That is great Grandma_J. I’m sure the spinal stenosis is not fun, but now that you know you have it, it’ll be great to put some management into place and not have to worry about it bring something nasty 
So glad @Grandma_J. Doubt the corset wearing will be much fun but at least you know what you’re dealing with now.
Thanks, Stoney, Jen and Poo—yes, now to make an appointment for p.t. We have a really good place nearby where I went several years ago (while I was dealing with back pain before being on Enbrel). They have every kind of exercise and strengthening equipment you can imagine. That’s where I did the Med-Ex to strengthen my back and neck about 6 or 7 years ago
Glad to hear you’ve gotten some answers! I hope the brace and PT will work soon and fix your issues! 
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GrandmaJ, that was an awesome consult, especially seeing they don’t think it’s MG. Heave a sigh of relief. whew It must have really given you a lift after this winter.
Let us know what the MRIs show!
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I know it was quite a kerfuffle getting all that arranged but it does sound like it was worth it for such a thorough check up. So pleased you don’t have Myasthenia Gravis and that you’re going to have targeted PT. The corset sounds ‘interesting’ - you’ll have the best posture ever! And actually, from all you’ve said, it does sound like the support will give quite a lot of relief, hope so!
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It is a great relief, Seenie! I may or may not have another MRI–if my back actually hurt, I would for sure, but at this point, if I’ve developed stenosis (I didn’t have it on the MRI from 2014) and my only symptom is the leg weakness, I think I’ll just do the p.t. and strengthening for now. My doctor might convince me to go ahead with an MRI, but if not, I don’t care.
Well, yes, it was an experience, that’s for sure! It was definitely worth it, but I still feel like I don’t have an answer about my droopy eyelid and the double vision. A little earlier today, my vision was completely double top to bottom, which is what happens. I noticed it’s in both eyes, but only my left eyelid droops. I was visiting with my daughter earlier and she said she noticed my droopy lid for the very first time today! I’m like, yeah, this is real, and it’s annoying. I’ll try to wait until my next routine eye visit (which is next June) unless it gets a lot worse before then.
On the bright side, I’m taking a small dose of Zoloft every day and I’ve noticed I have a better outlook–not as much worrying about everything. I’ve been telling myself to put things into perspective more–I really am not that bad off–I do a lot more than many people my age and any pain I have is manageable and without a lot of pain pills! I’m so lucky Enbrel works for me! And, lucky to have people here to discuss these things with. People in my family just don’t get it, although they were very supportive about the Mayo Clinic. It’s hard to understand some things that you can’t relate to.
Well. I finally had my neurologic ophthalmology appointment at the Mayo Clinic today. After a thorough exam, the nice doctor told me my problem is simply a dry eye! He explained how dry eye can cause double vision, and he said my eyelid probably droops slightly when I’m tired because it’s worn out from all the straining to see clearly. He also said my eyebrow slightly droops. He told me there’s no reason for me to worry about Myasthenia Gravis, because all the tests came out negative for it. For now, I’m instructed to use eye moistening drops liberally–several times a day–even every half hour if necessary.
My rheumy has scheduled some p.t. for me as well and I think I should go ahead with the MRI of my spine that was suggested awhile back. If we can rule out spinal stenosis or anything else back-related, that’d be great! Or, if it is spinal stenosis that’s making my legs weak, maybe eventually I could have laser surgery to remove it.
I’m still planning on going ahead with the kick scooter…I’d like to check out some bicycle shops to see if they sell them. My painful feet and weak legs are really getting to me. I’m constantly asking myself how can I stop worrying so much about the future and how can I accept the challenges I face with my PsA and bad feet, etc. I’ve been feeling slightly defeated, but I try to keep smiling. (At least I have a lot of kids in my life who help me with that!)
My husband gets upset with me because I won’t take heavy-duty pain meds. He takes a few Tramadol every day and over the years he’s regularly used almost every type of pain med available. He thinks I’m totally nuts not using the pain meds it takes to kill the pain. I think he’s nuts for using all those pain meds, as his kidneys and liver are damaged (kidneys at 50% and liver IDK–I just know it’s damaged and he has to be more careful about what pain meds he uses now–he can’t take Tylenol or Ibuprofen!). My attitude is why wreck your liver and kidneys, too, when you have enough to deal with just having PsA damage!? I do use Voltaren gel, which helps somewhat on my feet. But lately it seems like a lose lose situation and it’s hard to not feel disappointed.
Sorry for the depressing message–I know y’all can relate, though! I’ll figure it out and in a half hour my mindset will have switched to feeling content and pleased that I have a good life and all is well!
What a mix up of emotions, results, uncertainty in one day! I always find the uncertainty hardest to deal with! I am sure you will find a way though. In all the challenges and uncertainty you’ve had in your life, you have made it this far! 
Well, congratulations, GrandmaJ! Not having MG is definitely a good (no, GREAT) thing. But that still leaves you with all the “stuff”, and the pain, doesn’t it? Eye drops are easy enough to handle.
Yeah, the question of when to take pain meds is a biggie, and like you, I avoid it as long as I can. I have a friend who has become habituated to drugs for chronic pain of various sorts, and it is hell. But then again, sometimes toughing it out can make it hard to alleviate if things go too far south. I’m sure @tntlamb has something to say about this.
For now, though, we’re celebrating with you. TG for that. 
*
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Thanks Jen and Seenie. Yes, I have to put my worries to rest. I thought the Zoloft would help, but I’m starting to feel depressed again. Not crying-hopeless-depressed like I was on the Crestor, but just so disappointed in soooooo many things in my life. Not just my PsA. It seems that the past two years has been an uphill battle and I’m nowhere near the person I was my entire life. It’s actually rather scary to feel myself becoming, for lack of a better description, an old person!
I’m sure my internist and rheumy noticed a HUGE change in my personality at my most recent visits. I know my internist would be in total agreement to refer me to a psychologist.
Ah, anyway, enough complaining for you guys from me. Have a good night/day! 
y’all !
That is great news!!!
But with regards to this:
Don’t feel bad about feeling bad, depression is real. Can you get some help, some counselling? Someone you can rely on to listen and draw you out? Sometimes it’s not enough to simply tot up our blessings and try to set aside the regrets and sadness. I feel sure you’re a good person, a truly good person … there I go, totting up your blessings, but I doubt it helps. I don’t know what I’d want from counselling - maybe to face the darkness head on, possibly to learn the most effective way to deal with negative thoughts, I dunno. But I definitely think some time for you to focus on you might well help.
I can’t emphasise how worthwhile it is to take some time to focus on just you, through pyschotherapy, counselling, whatever you want to call it. Much of what can be classed as being wrong is simply our own inate ability to say we should be doing better than we are. Women it seems excel at this notion too. Focusing on just you, helps reset that so that things are at least somewhat more positive and permits many of us to put the stick we’re currently beating ourselves up with back in the cupboard where such sticks firmly belong. Think about it @Grandma_J. It’s surely worth a go. x
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