New Years Resolution

My rheumatologist has me on a gluten-free diet. I’ve decided for 2016 to take it one step further and just eliminate grains and starches from my diet.

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The Challenge

I didn’t skip therapy today. I wanted to, but I didn’t. It went ok. She challenged me to pick one day this week to not use laxatives. I cried when I accepted, but I did accept.

I also saw my rheumatologist today. She’s pleased with my progress, with how the meds I’m on are helping my rheumatoid arthritis. She did suggest switching one to an injection, but is going to leave it as a pill for now. Thank goodness!! I also got labs done like every time I see her. I was stabbed in my arm, where they didn’t get anything, and then in my wrist, where they took several vials of blood. She also wants me back in physical therapy for my RA, which I look forward to. It’s like having a free (well, cheaper) personal trainer.

My laxative use has been on the rise lately, so it’s probably a good thing for me to take a day off this week. I’m just not looking forward to it.

I’d love to stay and talk but it’s almost 8 o’clock and I haven’t got the time

After binging and purging for a couple hours, I decided today needed a do-over, and I went back to bed and slept for two more hours. I woke up less teary and less grumpy and less wanting to binge and purge, and more wanting to knit and play video games simultaneously (hard).

I might run errands this afternoon. I need to pick up my half-functioning bipolar medication at least. I am working on a couple knitting projects that I will probably work on today.

I also got a call from my rheumatologist. She said it sounds like the rashes on my hands are from my immune deficiencies and that there’s not much they can do about them, but she wants to see them in person, so there’s that.

I also left the pro-ana Facebook group. I feel good about that. Relieved, I think.

So while today started on a bad note, it’s looking up and hopefully it’ll end up being productive and positive.

Rheumatology

This morning I had an appointment with my rheumatologist. I see her every 3 months for my rheumatoid arthritis. After the frustration of yesterday, today was so refreshing. I wish all the professionals I see were as professional and courteous as my rheumatologist.

I take a combination of medications for my RA, and for now they’re staying the same, but she did a whole series of blood work so she said it may change depending on how the results come back. I’m glad to have my rheumatology appointment out of the way for 3 months. They are always long and she always wants a lot of blood (6 vials today).

Today I…

I don’t actually have a drivers license. Yes, I’m 31 and have no license. Driving just makes me so anxious that I usually avoid it and have done so for 15 years. However, I recognize that I need my license for independence purposes, so today, I went driving. I drove around suburbs and quiet neighborhoods for about an hour. Next time, I might get out onto some main streets. I hope to be ready to pass my driving test within the next couple months.

I also worked a lot on my niece’s scarf, which is good because I’ve been so depressed lately that I haven’t been knitting and hardly anything has gotten done on it. I’ve made it to almost 2 feet now, so that’s wonderful! I need to have it finished by the 22nd when my sister gets back.

And I, of course, worked out. Food intake was pretty good today. I think it was pretty close to what a “normal” person would eat. I’m trying to curb the binging and restricting.

I also developed a fever. My rheumatologist told me this is a side effect of the rheumatoid arthritis. I took a nap for a couple hours and felt a little better after.

Also, this is my 500th post.

Did you know bulimia can cause osteoarthritis?

I didn’t.

Apparently anorexia and bulimia (and ednos) can cause early onset of osteoarthritis due to poor nutrition and/or over exercising.

How did I learn this? I just got a call from my rheumatologist. Guess who has osteoarthritis. Yeah, I do.

I’m supposed to start a regimen of anti-inflammatories and follow up with the doctor.

I’m kind of floored right now. It’s become real, I guess. I’ve done actual damage to my body.