Beware of the Bubble

Arthritis is funny. Apparently mildly annoying to some; but ferocious and disabling to others. I would label myself with the latter description. A sufferer of sorts. At times, I need help to walk. Sometimes it relents and I can walk without any help from people or devices. Other times, I can walk without help and without much pain.

The unyielding nature of my arthritis is in part its type, psoriatic arthritis. It not only hurts my bones, but it grabs my tendons and bursae too, in conjunction with some unseemly skin problems. The ten years I spent wondering why I was sick, tired, fat and deteriorating into a completely disabled person were vindicated by the psoriatic arthritis diagnosis. It is incurable, but identifying the enemy and its motives gave me the advantage. So I thought.

All my efforts were often in vain. Despite the drug regimen, daily swims, walking, stretching, resting; no joy. In fact, things continued to get worse. Pain, hormonal problems, constant headaches. Could it be more thyroid problems? Earlier this year, I had to surrender half of my thyroid in surgery. I've been investigating. That problem is a companion to the psoriatic arthritis; both autoimmune disease with equal enthusiasm to harass me. So, it's two against one. Or, at least it was two against one.

After having severely blurred vision after two recent cervical adjustments, my primary doctor sent me for an MRI and MRA. Vision loss is apparently a very serious issue. Since I suffer from migraines with sometimes visually occluding light shows, I wasn't too worried. Having the test was good, but the result is not. There is some kind of congenital cyst in my brain. I haven't seen the report as yet, but I'm told it is a Rathkye's Cleft cyst. According to my reading, these generally do not bother people, but they can and sometimes do. Because it is near my pituitary, I am wondering if it is causing my headaches, some of the very severe pain, visual and hormonal problems.

Taking on this third serious diagnosis is another blow. More language to master, more doctors to meet, more surgery, more tests and more medical bills. It's overwhelming now. This bubble in my brain is going to be my latest research project. When will it end?

In the end, I hope to someday be of service to those who also suffer with these diseases. Providing information or referrals to shorten the time one suffers and experiences confusion prior to diagnosis is the first gift I'd like to give.

Bibliography:

http://www.nervous-system-diseases.com/pituitary-cyst.html
http://www.pituitary.org/disorders/rathkes_cleft_cysts.aspx
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hashimotos-disease/DS00567/DSECTION=symptoms
http://arthritis.webmd.com/psoriatic-arthritis/psoriatic-arthritis-the-basics

Fire Breather

The regulation mechanism for the flame thrower in my throat has gone awry. It activates at will. No schedule, no warning--just whooosh, and the invisible flames. After years of taking anti-inflammatories, Methotrexate and other medications; the regulation of acid from my stomach north seems to have gone haywire.

It's not so much a new problem--ulcers have been a reality for me since my late teens. The late night burning is nothing new. What is new, now, is the escalation of that burning. It rises up from my stomach as I would imagine a toilet overflowing. Sometimes in my minds-eye, I foresee a gush of blood perhaps appearing. Flames at the least. Nothing but acid so far, but in time, I'm afraid it will get the better of me.

With a stomach like mine, Nexium is a close friend, but not a saving grace. I've been told that age is no friend as it relates to stomach problems and acid reflux; so I'll think of that as a downer. I do wonder what role auto-immune disease plays in this process. I'm hoping for a cure--or at least some significant relief.

Bibliography
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/GERD-Acid-Reflux/Autoimmune-disease-and-acid-reflux/show/586218
http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/understanding-heartburn-basics