So how did this all happen?
Two years ago, I had a TERRIBLE allergic reaction to an antibiotic right before I left to go on vacation. I went to a drop in clinic because the Dr who prescribed the antibiotic "couldn't" see me -- she was totally booked. (really? your patient has an allergic reaction and you can't see her). OK so long story short, I found a new dr. She is VERY VERY cool and thorough. She has called me at HOME to check on me. I think I was like her 6th patient or something -- so we're bonded. Anyway she gave me a shot for the reaction, told me to come back after vacation - which I did.
I had told her that my joints were REALLY REALLY bothering me. It seems after I fell and broke my ankle/leg that I really started having bad pain. And it was different - it was like a car accident all over kindof pain. She put me on medication that really helped....which I have tried to come off of but STILL can't. My body loves that stuff.
Anyway, she ran some blood tests and discovered I had a high sed rate. This was two years ago! She gave me a referral to see a Rheumatoid Dr and sent me on my way. A year went by, I told her I would go -- but the medicine was helping so....I just didn't go.
The referral expired.
The next year, I got the Molly Flu (=strep + flu combined!) and that landed me in the hospital vomiting violently -- I was diagnosed with C-DIFF. It was HORRIBLE! After that whole debacle, which took weeks to get over, I got another referral because not only did I have a high sed rate, now I have a positive ANA test. The positive ANA is a Lupus indicator.
So I walked around with this referral in my purse for about 10 more months. I started working out with a trainer at 5:00 AM and dieting and still - nothing was happening -- except I was EXHAUSTED. Falling asleep while sitting straight up exhausted. I did this intense workout stuff for 2 months and decided to NOT let the referral run out this time. I called. This was June -- my appointment was in September. He's a popular guy.
The months went by -- and I got worse. I was foggy headed (still am). My fatigue was out of this world. I never wanted to get out of bed...then MY HAIR STARTED FALLING OUT. I couldn't believe it. So I googled the ANA thing -- found this
From mayoclinic.com
- Fatigue and fever -- CHECK! I always have a low grade fever! Crazy.
- Joint pain, stiffness and swelling -- CHECK! DOUBLE CHECK!
- Butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose -- Yep :/
- Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure -- I would say my scalp has the brunt of this
- Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods (Raynaud's phenomenon) -- yep
- Shortness of breath -- I thought it was the treadmill
- Chest pain -- not really
- Dry eyes -- ALL OF THE TIME!
- Headaches, confusion, memory loss -- I called it "answering you in my head"
My Dr. ran a million blood tests. When I went to the results visit, my Mom went with me. He walked in.
Dr : Did you see your labs (online)?
Me: Yes
Dr : So you have Lupus.
Me: OK.
It was a very odd conversation. My mom focused on the "long life" questions, while I focused on the "don't cry! don't cry!" internal argument.
So. I have Lupus. And Lupus Sucks.
No comments:
Post a Comment