The last 2 weeks have been very stressful!!!
I mentioned before, I applied for short Term Disability (STD) from work. This was such a confusing prosess, and no one to guide me thru it. I have learned from the many things I misunderstood & did wrong, and may appeal the denial I recieved last Wed. if my PCP will work with me, now that I've explained the confusion.
Also, Wed. I saw the rheumatologist. He was very knowledgeable about Fibro, and pretty much said I was a classic case. I also found out I have bursitis in my hips. That explains my hobbling around like I'm 100 years old! He was very understanding, and had some good suggestions for treatment, which he will report back to my PCP, since this rheumy does not treat. He only diagnoses & advises the PCP. He actually does not recommend STD. In his opinion, STD leads to long term disability, and then permanent. But I think if I continue to work part time, and dedicate myself to rehabilitation, hopefully, I will find a light at the end of the long tunnel! Of course with this condition, I realise there are no guarentees! If anyone is interested in a good rheumy in the Portland, OR area, let me know.
Some of his suggestions were physical therapy, aerobics & weight training with a trainer, and what he called "sleep therapy". He advised that this is a slow process & not to push myself, but be persistent, and it could take 6 months to a year before I feel much better. He also encouraged generally healthy living, and said I would probably need pain meds also, but not to rely only on those.
So, I go back to the PCP, to discuss treatment next Friday. I'll keep you posted!
Whew! I survived another week!
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