Update on my update

Sorry for the novel here...

So I seem to have created a bit of a controversy amongst my doctors. The rheumatologist that I saw turned out to be an internal medicine resident who happened to be working the arthritis clinic that day. This is the guy who confirmed the finding of AS and prescribed the Humira. I had not filled the script yet because I had yet to figure out the way to pay for it. Good thing.

My main doc (a resident) consulted with his attending, and took another look at my back films. They also checked the radiologist's report, something this supposed rheumy did not do. So began a 3 hour dr's visit than involved me and at least 4 other residents and attendings.

Long story short, after poring over my labs and films, I'm back to square one, with a twist. Early onset Osteoarthritis, but with some kind of muscle involvement they have yet to determine. In other words, the muscles in my back are exacerbating the advanced arthritic changes. (Radiologist stated that if he didn't know I was 45, he would date my back as a 65-70 year old's)

So. Now, what the hell do I do? Off Flexaril (which was giving me the only relief from the spasms literally that would stop my breath) and onto Cymbalta which has worked in the past. A little bit of Norco (like 1 7.5 in a day), and 800 of Motrin a few times a day.

This sucks sucks sucks so freaking much. I'm so darn frustrated. I'm lost at this point.

That is good news but frustrating as well.

What is the reason they won't put you back on the Flexeril? That would seem to be a simple thing that any one of the Drs. can just call in for you. And because it's so inexpensive ($8 for 60), it should be something that you can afford as well.

Why not call the Dr. up and ask them to prescribe this?

They seem to think the Flexeril may be part of what;s exacerbating the muscle issues. Looking at it now, I can see the logic in that, but those guys don't have to get out of bed with my symptoms in the morning.

I think I've come up with a reasonable physical therapy replacement that I can use in the meantime. Find a heavy boxing bag, and, pulling punches, just start kick boxing. No impact, but it does work the core and all of the muscles they want me to work, and I can even throw in leg and knee :kicks: eventually. Again, not even hard enough to move the bag, but the motions are all there, and the cardio workout is built in.

Then, If I do hurt something, maybe they'll have something to treat.