update on episode/relapse/flare-up (I dont know what to call it)

[Guest guest]

I wanted to write you all an update. I am slowly getting better,

though I still have major joint pain. Last night I took 2 pain pills &

still could not sleep due to pain and insomnia. I did, however, make

an appt with a good rheumatologist. I am nervous about it but also

glad I could find someone and get in. I have read some good things

about this Dr from patient comments online. He is also only 2 blocks

away from Dr Webster (my functional medicine/CFS dr). I decided

against a trip I was to make today (about 60 miles each way, with two

kids) b/c I am finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel and

I think if I had pushed myself to make that trip I would have crashed

again tomorrow.

I have done some more research on RA and I have to say that I am very

scared b/c a lot of it sounds like my symptoms (and b/c I have seen

what can happen with RA). I dont have the redness but I know my hands

have been a bit swollen and my ankles, I think. I certainly have the

morning stiffness for a long period of time. My DH & I joke that I get

up in the morning and walk like I am 80 years old. After sitting too,

but not as bad. Cold hands (for sure!), low grade fevers (which is odd

b/c for years, maybe decades, I was always below normal),

weakness...all of that. But, I think all that can come with CFS as well.