The past several weeks have been the worst I have experienced since I was diagnosed with RA.
It started with a flare that just kept worsening and finally led to an ER visit last Friday where they hit me with the garbage truck full of steroids (of course) and also discovered an electrolyte imbalance that had to be treated.
Oh yay!
I really thought treating the imbalance along with all the IV and oral steroids would knock out the flare but it came roaring back this week.
I went in for shots on Thursday and, though they helped some, they didn't give the relief they usually do.
In the middle of that, I've been fighting off a regular people sickness and I'm sure that isn't helping.
Like most chronic illness patients, I don't want to be a broken record so I try not to complain all the time but this is THE worst pain, fatigue, and stiffness I've had.
In addition to making me miserable, it's frustrating the hell out of those around me and who can blame them. No one should have to put up with this.
All that said, I found myself feeling despondent this evening. It's overwhelming at times.
But I've taken some time to pray and read and think about what to do next.
For starters, I think it is time to insist on a second opinion with my rheumatologist. He is wonderful but he is very conservative and tends to rely on older methods. That's fine but, at this point, I want to exhaust EVERYTHING before I accept that this level of flare is just something I'm going to have to live with. I'm going to ask to be sent to UAB on Monday.
I'm also going to add my elliptical and yoga back into my daily plans even when I'm flaring to help control my stress level. It has been a tearful several weeks as well and I'm sure that isn't making this any better.
Finally, now that I have my plans set for Monday to deal with doctors, I am going to enjoy a beautiful Easter with my family.
I am so glad it is here!
Have a Happy Easter, everybody!
