Health Update: Rheumy Edition

So, we met the new Rheumatologist and… drumroll please… we actually really liked him! He was thorough, kind, and didn’t look at me like I had three heads when I rattled off my list of issues. In fact, he took the time to listen carefully to each concern, nodding along and asking insightful questions that showed he genuinely wanted to understand my experiences. He even shared some personal insights about his approach to treatment that made me feel like we were on the same team. That’s always a win. After the appointment, I left the office feeling hopeful and relieved, which is a refreshing change from past experiences. [This was all a lie….. a false front a farce if you will] Check out the updated post here:

How the pages have turned: Rheumy Update: Gaslighting Special!

Officially added Fibromyalgia to the diagnosis list, because why not collect them all like autoimmune Pokémon? It’s like my healthcare provider decided to catch ’em all, right along with what he’s now referring to as an “undefined autoimmune disorder.” This mysterious addition only adds to the ongoing enigma of my health. Basically, my body is still throwing these elaborate mystery parties, filled with the unpredictable symptoms that seem to change every day, and we’re still figuring out the guest list. Each new symptom brings its own batch of questions and uncertainties, leading us deeper into the maze of medical jargon and potential treatments as we navigate this uncharted territory together.

So what is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and other symptoms like memory problems and sleep disturbances. It can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, making it difficult to carry out daily activities. It’s important to note that while Fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune disorder, it can coexist with other conditions like Psoriatic Arthritis and or rheumatoid arthritis. While the exact cause is unknown, research suggests it may involve changes in how the central nervous system processes pain signals. This dysfunction can lead to an amplified perception of pain, making even minor discomforts feel more intense. In addition to physical symptoms, many individuals with Fibromyalgia also experience emotional challenges such as anxiety and depression, further complicating the management of the condition. Treatment options often include a multidisciplinary approach encompassing medication, physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes aimed at improving overall well-being and functionality.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Symptoms:

• Widespread Pain:The most prominent symptom, affecting muscles and joints throughout the body. 
• Fatigue:Chronic and persistent exhaustion, even after sufficient sleep. 
• Cognitive Issues:Difficulty with memory, concentration, and thinking clearly, sometimes referred to as “fibro fog”. 
• Sleep Disturbances:Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling refreshed after waking up. 
• Other Symptoms:May include muscle and joint stiffness, tenderness to touch, numbness or tingling, and increased sensitivity to light, noise, and temperature. 

Causes:

• Unknown: The exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear. 
• Central Nervous System Changes: Research suggests that changes in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals may play a role. 
• Potential Risk Factors: Some studies suggest that genetics, trauma, or chronic stress could increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia. 

Diagnosis:

• No Specific Test: There’s no definitive test to diagnose fibromyalgia. 
• Physical Exam and Medical History: Doctors rely on a physical examination, detailed questions about symptoms, and a review of medical history. 
• Ruling Out Other Conditions: Blood tests and other tests may be used to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. 

Treatment:

Therapy:Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapies can help manage stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve coping skills. 

No Cure:There’s no cure for fibromyalgia, but treatments can help manage symptoms. 

Multifaceted Approach:Treatment often involves a combination of medications, exercise, therapy (including cognitive behavioral therapy), and lifestyle changes. 

Medications:May include pain relievers, antidepressants (even when not for depression), and medications to help with sleep and other symptoms. 

Exercise:Low-impact exercise, such as walking or swimming, can help improve strength, endurance, and mood. 

Of course, my good ol’ Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is still front and center, being the diva that she is, constantly reminding me of her presence with those flare-ups that can turn even the sunniest days into a challenge. We’re also retesting for Lupus and everything in her extended autoimmune family tree, as the mystery of my health continues to unfold like a complex novel filled with unexpected twists and turns. Because when it rains, it tests, right? It seems like every day brings a new appointment or another round of blood work, each one with the hope that maybe this time we’ll uncover a clue that will lead us toward better management and relief.

My Labs showed the following results:

• WBC (White Blood Cells) – elevated
• Platelets – also elevated
• MCH – increased
• Sed Rate – now at 23 (hello inflammation )
• Neutrophils – high

So, what does this mean? It appears that my body is in full flare mode. This isn’t entirely surprising, as I had a strong suspicion that my symptoms were indicating this level of activity. However, now we’ve got the paperwork to corroborate what I was feeling all along. It’s somewhat reassuring when your physical symptoms agree with the lab results—like they RSVP’d to the ongoing health situation.

These results certainly highlight the ongoing challenges my body is facing with inflammation and possibly other underlying issues. The elevated WBC suggests my immune system is actively responding to something, likely an ongoing inflammatory process. Likewise, the increased platelets could indicate a reactive process as well. The heightened MCH levels and the high neutrophil count further support the idea of an active inflammatory or immune response happening within my system.

The Sed Rate at 23 is noteworthy, particularly as it indicates an inflammatory response; the higher the number, the more significant the presence of inflammation in the body. It’s a critical marker for inflammatory conditions, reinforcing the reality that I’m experiencing a flare. Especially since 6 months ago I was at a 6 and 3 months before that I was at a 3!

As for next steps, we’ll have to patiently wait for a week or two for the lupus and specialized testing to come back. This next phase of testing will hopefully provide more clarity regarding my condition, guiding future decisions about managing and treating my symptoms. Understanding the specifics can be crucial in devising an effective strategy to handle this flare and its underlying triggers. Meanwhile, I’m navigating through the symptoms as best as I can, staying alert to how my body is responding and preparing for what the upcoming test results will reveal.

In other news, Daniel, my son, is looking at starting a biologic too — but lucky duck, his comes in pill form and it’s not Rinvoq, it’s Otezla. We’re becoming quite the autoimmune duo over here. #SharedMedsGoals

Thanks for all the continued support, love, and understanding. We’re taking it one weird lab result at a time.

Much love and many blessings,

Mrs. B