About four years prior to this post, I started having morning stiffness. I have been involved in the sport of Judo for many years and believed it was probably just being soar from all the throws. I went to see my PCP/GP and he said, "ahh, you just turned 40 and that is part of getting old".
I had a few episodes of my vision going black and fuzzy. Then some problems gripping objects. Then some fogginess. I was sent to a neurologist who said "your nervous system is way out of whack - you are hyper-reflexive and all over the place - definite long tract nerve damage". He ordered MRI's, blood work, CT scans (and I found out the hard way that I am allergic to CT scan dye/iodine). All my test were negative. He sent me to a psychologist - which was ironic as I am a psychologist. The only thing good to come out of that mess was to find out that I, like my son had Aspergers (if you don't know what that is - it just means I am smart and strange. :) ). Not coming up with a physical cause to anything - I believed it was all Judo injuries and maybe some OA.
I then had (what to me was) the strangest course. I would have months where I felt great and could run up steps, etc. I even competed in early 2012 in a National Judo Tournament at the age of 43. I was cured! Well, at least until summer. Then when the hot weather hit in the Midwest, I started having back pain, and whole body stiffness. The rare moments when I would work out, I felt very itchy, especially my back legs and ankles. I slept much and my wife alternated between being mad and concerned. She thought I was either depressed, not liking my job (because Sundays were a big sleeper day). She thought at times I was trying to get out of mowing or housework. I then seen a string of doctors and a chiropractor. All of these people were impressed with my youthful looks and muscles, saying things like "you look healthy to me".
One of my visits was to a spinal doctor. He noticed reflex problems as well as a strange rash that was very mild, but on both of my shins. I told him that it had been there only a few months, but I was itchy prior to this when I worked out. He sent me for an MRI to rule out spinal compression but told me to go see a dermatologist. I seen the dermatologist who had taken a biopsy - "it is psoriasis", he proclaimed. He said that he was very, very sure I had psoriatic arthritis. He directed me to see a rheumatologist. I see the rheumatologist on Friday.
When I first came to this sight, you all had post that, frankly, scared the crap out of me. Your talking of infusions, meds that could cause cancers, and all that had me vowing to not return to this sight. But like a child peaking up from the covers, I keep coming back. I still have worries: "I am prone to sinus infections, and if the doc puts me on something that lowers my immunity, I am doomed" and "oh no, my mothers mother had cancer - I can't be on that med" or "my acid reflux will not handle this medication". I also have a concern that the rheumy will brush me off like others did.
Today, I am very soar. I have difficulty focusing at work - not so much on patients, but on typing and remembering things. My back is killing me. I also feel like I have the flu. But, I also have you. Thank you all for allowing me to be a part of your journey, my journey, our journey!
