So I know I’ve been a little absent from my blog lately, but this post will hopefully help explain the reason behind that…
In my last post, I wrote about how some ill-informed Rheumatologist had told me that “having a baby would CURE my Endo”. I also wrote that the reason for being at the Rheumatologist was a story for another day. Funnily enough, that day, is today…
That Rheumatologist has diagnosed early onset “Osteoarthritis” in my hands, ankles and knees after extensive Xrays and blood tests. My hands are by far the worst at the moment, which is not really all that handy! My job (IT Consultant) involves me using computers and mobile devices around the clock night and day, often for hours at a time. So being told to rest my hands as much as I can has been a bit of a blow! I don’t want to give up my job as I do actually enjoy it ( just don’t tell my bosses that!), nor do I want to give up any of my many other hobbies that rely on my hands (photography, blogging, gardening etc).
My ankles and knees aren’t too much of a concern yet, but do prevent me from standing for long periods of time as well as running long distances. I have been warned to exercise “carefully” (ie, low impact exercise – walking, swimming, yoga etc) as too much “stress” on my ankles and knees will cause a lot of painful swelling and most definitely slow me down for long periods of time. So for now, I’ve resorted to light jogging, walking and riding my mountain bike to keep fit and lose the 5kg preventing me from reaching my goal weight. (Gripping the bike’s handlebars is a little painful – time to give the world a laugh and try riding with no hands maybe?)
The Rheumatologist prescribed 1500mg tablets of Glucosamine Sulphate (take one daily) for a two month trial – but I’m at the far end of that trial now and to be blatantly honest, they have made frustratingly little difference. She also prescribed 2 x paracetamol tablets 4 times daily – with no timeframe on when I can stop taking them. Like the little-to-no difference that the glucosamine makes, the paracetamol doesn’t do much to dull the pain in my hands either.
So while I’d really like to roll with the idea that this Rheumatologist is actually mis-informed about a lot of things and dismiss her diagnosis of Osteoarthritis, she is actually one of the best (so I’m told) when it comes to arthritis diagnosis and treatment options. Turns out she’s really only mis-informed when it comes to her fantastic cure ideas for Endometriosis. And Adenomyosis – she hadn’t even heard of that one, and had no idea how to spell it, so just failed to mention it in her notes from our consultation appointment. Her diagnosis is not only backed up by the increase on pain in my hands, my hands also look different now to how they looked 6 months ago – my fingers are very swollen and “bent-looking” at the joints. (In other words, I am starting to look like I have “old lady” hands – without the “old skin”.)
So there you have it, an actual diagnosis as to why my middle finger is so often pointed straight up and the rest of my fist closed.
(Actually, that is probably just me giving these crappy autoimmune diseases I’m plagued with the middle finger…)
Hugs,
Leese x
