F/U to Doctors

RachNRich

For those who followed my whiney post about the doctors last night--the appointment went well, but def. didn't get good news out of it. My rheum is ran a full blood panel on me today--he's also checking my CPK and C reactive protiens (indicators for inflammation--key to my auto immune), and my thyroid. He's currently leaning towards it being a hyper thyroid problem--as I had a high heart beat today, hair loss, weight loss, and constant fever. He did say, however, that if it's not my thyroid--then I need to go see the other team of doctors that looked after me in the hospital--the infectious disease doctors. He tried to get me in to see them today, but they were booked solid. And it's never fun to tell people you need to be seen by a team of infectious disease doctors. They look at you funny when you say that. So...now--I'm fine, just a bit bruised in the arm from the blood. I go back to the doctors next Thursday.

punkyb2b

Have you ever had IVIG?

MeaghanandMichael

Aw I am sorry to hear this but I am glad that it seems like you are going to get to the bottom of the situation. Best wishes!

RachNRich

No...never heard of it...but I'm off to google it now.

katiewhompus

Booo for not great news, but at least that's better than anticipated right? I mean, it could have been worse? *hugs*

punkyb2b

Geez.  I mean to start with I'm sorry you aren't feeling well and I hope the team gets to the bottom of whatever it is soon.did you get any lab results back?  The ones tested dont take that long to run.

janedoe1113a

Hopefully they get to the bottom of it.

Night_Sprite

I need to know what song you want me to sing to you so I can start prepping.  Upbeat?  Irish lullaby? Silly and made up? 

punkyb2b

Rach- Lots of people who have autoimmune issues get IVIG infusions every few weeks (or longer depending on a bunch of stuff) to help their body "settle down" or normalize.  It stands for intravenous immunoglobin.

RachNRich

punky--I just googled it. I'd never heard of it, but FI said he has--and apparently it's used for the autoimmune disease I already have (which may o may not be related to what's going on now)---I have a rare form of myositis (a branch off of polymyositis, dermatomyositis, etc). The blood work shouldn't take long--they probably know the results now. And I suppose I could call and ask--but I won't be able to get in to talk about them until next week I think if they called and told me the test didn't prove one thing or another, I'd be more concerned--I do not want to head back to infectious disease--because of them I have a three inch grody incision on my right leg.

RachNRich

Thanks meg, katie, and navy!

saschaduran

I'm sorry hun. I know it is going to be a long stressful week of worrying, but I am happy you are seeing doctors right away and getting to the bottom of it.

katiewhompus

We need to send you to House, then you'd be all patched up with some super crazy awesome drug :)At least they didn't make you wait there for results or call you immediately, that's a better sign!

punkyb2b

IVIG is used to treat more severe cases of autoimmune disorders.  Sometimes what you have can respond to steroids.  I'm not your doctor though and dont know your history, just thought if you are this miserable, you may want to ask about it   Hope you feel better soon!

missy68

Rach, I'm feeling your pain.  My mom's been struggling with a "what's going on with me?" for a while. She had MRSA after foot surgery last year (diagnosed right before Thanksgiving - thenBF/nowDH and I were the only guests thank goodness) and she struggled with that recovery.  They've tested her for lupus and some other stuff too.  I know how frustrated she's been, so I can empathize.Take care of yourself, and hopefully it will be something simple they can treat and get you back on track.Many hugs and good thoughts sent your way.  I'm glad you got quickly and it wasn't bad news this morning.**hugs**

[Deleted User]

Hi Beautiful! I thought about you several times today and wondered how things went. Sorry to hear that you didn't get all your answers, but I'm sure it's a relief that you're having it looked in to. I'm thinking about ya!

RachNRich

Punky--I was on steroids for 5 months and way tapered off over the end of the summer. They did help with my leg. But there is obviously something else going on---whether it is autoimmune or not, they aren't sure yet. You may not be my doctor, but I sure like you more than them!

RachNRich

I heart you guys--Thanks for thinking of me!

Nebb

geeze girl, I hope its just your thyroid. Good luck with your results.

kate51485

Hey Rach! Thanks for letting us know. A word on hyperthyroid -- I was diagnosed with this my senior year of high school. It was scary at first because I had lost so much weight so rapidly, my heart was constantly racing, and I could never get a deep breath. BUT: as SOON as I was medicated, I felt 100% better. I only took meds for about a year, and miraculously it just...stopped. So, I don't know how everything will jive with what you know you already have, but I just wanted to give you a vote of confidence that if it does turn out to be hyperthyroid...it does get better. FB me anytime and I'll do my best to remember stuff.