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Adjusting My Sails

One week before my third Remicade infusion, I went to see my Rhuematoligist.I wanted to ask him some questions about my Psoriatic Arthritis,and the length of time I may have to wait until the infusions began to work. I explained that I was experiencing more pain in new places, including my left elbow, arm and shoulder. The pain was chronic and overwhelming and I couldn't understand why I was getting worse. After an extensive overview of all my symptoms, my doctor examined all of my joints, while asking about the specifics along the way. He touched certain points on my neck and back that just about sent me through the roof! This was a bit alarming to me. Although I had been experiencing overall pain and malaise, I was stunned to realize those certain points were so painful. Folding his arms, Dr. Patel stepped back and paused. His diagnosis saturated my being with a cloak of misunderstanding.


 Fibromyalga. What? How is that possible? I already have two autoimmune diseases that defraud my quality of life. I was aware of how debilitating Fibromyalga could be. Thoughts of more pain and struggle, along with the burden I would lay upon my family literally had me numb. Now what?!

 My very calm physician was concerned, yet absolute. He explained that Fibromyalga was difficult to diagnose but very real. Evidently, it is necessary to have at least 11 of the 18 tender spots, as well as a prolonged duration of pain before diagnosis is considered. My pain had gone on for so long that I just assumed it was all from Psoriatic Arthritis. I knew I experienced different types of pain. Stiffness and constant pain (#PsA). Shooting and burning pain (torn Achilles tendon and Plantar Fasciitis). Overall chronic tenderness and soreness (Fibromyalgia).Who knew each type was coming from a different source?! 

 Dr. Patel confidently prescribed the drug Lyrica for my pain. It took me a week to consider the drug, and after much research I succumbed. I will never forget my first night sleep after taking Lyrica for the first time. Solid. Real. Rest. The pain had decreased at least 50% and I was sleeping like a baby. The second night? I am almost embarrassed to admit that I slept until 2 pm the next afternoon. I am on my fourth day of this drug and maintaining a neutral stance. I feel positive and more able to do things. 
I am fully loaded on Remicade now that I have passed my third infusion. I am patient as I wait for the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis relief. My infusions will now be in 6 week increments. I am beyond thrilled with the relief Lyrica has offered me so far, and I am taking it one day at a time now. If there is anything I have become certain about in the last several years, it would be that things change. I no longer dread that statement. Change has brought about some unexpected life twists and turns, but I must say the positive outweighs the negative. I may need a bigger boat to endure this passage, but I know I am not alone. None of us are. We are surrounded by plenty of resources and allies if we just tap into them. For this I am grateful...

The rough waters are treacherous at times, but a lighthouse always shows up eventually. 
Peace and Blessings,
Ellie
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