Wednesday 29 February 2012

Stuff and Things

Ah dear. It was a long day today, and will be a longer one tomorrow. Today was new student orientation (which a total of 5 out of 110 new students went to >.>) and class.  I was also able to get some housework done so that is good :). Tomorrow I have a GP appointment to check out the bump on my knuckle, grocery shopping, class, a meeting with the student assistance head and swimming if i'm not exhausted. I'm tired just thinking about it! Or maybe because I was up at 5:30 am today >.>. Been a while since i've seen sunrise.

My foot has mostly been alright, it's starting to flare up a bit now. I've had to ration my prednisone to 4 mg for the last two days, 5 mg today. But i'll get it filled tomorrow :). My poor doctor, I have a bit of a laundry list for her...

On a lighter note, we had home made pizza for dinner :D I have to say...my wheat crust is much better than my not wheat crust...but thats mostly because I make awesome pizza to begin with (with the help of my happy hubby <3 he kneads and cuts things up :D ).

I also found out that I won't have to sit a test to get my Aussie driver's license! That was super exciting. So i'll be legal to drive (despite not having a car) this weekend or so :) it will be useful on the other hand to have a legal form of ID other than my passport. That also means i'll FINALLY be able to start the name changing process (much to Bran's joy, poor guy has had to wait nearly two years for his wife to have the same name! [not that partners need to have the same name, but it was something we decided on before we got married and he has been very patient :) ] ).

Pain: R FOOT, wrists, hands, elbows, SHOULDERS, R knee, ankles, toes, getting some nerve pain down my R leg which is a bit concerning...

Tuesday 28 February 2012

Foot Joins the Party

My foot effing hurts! :( I was fine all day, then on my way home around the arch area of my foot started hurting, then the knuckles of some of my toes and now it feels like it being crushed! Ow! Just took two voltarin, I need some rapid action stuff :/. I'm so thankful to have Bran to take care of me.

I don't know what i'm going to do if I end up getting foot involvement. I was just thinking today about how thankful I am that I can walk mostly easily. :( I don't know what i'm going to do.

Had coffee with a friend today. Went swimming in the salt water pool. I'm trying to remember the lovely weather and the feel of the cool water on my skin, but it's hard when my foot is searing with pain....I'm concerned about the muscle spasms and cramps getting more frequent as well..

Pain: FOOT, hands, wrists, R knee, back of knees, elbows, ankles (R especially), R calf spasmed badly today.

Monday 27 February 2012

Tired

Sometimes I just get so tired.
I'm tired of being in pain.
I'm tired of calling people all the time.
I'm tired of trying to make friends.
I'm tired of riding the bus.
I'm tired of walking around when I want to sleep.
I'm tired of taking a bunch of different medicines daily.
I'm tired of making myself exercise when I sure as heck don't want to.
I'm tired of trying so hard.

But I have to keep going.
If I stop, then i'll end up more tired.
I'll end up in more pain.
And i'll end up more lonely.

Saw the physio. Starting a new exercise class soon. I need to buy shoes. Arthritis workshop went well.

Pain: Fingers, wrists, elbows especially, behind my knees has been bothering me, R knee, ankles, toes especially.

Sunday 26 February 2012

Quiet Day

Quiet day at home with the husband.
Homework is much better with tea and a scented candle.
I'm still tired, been tired all day.
Wondering if it's rheumatoid and not psoriatic.
I have a bump on my finger knuckle.
Milo (playfully) bit my face o.O.
Hands are still sore.

Saturday 25 February 2012

Good Day

Ah  dear. It's been a long day. My hands are still quite sore, but my wrist has calmed down a bit. I think it does have to do with the weather. Either because it's suddenly cooled down or maybe the humidity? I'm not sure. Either way it's a good excuse to enjoy a nice cup of tea :).

Bran is off doing boy stuff with the guys (they are at the Gold Coast watching footy ;) ).

Milo and I have enjoyed some nice dark chocolate and chick flicks.

I had coffee with a lovely lady from one of my meet up groups :).

Got a big grocery shop done thanks to the help of my MiL.

Over all it was a good day, though i'm looking forward to having my husband home tomorrow <3.

Pain: wrists, HANDS, elbows (R especially), R knee, R ankle, toes. I had a nasty cramp in my R calf today although i've been stretching it pretty often. Ate a banana in hopes the potassium will help :/.

