A week of testing and more appointments

Hello all -

First off, I want to start off with a positive note: Today, I feel pretty good. Days like this seem to be few and far between, so I thought it was be great to finally be able to say that I am feeling pretty good...and still without treatment. I actually went to a pool gathering today at my niece and Brother-in-Law's house...but not before stopping at Dick's Sporting Goods to get some Solar/Anti-UV sleeves.  There was only one brand and style and they were very expensive, but I was in great need of them. I am sick of using the so-called anti-UV shirts that claimed to keep me cool, but only made me sweat more like a pig. I was quite amazed.

My newest "cover-up" apparel

They worked great and most of my body was away from the sunlight. So...I will not be totally non-existent in the world of outdoors. I just hate the idea of having to bundle up like a hermit crab. Today, I actually ventured out and took Scooter and Daisy for a 15 minute walk.

Sometimes, I think if I just get outside and go with the flow, I will feel better. Yesterday, Gail, Dottie, and some of their kids ventured out to the Detroit Zoo between rain spells and I tagged along. I was a little leary, but I had on my wide-rimmed hat and anti-UV Nike shirt on. Since there was not alot of sun, I didn't do too bad, but I limped a little and had a huge headache by the time I got to lunch. This is in part from the constant fatigue I have. I actually kind of enjoyed the day, but crashed hard once I got home and did not leave the couch until it was bed time. My typical routine. I am going to try to change that. Rumor has it that things will be so much better once I start treatment. Gotta finish getting all the testing done, but the process takes forever. Wait...for now! That is what I keep hearing.

Detroit Zoo - 7/17/2015

BIOPSY SCHEDULED

A lot has happened this week. On Tuesday, I went and seen the surgeon. I was not very thrilled even before going in because of what happened with the nurses with attitudes when I scheduled the consult. I am basically at the mercy of the VA, and for this procedure, Dr. Walter Salwen. He was friendly and empathetic to my situation. He explained the entire procedure to me on how they would obtain the muscle biopsy I need for the rest of my official diagnosis.

I go in this Monday, the 20th of July. I have to be there at 7 a.m., which means that I have to starve myself of food and water after midnight. My procedure is not even until 9:30 a.m. It is supposed to last about an hour and a half and I will recover for 1-2 hours, then I get to go home...just like that! It will be done as an outpatient surgery, but with a general anesthetic, which means I will be out for the procedure...Yes! I get Propofol!!! (It's good stuff) I do not think I can handle being awake while a doctor is slicing into my leg and muscle. They will be doing it on my right thigh, or as they call it, the right anterior thigh (Vastus Lateralis).
In simpler terms, the right, upper/outer thigh muscle (Quadriceps). Dr. Salwen says that he will take 3 1-inch slivers of my muscle. To see how it works, you may follow this link and watch, but I warn you that it is not for the faint heart. I could barely stand to watch it. Here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gG9EZEGI_Q

The results of this biopsy will allow the doctor (my Rheumatologist) to know for sure the diseases which they suspect are plaguing me, and the amount of degenerated caused from them. By knowing this, she (Dr. Mosley) will know the course of action and drugs to treat me with. Fron what the surgeon said, the results will take roughly 2 weeks. Dr. Mosley still wants me back in her office on the 27th. She thinks the results will be back by then. If not, she is not available again until the 12th of August...which would mean a longer delay in treatment :(

Testing welts

ALLERGY TESTING

On Thursday of this week, I did some allergy testing so they could rule some more stuff out during my diagnosis phase. I am not plagued with many allergies. Never have been. I was only aware of a severe dust mite allergy and a slight dog allergy. I suspected that I had some mold allergies. They did the testing on my inner forearms. I found out that I was still highly allergic to dust mites and cockroaches too, but also allergic to cats slightly, and oak. There was no mold allergies present, which shocked me, but what surprised me most was that I am only very slightly allergic to dogs now. I guess having three of them has helped build immunities. My husband may not agree, but maybe we should get a kitty too so I can get rid of that allergy.

CLAY PACKS:

These Thermal (Hot/Cold) clay packs are the bomb! When my hands are hurting, I pull them out of the freezer and wrap them around my "fire hands". I have instant temporary relief for a few hours. They are meant for wrapping around the torso, thighs, and other areas, but I have found special uses for them. Thank you to my sister Gail for our introduction. We are a great team...my clay packs and I!!!

PLAGUED WITH BAD THOUGHTS

I am not scared by the thought of the procedure, rather that they will go through this procedure only for them to say, "Nope! That's not it!" There is always the possibility this could be other disease(s), but highly unlikely. Still worries me because I read that it is possible that the muscle biopsy will be inconclusive and other testing is required to show the progression. I guess I will soon find out. I will keep you all posted on how my procedure goes on Monday.