Been having more and more pain, especially over the past week. I have email messages in to my rheumatologist and my primary care provider. I'm not sure which condition may be causing it and I see my latest x-ray of my abdomen shows moderate degenerative changes in my thoracic spine. I have pain in more than just my spine but that seems to just be yet another incidental finding when we were looking for the cause of another problem.
I am increasing my Tramadol, my Gabapentin, taking some Tylenol, using essential oils, Tiger Balm, stretching, and doing low-impact movement. I am trying to not take more meds because I have cirrhosis and everything gets processed by the liver. I have asked about physical therapy and/or a TENS unit.
I may be in a flare. It may be a combo of different medical issues. Who knows? I am glad that I am a teacher on summer vacation so I have the time to try to feel better and not be stressed out about work. Things were bad this time last year also but at least I have some diagnoses now and some doctors believe I am not making things up.
I am thankful for those blessings. Gentle hugs for all...
B
Have you had your muscle enzyme levels checked? Mine are high and I'm being v treated for muscle disease with Ivig and Rituxin
Hope you are feeling better soon
Hugs
Chris
I believe they were checked in April by the rheumatologist. I have an email in to him and I am seeing my PCP today.
Thanks,
B
I'm sorry for being off topic as I have no answer to your increased muscle pain, my muscle pain just seem to get worse when I am in the same position for too long. How do you email your provider? I would love to be able to email questions to my doctors...
Some of my specialists and my PCP group have a patient portal online.
It has the ability for me to email the provider with any questions and to see blood work and test results as they come in. I can access it at any time and my questions are generally answered within 24 hours.
I emailed my PCP and rheumatologist last night and this morning I had an answer to call in for an appointment from my PCP's office. I usually hear from my rheumy's office within 24 hours but he's at a large medical university so he's dealing with more patients.
It is fantastic and I suspect more physicians will be setting this type up thing up in the future.
B