Complete 180

The rheumatology appointment on Thursday went superb! The new rheumatologist (definitely sticking with him!) is so awesome. He answered my questions, went though test results with me, explained things to me. Sadly, he said I am having pain in all the right places, so he isn't ruling out anything yet. I told him that I feel something is there, even though I am not liking for a diagnosis. But I know my body, and I know what I have experienced in the last few months is not normal. They took 8 more vials of blood, because he is wanting more in depth tests ran. He said it could take 6-7 months for something to show up. I'm already past the 6 month mark. I told him I was worried about having RA, since my grandmother has it. He said I should be worried, since I run a higher risk of it. 

Since then, my hands have been incredibly warm. I finally realized last night that it's the inflammation. It's in my right femur now as well. It was in both femurs last night, but it has been on the right side off and on since early August. It's almost as if it's gradually coming on more and more. This morning, the pain and discomfort was so bad, I was in tears. I hate that. The arthritis Tylenol didn't necessarily take the pain and discomfort completely away last night, but it did dull it a lot. 

I just knew from the first minute the new rheumatologist stepped in the room and shook my hand that I would like him. He didn't brush off my concerns and fears. He listened to me, he didn't belittle me or sound condescending. He didn't tell me that I didn't need to worry about this, or blow me off. I wish all doctors listened to their patients, calmed their fears instead of telling them there is nothing to worry about. Sometimes, patients just need someone to talk to. I'm dealing with the pain the way I can right now, by resting when things hurt.