Friday 24 February 2012

Homework and Rainy Days

It's been a long day. I did not want to wake up this morning :/ but the puppy dog really wanted me to pay attention to him! My left wrist is very sore today, more sore than I think it's ever been. Still, I went to aqua aerobics, did laundry, finally froze that pumpkin, and did my microbiology homework! It took like, three hours! Bah, back at it! But now it is done, and I know somewhat more about microbes ;). I'll do my foundation of communication and counseling tomorrow after Bran leaves. I don't think it'll take as long >.>.

I've been a bit off today with my wrists hurting so much along with feeling fatigued. I hate it when it just comes out of no where. I can't think of anything that would have triggered it, maybe stress? I've been very busy this week. Or maybe because it suddenly chilled down so much and is raining? Thats a distinct possibility some to think about it. Hm.

I'm not sure if I mentioned this, but I may end up having to get surgery on my knee. The osteo-physio said basically there isn't anything else they can do, so I am at the top of the list to see the Osteo-surgeon. I'm not really sure whether to feel happy or not. I would not like to go through another surgery or rehabilitation afterwards, but it would be a miracle to have my knee back...I'm waiting to see what the surgeon says before I get anxious about it :).

On a different note, my MiL brought me a yummy GF cheesecake from my fav coffee shop :). I'm so lucky to have such nice in-laws!

I've found an interesting site relating to autoimmune arthritis:
http://www.iaamovement.org/Home_Page.html 

Pain: WRISTS (L especially) hands, elbows (R especially), shoulders aren't too bad, R knee is SORE, R ankle is angry, toes. Had a funny pain under my ribs yesterday.

Thursday 23 February 2012

Need a Thermos

Day two of school was a bit less stressful :). I think i'll enjoy this class, foundations of communication and counseling. The teacher is charismatic and funny, the students seem like they care and are friendly, and the subject matter is right up my alley ;). It does go for three hours, which is longer than any other class i've taken, but she breaks it up quite well having some group talking, some class discussion and some note taking.

After class I figured out how to get to the spring hill pool. I could have gotten to the ithica pool much more easily, but it was unseasonably chilly today and the spring hill pool is heated ;) don't want to startle my poor joints with chilly water! I was able to do about 40 minutes, 4 laps of which was sprinting. I think thats pretty good for me. I think I need to buy a thermos to take tea or coffee to class though...I tried to get a tea from one of the shops and it was $3.50 for a cup o.O weird.

Now i'm enjoying a lovely cup of fresh ginger tea that my wonderful husband made me :) life is good.

Pain: WRISTS, hands, R knee, R ankle, toes, elbows, shoulders. Gloves are helping hands, but not wrists. Had cramps in my R hamstring last night.

Wednesday 22 February 2012

First Day at Uni

First day of University in Australia today :). Gods it was intimidating. I was not prepared because I couldn't figure out the website. I had trouble writing. The topic was microbiology, come on! But I'm excited to be back and on my way to becoming a Naturopath!

In other news I have a shiny new knee brace to use until I talk to the osteopathic surgeon. I also have shoe inserts for when I actually get some shoes. Fun stuff. Wrists are still quite sore, but the gloves did help my hands at least. I need a thermos. Now it's sleepy time.

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Swimming Again

I do enjoy swimming :). I went to a salt water pool for the first time today. It wasn't heated, and it was outside, but I enjoyed the salt water much more than chlorinated. The pool itself was quite nice as well. The only thing I don't like (again) is that there aren't any lockers o.O. But it was nice anyway. I really enjoy the feeling of gliding through the water. It's soothing and strengthening at the same time.

Counselling went alright, mostly still getting on track with what we are going to talk about.

Arthritis wasn't very nice. Sore wrists especially. I did get my new gloves today. I've found them quite good for my fingers but they didn't help with my wrist at all. I may need to get braces for them. Still have a bit of an mtx hangover, but not half as bad as last week. Hopefully by next week i'll have adjusted. I've missed my voltarin today though since i'm not supposed to take it within 24 hours of the mtx.

I also got a package from my family! It was full of lovely things :D. I love getting packages, but even more when it includes marshmallow fluff and funny t-shirts XD.

Fist day of school tomorrow along with my ortho-physio review. Lets see how that goes >.>. I do like my new hair cut.

Pain: hands, wrists, sternum a bit, elbows, shoulders (r), knees (r especially), R ankle, some toes.

Monday 20 February 2012

Methotrexate Take Two

Second dose of mtx today. I feel like i've eaten big stones o.O but other than the tummy pain associated with that feeling i'm alright. Not nausea and it's been six hours. Hopefully having taken it during the day will have helped.

I got a hair cut today :), it looks nice and flow-y.

I also attended the first part of a two part workshop on inflammatory arthritis. I knew all the information already, but it was great to talk with other people who go through the same struggles I do. It was nice to brain storm and get different opinions. I'll have to remember to bring my acupuncturists card for one of the lovely ladies.

