In the radiologist`s report, disease activity is marked by radiotracer uptake. In other words, the radioactive dye they injected into my vein goes right to where there is a problem.
Focal regions of intensely increased radiotracer uptake involving both mid feet, right hip and both shoulders. The finding involving the lower lumbar spine at L5-S1 spine level posteriorly, with somewhat more intense on the right than the left. This finding is likely on the basis of facet joint arthropathy.
So this is explaining the pain I am having in my back, more on the right, as well as the right hip, although my surgeon said my hip is fine for the moment according to the X-Rays he took. I have been ignoring the shoulder pain as the lower pain is worse, but do notice it more on the left shoulder then the right. The feet have always been a problem and I can no longer wear my orthotics due to the pain and changes on my right foot. My podiatrist can offer no suggestions what to do with it as the foot is visibly off shape.
I just learned I can`t get my medicine refilled, its expired. It would have not been a problem except my specialist appointment got pushed back to a later date so now I can`t get it renewed when I need it. I see her once a year and prescriptions always expire in a year. They have a new policy you can`t phone or fax in prescriptions now, you must see the Dr. No chance of getting in to see my family physician any earlier either, takes a month to get in to see her. We actually have a shortage of family physicians, its hard to get one.
I talked to the housing authority manager. Best they can offer is the carpet steam cleaned, no replacement :( I grew up in a home with tile flooring. I didn`t mind it and my allergies didn`t bother me there. It was so easy and quick to clean, wipe up spills, etc. Its my opinion that steam cleaning carpet method picks up nothing. He said they hope to work on the building`s roof and get this horrible ventilation system fixed, but is not sure when they will get to it. He asked me if there were any visible holes that the smoke could be coming in from and there aren`t any except the vents, one of which I blocked off, and yet comes in strongest there anyway :P
My morning was reasonable, but that was thanks to both the gabapentin and the narcotics. I am realizing I will not get much done without using them. When they wear off I can see how bad I feel. It was just a struggle walking home today, and there was an amazing amount of snow melt and slush which will make it bad this week when our temperatures fall back to well below normal again. I am thankful I don`t have to go out tomorrow!!
I have major things coming up with the club again, the time consuming rookie master game, the huge senior swiss teams two session club championship. Thinking about the upcoming spring luncheon to make the tickets and posters. Guess I am not getting a lull after all :P I did inform the club powers that be how I am struggling with health issues and how its the nature of the beast of RA that they can take off like wildfire leaving me incapacitated. I don`t know if they will have a response to it.
On my last day at Mom`s we went up the steep trail known as Stove:

Without leaves on the bushes, this trail looks more precarious then ever, with just a narrow path clinging to the side of the hill:

It was cold and windy being so open, so only a few photos before the fingers froze :P

Cant leave without a Daisy photo :) She has this unique habit of laying down with her front legs crossed -never seen that before in any of our dogs:

Sparkpeople made me angry when they changed my clock setting, costing me an hour of last minute Spark Point gathering as I am usually doing it just before bed :(( In all the years I have been a Spark member, my time was never changed. I am quite happy to be from the only place that doesn`t have to deal with that silly clock changing.
I filed my first income tax online today. Here is hoping its a success :P The software I used claims it was free, but prompts you for a donation.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,
Linda