Whoops. Been meaning to get some postings going, and the next thing we know, time disappears. So, just a quick summation of the past while. First off, I did telephone my primary care doctor about the Candida Immune Complex Assay Blood Test. They checked in to it and called me back with the news that just ordering the test would be $145. They didn't know how much the testing would be or anything. So, guess will wait to meet with the rheumatologist in March and decide from there?
Went to another Spondylitis Support Group on the 15th. Talked about the benefit of humor in dealing with the issues. Every one there has an appointment with the new rheumatologist, my appointment being the last.
Started last week helping backstage at Dakota Stage with "Screwtape". It is a lot of fun and I am really enjoying it, mentally, emotionally and all. But the body has been rather upset. I try my best to keep it well hidden.
The tingles and jolts continue as usual despite the fact that I have not done coffee since the 2nd and have significantly reduced any chocolate. Still trying to stop inputting any sugars. Last week it was the legs going crazy. This week it is the arms going crazy. Maybe it is all a mental thing? Ungh.
I had read a blip about James Dean's bipolar depression issues. OK, bear with me in this following rant.
Since the docs have not been able to give any diagnosis for the why for the neuropathy crap, I'm doing any online research I can find. So, I checked out what this bipolar stuff is. Some things that jumped out: it has also been associated with creativity, goal striving, and positive achievements; shyness or social anxiety; irritability, chronic pain (with or without a known cause; not everyone's symptoms are the same; problems concentrating; loneliness, self-loathing, apathy or indifference; etc.
So, I found a few online self-tests. The results struck me: www.blackdoginstitute.org.au "A score of 22 or more, together with episodes of clinical depression, suggests possible bipolar I or II disorder and would warrant detailed clinical assessment."; www.healthyplace.com "36-53 (Moderate-severe mania)"; www.thehealthcenter.info "Your results show that you are experiencing many of the symptoms associated with bipolar. It is strongly suggested that you seek out a mental health care provider in your area for more information on actual diagnosis and treatment."
Emailed a close friend of mine in the psych profession. He reassured me that he has never seen any symptoms of bipolar with me. But then he concluded with, "Depression symptoms on the other hand can definitely make chronic pain worse, so you should be working with your primary care doctor to make sure those are being addressed."
Cast all your cares upon the Lord. That I do, that I do.
No comments:
Post a Comment