I think I'm finally done doctor hopping for the time being, phew! I drove over the Philly yesterday and met with Dr. Lan Chen, who is a rheumatologist who also does acupuncture. She was very nice, good bedside manner, very knowledgeable about lupus, and a good communication style. She also knows the Dr. Werth, who is a medical dermatologist who specializes in lupus and is part of the same healthcare system. So *finally* I am happy with my doc!! Between her, and my great primary care physician and my local acupuncturist, I should be all set.
When I look back over the past year and a half of docs, each doctor was missing a key piece that I've now found in this doc, so I feel OK that it took me a while to get here...it's been quite a learning experience, really.
So, the bad news...I'm feeling pretty poorly. It was pretty hard to get out of bed this morning, my upper body ached all over, from my scalp to my hips, with my shoulders being particularly painful. It's making it very difficult to figure out what to do with my life, working and childcare-wise. I'm also weaning my 2 year old son, so that's stressful, too, oh boy.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
appt. appt. appt.
today was a triple doctor appointment day, phew!
1. the dentist (yikes, it's been a long time!) - called yesterday and they said they could fit me in today - nice that some docs can accommodate so quickly! anyway, the appt. was uneventful, just a preliminary exam, will go back for a cleaning in a few weeks
2. acupuncturist - am glad I found an acupuncturist in the area that I like...left there today and my back pain was gone.
3. general practitioner - I'm very happy to have found a GP that is a good combo of natural and traditional treatments! we agree that the program I have been on from the holistic dermatologist is too much. this doc has a program that has a few supplements, but not a billion like the other program. so...
that means I have to fire my holistic dermatologist. I feel bad about this, but it's just too overwhelming right now - he's too far away, the program he wants me on is too overwhelming, and it's also too darn expensive.
I was able to make an appointment with Doc #2 (see above) after checking with her office and making sure she treats lupus patients. my GP doc took a look at this doc's credentials, and he thinks she looks good. I finally feel like this is moving in the right direction, whew!
I'm weaning off the prednisone, am down to 15 mg. I'm feeling good today...still had some aches and pains yesterday, but today (after acupuncture) I wasn't feeling any pain at all (sweet!).
My skin is getting a bit better, too, though I still have rash on most of my body. My face has cleared up though, so that's a relief.
Compared to 2 weeks ago, I'm doing much better physically and mentally. It's amazing how close you can get to bottom, and the next day things get just a little better...
1. the dentist (yikes, it's been a long time!) - called yesterday and they said they could fit me in today - nice that some docs can accommodate so quickly! anyway, the appt. was uneventful, just a preliminary exam, will go back for a cleaning in a few weeks
2. acupuncturist - am glad I found an acupuncturist in the area that I like...left there today and my back pain was gone.
3. general practitioner - I'm very happy to have found a GP that is a good combo of natural and traditional treatments! we agree that the program I have been on from the holistic dermatologist is too much. this doc has a program that has a few supplements, but not a billion like the other program. so...
that means I have to fire my holistic dermatologist. I feel bad about this, but it's just too overwhelming right now - he's too far away, the program he wants me on is too overwhelming, and it's also too darn expensive.
I was able to make an appointment with Doc #2 (see above) after checking with her office and making sure she treats lupus patients. my GP doc took a look at this doc's credentials, and he thinks she looks good. I finally feel like this is moving in the right direction, whew!
I'm weaning off the prednisone, am down to 15 mg. I'm feeling good today...still had some aches and pains yesterday, but today (after acupuncture) I wasn't feeling any pain at all (sweet!).
My skin is getting a bit better, too, though I still have rash on most of my body. My face has cleared up though, so that's a relief.
Compared to 2 weeks ago, I'm doing much better physically and mentally. It's amazing how close you can get to bottom, and the next day things get just a little better...
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