It's good/bad getting a diagnosis.

[ThomCat]

It's really nice when a doctor finally figures out what's going on, but it really sucks when you find out what's going on and what the likely progression is going to be.

I just got diagnosed with a form of arthritis (One more thing to deal with). x( It's not Rheumatoid, but it's similar. It attacks joints throughout the body, and it often attacks some internal organs. I've been having unexplained pain in/around those organs. That was part of what led to the diagnosis.

I should be happy to have a label for all this stuff, but it's hard to happy about getting a label. I'm actually kind of down. Now it's all official.

Part of the usual treatment is meds I can't take because of another health problem, so now I need to get two of my doctors to confer with each other about what I can safely take. I really, really don't want to start taking steroids.

Anyway, I'm a bit down, and I'm babbling, and this is all probably TMI. It's time for me to just suck up and deal with it a day at a time.

I hope you're all having a good day. Be well.

Thom

[dropkickpa]

1. Thom

:hug:

[ThomCat]

7. Thank you.

Hugs are very appreciated today. :hug:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

2. omg! thats terrible. i am so sorry

:hug:

:cry:

:hug:

:cry:

[ThomCat]

8. It could be worse.

I'm going to be saying that a lot. :)

:hug:

[skygazer]

3. I can empathise, Thom

The stress and uncertainty of not knowing what the problem is can be so hard but once you get a diagnosis, you have to face a bunch of realities and that's often no easier.

What would be best would be hearing that your condition has miraculously disappeared and you're all better. I kinda think that's what we secretly hope for.

I don't blame you for feeling down but try to look at it as a way of empowering yourself over what's going on. At least now you have something concrete to focus on treating. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[ThomCat]

9. If I believed in miracles I'd definitely hope for one.

Even a small one would be nice.

In the meantime, I'm just hoping for enough stubornness and energy to keeping dealing with everything. :)
:hug:

[fizzgig]

4. i'm sorry thom

:hug:

[ThomCat]

10. I appreciate hugs.

Thank you.

:hug:

[flamingyouth]

5. I'm sorry.

I can sympathize and empathize. Hoping for healing and resolution for you. :hug:

[ThomCat]

11. Thank you. I'm hoping for some good news

somewhere along the way. I think I'm past due for some. :)
:hug:

[TZ]

6. I really really empathize with you!

I still am trying to find out my diagnoses (yes its looking like I have multiple health issues) and I so want to know what was going on--I was disappointed to find out recently they ruled out Crohn's disease (an unpleasant condition but it could have potentially explained everything). I hope things work out for you. BTW trying to get multiple doctors to confer with each other on multiple meds/conditions is fun isn't it? I will soon have THREE to deal with....:hug:

[ThomCat]

13. It's frustrating to be able to list all the things it might be

and to see them all checked off the list one at a time. You keep wondering what's going to be left when all the tests are done.

I hope you get a diagnosis, and I hope it's something treatable/managable.

I have 9 doctors right now, plus a damned good physical therapist. Fortunately, my two primary doctors (GP and Pain Manangment) are damned good doctors. I'm hoping to get that down to 7. That's a goal I think I can manage. :)

[TZ]

19. Nine doctors? Holy cow!!!

I thought my 3 to 4 was bad. I think I am gonna end up with a laundry list of conditions, each I think, treatable in some way. Its just a weird mixture which puzzles all. Right now I know I have sleep apnea, high bp, high cholesterol, a rare blood disorder that causes my bone marrow to overproduce platelets and borderline high blood sugar...they are looking now at a few different GI issues to go along with those. I have soo many pills already--I feel like I am falling apart and I am only 37! Ah sorry, but it does feel good to vent to someone who really really really understands. Glad you have a couple of great docs that's really important...I have a great hematologist but he is stumped too....x(

[ThomCat]

20. Yes. There are a few of us here who really understand

things like this. You can feel free to talk to me and/or vent whenever you need. I definitely know what it's like.

:hug:

[TZ]

29. Right back at you!

Feel free to PM me anytime!:hi:

[Eurobabe]

12. Is it autoimmune? I have autoimmune thyroid

and the chances are high (if I don't keep my thyroid from attacking itself) that I am at risk for other autoimmune conditions. My joints ache when my thyroid meds are out of whack. Did they test your thyroid function?

