flutterby
Fly away!
I was hoping to have both shoulders and both hips done, but my GP didn't want to do that many at one time. I don't blame her given how sensitive I am to steroids, but I really want some relief.
So, we decided on shoulders since I couldn't even pull a blanket over myself. I've had these shots many times. They're uncomfortable, but not bad. Today they hurt like Hades. With a capital H. When she did the left shoulder and the medicine went in, I cried out and started to go limp on that side.
Then came the right. She tried and she tried, she moved the needle around, she went to a different spot and tried again, moved the needle around...but she could not get the medicine to come out. She said I have too much inflammation and she can't get through it.
You know, the inflammation that the rheumy's say I don't have because it doesn't show up on blood tests like they think it should? Yeah, THAT inflammation.
So, I was hoping for 4 injections and got one. At least, it was on the side that was the worst. I don't think it's going to fully take, but it's better than it was. I'm also doing a steroid taper - low dose, short taper. I imagine I'll have to do another one after because I don't think it's enough to hit the large joints.
She gave me a starter pack of a new medication called Savella. It's an AD, but it's not used to treat depression; it's used to treat fibromyalgia. I'm only the 2nd person she's given it, too, and likely my insurance won't cover it. If it works (crossing fingers) and if the insurance won't cover it, I'll contact the pharmaceutical company for assistance. I have to do something. My fibro doesn't usually bother me too much - it's the other issues that do. But, I can't stand to be touched right now. It hurt when the nurse took my pulse. How pathetic is that?
I am also getting a lip biopsy to check for Sjogren's. We had that on the list to do before, but then we were waiting for the Cushing's test results and it fell through the cracks. I told her I want it done and she said OK. It's pretty obvious I have actually inflammation and fibro doesn't cause inflammation.
I'm really glad I have the doctor I have. She does listen to me and she wants to help. When the pharmaceutical rep was there to give them the Savella samples, she asked them specifically if my insurance covers it. They didn't know. But, she was thinking of me. Pretty cool to have in a doctor.
So, we decided on shoulders since I couldn't even pull a blanket over myself. I've had these shots many times. They're uncomfortable, but not bad. Today they hurt like Hades. With a capital H. When she did the left shoulder and the medicine went in, I cried out and started to go limp on that side.
Then came the right. She tried and she tried, she moved the needle around, she went to a different spot and tried again, moved the needle around...but she could not get the medicine to come out. She said I have too much inflammation and she can't get through it.
You know, the inflammation that the rheumy's say I don't have because it doesn't show up on blood tests like they think it should? Yeah, THAT inflammation.
So, I was hoping for 4 injections and got one. At least, it was on the side that was the worst. I don't think it's going to fully take, but it's better than it was. I'm also doing a steroid taper - low dose, short taper. I imagine I'll have to do another one after because I don't think it's enough to hit the large joints.
She gave me a starter pack of a new medication called Savella. It's an AD, but it's not used to treat depression; it's used to treat fibromyalgia. I'm only the 2nd person she's given it, too, and likely my insurance won't cover it. If it works (crossing fingers) and if the insurance won't cover it, I'll contact the pharmaceutical company for assistance. I have to do something. My fibro doesn't usually bother me too much - it's the other issues that do. But, I can't stand to be touched right now. It hurt when the nurse took my pulse. How pathetic is that?
I am also getting a lip biopsy to check for Sjogren's. We had that on the list to do before, but then we were waiting for the Cushing's test results and it fell through the cracks. I told her I want it done and she said OK. It's pretty obvious I have actually inflammation and fibro doesn't cause inflammation.
I'm really glad I have the doctor I have. She does listen to me and she wants to help. When the pharmaceutical rep was there to give them the Savella samples, she asked them specifically if my insurance covers it. They didn't know. But, she was thinking of me. Pretty cool to have in a doctor.