Good Results & Hope

I have had a very interesting past few days. I had a breast biopsy, even though the doctor told me that it was probably fine. But, probably isn't something I can live with. I have enough problems, and I don't need to stress over 6 months of waiting to have another mammogram/ultrasound. Thankfully, this test showed benign tissue.

The biopsy was quick and easy. There was no real pain, and I was thankful when it was over. I like having tests with quick results. There wasn't a long time to spend worrying.

Today was a day I was longing for and also a day that was nerve-wracking to face. After living here for almost six years and seeing a mediocre rheumatologist, I was finally able to see a Sjogren's and Lupus specialist. I was so anxious about seeing him that I went to the wrong clinic.

I called and the clinic said that I would be seen if I could make it in twenty minutes. Hubby drove a little fast and we almost got in a wreck. I was so thankful that we barely avoided a collision.

When I registered, it took so long that I was afraid they would turn me away. But after waiting about three minutes, I was called back to the exam room. I was greeted by the doctor's Fellow. She had studied my files and asked me many questions that actually mattered.

I'm so used to seeing the rheumatologist for about five minutes. They usually just ask how dry my eyes and mouth are. They seem to know little about this systemic disease. Thankfully, this doctor is a specialist in Sjogren's and conducts research. Oh, how I wish I could have seen him for the last few years. He is brilliant!

He went over the dry eyes and mouth, but that was just a short part of the visit. He asked me about the upcoming surgeries for my AVN of the talus. He wondered if I had ever heard of Anti-phospholipid Syndrome. He said that it can be a cause of AVN. He got so excited - hoping that we might have made a connection.

I told him how that, in the late 80's, I had been diagnosed with Anti-phospholipid Syndrome. I had just had three miscarriages, and was having multiple tests to see if they could find a cause. It was a new syndrome and the criteria has changed. The doctor said that there is a still changing criteria or thoughts about it.

He tested me today for that and some other things. He wants me to see the dermatologist and see if there is another treatment for the rashes. He said that the cracked skin on my hands was a form of Eczema and needed a treatment to clear this up.

This doctor leads in the Sjogren's field and has conducted much published research. He is excited (even animated) about finding ways to help me feel better. One thing he wants to check out is dysautimonia and a table tilt-test. I had this done in 2018 and wasn't diagnosed with POTs, but he wants to try this again.

Because my worst symptom is fatigue, he is going to increase my Low-Dose Naltrexone by doubling. He said that if it didn't help, he could increase it more. He's also prescribed a different dry-mouth medication. He was surprised to hear that after the first medicine failed, that another one wasn't given a chance to help.

Well, as usual, I'm hopeful that something good could come out of this appointment. And, of course, I will gladly try some new medicines or treatments.

I'm very thankful for any help and will praise God for His love and care for me.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

@2025, copyright Lisa Ehrman

Disclaimer: I'm not a medical expert. This post contains my experiences and opinions and is not meant to be taken as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please consult your personal physician.