I also met up with one of the people from a PsA site i'm on, we had coffee and a great chat :) she was really lovely, and I hope I can see her again soon. It makes such a difference to be able to chat with someone who has/is going through the same struggles. There is that camaraderie that you can't get from someone who isn't struggling with the same things. Not to say I don't appreciate it when family and friends listen to me rant and sympathise, it was just nice talking to someone who "gets it" I guess :). Especially talking in person.

Counselling tomorrow, then hopefully a swim.

Pain: hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, sternum, jaw, back a bit, ankles, toes. R knee has been bothersome today as well.

Sunday 19 February 2012

Quiet

Quiet day at home.
Wrists still bothering me a lot.
Made soup, with the help of Bran.
I'm a bit sunburnt.

Saturday 18 February 2012

Sore

Wrists are so, so sore. Don't want to type. Went to the Gold Coast with hubby today. It was lovely, but i'm a bit burnt >.>.

Friday 17 February 2012

Not So Good

Quiet day at home today. I had to get my Mother in Law to open a soup canister for me :/ lame. Try as I might I could not pull off the little silver-y plastic top *sigh*. Pain wise was not good for my wrists and fingers today. I kept gazing out the window hoping my arthritis gloves would magically come early, but alas. I'm still feeling nauseous as well, not my favourite thing. I did find that seeping the ginger longer did help, even though it was still the frozen one. I'll pick up some fresh ginger tomorrow with Bran.

I've been feeling a bit sad today. Just out of sorts, not being able to open my soup or really do anything. I was able to do a load of laundry, and even hung it out on the porch instead of being lazy and using the dryer. Celebrate the small victories eh? ;) I then had a lovely evening of watching chick flicks while Bran was out with the boys.

It's just..as much as I can understand that my arthritis and fatigue and skin stuff are all mild compared to, say, someone in a wheel chair, it's still difficult. I'm not expecting people to feel bad for me or anything like that, and I appreciate the doctors taking care of me and my families support. I just wish I could have a few "good" days soon. The pain has gotten worse and spread quite dramatically. Hopefully the gloves will help. Hopefully the mtx will kick in and stop making me ill.

P.S. I think going back on wheat is hurting my stomach :( sad.

Thursday 16 February 2012

Nice People

Sometimes you just need a single person to be nice to you. For me, I deal with medical professionals quite a bit. They can be grumpy and a bit brisk. Thankfully I have a lovely gp, but it is very much a business relationship there. Then I met my lovely Naturopath :D. My goodness is he wonderful! He is the type of person you wish all doctors were like, he explains things without needing to be asked, he is not brisk, takes his time, chats but not too much, and actually cares what is going on. He actually said I could call/email/text him if I had any questions or concerns and to make sure I keep him up to date with how I feel! This may not sound like much, but i've never had a doctor even say I could call them with questions. :) He seems to really be interested in helping me get healthy and not just treating me. It's really refreshing.

And he didn't charge me for our appointment today, because he didn't actually help do anything. Despite being there for 45 minutes. That, to me, is the sign of a true medical professional. He isn't in it for the money, but to help people. That is the kind of naturopath I strive to be like :). I may be gushing a bit at this point....>.>

He also said I could go back on wheat, which makes me happy.

In other news I actually had coffee with a friend today, talk about stepping out of the box XD. It's nice to be getting anxiety under control a bit more.

Still feeling nauseous from the mtx, but the Naturopath told me to seep the ginger tea for 15 minutes and not 3 >.> hopefully that will help.

Pain: hands, WRISTS, ELBOWS, SHOULDERS, hips, R ankle, big toes, STERNUM

Wednesday 15 February 2012

Fun Times With MTX

It's been a hecktic few days. On monday I finally got to see the rheumy, who once more told me my arthritis is mild (I know that, but telling me over and over doesn't make my knuckles hurt less!) and seemed irritated that I was doing my own research >.>. I had to badger him a bit to sign a form for me to get some occupational therapy for my hands :/ but I persevered!  He then gave me a script for methotrexate (mtx) and folic acid and sent me on my way. I'm awfully glad i've done my own research though, because he told me absolutely nothing about methotrexate beyond it's a chemo drug but the dose for arthritis is much much smaller. Nothing about avoiding too much sunlight or tanning beds or not taking NSAIDS within 24 hours (bad for your liver) or call your doctor right away if you develop a dry cough because your lungs could be dying >.>...

