to my orthopedic surgeon on Thursday. He told me my shoulder is completely worn out, thus the clicking, popping and rubbing that comes from it is because I have bone on bone and no type of connective tissue left like cartilage in it. The only thing that would take it away is a complete shoulder replacement. But, he and I both agree, unless it gets too painful, or hangs up, etc... until they perfect the shoulder replacement as far as range of motion, we really don't want to go there yet. But, if I begin to have severe pain issues, locking up etc. I may not have a choice but to have it replaced.
About the bruising etc. This new Rheumatologist, who you can look up in Google! He has written two books himself, and uses them in the office, plus co-authored many also. His name is Dr. John Cush. You will see he was even named Best Doctor in the US, along with his many other accolades.
So, he feels this so called brusing, is more of a hyperpigmentation. I thought he was nuts, but I came home, looked it up and some of the pictures, match my arms and legs completely, or very close. But, he is sending me to a Dermatologist, who will probably do what we have already thought they should.. which is a biospy of the skin, or blood vessels, which would give them an absolute diagnosis.
So, Dr. Cush did a couple of things... he is treating the fibromyalgia a couple of ways... first of all since I have griped and whined for months about not being able to sleep, he put me on Ambien CR, which I had already mentioned to my PCP, but I guess he did not really get how much sleep I really am losing... on the average, I don't sleep but about 4 hours a night. The pain is just too horrible, thus I either get up and get on the computer, or I sit up on the sofa and try to sleep. We all know lack of sleep contributes to everything from horrible pain, to weight gain. He also wants me to do more stretching exercises, rather than the weights for my wrists and ankles or my exercise bike. He said something like Tai Chi or Pilates (and I already have the DVD's for Jim and I) or in a pool is much better for Fibromyalgia patients. So, I can continue my others as long as I don't overdo the muscles, but the stretching he really drilled about and said I had better NOT come back in a month, and tell him I just walked, used the weights, and did NOT do Yoga, Tai Chi, swimming or Pilates! I can say a couple of things about him. He is one hell of a doctor, he does not really have a terrific bedside manner...he is very matter of factly, and kind of gives you the impression he is there to help his patients but they have to DO AS HE SAYS to the tee, or he feels both are wasting their time. Which when you see all he does, including lots of traveling and doing speeches, lectures etc... plus the research, plus writing books and papers and so forth... and a private practice, he does not have time to screw with people who do not want to try and get better. So, he is not just really harsh, but he just tells it exactly as it is, and does not beat around the bush. He is very straight forward and forth right with his beliefs.
So, at this time, I still am diagnosed with Lupus, Sjogren's, Raynaud's, DJD, osteoarthritis, migraines, as well as Lupus Migraines, Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder, and others... and Fibromyalgia is the latest.
Lots to comprehend, still don't know about the bruising, but I feel we are finally on the right track. I feel between Dr. Cush and a dermatologist, if they cannot find out why it is happening I don't think anyone anywhere will be able to. Do I like this new doctor? As a doctor that knows what the hell he is doing, Yes! Not thrilled on his demeanor, well I am not thrilled but at least I do understand why he is not all roses and smiles. LOL, Jim and I had to laugh when he was talking about the exercising. He is a tad plump!, thus it appears he has little time to exercise, and lots of junk food, or food itself!
Do I feel somewhat relieved?mmmmmm kind of, but not a great deal, not until we do have an absolute this is what you have! and this is how we can treat it. Then I will be feeling much better about it all. I am not thrilled with yet another diagnosis, but I already know all too well, people with Lupus, usually more than not have several overlapping diseases, illnesses or syndromes with it. The book I just read about Lupus, discusses all of them including the Fibromyalgia.
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