Second Batch of Bloodwork

(May 23 2008)

A little over a week ago my specialist doctor called with blood results. He has determined that I have Hashimoto Thyroiditis, with possibly something Rheumatoid on the side, or so severely that it's causing Rheumatoid symptoms. If this turns out to be the case, it is a good thing. HT is pretty easily treatable (my mom and older sister both have it, I believe) though like most Autoimmune problems it isn't curable. It's also likely I've had it for seven years (my mom actually took me in to get it tested and the bloodwork didn't show anything). Anyway, it causes fatigue and stuff, which the medicine clears up nicely.

However. My smart mommy wrote down all the numbers/test names to research for herself. From what she can tell (granted, she's a homeschooling mother, not a doctor) it appears I even though do have HT, it looks more likely that it's a high Rheumatoid problem with that in hand, rather than the other way around.

Meanwhile, we've been waiting for the paperwork to come through so I can see the Pediatrician (Thyroid doctor). She also works with Laura, and Mom trusts her and likes her a lot more than my specialist. From there we're planning on making an appointment in my hometown, which is the other location a specialist is at. (Then again, at the rate things are going I'll probably be eighteen before my second appointment, and then I'll have to transfer to an adult specialist.) In order to get the ball rolling, Mom wanted to get together with my clinic doctor to get the referral. But my clinic doctor is going to be out the whole month of June and won't be able to see me before then. So I have an appointment with another doctor on the 2nd, where then I'll get my referral (hopefully!) and then see the Pediatrician and then maybe see my other specialist. (At least, this is my concept of The Plan--If the paper work comes in before the 2nd we'll probably just go straight to the Pediatrician.)

Meanwhile, I'm still taking pain medication to keep my hands in working order. Without them I would be in a ton of pain. (I'm in a little pain in the mornings even with the drugs.) So it's frustrating that this has gone on since February, and all the doctor stuff has gone on since April, and not much progress has been made.