I was almost afraid to ask where you all might live because of the problems that can come about from the internet. I love my Rheumy. When other Dr's couldn't figure things out she would nail it. I just about quite going to my PC and just go to the Rheumy. The past 2 years have been hell. When I went for my SS hearing last month they told me that she had written one of the best letters they had ever seen. She was the only reason I keep trying for the SS. I'm from the old school and family you work even if your on your death bed you get up and work.
My mother had cancer for over 12 years, even in her bones (she even passed out 1 time from shock with the pain from that) when she finally passed she had 4 big freezers of food cook and done up for my dad for when she might not be able to take care of things. She refused pain meds because she thought they might not work when she really needed them. I knew she would survive as long as she didn't think she was a burden. She passed away the day they moved a hospital bed into the house for her. She had been bed ridden for the last 6 months but she was still sharing the bed with my dad.
She is the reason I've tried to fight this so long, I keep thinking of myself as being a wimp.