This week's health update

For those who are following my health status.....

I'm feeling pretty good- great actually. Better than I've felt in 6 weeks. Honestly, my biggest complaint today has nothing to do with any auto-immune disorder but rather the Planters Flasciitus that I'm suffering from that causing a shooting pain to run from the center of my heal up the back of my leg everytime I put pressure on it. Sadly, I'm in the best shape of my life and running more than ever before and my poor, old, 32 year old body is crabby about it.


Anyway- I had my follow up dermatology appointment today. I didn't beat his ass. Actually- he was more attentive and responsive than ever before. Could have had something to do with the fact I told his nurse that the cream he gave me sent me to the ER. He had actually read my chart and looked at my test results before entering the room.

My lips feel better than they have in weeks but I'm still having some burning mouth issues. No plaque, no sores, no blisters but feeling like my mouth is still raw. He still believes I have Lichen Planus but since my mouth appears to be healthy, there is not much more I can do to treat it. He said I could do another round of Prednisone and I declined. He said that if the hydrocortizone cream and lanolin is working, stick with it. His two recommendations were to see allergy and then an ears, nose, and throat specialist. Since I've got allergy testing next week- I'm good. We are going to wait and see what they say.

I asked about mouth biopsy and told him that my dentist wanted to see some cultures and he agreed. Unfortunately, without true symptoms to test, there's not much to do. He wants to see me at the first sign of any change in my mouth- a film, a sore, a blister. He can refer me to oral surgery and get me in that day for a biopsy. He also wants to see me immediately if any weird discolorations or rashes appear on my arms, legs, scalp, etc to be biopsied immediately. So- we wait. It could be weeks before I have another outbreak or even years. We prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

In the meantime, I talked to him about my overall health and some of the joint pain and carpel tunnel stuff and asked if he had any experience with joint pain in relation to Lichen Planus. He did not however he did have concerns and didn't want me to overlook them. He's referred me to a Rheumatologist. I have a consultation with a new primary doctor next Tuesday. After that, we can decide if I need to continue to see new doctors and do research or take a break.

So, for now- I have this thing called Lichen Planus. Its an auto immune disease that strikes each person differently at different times and from different triggers. It seems to be only focused in my mouth and while my chances to get it elsewhere are greater than someone without LP, this may be where it stays. It's doable. I think. After all the physical pain I've been in for the last few weeks, it's almost hard to remember what it felt like when this all started but it's getting easier and I'm figuring it all out.

Thanks for your prayers and concerns. Thanks for your love. Thanks for your patience! Next Tuesday I have my allergy stuff in the AM and a new physical consult in the evening. I'll send more word after those!