A post on being a sickipants

[thecutepolice]

I posted something very similar to this on rheumatoid, but since it's something I haven't really shared here, I figured I'd edit a bit and repost to my own journal.
Unless something wonky (there's my super technical terminology) comes back in my second lupus test (I had an abnormal Anti-SSB antibody the first time), I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Comments

[ladyithildiel]

Agh...this is not good at all, my dear!!:(I sn't there any way to treat it or even reverse it?I'd say look into that thyroid issue first-it tends to cause problems everywhere else!:o

*hugs*

[thecutepolice]

Well, the thyroid issue I've been working with for over a year now. I've been up and down on synthetic thyroid hormone trying to find the right balance for my body. Right now I'm at 100 micrograms (down from 112), so hopefully that will be right. I had an ultrasound last week and my thyroid has shrunk back down to normal sized (it was really enlarged when I went to the endocrinologist the first time). I'll have to take the thyroid hormones forever, but that one is pretty much stabilized (and easy, there are no side effects or anything

[ladyithildiel]

*nods*Yup, on the thyroid, you will have to calbirate it for life, but no biggie there-I've a student who had issues with it since she was 14 or so, she's 21 now and will take pills for it for the rest of her life!

Agh, sorry to hear about the POS, my cousin has had it for a few months now and it is HELL to get rid of!:sGive it time, though, it will get better-and I have seen the pills, they're huge!O.o

Very concerned about rheumatoid, to be honest, it does sound bad, though I hope the new exams will negate the previous ones, somehow-it has happened!:)That medication option doesn't sound too good...tuning down the immune system against one thing,OK, but risking over-tuning it down!:sI hope it all turns out for the best!!:)

As for dry eyes, you might probably need to use natural tears-they come in little single-use capsule thingies-to help keep them moist and the contacts happy!They're a lifesaver!;)

[bean_bandit]

My sister had many similar symptoms about a year ago, and had just about as much fun with all the tests. Lupus and RA were both suspects, but as I recall, both were ruled out. I'm not sure what the final diagnosis was, and I know there were some other issues as well. I do know she takes loads of pills now. Although she's still recreationally more active than me, she creeks and pops nearly as much as I do!
As I understand it, RA never goes away, and the damage accumulates over time. I hope whatever it is you have is correctable. I have an aquaintence with RA. He has a pretty physically rigorous job (he's an animal tender at the university... basically a reindeer and musk ox cowboy). He seems to be managing it pretty well, so I guess it's not impossible to live with.