I had just visited my doctor in the end of February for my 3
month check-up when mid-March pollens during spring break began to take a huge
toll on my body. I was taking Benadryl and Sudafed round the clock for itchy eyes and runny, congested nose and of course, my fast-acting inhaler always
accompanied me in my purse for any troubled
breathing.
 |
| My Still's rash |
What I didn’t expect was the onslaught of health problems
that would follow in addition to the allergy war… My left elbow became increasing
immobile, bent at almost a 45 degree angle. I also began to feel my right
elbow becoming tighter with less mobility. If I wasn’t already scared enough,
the dreaded still’s disease rash
appeared on my right thigh in a patch. Sure I have had some difficulties with
stiffness, aching and swollenness in the past 5 years but after I started
taking Kineret, I hadn’t seen the rash since. I was really worried. This was a
full on flare.
After a few trips to
the doctor, blood tests and significantly limited mobility in my elbows (aka
having difficulty dressing, doing my hair and lifting/moving things) we decided
it was best to go back to every day
Kineret injections ( I had been only taking them every week) and also deal with these specific swollen joints. So in
mid-April I had steroid shots in both my
elbows. While that seemed to solve things then… this Memorial Day weekend
has proven that it did not. My left
elbow has become swollen again and I joked with my
family that I might just be Barbie for the rest of my life! And of course, that
can’t be too bad, can it?! Haha
I believe the next step, after plenty of time researching, is talk
with my doctor about Enbrel. While it was first suggested that I take Humira, I
have not found significant positive results to want to subject myself to those
shots first. Until I figure it out though, I’ll keep yall posted!
Healthy lifestyle Update: I really am loving the Skinny
Rules and have truly felt less hungry and more full!! Crossing my fingers that
some weight comes off and I’ll be more prepared for that summer wedding I have
to go to!
No comments:
Post a Comment