Well that knocked me for a Lupus...
April 15th 2007 12:53
You know some of us have been blessed with healthy, happy lives. I've been one of those people. Oh, yes, I've had a couple of rounds with pneumonia throughout my fifty-odd years, but other than that, I've been really healthy.
This good fortune makes us feel invincable. I have always thought I'd probably live to a hundred or so, even though I know that is really the exception to the rule.
As I've gotten older, I've noticed some subtle changes...you know, like being ready to go to bed at 9pm during the work week..and feeling a few aches and pains in a couple of joints. About eight months ago...I really started noticing these things. I am like most people....I just switched from aspirin to aleve and motrin. When I accepted the fact that the only result was a stomach ache...I decided it was time for a check up.
The doctor did a ton of tests (which I thought was a bit of overkill) and I went back for the results last week. I was anxious because I felt sure that they were going to say it was gout (really bad gout, as the pain at times is actually crippling now) and I was ready to do the ten day treatment that works miraculously for gout sufferers.
I was not prepared for the actual diagnosis....Lupus! I argued with the doctor giving him all the research I'd done online that to me indicated gout (which is easily treated). He firmly told me I was wrong and showed me all of the numbers on my blood work that was repeated three times. Conclusively Lupus.
Now, I didn't really even know what Lupus was....and the doctor told me I should go research it and maybe join a support group. Support Group??! I don't think I'm a support group kind of person. Give me my meds and let me go home and get better....keep your groups. The real disappointment came when he told me it would be at least six weeks before I felt any relief...if it even worked for me.
You know the first thing I did was get online when I got home. Still not really shaken by this diagnosis...just ticked that he couldn't give me a better medicine, I was stunned at what I found....and extremely depressed. I knew what an autoimmune disease was but I had no idea the kind of suffering and dangerous treatments that come with it. I also did not know that it could be potentially fatal! Crap a few years ago, the prognosis was 5 year mortality rate after diagnosis. Fortunately that is up to 85% last at least ten years and some even go twenty. But I have to admit, as strong a person as I am...this putting numbers on things really hit me like a brick to the head.
I am also blessed at being a really resiliant person. I cried for three days and then realized....what am I crying about? This isn't the big C and I actually know a couple of people dealing with that right now! I'm not paralized from the nexk down, like the lady on Primetime Mysteries last night.
Okay, yes, I've been dealt a shitty hand in this big poker game called life and yes, it is painful...but...I can still write....I can still get around...they say once you get the right meds in you, the flare ups are temporary...so hey, you know what....I AM STILL A VERY BLESSED PERSON!
Thanks for letting me vent....
This good fortune makes us feel invincable. I have always thought I'd probably live to a hundred or so, even though I know that is really the exception to the rule.
As I've gotten older, I've noticed some subtle changes...you know, like being ready to go to bed at 9pm during the work week..and feeling a few aches and pains in a couple of joints. About eight months ago...I really started noticing these things. I am like most people....I just switched from aspirin to aleve and motrin. When I accepted the fact that the only result was a stomach ache...I decided it was time for a check up.
The doctor did a ton of tests (which I thought was a bit of overkill) and I went back for the results last week. I was anxious because I felt sure that they were going to say it was gout (really bad gout, as the pain at times is actually crippling now) and I was ready to do the ten day treatment that works miraculously for gout sufferers.
I was not prepared for the actual diagnosis....Lupus! I argued with the doctor giving him all the research I'd done online that to me indicated gout (which is easily treated). He firmly told me I was wrong and showed me all of the numbers on my blood work that was repeated three times. Conclusively Lupus.
Now, I didn't really even know what Lupus was....and the doctor told me I should go research it and maybe join a support group. Support Group??! I don't think I'm a support group kind of person. Give me my meds and let me go home and get better....keep your groups. The real disappointment came when he told me it would be at least six weeks before I felt any relief...if it even worked for me.
You know the first thing I did was get online when I got home. Still not really shaken by this diagnosis...just ticked that he couldn't give me a better medicine, I was stunned at what I found....and extremely depressed. I knew what an autoimmune disease was but I had no idea the kind of suffering and dangerous treatments that come with it. I also did not know that it could be potentially fatal! Crap a few years ago, the prognosis was 5 year mortality rate after diagnosis. Fortunately that is up to 85% last at least ten years and some even go twenty. But I have to admit, as strong a person as I am...this putting numbers on things really hit me like a brick to the head.
I am also blessed at being a really resiliant person. I cried for three days and then realized....what am I crying about? This isn't the big C and I actually know a couple of people dealing with that right now! I'm not paralized from the nexk down, like the lady on Primetime Mysteries last night.
Okay, yes, I've been dealt a shitty hand in this big poker game called life and yes, it is painful...but...I can still write....I can still get around...they say once you get the right meds in you, the flare ups are temporary...so hey, you know what....I AM STILL A VERY BLESSED PERSON!
Thanks for letting me vent....
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Comment by Nina
Comment by Nickoftime's Sanity Corner
keep your chin up...we both have a lot to live for...message me sometime and I'll explain it to you...you will find strength you never knew you had, and that will carry you through...
I have been where you are now, and continue to be there...but I know that I have a lot to live for and refuse to give up without a fight...
You are very brave and courageous..my heart goes out to you...
Be well,
Nick
Comment by Nickoftime's Sanity Corner
for some reason I can't seem to send you any messages...hmm..Nick's bein stupid again...lol..help? How do I send you a personal message?
Take care,
Nick
Comment by Deb
And a personal thank you for all you do!
Comment by Cathy
Fakes Frauds Fools
Artist Quirk
Best Emerging Artists
Comment by Kitty Cat
Comment by Cathy
Fakes Frauds Fools
Artist Quirk
Best Emerging Artists
Happy Holidays!