Clarity

 

Good morning to you! How have you been? Are you almost ready for Christmas? Around here it's been a little full in the days with running around but I continue to find my pockets of peace whenever I sit down and knit. I'm grateful for that always. The house is decorated and most of the shopping is done. I finished my Christmas gift knitting (yay).

I saw my new rheumatologist again earlier this week - I adore her immensely, she is kind, funny and oh so knowledgeable. After a multitude of blood tests and asking questions I've never ever been asked before by any of my previous arthritis doctors (the questions were long and mighty), she has diagnosed me with Sjogren's Syndrome. I first presented arthritis symptoms in 1997 but was never in a specific category. I was told back then I did mostly rheumatoid arthritis and a little bit of lupus. Back then the blood tests weren't specific either compared to current bloodwork being done.

This new doctor is switching my medicines over a long period of time (3-6 months). So I've started a new medicine and will see her in three months to start decreasing the old medicine. I feel a sense of relief and wonder and above all clarity. I am not a medical mystery anymore I guess. The new medicine might help with some of my current symptoms and that is something to be excited about.

This doesn't change much in my day to day life. I continue to exercise and do my very best to avoid any type of arthritis flare. I've got my life in balance for the most part (don't sit too much, exercise too much or knit too much, rest when your body says rest). 

I took some photos of my current decorating in the new house - I like how simple everything is - the days leading up to Christmas are the best. After Christmas Day I'll be fighting the itch to put everything away, I force myself to wait until New Year's Day. Holly has been behaving when it comes to respecting the two indoor Christmas trees, she hasn't knocked a single ornament off nor has she brought down a tree like she did three years ago. 

Below is NOT a Christmas gift but a replacement to a Christmas gift for my son in law who lost his favorite hat that I made for him two weeks ago. I am thrilled the first hat was loved and am honored to be knitting him another one.


Comments

  1. Autoimmune conditions can be baffling and painful, with their wide array of symptoms, but I'm glad you've got a more specific diagnosis and better medications. I hope it will begin to make a real difference in your life. I'm sorry your SiL lost his hat, but most knitters would be very happy that it was loved enough to want a replacement.

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  2. Hooray for Doctors who listen to their patients and are willing to go the extra mile to get a solid diagnosis. I bet you are happy to finally get on a drug regime that will help you more than what you are doing now. It took me 11 years and 3 Doctors to finally get my RA diagnosis. Made me think I was going crazy. Your Christmas decorations are so pretty. It is nice that Holly is being a good kitty now. I am then opposite of you....I could leave my decorations up for months and never tire of them.

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  3. I am so glad you have a doctor who listens and helps! I am thinking of you as you start this new treatment plan and I hope it brings excellent results!

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  4. Hooray for a great new doctor! Also hooray for clarity!
    Love these peeks of Christmas around your home.
    And one last hooray for Holly not knocking down Christmas trees or ornaments ;)

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  5. Such good news for you on the medical front. How wonderful to have such a knowledgeable and caring doctor. Fingers crossed the new meds will be exactly what you need! Love your tea bag quote. I feel more relaxed this year than most and I've done NO decorating! I've been too busy with work and then, of course, there is Mabel.....

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  6. I love your bird feeder and all of your fun Christmas decorations. So glad you found a doctor you like. I have yet to be that fortunate. We had one in Arizona we didn't mind, but the guy we have gone to here in Utah makes me feel like I am talking to my dad (even though he is younger than I am). That doesn't do it for me at all. I am not going to discuss personal health issues with someone who reminds me of my dad. Nope. I was diagnosed with Lupus when I was pregnant with my oldest son. Doctor told me I might expect to live until my son was 15-years-old. Well, oldest son turned 31 this year. I decided I didn't really have Lupus at all, and I have heard that false positive tests are common. Other doctors can't figure it out so I quit asking. Hopefully, I can someday find a good doctor like you have. I hope the new meds work well. Have a great weekend. See you again soon!

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  7. I am glad to hear you are feeling a little better. It makes a huge difference when you have a doctor who listen. Love your sweet decorating. Take care.

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  8. How fortunate you are to find a doctor who listens and asks good questions. I hope the new meds work well for you. Your decorations are very sweet. Enjoy these days.

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  9. It warms my heart to read a good story about a doctor and a diagnosis. You're always in my prayers. and I just love the peeks into your decorated home ... it feels quite peaceful.

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  10. Love your sweet decorations. I'm glad you've found help in an understanding specialist. It's so frustrating when you feel you just don't fit a proper diagnosis.

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