Saturday, June 19, 2010

So, to sum up the week best. Monday morning was the CT with a followup with Dr. Jondahl at 1 p.m. The CT showed nothing. The organs are all fine. My blood just doesn't process the fat correctly/efficiently. Another blood draw in a month to see what happens. Friday morning appointment with the rheumatologist, Dr. Prashant Kaushik. He reviewed my chart, my symptoms, my vitals, my history, asking many pointed questions. Then he notices my last name and asks what heritage I am. I tell him full-blooded Norwegian. He gives me this "Ah-Ha!" look. He tells me from all my symptoms and history, he can be pretty sure that it's this specific type of arthritis that can be in young men of Scandinavian lineage. With over twenty years in the specialty, he's quite confident it should be spondylitis, which symptoms and manifestations can include stiff back pain, neck pain, colitis, aches and pains, neuropathy, and liver issues. But since I have that elevated rheumatoid factor, he wanted to draw more blood (seven vials) and urine to send to Mayo and a specialty clinic in Utah to check for other rheumatoid/arthritis and/or auto-immune issues. So, it was nice to have a doc finally have a pointed direction to follow. Thank You Lord! I have a follow-up in a month to find out what the blood work can show. And of course, I am involved in a Northern Plains Dance production tonight which has been stirring up the aches. For the love of theatre, of course!

Friday, June 11, 2010

So, got a call today from my neurologist's nurse. The bloodwork on Tuesday morning came back with a slightly elevated rheumatoid factor. Therefore, he is wanting me to see a rheumatologist next Friday. My brief investigations online about such, indicate that the cause would be either rheumatoid arthritis or some other auto-immune concern. Then Monday morning I am having a barium contrast CT for the liver and gallbladder b/c of continual rising liver levels as discovered by my regular doc. Yay! Mixed Berry Smoothie for breakfast! Yay! Just hoping to keep y'all in the loop.

Monday, June 07, 2010

The neurologist nurse called Friday, said that the doc wants to do another deeper blood test, so cancel the appointment with the rheumatologist on the 18th. Set up for blood draw Monday morning. Saturday received a letter from my primary care physician about the liver tests. Yeah, my gut has been rough, and lot of random acid reflux. The liver levels are increasing, so wanted me to call to schedule a CT of the liver and gall bladder. Went in this morning for the blood draw. Later the nurse called to say "Whoops". It was supposed to have been a 24-hour alcohol and 12-hour food/liquid fast. So, rescheduled another blood draw for Tuesday morning. This time they're looking for rheumatoid arthritis and something about lipid metabolism and HDL. When the results of that test come back from Mayo, we need to have a follow-up with the doc since it's been since February since I've seen him. Everything has been through his nurse. Called my primary care physician about the CT scan. It's to be a barium contrast scan, with a 12-hour fast. His nurse phoned back with an appointment for next Monday with a follow-up with the doc later that day. Oh Lord Above, please direct them to the correct spot, soon. Thank you.