I am dreading today for one major, humongous reason. I have to go to the doctor. While this is something I should be excited about because it means I could potentially not be in pain anymore, my feelings are more of apprehension and anxiety.
I am going to see my rheumatologist about my psoriatic arthritis. I have been taking medication now for 12 weeks. While it has helped some with my pain issues, there are still many, many days that I feel more like staying in bed than getting up and facing the world. As a mom and wife, that is just not an option though. The medicine makes me ill for a minimum of one day a week (the day after I take it) and the effects are not what I was hoping for.
My appointment should go like this… see doctor, talk about my continued issues, he makes suggestions about changing my current med or starting something new.
Instead, my fear is it will go like this… see doctor, talk about my continued issues, he blows me off and sends me on my way.
You see, back in November I saw him for this same issue. He gave me a broad diagnosis and a medication he said I could take 3 days a week. There was no mention of what I should do the other days of the week (and he didn’t even bother to offer anything when I asked). In addition, nothing helped. The medication did nothing for the majority of my pain, although they did help with the osteoarthritis I have in my knees.
My primary is no longer in practice and she was my advocate for getting him to change my diagnosis in the first place. If he pushes off my concerns and my pain during this visit, I am basically back at step one… with no relief and no one to help me in sight.
So, I am praying today that he takes this seriously, that he sees my pain for what it is, that he is not angry or frustrated about how my diagnosis came to be, and that he helps me. I can’t stand to be in pain every day. I need something to happen that allows me to be the mom my kids deserve. Hopefully things go much better than I fear because starting over does not sound like something I can do right now. I am not sure if I have the energy for it. Wish me luck!
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Cindy Merrill says
First of all, I would suggest doing some research on White Willow Bark ( eases pain), as well as Milk Thistle, as well as probotics. I have recently read a book called “Wheat Belly”, the author believes that GMO in food can cause health problems, even if you’re not Gluten Sensitive!
Stefany says
Thanks for the advice Cindy! I have already started checking into a lot of natural remedies but the meds are helping immensely too!
Rhonda says
Praying for you, Stefany! Keep us posted! I’m sure you want to feel well and whole again so you can get on with living!
Stefany says
Thanks Rhonda. I most certainly do and will give an update when I have one. Hopefully things go well today and it will be a good one!
Nischala says
Hope the rendezvous with your doctor went well. You will hopefully feel better with time.. Why don’t you explore yoga as well (if that’s a possibility?) – It has helped many people I know.. Take Care and wishes for a speedy recovery.
Nischala says
Hope the rendezvous with your doctor went well. You will hopefully feel better with time.. Why don’t you explore yoga as well (if that’s a possibility?) – It has helped many people I know.. Take Care and speedy wishes for recovery.
Stefany says
Nischala, funny you mention yoga. That is what I have been doing for the past 5 weeks and I love it!
Lisa Mallis says
Best of luck Stefany! Living in pain is a tough, tough, tough road to travel. I am sending you tons of strength as you advocate for yourself today!
lisa
Stefany says
Thank you Lisa. I feel that, as a nurse, sometimes doctors don’t give me the same time as they do others. Like I am trying to be a know-it-all or something. Hopefully he won’t do that today though.