Lupus Update

Today was my follow up with Dr. Shcuew... Let me just re-enterate that i absolutely adore this man.  He is the only doctor i've ever left his office smiling like a goober. 

My first labs showed inflammation markers for lupus but they were not "high enough" to be considered "true" lupus...so i had the diagnosis of cutaneous lupus aka discoid lupus. 

Right away he noticed the rash on my face has improved since my last appointment three months ago.

My Blood work still has inflammation, but it IS INDEED going down since my new medications. 

 My Urine, he was worried because he noticed i had inflammation from my kidneys and he did not want my kidneys to begin to start failing.  

 As of today... i quote "your urine was the cleanest, most clear urine I’ve ever seen in one of my female patients..." bam.... I told him I’ve been pushing the clear liquids like crazy since our last visit. 

Next was my test for my fibro pain management...which i was on the verge of tears with just the thought of the horrid pain from last time.  I sighed... and extended my arm.  I felt a jolt of pain but not enough to make me yell out and cry inconsolably... He looked up and smiled and said well how about that.... I just beamed at him! I said thank you doctor...for making me feel human.... i never knew it was possible.  He is modest and just smiled. 

 We talked about my rash, and since I’m still having bouts with it I may have to start prednisone which I’m not too keen on... but he said when my rash is out and visible...that’s when my joints are "achy" Discoid lupus patients ... have joint pain without the swelling. 

 We increased my Neurontin by 100mg i'll take 300 at bed time and 100 in the am.  To help with the burning cramping sensations in my legs. 

We talked about exercise he still doesn't want me to "overdo it yet" so no dancing, or excessive walking until we get my joints looking and feeling good as new.  However he was THRILLED i was swimming, and using sunscreen. 

 He said i was one of the FEW patients he has that he BELIEVES i will be IN REMISSION WITHIN TWO YEARS..... BECAUSE... I’ve done everything he has asked me to do.  Even adding a stretching session in the am, and pm.  Now if only i can go back to eating right again... i think i could beat this in just a year. 

He has total faith that i will one day be Healthy...and living again.  I have total confidence in his ability to help me. 
He did tell me that i have nerve damage from the Fibro, because it took so long for treatment.  However since my pain is being controlled i do not need to see a neurologist. 
I also had a steroid injection into my hip today.  Which did not hurt in the office... i mean besides the fact he was poking all those really tender spots that almost made me cry.... NOW... my ass is a little sore.... and my left hip hurts really bad now since i didn't realize i was in THAT MUCH pain with my right. 
Well gentle readers i'm off to bed, it has been such a blessed day...... thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.... it shows in my blood work.... i'm going to beat this ... "what doesn't kill me makes me stronger..." damn straight ya'll......