Nothing New from New Rheumy...

Finally got to my second rheumatologist appointment. With all the good reviews made by all the other physicians I've seen, I have high hopes for this man. w discussed test done last visit. My WBC was high probably due to long term use of prednisone; all my antibody test were good, except double stranded DNA. But it wasn't remarkable. He is still considering Cellcept as a future option to allow reduction of prednisone dosage. Doctors concerned about my suppressed immunity took me off Cellcept last year during hospitalization for colostomy. We didn't even discuss Cymbalta. Actually, the frequency and intensity of my fibromyalgia pain has improved now that my kidney stones have settled down. I reminded him that my greatest concern is my neurological symptoms. Physically I am feeling more stable than I have in been the past year; but my brain continues to frustrate me. When I asked my new hematologist for an explanation for the myriad of neurological symptoms that still come and go, she suggested that a previous CVA caused some permanent damage that has upset the circuitry and chemistry. With the recent discovery of nodules on my thyroid during neurological scans and hyperthyroidism indicated by blood tests, I began to wonder how many "crazy" symptoms can be blamed on my glands. I had also heard that many lupus patients develop hyperthyroidism. I asked my rheumatologist whether lupus or my drugs were responsible for hyperthyroidism. He says that Lupus nor steroid responsible. Although hyperthyroidism is also autoimmune disease that SLE isn't a direct cause of hyperthyroidism. Patients with one autoimmune disease are predisposed to having another autoimmune disease. He wouldn't give an opinion on my balloon brain, until he's gotten the endocrinologist input on hyperthyroid.

First Neuropsych Appointment Goes Well!

Monday night I streamed my prayers wirelessly by phone and laptop to my friends across town and cyberspace. I made sure I had the exact cash, $21.00, for the round trip fare on the MATAplus bus. I packed my folder of lists of doctors, medicines, and symptoms. I stayed awake all night, but that's not new. I was thankful to discover the address was an elagant but small traditional brick building within a subdivision of medical offices as opposed to some complex highrise. I had the benefit of having an escort, my son, this day to assist me and my walker up and down curbs and through heavy doors. The doctors office was very small but accomodating with a comfortable sofa and ulpolstered chairs. Important for professional patients. This neurofeedback institute consisted of a staff of 3: a receptionists, an administrator, and the neuropsychiatrist. They were playing the calming music of Enya, one of my own musical therapies, in the waiting room while my insurance cards were copied and more papers signed. The administrator intervened for the apparently brand new receptionist to explain that my state-based medicaid wasn't accepted meanwhile she gave instructions to the girl for my medicare verfication. I sat miserably anxious over the unconfirmed insurance coverage and with feverish anticipation about finally meeting the doctor. I've been seeking this type of specialized consultation over 2 years. I kept reviewing my symptom notes until he revealed himself from behind that office door. He turned out to be everything i'd been seeking and fulfilled his own description from the website. My hour went faster than my ability to say everything I'd noted,but i was satisfied that he understood my symptoms and my goal to have my deficits defined in medical terms. He summarized the tests and treatment he employs but warned about the limitations of medicare coverage as he led me out of his lair. Unfortunately by this time my RAM has reached capacity and I comprehended very little from this point on. I just know I fumbled to hand over my debit card for the unexpected $55.00 the receptionist requested after booking appointment for the next Tuesday. Agitated I relieved myself of the suffocation I was beginning to feel in that tiny office to wait on MatAplus in the shade of the decorative trees lining the driveway between buildings. I was thankful for the pleasant weather as i wait another hour for my transportation to arrive.