I had a very rough morning in regards to pain and fatigue. I didn't leave the bedroom until noon because my hip pain was excruciating if I sat or stood in addition to terrible shooting pain in my wrists. So even though I had a list of tasks I wanted to get done today - in the bed I stayed. The additional laying helped my hip subside and it was time to get up. The fact that I came downstairs to see my Treat Yourself Tuesday package waiting at the front door was refreshing.

Every time that I drive in the car my back and hips scream at me! And as the story goes ususally that will trigger other issues. The slippery slope theory actually does apply to chronic pain, haha! To try and prevent this I wanted to purchase a pillow or cushion for my drivers seat. I click over to Amazon as always. I searched for a bit to see the best rated in combination with the best price; because I beleive there is no reason to spend more money than necessary on a product. [Though you don't want to be left with a P.O.S. either] so always do at least 5 minutes of researching before clicking, 'Add to Cart.'

My search for the cushion brought me to the ComfiLife brand options, I decided  on the Gel-Enhanced Cushion for Sciata & Back Pain. [Like I said, it seems like it was more like my 70th birthday] There is a memory foam like cushion with a gel topper and it comes with a soft crushed velvet removable cover. It's like a dream to sit on!! It's only been a few hours but with constant pain it doesn't take long to make me uncomfortable. The cushion promotes good posture while providing a soft, contoured, and level seat. After a few hours of not moving out of this chair [which is very uncommon] the cushion rose back to original form immediately. We'll have to give it time to test out the longevity of that feature. Overall I'm very happy with my purchase and I am excited to be releived of pain while traveling! My mom also got me a travel neck pillow as an addition to my birthday gift so I should be much happier in the car.

I didn't just get a seat cushion with my giftcard though! HAHA I also got a sweater that for some crazy reason didn't arrive with everything else? I bought a new pair of leggings that came and could probably fit someone who's legs are the size of my ARMS. So those will be returned!

I got a suction cup handle for our shower to make sure I don't fall. A shower ususally takes a lot of energy out of me so just in case!

And lastly, I bought a bluetooth keyboard to accompany our recently refurbished Verizon Ellipsis 10 Tablet. Yay! I'm using it right now to write up this post. It's just slightly bigger than our 10in. tablet which gives it a perfect fit for me to type quickly. What I liked about this option in particular: NO cords! It's a bluetooth connection and it doesn't need to be charged you simply need 2 AAA batteries. Which was a plus for me; less parts to loose while traveling and you can always find batteries! It is exactly what I wanted; the Amazon page created a perfect decription for me.

I realize I need to start to accept how my life has changed and will most likely continue to change. I CANNOT be upset about what the 'old me' could do. These are the first steps to moving away from those thoughts. Focus on positive thoughts about what I can do and what I have accomplished.

Well I didn't find out much! Though I now feel much more positive going forward. I met with Dr. Jerden after completing all the new patient forms. Everyone in the office felt genuinely kind. Dr. Jerden looked at my file then we had a discussion of all the symptoms I've been having, when it had all started, and how bad it is. He did some physical movement tests proceeded by some pressure point checks. That is when he explained the result of the degeneration in my neck. 

The primary care doctor had told me that two areas in my neck x-rays show degeneration. Dr. Jerden explained that this was osteoarthritis. It may have been caused by my accident or by strain and overuse through life. This happens normally but mine is more progressed than normal, though it is not something to be concerned with.

I learned that there is another similar condition Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome that I hadn't seen in my research. Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome can co-exist. The doctor suggested that I could have Fibro as a secondary or even third level condition. Seriously? 

Clearly I'm hoping there is not more than one thing we have to treat. 

After reviewing the labs that had been requested by my primary care doctor, Dr. Jerden explained the the C-reactive protein was taken for cardiac instead of regular. So that is one of the tests that needs to be taken. More blood work yay! 

He asked about family histories and places we've gone. Covering everything. I felt he heard me, I was very comfortable at this office and with this doctor. I felt positive and hopeful that I will get some relief from my symptoms.

 I'm having blood drawn for 11 different tests. Dr. Jerden listed some of the items that could be diagnosed from these tests: Autoimmune diseases like lupus, inflammatory markers,a more definite rheumatoid marker, and as the doctor said, a bunch of other stuff you don't want to worry about. When he heard we had been in Punta Cana and Jamaica right around the time my symptoms began he ordered some extra tests. He wanted to be sure to cover all bases even though I have had vaccinations. Which I definitely support!

At the end of the appointment he said, 

"Don't worry if it was anything too bad I'd be sending you to the hospital"

I'll be getting my blood taken tomorrow, Thursday, October 4th. The office will call me is there is anything else pressing to speak about. So now it is wait until my next appointment, Friday October 28th at 10am. The waiting game for a diagnosis or test results oscillates between positive and negative. There are so many worse diseases or disorders that I could find out I have. Though there is HOPE that it's something even less serious, not chronic, and curable!

I'm going to stay positive through these next three and a half weeks. (I say to myself still only half believing it ) 

I'm so happy with my decision to see Rheumatology Specialty Center & Dr. Jerden. 

I feel positive, comfortable, and trusting.