Anyway, I was pretty sick about 6 hours after I took my dose, and continued to be nauseous for most of yesterday. I also was nauseous today about an hour after taking my normal meds. Thus prompted the call and trip to the gp. Wonderful gp discussed mtx with me, we talked about options for dealing with the nausea, she asked about other problems and sent me off with a script for an anti-nausea med to take a few hours after I take the mtx.

I also saw my counselor for the first time yesterday. I have the feeling it's going to be difficult to work though the problems I want to, but it'll be worth it in the end :). She seems like a really lovely person as well, very easy to talk to. Which is always a plus for a counselor XD.

Pain: arms, shoulders especially (might be more muscle), jaw, ankles, toes, R knee, hips

Tuesday 14 February 2012

Meth(otrexate) Hangover

Ugh. So the methotrexate basically kicked my butt. I went to bed fuzzy headed and slightly nauseous and woke up at 2:30 am sick. Didn't get back to sleep until about 4 or 4:30. Thankfully I have a wonderful husband who stayed home to take care of me today and allowed me to sleep for a while longer. What is worse is Milo (our pup) was also sick today :( once more, wonderful husband to the rescue <3.

I also had my first counselling appointment today. She seemed very kind and patient. Hopefully it will be a good fit :). I also was able to make the cake I wanted for valentines day. I made this cake from the lovely Pastry Affair. I did substitute rice bran oil for the butter and used dairy free chocolate to make it GF/DF. I also added a bit of powdered sugar to the icing to sweeten up the 70% dark chocolate. It turned out pretty well, the texture was maybe a bit odd but I suppose that is how it is with an egg based cake? The chocolate icing was yummy :). Though now my tummy is unhappy >.>. Maybe it's no good to eat delicious cake with a methotrexate hangover?

Pain: all over, still nauseous. Fuzzy headed and a headache all day as well. 

Monday 13 February 2012

Meth(otrexate) Head

Saw rheumy. Blah. Swimming went well. I took the methotrexate about an hour ago and it's made my brain fuzzy :(. So i'll do a proper update tomorrow. Goodnight.

Sunday 12 February 2012

GF Pizza and a Date

Today I had a nice date with my Husband :).  We went out to one of our favorite restaurants (I think I may have eaten gluten >.> did get some tummy cramps) and went to a travel expo (and played 'who could get the most pamphlets' which of course my poor Husband ended up carrying home ;) ).  We walked along Southbank and talked and talked. It was nice to be out with him, it seems like we've both been so busy lately. It was good to re-connect. Then I made pizza and we watched anime. A wonderful end to a wonderful day with a wonderful spouse!

I made a gluten free pizza today :). I used an all purpose gf flour mix from the grocery store (i'm not quite confidant enough to mix my own) and it turned out pretty well! I used something based off this recipe from Gluten Free Goddess. I did change some things (a whole egg, and the flour) and baked it like I would my typical pizza, but it still came out really lovely! Not quite the crisp pizza I like, but a nice soft dough-y crust that did the trick just fine (and beat Dominos GF pizza out of the water ;) ). Now I just need a good cheese substitute >.>.

Rheumy visit tomorrow, wish me luck!

Pain: Sternum, jaw, arms, R hand especially, R knee, ankles, big toes.

Saturday 11 February 2012

Tired

Still having jaw problems :/ not too bad yet but it is annoying. Crocheted some flowers :). Saw a movie with the MiL. Now i'm rather tired.

Thursday 9 February 2012

Chard Chips

Wrists and hands still quite sore today, a little better though. My knee was also really bad today.

On a lighter note, I made silver beet (chard) chips today :). Much like the kale chips that have been running around the blogosphere. Basically you mix ripped up silver beet with a bit of oil and salt (and a pinch of chili and garlic ;) ), and bake at 150 C for around 15 minutes. So yummy!

They May not look like much, but they were actually salty, crunchy deliciousness. Much easier than making potato chips (not to mention healthier).

I'm hoping to try and get some swimming in tomorrow, though I also have a meet up..hm.

Pain: arms, hands and wrists especially, R elbow especially. Shoulders, R hip, back, R knee especially, some toes.

Wednesday 8 February 2012

Sore

Very sore wrists and hands. Very sore. Could barely hold a spoon :(. Quiet rest day today. Ankle is still weird. Can't wait to see the rheumy on monday. Maybe wrist braces would help?

Tuesday 7 February 2012

Learning to Swim...Properly..

I tried a swim stroke correction class today :D. Thus finding out that everything I knew about swimming was wrong. It was nice to learn some new things, although it was a difficult class. My hands and wrists are now very sore though...more stiff than sore maybe? Hm.

Pain: hands, wrists, hips, ankles, some toes, jaw.

