Winter is Coming

*I started this a week and a half ago, but computer issues and fatigue delayed posting.  

Cold winter weather is on its way but so is a heated mattress pad. I had one as a kid and it was wonderful.  My body has become poor at temperature control, especially when I'm asleep, so this should help.  Last winter I tucked sweatpants into wool socks and slept in 3 top layers under a down comforter and quilt.  Even using the electric baseboards judiciously, I could barely move without generating scary amounts of static electricity.  Seeing arcs off your fingers is pretty bizarre.

Aside from autumn weather, I've been dealing with increased fatigue.  Daily naps are no longer optional, my body just stops and sleeps.  Insurance denied Humira coverage, which I'm appealing with the doctor's office's help.  Maybe in a couple more weeks I'll get it?  Can't come soon enough!

Update: Humira was approved!!!  Hopefully I'll be able to start in by the end of the week.  There's a pharmacy issue to sort out first.

Fatigue

There have been some big changes in my life, even more of them.  I don't know whether I needed to let it all sink in, or find a way to express myself, but I hadn't feel ready to talk about it until now.  I have a new doctor, and we've discovered that my autoimmune disease is a type of seronegative spondyloarthropathy.  More specifically, Psoriatic Arthritis seems to fit, a condition where the immune system attacks soft tissues and joints.  It's similar to Rheumatoid Arthritis.

My most disabling symptom for years had been pain, but in the last few months fatigue has taken over.  This isn't just feeling tired, or being drained by pain.  This is a whole new level of fatigue, where merely standing is difficult and my thoughts move like molasses.  It has also caused muscle weakness, dizziness, joint pain, and impaired my thoughts and memories.  I am rarely able to leave my home except for medical appointments.

I don't know what the future holds.  I felt positive a couple months ago when I finally got a diagnosis.  Now I just wish I was able to function enough to enjoy life.  I'm grateful to have caring friends who I can keep in touch with online.  I have loving family.  And I'm still able to knit.  I've completed a few knitting projects and hope to share them, health permitting.