Well maybe something in all this mess will finally show what is making me feel so dreadful.

I was *sick* again and went to my PCP today. I felt like I had a fever but my temp was only about 99 - it usually goes about 96. I ached like crazy, it was hard to even lay down, really tough to sleep.

Other than that I wasn't really sick if you know what I mean. And this happens every 6 wks to 2 months. What the heck?

The doc ordered a whole slew of tests: EMG/MCV (arms and legs) hepatitis battery, T3, t4 and TSH.

CBC, Lytes, BUN, Creatinine, Sed rate, RA titer and ANA titer (I've had only a couple of those before).

And another chest xray because I smoke (I'm down to 1/2 a pack ).

He gave swelling as one of the reasons for the tests. I said funny he wrote that, since I'd had some swelling in my hands. He said "Yes, I know. I noticed."

A lot of drs I've seen don't listen or don't believe half what you tell them. This man knows what's wrong even if you don't say.

I have no idea how long all that stuff will take - the EMG will take a while, the rest not so much - but I wanna get it done tomorrow if possible. Wish me luck.

I am so, so sorry that you're suffering, Kathy...and glad that you have a doc who actually notices things...
I kind of hope that some of the tests come back with an answer...even though I don't want you to have anything that those tests would confirm...
take care of yourself, dear, and I hope that you let us know what's up...

Awww.... Brain.... I'm hoping that something will finally show too, at least through what you already know's wrong.

I'm so not looking forward to the EMG/MCV for you. It hurts just thinking about it. If you remember, I can't stand EMGs. (can you say "Ouchie"? Sure, I knew you could.)

Tell your body for me that it has to stop feeling crappy at least until you get that story written. See, I want to be a test reader for it (duh... the story not your body weirdo!).

Glad you have a good doc. Really, truly, and absolutely. Keep us posted about the results.

(And too bad we can't get to the P-bgh get together. I'd love to swing by and pick ya up to go but I ain't a up to it either right now.)

I really hope you get some answers and get feeling better asap.

praying for answers Cathy. YOu so deserve them.

OK now, sis it is time to start feeling better. I do hope something shows up to explain all of this, but I'm sorry you have to have that EMG. That goes under the category of tests I will NOT ever be doing again along with the LP. You've had EMG's before as I remember and it doesn't seem like they bothered you as much as they did me and Gazelle.

I wish you were better and that you and the antlered one could visit with us here in the Burgh on Sunday!

I would love to be in Pburg! Dang...

Someday they'll be able to beam us from A to B like Star Trek. Then I'll go to all the get togethers.



Well, I did all the labs and the x ray. The EMG/MCV is set for Wednesday. I have a feeling that either that is gonna be really bad or I'll laugh it off. My nerves either are too sensitive or I can barely feel pain, it changes all the time.

But the way my shocks are, it's going to take pretty good zaps from their machine to really fip me out.

I dread driving up to the hospital more than the tests - except the blood work EWWWW. Six vials - and she had ME hold them! ~faint~




I do have a good doc. I wish you guys could meet him. I tell dh I'm running off to Italy with him.

Oh good. You run off to Italy with the doc and I'll have TWO people I can visit there.

I'm voting "Yes" for you running away with the doc to Italy. Just get a pool or a villa near the sea, ok?

i'm glad most of it is done brain.
your dr is a real winner. my dr takes me seriously too.

i hope you get the answers that will help your care.
and i hope you get to feeling better soon.

Brain sorry I missed this good luck on the EMG, now you have that avatar and yur sceered of a lil old blood, hope you get an answer or the villa by the sea