Neurologist

I went to see the neurologist today. It was my first appointment. I was referred to evaluate my hand tremors, which of course are better. But, I've waited two months for the appointment, so I figured it was worth going anyway. We talked about the hand tremors and how/when they occur. They only seem to happen when I lift my hand, not at rest. I mentioned how I had been having really bad headaches. Bad enough, that my doc had ordered an MRI. The MRI was fine, but I keep getting this sharp stabbing pain in the left side of my head. The neurologist is ordering a anticonvulsant medication. Basically, to slow the activity in my brain. I took the first dose today. The side effects don't look awful. I always worry about stomach upset or fatigue. Those things really get to me. It does say I could possible get fatigue and/or dizziness. I'm going to keep a close eye on it. The interesting thing is, that the doc today was figuring that these symptoms began when I started Enbrel. Right now, it's not enough for me to say I want to stop Enbrel. It's doing more good than it could potentially be doing bad.

RA update

It was absolutely amazing to take time off work. I went with the family to Hawaii. I'm in love with their weather AND beach! It was so nice to take time off work and just relax. Even though I was able to relax mentally, I wasn't physically...but that's ok! We walked a lot and saw a lot. I loved being somewhere that had stable temperatures. Their high and low only vary by around 10 degrees!



I realized something while I was on vacation. NO headaches. It has to be caused from stressed. I was completely relaxed AND even slept in. I suppose this is good news, but I'm still going to keep my neuro appointment.



Last week I started physical therapy for my knees. I do NOT want knee replacements in my 30's if I can help it. It turns out, my hips are really weak. I could kick myself for pushing for physical therapy after my hip surgery. The doctor didn't recommend it, so I didn't push for it. They are recommending to completely stay away from the treadmill and running/jogging all together. It gets me so discouraged. I was just starting to get the energy for jogging and started working on my endurance. I drop weight so fast when I run. I know its for the best, my knees kill me after the treadmill. Maybe the bike and I will learn how to be friends.


I think I'm pretty good at controlling my pain. I get "achy", but rarely is it unbareable. I get a massage every week to 2 weeks. I try to get to acupuncture at least once every few weeks. I'm thinking about throwing chiropratic care in there. Not sure if I'll get anything out of it, but I suppose it's worth a try.