An Upbeat Update
I had my latest rheumatology appointment last week. Overall, I would say that the appointment went very well. I told my doctor that I had been feeling well, but that my wrists continued to be stiff, sometimes sore, weak and definitely had a very limited range of motion -- though they are far better than they were a year ago, and holding steady. He noted some slight warmth/swelling in my right wrist, which I'm not sure I would have detected. He ordered some new x-rays for my hands and wrists, which I was able to get done right there and then discuss with him. I had the x-rays taken, then went back to my room and waited for the doctor to return.
I finally decided I should request a copy of my x-rays from the doctor's office. This is one of three from last week: wrists have some damage, but fingers still look pretty good! |
Battery powered heated slippers! They are amazing. |
I did end up showing my rheumatologist the bruises on my toes and explained that they had appeared in conjunction with Raynaud's phenomenon. He did not give a name to them, but did say that it looked like the blood vessels had burst from the Raynaud's. He didn't seem overly concerned about it, but said we could consider putting me on Norvasc next winter. The only issue is that I have a pretty low normal blood pressure -- so I'm not sure I want to be on something that will lower it. I'll see what happens next year. At least I have an amazing husband who found and bought me heated slippers!!
Lastly, my doctor ordered some blood work to check my Sed Rate, among other things. Everything came back normal -- and my Sed Rate was a 9!! That's the lowest I have had to date! Here's an updated look at my track record:
Click chart to view full size |
ABOUTME
Hi there! My name is Dana and I live in West Michigan with my husband, Tom and our dog Copernicus. I created this space as a place to share the things I learn along this journey I call life. I work in marketing and I'm a sort of Jane of All Trades, interested in all things nature, gardening, cooking, exploring and learning new things. This blog is a conglomeration of my interests, hobbies, life and life lessons. Thanks for stopping by!