The Unknown Medical Update

[Nighthawk]

The good , the bad and the ugly is the way I am feeling right now.

The news is still digesting and I am all of the things I wrote prior. I can say finally after 3 years of Dr's for weird and unusual symptoms never the same ones mind you a medical Dr has classified it and given me prescriptions to take. Sorry for being rather vague but I don't have all the paper work in front of me. I have an auto immune inflammatory disease that attacks all my joints. He is unsure if it was this that inflames my stomach and all the other issues I have been having. It is more than likely AS but seeing as all my results are normal it is hard to decipher all the clues.

The bad,

This medications he wants to put me on have some terrible side effects. My blood would have to be tested regularly and they may not work. Medication options are limited due to only having one kidney. I am not sure I am even willing to go on the meds.

The ugly,

My grief towards the news of a new chronic illness. Especially another one linked directly to pain.:cry:

I'm going to leave it at that for now.

 

[BloomInWinter]

((((((((Nighthawlk))))))))

 

[intothelight]

Hi NH,

I am sorry that you are struggling with chronic pain. It just plain sucks on top of everything else. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers that your doctors can put a plan together that enables you to get well.

:hug:

 

[The Albatross]

Nighthawlk, I know what you mean about limited treatment options and the need for regular blood testing to protect your one kidney. I can understand that you are grieving this news and that the chronic diagnosis comes with physical pain. It is frustrating to learn that something can perhaps be managed but not curable. Are you still in therapy? When I was dealing with my medical stuff I was and it helped me a good bit.

A lot of my inflammatory responses are lessened with learning rheumatoid arthritis cooking and naturally inflammation reducing foods, it improved some but didn't eliminate my responses. I know what you mean about a mixed bag and "the good, the bad and the ugly" is a pretty good way of describing the discovery of a chronic illness.

I'm just giving you a hug (((right now))) and am hoping that as you explore treatment options, that you will get some relief with minimal side effects.

Hang in there gal.

 

[Venusian]

(((((((NightHawlk)))))))) I am glad that you finally have a diagnosis. It just plain sucks but now you can learn how to deal with it. Eliminating that unknown factor is a huge step forward. Even though there are few options at least the ones you have now will be targetted to what is wrong instead of just the "maybe this one" or"" maybe that one" in the hope that you get something right. Now the hard part starts with an actual goal.

I hope this is what you can do and I hope that I can do the same, my first appointment with a specialist is in a few hours. I hope that he will finally have some answers for me, I hate not knowing what this pain is, I want it to have a name. I want to give it a name so that I can start treating it instead of just managing the pain without treating the source.

 

[p-no]

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Nighthawlk))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

No words, it just sucks. Remember you're not alone.

 

[Loloma]

Hi Nighthawk, chronic illness really sucks. I go through periods like this and it gets to the point where you get so frustrated and angry. Inflammation, pain and fatigue go hand in hand. The problem is that it becomes very debilitating, stopping you from doing day to day tasks.

A few years ago I was in the same situation and of course the doctors answer was to take more and more medication. In the end the cure was worse than the disease. I ended up being tested for symptoms that were the direct effect of the medication. As Alba suggested, try finding foods and supplements that help relieve the pain and inflammation. I did the same thing and have reached the stage where I am down from 12 medicines to 4 only.

I also take Omega 3, Vitamin C, B, A and D3. Magnesium and Krill oil are also great. There is a wealth of information on the internet. It took me about 2 years to reach the stage where I am not longer in chronic pain. Still have pain but it is bearable. I suffer from spondylitis in my lower spine, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Like you I only have one kidney, diabetes and a few other goodies. Once every six months I have my right hand injected for the pain and stiffness otherwise my fingers lock into position.

Don't give in, stay strong and it is important if and when you are up to it, to take a walk or move around. Otherwise you become very stiff and suffer more. Try and get lots of fresh air. Wishing you all the best. :hug:

 

[DharmaGirl]

I am thinking about you, Nighthawk.

 

[Nighthawk]

Well it really is not a name but a direction at least. It was just the fact that a Dr. finally saw a direction. He called it Spondyloarthropathy and Chronic poly Arthritis. Basically inflammatory disease leaning towards Ankylosing spondylitis. I guess back where I as a few months ago.

I am still in therapy although my therapist has even had a hard time dealing with my weird illnesses. We are trying to find a way to manage all the info and changes. I don't think she was up for this ride.

 

[Whitneys story]

:hug: Nighthawlk :hug: Whitney

 

[Chincho]

(((((((NightHawlk))))))))

 

[Froggie]

I'm so sorry that you are suffering such pain and that you are still going through the medical red tape to get things out in the clear. I truly hope that the specialists chose your medication with wisdom.