update

So,I went back to my rheum today. He said I have some kind of I inflammatory arthritis but doesn't know specifically what. And is referring me to the head of the rheum dept. at a university hospital as a last ditch effort to figure out what's going on. So that makes me a little worried. This current dr is supposed to be an expert in arthritis but I seem to have stumped him. It doesn't really make a difference treaTment wise what it is but I'd just like to know as far as what kind of progression or other problems to look for in the future. My hands have been hurting a lot lately which really gets me down.

In other news, i made it through my bros anniversary with some xanax and now I'm doing fine again without it. Just had a rough time there for a bit.

Glad to hear you made it thru your brother's anniversary, Great Job!!

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, I don't have arthritis yet but it's coming I'm sure. :) I'm glad your doctor referred you on, cause in the end all we really want is a proper diagnosis. :)

Keep up the good work regarding your anxiety.

so the soonest appointment with this specialist is december. ugh. I've been taking the otc meds my current dr recommended and it caused bad stomach pains, I ended up having to get an ultrasound for possible gallbladder issues but Im sure it was just stomach discomfort from all the nsaids. And its not even working really, my hands still hurt so bad. So Im debating asking for something prescription but any prescription nsaids would just make the stomach problem worse.

On top of it all, now my mother has to have her thyroid out for possible thyroid cancer. So that adds more stress. I've been debating going up on the prozac but idk. Ive gotten through the really rough patch and would prefer to just taper it off. The anxiety isnt too bad over all I just have some moments, usually at night when Im just trying to relax that it all kinda gets to me.

I put some music on and try to distract myself, cant play any of my instruments atm cause of my hands which is frustrating. I got some new piano books and theyve just been sitting there since my hands flared up at the same time.

thanks all for reading :)

Hi Calen

Sorry to hear about your Mum I am sending my thoughts and prayers.

Yes the waiting lists to see a specialist can be long what I did was phone up and put my name on their cancellation list and said phone me if anyone cancels or can't make their appointment. I ended getting to see the specialist much sooner this way so worth a shot.

NSAID or known to cause stomach problems so it is important to take them with food which one were you taking? Naproxen is a good one to try as it is not as hard on your tummy and works well and reducing pain.

Keep us posted.

Hibee

when I made the appointment I asked to be on the cancellation list so *fingers crossed*
Ive been taking long acting tylenol arthritis every 8 hours which is what the dr prescribed and naproxen (aleve) every 12 hours. With food, yes. Then when I started having stomach troubles I added omeprazole but I should probably call the dr and ask what they recommend...

Hi

I will keep my fingers crossed that you get an earlier appointment.

Keep us posted.

Hibee