I went for my first Rheumatologist appointment last week. I've been on Plaquenil, my Lupus medicine for about six months now.
I have to say, I feel better right now than I have in the past six years. For the first time, I don't wake up and have a cold sweat, flu-type feeling. I never realized how often I felt that way until it went away.
The doctor said I'm doing really well. I lost a pound from my last doctors appointment at the urgent care. I guess they even have my urgent care appointments in the computer, which is convenient. I told him that I constantly feel swollen or inflammed. My sock line shows if I ever wear any kind of socks and that tells me I definitely am swelling. Not...a....good...look.
The doctor did tell me that he would like to increase my Plaquenil, which I thought was odd since I'm doing really well. He told me that what I think is doing well might actually just be called functioning. I'm so used to not feeling well that I just am now able to function day to day and think that's terrific. He said once I get used to the medicine doubled, I could actually feel great.
I can't imagine feeling great....I would love it.
I'm now going to take Vitamin D3, 2,000mg a day, which is the sunshine vitamin and a prenatal vitamin. The Plaquenil is changing the condition or texture of my hair. I have super fine hair but a ton of it. It feels finer and like it's thinning considerably. Do not put it past me to go buy a Kim Zolciak wig. I would totally rock the blonde Real Housewives of Atlanta look!
The other big suggestion is....he wants me to follow the Eat to Live Diet by Dr. Joel Furhman. He said that's the best lifestyle change for autoimmune disease sufferers. Apparently, the mostly vegan lifestyle reduces inflammation in Lupus sufferers.
How on earth am I going to do that with two teenage boys and a husband that only eats meat and potatoes????? Talk about a challenge! I will say that they are very good about only trying to go places that have good, healthy food when I watch my weight. I am thankful for that.
Now to just get my hubby on board this diet.....it would be amazing for him too!
On the kid front, Tyler is busy with high school Varsity soccer and Varsity track. He plays mid in soccer and goes in on the games where we are winning. If it's close, he doesn't get to play as often, but that's fine with me. I'm so proud he's going in and he's a Freshman! In Track, he's pole vaulting with his friend Hunter. Tyler's been able to clear 9 foot so he's on his way. He just wants to try to get better so he can get a letter on his Letterman jacket for Track also.
Hunter's in Track right now and it's been fun for him. He doesn't like to run so he's just pole vaulting. He hasn't qualified to go to a Track meet yet. They only take three kids so it makes it hard when you haven't made it to the three best yet. Hunter's up to clearing six foot though. I think with a little practice, he's going to be great!
Tyler told us the other day he isn't playing football next year.
That's a big negative. Not....going....to....happen.
That kid loves football. I don't know who's gotten it into his head that he shouldn't play football but they are ticking me off. He will regret it so much if he doesn't. I guess time will tell.
On the work front, I'm working again at the same company I've already worked twice. I've always been the Business Development Coordinator and they brought me back as a Consultant. I like it because I'm working with all my best friends. Fun times.
