11/2/11

Friday October the 28th I had my first visit with the Rheumatoligist in Provo.  He started by reading the test results from Dr. Armstrong and tests and ex-rays he had ordered.  He said that they didn't tell him much but that now he had a guideline for future reference.  Put me on the table and did manipulations of the joints I am having pain in.  Looking at my left knee he was surprised that I didn't think it was swollen, because he said it was.  I was surprised how much fluid he got out of the knee.  While in there he gave me a cortizone shot in the knee.  I don't believe in cortizone shots but he pretty much insisted, and it did help.  He sent the fluid to the lab for tests.  Also put me on a longer round of Prednisone, (3 pills for 7 days, 2 for 7 days and 1 for 7 days).  He took me off the IB's and the LorTabs.  The results of everything so far is that I can walk without limping, (knee still hurts more that normal).  I can at least sleep and I don't wake up in pain everytime I turnover in bed.  Sitting for any length of time is a problem, but that makes me get up and walk more.  Dr. said that is would be good for me to walk but no high impact anything.  I have lost weight but it has been muscle.  He ordered more test that I will get today at Sanpete County Hospital after work today.  I go back to see him again on Nov. the 10th.  Once I get my mind wrapped around this new dilemma I will start a walking routine.  Carolyn and I will start going to Gunnison Pool and do the water aerobics.  I will repeat myself again, don't take your health for granted.  Enjoy it while you can