Orthopaedic Knowledge Update

For all those who came to my rescue emotional yesterday, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words, support for thoughts and advice very useful.

Many of you asked for an update ... Here it is, and because Yammy will probably delete this, I will also post an update on yesterday's plea for help. It is important to me that you all see.

First, I want to say that, ultimately, to have a doctor who is willing to dirty their hands and keep abreast of things is a huge relief. She spent nearly 90 minutes with me yesterday (unheard of) and sent me for blood tests for many today.

She has scheduled a mammogram, breast ultrasound, ultrasound thyroid (enlarged it, probably under-active) and MRI for next week. MRI is because my glands are swollen throughout my entire body. It makes it much less scary bump.

The lymph swelling is probably due to my RA and / or chemotherapy used to treat it. If MRI is anything worrying, my doctor will be right on it. It's a huge relief to hand those responsibilities to someone with the knowledge and ability to handle anything that might be. I feel as if the weight of the world lifted from my shoulders.

In regards to my RA and joint destruction that came with it:

She feels my disease is progressing too quickly, and will work with my rheumatologist to ensure that I receive the best care available. It also provided an appointment with a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon so I can finally start physical therapy, injections, or surgery that will restore my mobility.

I assure you, I am very happy with all this, and especially the possibility of surgery. In my particular case, the RA was rapidly and severely crippling me in the two years of visiting. Mentally I am ready for surgery, looking forward to it eagerly, and can not wait for the day when I can once again be the mother (and person) I used to be. Finally, I feel a real sense of hope for a future, and I'll lead a life worth living, rather than the life led simply to exist.

I'm very optimistic. A competent doctor and a few words of encouragement have been the perfect cure. Thank you all so much for taking the time to show you care, and offer real solutions that I forgot.

Some of your suggestions I intend to implement:

Based on my friends rather than trying to go it alone. I thought to keep my problems to myself I was protecting my friends, but all I accomplished was to alienate. You're right - a burden shared is a lighter load, and share with friends is to trust in them.

Join a support group for arthritis would be a real step toward connecting with others who share this disease, and all the difficulties that come with it. I check the papers of a group in my area.

Confessions to my children when something is wrong. You're right - my children have * noticed that the mother is moody and distant. Protecting has only helped to confuse them. Although I did not mention the mass, I told them that unexpected medical issues have come up, I'm being tested, and will work with my doctor to treat them. The children are teenagers and 20, certainly can understand that sometimes I need to count on them. Being able to help rather than be overwhelmed them.

There were other suggestions equally worthy, to leave my house to have a good cry, saying a prayer, take a sleep and a glass. Each of you has something to offer, but most of all, you simply have to stop by to feel less alone.

My sincere thanks for being there.

Now, the question was (d.