I hear you, it sucks. Hang in there, it seems bleak when you get the news at first. :hug:

[ThomCat]

15. It's not autoimmune that I know of.

But I'm not sure. I think some forms of arthitis have autoimmune aspects to them. I'm still learning.

Unfortunately, my pain is constant at this point. It's not just at certain times or under certain conditions, though it does vary from day to day. My good days now are what my bad days used to be. My bad days now are not worth talking about.

I'm hanging on. There really isn't any other choice. :)

I hope you are able to keep your thyroid regulated. :hug:

[Eurobabe]

17. Something to think about, make sure it is not

autoimmune or otherwise. Make sure that your doctor has tested your thyroid function. Did you know that some doctors believe that fibromyalgia (joint and muscle aches) are actually due to thyroid levels being off?

I am a one-woman thyroid encyclopedia, I've done intensive research since I was dx'd in 2003. It's kind of pain to know that I have to take this little pill for the rest of my life, but the alternative is just not realistic. I was healthy as a horse until the day I got the news. Makes me wonder if it was all the shitty food I was eating?

Thanks, yes, I feel really good these days. That little pill makes the world of difference in my life. I hope you get answers and find some resolution soon. :hug:

[Left Is Write]

14. How about a hug?

It sounds like you could use one. :hug:

[ThomCat]

16. Yes, I could definitely use one.

:)

:hug:
Thank you.

[BarenakedLady]

18. I'm sorry

:hug:

[ThomCat]

21. Hi BNL.

:hi:

:hug:
I hope you're doing well. I haven't spoken to you in a while.

[BarenakedLady]

23. I can't complain

Though I often do.

Same old, same old.

:hug:

[NewWaveChick1981]

22. I'm sorry, ThomCat.

:hug: :pals: That's gotta be tough. :hug: I do hope things get better. :)

[ThomCat]

25. I hope so too.

That is supposed to be the upside to having a diagnosis. Now things can get better. We'll see if we can make that happen. :)

:hug:

[Roon]

24. yes thom, i can relate

I hate being sick and going to the hospital and they can't find out what's wrong. Now at least you can get some treatment and start to feeling better!

[ThomCat]

26. I hope you're right. Progress would be wonderful.

But both of us. I hope you see things get better too. :)
:hug:

[Roon]

27. Thanks!

For now, I am feeling pretty good. But that is always subject to change!! :hi:

[BlueIris]

28. Oh, honey.

I will think lots of positive thoughts about you. My mom has RA and its progression has been...uh...but she's in the semi-fortunate position of being able to take the meds (it's a mixed blessing; as I'm sure you know, anti-inflammatories do unpretty things to the digestive tract/liver).

[ThomCat]

31. Anti-inflammatories can really mess up the

the kidneys too, which is why I can't take them. :(

I'm glad your Mom's progression is at least slow. It would be better if it stopped, but slow is at least pretty good.

:hug:
Thank you for good thoughts. They can't hurt, and they definitely help cheer me up. :)

[Haole Girl]

30. Oh Thom...

many bear hugs to you, my friend.

Hold on!

[ThomCat]

32. You find some awesome pictures.

I love the polar bears. :)

:hug:
I'll keep holding on. It's what I do. :)

[Nicole]

33. I'm sorry you are feeling down.

Health problems have a way of doing that to you. I hope you start having more good days than bad ones.

Gentle hugs for you. :hug:

[ThomCat]

34. Thank you, Nicole.

Good days would be wonderfully appreciated. :)

:hug:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

35. I'm sorry, Thom.

:hug:

[ThomCat]

37. Hi, SA!

We should get a small group together to hang out at some point. How have you been? :hi:

:hug:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

38. Doing okay.

Yeah, we should definitely meet soon. :hi:

[Rising Phoenix]

36. I'm so sorry

I know what you mean about finally knowing what it is, it is something of a relief, on the other hand, you now have to live your life with this illness...and that can be really scary.

I hope you feel better soon....

mwah

[ThomCat]

39. It's yet another chance to totally readjust my life to accomodate

some changes, challenges and inconveniences. I just have to work myself into that stuborn mindset and keep going. :)

:hi: