Yesterday I gave up and went to see the doctor. After nearly three months of trying to fight what I was sure is arthritis by myself, I am ready to concede and go for some help. I knew it had been awhile since I had been there but was surprised when they told me it had been six years since I had seen the inside of the office.
It turned out to be the right day to take action because I got an appointment for an hour after I called. I was hoping he would tell me I have the ordinary arthritis old people get and give me a prescription that would take care of the problem. But he gave me other news. He said he suspects it is rheumatoid arthritis, sent me for a slew of blood tests, and set up an appointment with a rheumotologist. Normally it takes 6-8 weeks to get in with a specialist but they had a cancellation for Thursday so I slipped right into that slot.
There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis but there is medication which treats the symptoms. I am looking forward to getting some relief. It's unhandy to have to use both hands for such simple things as turning a spigot or holding a coffee pot. Although it is not cheap, I'm thankful I live where medical help is readily available and I do not need to suffer the rest of my life.
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