Finally!

I saw the cardiothoracic surgeon today, Dr. Joseph Graham. I really liked him and his office. We will be having the biopsy done on Friday, April 1. Hey, I hope that it isn't going to be an April Fool's joke. He said he thinks it will show sarcoidosis too. He seemed really excited to do it at Davis Hospital. He has been trying to do more surgeries there. Andy said to me, "Sorry I'm using you as a stepping stone for the hospital", but I can sacrefice for the job.

Who the Heck Knows??

Crazy how time can just fly by, but I've been very busy with training for a new job and going to doctor's appointments. I've had blood work, x-rays, CAT scans, skin biopsy and getting ready for a biopsy of a lymph gland in my chest. We have to get a definitive diagnoses for either sarcoidosis or lymphoma. I don't see the cardiothoracic surgeon until March 29 and then schedule the biopsy. I'm a little uneasy waiting for that time to pass. I pretty much feel like all I've done for two and half months is wait for doctor appointments and have different tests done. I'm just trying to keep positive thoughts until we have an answer.

I really thought 2011 would be my year of no surgery or illness, but apparently that isn't going to happen. I really have to stop making that my New Year's resolution. It hasn't worked in five years.

Wishing the weather would get warmer so I can go for a nice ride on Patrick and relax! We are all suffering from cabin fever and the only cure is sun, sun ,sun!!! My oldest will be 10 years old on March 20 and we have been planning her birthday party. She is going to have a Minute to Win It party. I really hope it turns out and that the kids have a good time. Every year the weather is different on her birthday. It has been so nice before that we have had it in the backyard and other years so cold we had to move it to our garage ( it is the biggest room in our house ). I've learned to just roll with the flow when it comes to my girls' birthday parties.

With devastation happening in Japan, I feel very blessed to have what I have and to have my family. When things get ya down, remember there is always someone else who is having a tougher time then you. The grass really isn't greener on the other side of the fence, it just needs to be mowed.

Waiting on lab results.

I saw the rheumatologist last week and he doesn't think I have Lupus. He is leaning towards sarcoidosis. I had a quart of blood drawn for all the tests and a chest x-ray. It is an autoimmune disease. This disease involves granulomas in organs, most often in the lungs. The chest x-ray is to look for perihilar adenopathy, which swollen lymph glands near the hilar bone in the middle of the chest. My x-ray did so that I had that. I have to wait to see the dr next week and see if I have to have a CT scan and biopsy. They have to rule out lymphoma. I also have to see the dermatologist tomorrow because there is a skin condition that goes along with it callded erythemas nodosm and I have some signs of that on my legs. I see my dr on March 9th so I'm hoping for solid answers and help.

I'm also starting a new job at the IRS and that is stressing me. I'm not sure how I'll handle working and my health. I'm going to give it a try and see how it works out. My family is so supportive and I'm so grateful for that.

My girls only have two more basketball games and then it's time for softball and soccer. I do like the business of Spring time. Erin's bday is on the first day of Spring and she is so excited. I'll be preparing for that party, the theme is "Minute to Win It" we should have a lot of fun.

Snow and Swelling . . . Dang!

I'm very glad it is Sunday, but I missed going to Stake Conference. I woke up in pain having a flare up.

I have found a good website to help me cope with this disease, http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/utah_home.aspx. I also go the Mayo Clinic's site a lot. It amazes me how many diseases out there are still not cured. Thank goodness for research and the future looks bright for finding a cure for Lupus. I'm hoping by eating more fruit and vegetables that I will see the symptoms get better.

It is snowing like a big dog too so I will stay in with a good book and rest. I guess no Patrick scooting today ;0)

Ready or not!

Well, here I go. I'm starting into the blogging world. I decided to blog on the new things I will be trying and on my journey with Lupus.
I earned my motorcycle license a year ago in March and I have an awesome scooter who I fondly call Patrick. I will post his pictures when I am on my other computer. My husband did buy me a big motorcycle, but I was too intimadated by it. I look forward to good weather and riding my scoot.

I was diagnosed with Lupus January 2011 and will see the specialist February 22, 2011. I look forward to some relief from the generalized joint pain that I have now. My first symptoms came January 3, 2011 when my right ankle swelled so big that ended up with a "cankle". From there, the rest of my joints swelled and my inside ached for weeks. The best way to describe it, is I felt like I was getting the flu with swollen joints and painful chest. After two weeks of pain, I went to my family doctor and he started the bloodwork. The results took another two weeks to get back and now waiting for appointment with rheumatologist. I was originally getting in to the specialist in May until my dad, who also has Lupus, called and made a stink with the dr's office. I also have an older brother who has Rheumatoid Arthritis. I'm not happy to have this but it explains a lot of health problems that I have dealt with in the past 10 years.

I hope by blogging that I will see my progress and find others who are in this too. I'll try to write about diet and exercise and the results from that. And of course, all my travels on Patrick.