The Forever Diagnosis

It seems like I’ve been battling this pain in my hips and muscle weakness in my legs for a very long time. If I had to put a number on it I would say somewhere between 4-6 years. I’ve mentioned it to my DR a hand full of times only to be blown off later. The tests they run are so expensive and I get tired of being a pin cushion so I just stop. But this time, I am getting answers. I am determined too. I’ve mentioned this to my Primary Care Doctor and told him no excuses this MUST be handled. He originally thought it was a form of Rheumatoid Arthritis and was recommending ankylosing spondylitis treatment. I however needed a SOLID reason to start treating something and “thought” didn’t work for me. So he referred me to my Neurologist that I see for migraines. Well low and behold the Neurologist was not only more then happy to help me figure this out, he was intrigued by it and wanting to get to the bottom of it. THANK GOD. A tiny blessing in this mess!

At my first visit we did several motion and mobility tests. Some I failed miserably, some I did okay, and some I passed with flying colors. He also did a series of blood work. He wanted to see if anything from that could “clue” him in. It is after all a mystery to be solved. A few days later the DR’s office called back with some results and said I would need to get a B-12 injection once a week for a month and monthly there after, for the rest of my life. My number was 1670 and it should be between 30-200. So It’s definitely a problem there. Now there are a lot of things that a B-12 deficiency can cause, here’s some. But I still have more to go. He would see me again today, February 1st for an EMG test.

So today I head in for the EMG. It was okay, a little painful since they do flair your nerves and muscles, but I am dealing fine. I took a few Advil when I got home. However, after the test, which my doctor himself performed, he spoke with me. There was alot of things he seen that he “didn’t like”. He is referring me to a muscle specialist in Madison, where they can review everything, and do a possible muscle biopsy.  I am not looking forward to this after my last biopsy and the aftermath (I never blogged that one), but I know I need answers. So far Muscle Disease is not off the table, and neither is Multiple Sclerosis. I am worried SICK about the diagnosis and hoping that it is something manageable and treatable. I do have little faith as when I left the doctor’s office he handed me papers to fill out for disability. *sigh* This is going to be a long couple months for an answer… for comfort…

Prayers Please.