I Have A Diagnosis - Kinda

Hey there you cuties. It has been a while since I've posted. Nothing has really been going on, except cleaning. So what was there to talk about? For those who don't know, I've been sick for a while and running like a hamster on a wheel through a myriad of tests and specialist visits over the past 18 months. It has been very difficult and has affected my physical and mental health.

Today I saw my GP. I was there to have a script renewed when she told me that she had been sent a copy of my MRI results that the Rheumatologist ordered. She stated that while she couldn't give me a definitive diagnosis, the MRI results were indicative of Rheumatoid Arthritis. As it is up to the specialist to diagnose me she isn't able to decide the treatment, so at this stage I am not actively being treated.

While I am thankful for a diagnosis I have to say that I'm not too happy about having Rheumatoid Arthritis. As for you, you're probably wondering what the heck it is. Better Health has a decent little rundown. However, it is basically an autoimmune disease that causes pain and inflammation​ of the joints, along with fatigue and sleep difficulties. There are also other annoying things like dry eyes, feeling like you always have something stuck in your throat, and the affected joints feel warm. So I can rarely keep my feet under the doona at night.

Once the specialist see's me in June I will likely be put on a disease modifying antirheumetic medication (DMARD). They are pretty full-on, with some serious side effects, but it does mean I may be able to get my life back on track, and could even be able to re-enter the workforce! Yay!

Anyway, that's it from me at almost 1am. I need to try to get some sleep. Please feel free to hit me up with any questions about RA. Or just to chat. Whatevz. ❤️

"You're Not Crazy"

Urgh what a busy day. Productive but exhausting, although I think the most productive days do take it out of you. For me it has been a day of medical appointments. Lots of stuff going on there.

First up I had an appointment at the hospital with the pre-op team. I am having some day surgery for a gynaecological issue. After everything else that has been happening with ms lately they wanted me to see the anaesthetist before we committed to a surgery date. We ticked the boxes and talked about the surgery and all of the other boring bits before being sent on our way with a promise that someone will call soon with a surgery date and time.

I went for a little drive to kill some time. An old favourite coffee shop has changed owners so I wanted to see what the new vibe was like. I ordered a coffee and some hummingbird cake because I'm a weak-willed animal. Thankfully the coffee was amazing and filled in for some of the energy I was lacking. The hummingbird cake only served to make the world feel like a better place.

Next up was a drive in towards the city to see a rheumatologist. You can imagine my surprise when this specialist was on time. A novelty. Anyroad I sat in with him for a while. He read my test results, talked about my history, did a bit of a physical exam and then wrote me a referral for an MRI on my foot. Another test. Yay! However the best part was hearing him say "You're not crazy. There is something wrong. We just need to figure out what it is." I've been starting to worry that I am crazy and that this is all psychosomatic.

On my way home I got a call from the hospital asking me to come for surgery next Thursday. For surgery in the fternoon. So I get to fast during the day. I'm going to be so much fun to be around.

All in all it has felt like a day where I am finding some issues on their way to being resolved. It is a massive weight off my shoulders. I just wish we could hurry up and start getting a diagnosis for the $350 for each of these specialist appointments I've been to lately.