After these last puny weeks, yesterday was rheumatologist day.

*Before I get into my rheumy report though, my better half is really sick right now with bronchitis and has been feeling terrible for a few days. – all prayers, good vibes, and warm fuzzies for him are so appreciated. Thank y’all. ❤ *

As for my appointment yesterday, after reviewing all my recent labs and tests, assessing me, and discussing everything that has been going on lately, my rheumy made a significant medication change and also added two new diagnoses.

First, the diagnoses:

• My last labs that measure my immune function showed a specific deficiency – igG deficiency – that needs to be addressed by immunology with infusions. This explains my recurrent pneumonias as well as my difficulty fighting other infections.

• Fibromyalgia is one of my providers areas of expertise – and I have *so many* symptoms of fibro, including the tender points – so she felt strongly that it should also be included in my diagnoses.

(One particularly unpleasant issue that has gotten out of hand recently – either under the umbrella of fibromyalgia or my CRPS – is this overwhelming intense itching sensation at the soles of my feet that will wake me up from my sleep – it’s why I’m awake now after only an hour’s rest – and it is miserable to try to contain. Yuck I say.)

Hopefully these new diagnoses will lead to more effective treatment, especially as it relates to my immune system.

As we are making some adjustments to my daily medications, I’ll also be switching my weekly biologic injection from Enbrel to Orencia.

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The hope is that Orencia will be effective for my autoimmune disease without having as significant an impact on my immune system.

Of course, as biologics are crazy expensive medications, I have started the process of prior authorization that insurance requires for any change in them – so it will be a week or so before I receive the new meds.

Still, I am hopeful with a new game plan – and deeply grateful for an attentive provider who is working to sort these issues with me.

(In the next few days here, I plan to catch up our book reports and our banned book project as well. ❤ )

Be well, everybody. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Grace and Blessings.