I Don't Heal

Part of one of the many 'joys' in my life is that my body heals very slowly. When you have RA or other auto-immune disease your treatment often includes a immune suppressor, such as Methotrexate. I get a weekly injection of it (courtesy of my husband). It suppresses my immune system so am very vulnerable to germs and heal slowly. A cold doesn't go away in a few days, it can take a few weeks and can result in ear infections and other 'fun' ailments.

A few examples: I have this stupid ass wart on my foot that the doctor froze off September 1. Of course it turned into a big blister but is it healed yet? No. Its only 49 days later and its not healed. It still has a scab covering an open area on the top of my foot. I was supposed to have a follow up today but I cancelled it because there is no point. 49 days, that would be 7 weeks in normal speak, and I am not healed.

I had a periodontal deep cleaning almost three weeks ago. I went for a follow up last week and it was barely healed. And I had an area that was starting to cause new problems that the dentist had to lean up.

My husband had a cold last week which he nicely shared with me. I am still sick. I have been skipping my methotrexate shots in hope that I will heal faster but it doesn't seem to have made a difference.

This also can make a difference with any 'fun' medical 'misadventure'. Recovery can be slow.

Today I feel like crap still. I really would like to go to the gym and burn off some flab after traveling and eating badly for two weeks. But I am still not sure. I feel okay for a bit and then not as well. I debate - do I stay in bed or do I pretend I am healthy and go to the gym? 

Okay, I'm calling the doctor

I can't believe how crappy I fell still again. I spoke with my rheumatologist yesterday about some test results. She told me that based on the fact that there is lots of flu going around and I have been sick since Thursday, she thinks I should call my primary care and see if they think I should be tested for the flu or just go on Tamiflu. I refuse to go on another damn medication unless I really need it.

But honestly I can't continue to pretend I feel fine. I will go to the damn doctor. I feel awful. I didn't take a shower yesterday and am making myself take one before I go to the doctor. That may take me a bit.

I don't think I have a temperature. We had two thermometers here. I tried both yesterday and neither said I had a fever. But then one broke and the other one still says my temperature is 97.7. But when I go to Walgreens to pick up my other prescriptions that are waiting for me, I will get a new one and see what it says. I am sure the doctor will take my temperature too.

Yesterday I did get a lot done. I mean I watched three Lifetime movies, knitted, spackled the upstairs room we are about to paint, took care of a whole bunch of phone calls, and even made dinner (in the crockpot). Today I will be a lot less productive.

No I am not blogging about cancer related issues until I feel better and my brain starts working again.  I didn't watch the cancer movie on PBS last night because I was in bed. I might actually try to watch it today. When I do, I'll let you know what I think.

Why it cant just be a simple cold

I no longer just can have a simple cold. I have the immune system of I don't know what - a jelly bean? It is almost as bad as not having one. It is very suppressed because of my methotrexate for rheumatoid. Monday and Tuesday I mentioned feeling dizzy. Wednesday was Methotrexate day. Thursday afternoon all of a sudden I couldn't keep my eyes open.

I took a nap at 3. Woke up at 6 when my husband came home and cancelled almost all my obligations for today.

I asked a friend who was coming for tea at 11 not to come because I am sure she doesn't want my germs. I cancelled my nail appointment. I cancelled the plumber who was supposed to come today - and he was understandably upset. I will contact him and apologize and reschedule once I am better and can refigure out my schedule.

I did not cancel my back pain doctor appointment because I need to get in to see him so we can figure out what can be done for my back sooner rather than later. This will be my one excursion outside - I have until 2pm to motivate. I do need to get up and go eat something so I can take my next pills without felling nauseous on top of that. Maybe if I eat something and drink an Emergenc-E, I might feel better enough to take a shower.


Maybe some tylenol and mucinex too.

We were going to go out for a walk in our efforts to get healthier this weekend. This is now not going to happen. I am supposed to meet a friend for coffee on Sunday. That probably won't happen as well.

Monday I am supposed to go to work - that may or may not happen.

Why you ask? Because if I get a little cold it can quickly turn into something nasty. A year or so ago, my husband got a brief cold, and I ended up with a double ear infection and had to skip a planned vacation.

And while I am sick, I need to skip my methotrexate injection until I am better which means my RA can start to flare up.  I wish it was just a simple cold.