Monday 6 February 2012

Goggles

Back to aqua aerobics today. I also swam a few laps beforehand :).

The big difference? I bought some goggles and a nose plug. Now I can swim without closing my eyes (and having to wipe them off when water splashes on them >.>) or getting water up my nose :D. Now I <3 swimming. I really enjoyed swimming laps, which isn't that odd I guess since i've always loved playing in the water. I enjoyed it so much that it didn't even feel like exercise until I reached the other side of the pool, out of breath, and with increasingly sore arms. So now my goal is to take the stroke correction class and start to swim laps on a regular basis along with the aqua aerobics. I might be able to take an exercise class through the hospital as well, since i'm receiving physio for my knee.

In other news I checked out a place called lifetech which has all sorts of assistive devices. It doesn't sell them, but has them on show for people to look at and feel in person before they purchase it. They also have occupational therapists for you to book appointments with and help find the best devises/ way to do things for you. They also give you an informational print out of any of the devices you were interested in. So I have a nice packet full of information on jar openers, back supports, and writing utensils. I liked the finger pens :D or maybe just the pens with the really fat grips. They made it so much easier to write.

Pain: all over, especially R hand, R elbow, R shoulder, ankles and L big toe.

Sunday 5 February 2012

Sleepy Sunday

Sleepy sunday spent inside.
We didn't get anything done.
Thats alright :)

Saturday 4 February 2012

Riding a Bike

I have an embarrassing confession. I can't really ride a bike...

I was never the type of kid to ride bikes. I was always very afraid I would fall off of them. Not that I would get hurt mind you, just that I would fall off >.>. It was only when I was a pre-teen when I really worked up the courage to properly ride a bike, and then I crashed into a tree....and a fence. Long story short I don't ride bikes.

But it is my goal this year to properly ride a bike with some regularity. Not only is it a wonderful exercise, but I could get places much quicker than walking. Or in some cases quicker than public transport. Thus my practice has begun!

Some of today was spent with my husband and dog out front on the little side street cheering me on (or barking at me, depending on who you are talking about) as I wobbled around on my mother-in-laws bike wearing my shiny new helmet (the fact that it was shiny and new helped a little ;) ). I was able to get going, though my anxiety was almost attack-inducing. Bran of course was lovely and encouraging, giving me tips where he could. Milo was excited and vocal, running along side the bike as much as he could on his long lead. I got the gist of it, but it is quite a short road, so tomorrow we will go down to the bottom of the hill and i'll get some more practice in.

I've set my mind on this. I will become a person who rides bikes! I will be one of those eco-friendly people who rides their bike to the store with their canvas bags! We will go on picnics to places other than our back yard! As long as I don't crash into a tree or a fence ;).

Friday 3 February 2012

Soup

I've been tired today. Just so tired, like I could fall asleep at the drop of a hat. But of course I can't :/. My muscles ache. My joints ache. At least I made some soup. Goodnight.

Thursday 2 February 2012

Zoloft

I'm pretty amazed that I didn't have an anxiety attack at the doctors today o.O. I have problems with the "women's health check". It causes anxiety attacks EVERY TIME except this time. Which I say is probably thanks to the zoloft. Well...i'm no happy to be on another drug, but I am happy that I am more able to do things I need/want to do without having such high anxiety about it. Thats about it.

Pain: R elbow is very sore :(. Arms, R foot, L ankle, R hip, knees, sternum a bit.

Wednesday 1 February 2012

Cupcakes in the Morning

Sometimes you need a cupcake.
Today I woke up groggy and sore. Sore enough that lifting a glass of water hurt. Typing hurt. MOVING hurt. Well, it's like that sometimes eh?

I'm out of GF bread :(.

So I had some crackers with the better-than-cream-cheese and some fruit for breakfast. After a while I got my glass of water, carefully carried it with two hands into the bedroom where my pills are and took my meds.

But sometimes...you just need a cupcake.

They were looking at me, the little devils carefully designed to look like sweet little GF/DF treats with delicious chocolate frosting. Taunting me. Saying "you'll feel sooOOoo much better if you just eat something yummy! Te he" the te he is especially important.

So I caved. I ate a delicious cupcake despite the fact that it was way before afternoon tea time. It sure as heck didn't make the pain any better, but it did make me feel a little happier in the way only a delicious kind-of-homemade baked good does.

After that I went shopping in the city and took a nap :D. A good day over all, if not somewhat tiring. Doctor tomorrow for a "women's health check" blah.

Pain: Arms, L shoulder especially, sternum, knees, L hip, R foot, some toes. Had a nice shoulder spasm today >.>.