Here I am finally. Back from vacation, busy, busy. Out of pain meds and trying to make it thru the day until I can call in my next refill! So I went to the rheumatologist last week. I spent about 2 hours there (most of it waiting) for him to tell me “I would rule out that you have RA” and “just keep doing what you’re doing”. Okay then, that was very helpful. In other words – he has no clue!! I did read a good article in my Endometriosis Association newsletter about the connection between women with endo and something called Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS). This is taken from the newsletter: Below are symptoms reported both by women with endo, and women with endo and a diagnosis of CFIDS: Profound exhaustion and poor stamina Sleep abnormalities (having a hard time falling asleep, awakening between 2:00 and 4:00 am) Pelvic pain and menstrual irregularities Recurrent flu-like symptoms (tender lymph nodes, muscle weakness, aching joints, low-grade fever) Headaches Chronic yeast infections Irritable Bowel and bowel dysbiosis Anxiety (fight or flight mechanism stuck on) Allergies (environmental, hormonal food and/or chemical) “Brain fog” (difficulty concentrating, memory and processing problems) Symptoms of other conditions: irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, Lyme Disease, lupus, MS Prolonged exhaustion after mental and physical activity Okay, so I have all of the above except the menstrual stuff now because of my hysterectomy. The suggest changing diet, detoxifying your surroundings, starting allergy treatments, treating intestinal and bowel abnormalities, be selective with your healthcare, exercise gently but frequently, getting help with sleep, eating high quality small meals, choose organic, take nutritional supplements, use alternative therapies (massage, biofeedback). There is my medical diagnosis of myself – question is – will my doctor believe me when I suggest it??? Right now I am treated separately for migraines, Chrons, and joint pain. I am sending the whole article to my primary doctor – we’ll see what he says next time I come in. By the way, today I have joint pain, severe allergies, a headache, cold hands and feet and I am very sleepy. Yawn, yawn.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!
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