I feel like I’m developing magnetic qualities that attract me to all things autoimmune no matter where I go. Here’s an example.
It started at a meeting. I had to apologize that I was having trouble hearing her because I am hard of hearing and she apologized for speaking quietly because she had a paralyzed vocal [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: autoimmune, doctor patient relationship | Leave a Comment »
Did I need the reminder that my legs are not useful exercise equipment right now? I felt a little like this sign was taunting me.
But seriously, it is a little insensitive to people with disabilities, particularly persons who primarily use wheelchairs.
My current situation feels very Ground Hog day-ish. As it should. I’m back where I [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: femoral nerve, muscle weakness, undiagnosed chronic illness, vastus medialis | 2 Comments »
There are moments that as a patient, I lose my patience. I’m losin’ it today.
I’d rather…
The first thing that comes to mind is that I’d rather be at Disney World. I’d rather be at the beach. But could I even make the walk from the car to the sand? Could I even climb in the [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: autoimmune, autoimmune keratitis, patient, undianosed chronic illness | Leave a Comment »
It’s becoming clear – if I am going to move closer to a diagnosis for my limited ability to walk, I will have to do what I do best.
Research.
Not my typical needle-in-a-haystack web searching. A dedicated research effort. Something I do daily for my employment.
My PCP, Dr. F. already mentioned that she will [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: multiple sclerosis, muscle biopsy, myasthenia gravis, undiagnosed chronic illness | 1 Comment »
I am so grateful for my primary care doctor.
I was a little nervous about seeing Dr. F. today. I haven’t seen her since before I went to the Endocrinologist back in April. After numerous appointments and differences of opinion, I didn’t know what to expect from her. I’ve always had a great deal of respect [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: autoimmune, health, muscle biopsy, undiagnosed chronic illness | Leave a Comment »
I’m haunted by something I heard about today. A man killed himself after struggling five years with an undiagnosed illness.
Suicide is always incredibly sad. To know that someone feels so alone. No one wants to feel alone. No one wants to go through pain and feel like there is nowhere to turn for help and [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: autoim, undiagnosed chronic illness | 6 Comments »
I can’t help but feel pretty good today.
The only problem is that in the declining economic climate no one wants to hear my news but I will say it anyway. I got an 8% raise today! Totally out of the blue. I did not ask for a wage adjustment and it’s not merit increase [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: AFO, autoimmune, chronic illness | Leave a Comment »
If you have the desire for people to say to you, “But you’re so young!” while you’re in your mid-30’s, get yourself a voodoo doll and wish for an unnamed affliction that causes you to walk funny.
It’s been a full 24 hours since I picked up my ankle foot orthosis also known as AFO or [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: AFO. ankle foot orthosis, ankle foot orthotic, foot drop | 7 Comments »
I want to know what is wrong with my leg and the not knowing is making me crazy.
I replay the doctor’s appointments and PT sessions in my head and look for clues and consensus. I’m left with confusion and contradictions. I want to put aside my need for a name to associate with the problem, [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: ankle foot orthosis, chonic illness, myasthenia gravis, physical medicine and rehabilitation, physical therapy | 1 Comment »
My PM&R (physical medicine and rehabilitation) doctor recommended that I start fresh with physical therapy by going to a new physical therapy center and getting new types of treatment.
I called the recommended PT center to schedule an appointment. After answering the general registration questions, I was asked what type of insurance I have. They don’t [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: chronic illness, physical therapy, PM&R | 2 Comments »
