I Know....

Nah, I don't know who I am, yet.  Not sure I ever will on that.  Not that it matters in the end I guess.

But what I do know is my diagnosis.  I spoke with my RA doc yesterday and asked specifically what it was:

Psoriasis Arthritis - although I don't have scaly spots, I do have eczema, rosaca,  skin lesions, and major marker - an immediate family member, my father.  (he has/had scary scaly elbows and knees with pain etc)  She is of the group that PsA (Psoriasis Arthritis) appears years earlier then skin lesions.  I also have blood markers showing it and auto immune issues.  

I also have Fibro, which is where my hips/low back pain is coming from, plus Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder (meaning I have some SLE - lupus but not completely etc) and finally.......MGUS.  I have MGUS.  That's actually a relief.  I know I can be MGUS for years and years and never get further into cancer with it, or it can suddenly change.  Her take is to continue to monitor every 6-8 months and as long as my results don't double/triple etc then there's not much to do about it.  I can live with that knowing what it is, and not freak out.

She said too she didn't know if I needed thyroid medications.  I will take less of it then.

About the Metho.  I have options - not take it, take it every 2 to 4 weeks, take it twice a week 1/2 doses, or lower the dose to 6 instead of 8 - to where I get results but not major side effects.  My flares aren't as bad as they have been, and she's leery on putting me on bios as they have more issues, along with major $$$$ cost.  If none of the options work then maybe will look at bios next time.  I still can use Prednisone when the fire is bad, and to use more Advil / more often to reduce inflammation - and pain from the Fibro.

Happy with everything.  Much more clearer.

The trip was good overall.  Tuesday rained, but the drive was ok.  Got to Barrie and did all the shopping there, got to Poon Store too to get low carb foods (still doing that, back on April 2) and into Toronto so AJ could get to his Board meeting.  I spent the evening reading in the room, had a bit of chicken/rice for dinner.  Next day, AJ instructed me how to best get to the doctors - perfect drive considering it's Toronto traffic!  In out, and on the road home.

Jax was super happy to see us, and nicely coiffed.  Tho she has smelly shampoo for him, next time I will give her his own shampoo - hate the smell.  Cats.... they were well taken care of by Michelle.  Took Princess until 3 am to finally speak with me/sleep with me.  Moonbeam was cool as usual.  (as in, he was happy and content to see me and let me pat/ cuddle him)

Good to be home.  We will go back at end of November and do the same thing - AJ's meeting, my doc appointment.