Grammie's Double Whammy

As my husband facilitates ideas to make my life easier in the house , I have been adjusting and attempting to modify my attitude. May 5th marks one year since my Rhuematologist officially diagnosed me with PsA. The Fibromyalgia determination came just two months ago. Being pronounced with autoimmune diseases is kind of like running a race without a finish line. I spent a long time trying to find out what was causing the pain and fatigue, only to discover there would never be a means to an end.  Thus begins a process much like grief:   Denial - Much like when I was diagnosed with depression, I just shook my head when it began to soak in that I had an autoimmune disease. So much so, that I refused to take the meds and began reading everything I could get my hands on that would discredit the diagnosis. Methotrexate? No, thank you. A chemo medicine for arthritis? Are you crazy? The realization that my doctor might be correct in his conclusions just spiraled into a slow burn...

I am married to an incredible human being. I know. He's my husband and you would expect me to say that, right? Well,you have no idea...Steve has supported my hopes and dreams since before he married me. I am still in awe of his commitment to all that makes Ellie happy... Support is an extraordinary process. A living,breathing and consistent example of love and dedication. I certainly consider it as important as any therapy or remedy I may utilize to manage and live with Depression, Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. Perhaps even more important. When I was diagnosed with Clinical Depression at 30 years old, it was probably not a surprise for Steve. He had been living with my undiagnosed monster for eleven years. Thus began a journey of meds and therapy he did not sign up for. Still...he  loved me. As I drowned in sorrow after a miscarriage on the heels of this diagnosis, Steve stayed right next to me. He just knew it was him, not words,I needed. I was a...

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 ...

I know. It has been a long time. Having spent the last few months angry, optimistic, irritated and hopeful, I am moving on. I have made dietary changes and incorporated new ideas into an overall wellness protocol. I still struggle with gluten free. This subject deserves some time, so I will save it for another post. Organic produce and grass fed meats have been an easy switch, thanks to this wonderful part of the country I live in. Exercise has only been in therapy form with limitations, due to a ruptured Achilles tendon and Plantar Fasciitis . A recumbent bike (thank you to my husband) in my living room has been a welcome addition to the process. The first ride in December was a difficult 3 minutes. This week, I am up to 30 minutes. Mental Health is still a struggle. After being robbed of the effective Pristiq, I have since been on the generic for Cymbalta. Now I spin the hamster wheel on the generic for Effexor (I hate insurance companies). Sunshine and movement ...

When I was initially diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis, my rheumatologist prescribed Methotrexate for my condition. He explained that it was an older drug with lots of history and there was a 40% chance that it could help me. Continuing, my doctor told me that he would prefer prescribing Humira for my PsA. After looking into my blank stare, he proceeded to tell me why he would prescribe me a drug he had so little confidence in. It seems many insurance companies are more interested in the bottom line (big surprise) than my overall suffering, therefore, I must try the Methotrexate and a similar class of drugs before trying the biologic medications that he found more successful. Did you know Methotrexate is used to treat cancer? Read more here. I spent several weeks researching this drug and it's potential side effects. I was stressed out and overwhelmed by the idea of taking a drug used for chemotherapy. I knew my hair could fall out and according to the National Institute of Heal...