Alex's Dr. appointment was yesterday

We had Al's appointment with an arthritis specialist yesterday and I thought I should share what happened.

His appointment lasted 3 hours, which was mostly in the exam. They were very thorough, which is very comforting to me. They didn't just check his knee, they checked his entire body down to his fingers and toes!! Because of the description I gave them of the onset of the stiffness and how it progressed, they are fairly sure he has arthritis. But because of the fall he had, they have scheduled an MRI just to rule out any injury. Thank goodness! I have been so worried that, yes he does have arthritis, but with an injury on top of it. So now hopefully we will be able to rule - or find - out any injury!!

Depending on what, if any damage they find in the MRI, will determine the time schedule a little on the treatment. For the arthritis it will be a steroid shot directly into his knee joint.

I made quite a fuss when they discussed the MRI not being until November, and I think they realized I'm not someone to mess with!! This is one time I don't care if they think I'm a wench... don't mess with my kids!!

I had to fill out quite a lengthy questionnaire, and it was interesting some of the questions; intolerant to cold and heat, sensitive touch (very ticklish)..... things I never would have put with an autoimmune problem. They even talked about his 'birthmark' saying they thought that was an autoimmune problem. Interesting, huh?

So, Alex is an autoimmune mess. Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, arthritis, vita... something, and something to do with intolerance to cold. Whew!! I'm just so glad to find out what is happening. I know this test is more for me than for Alex. He is such a brave little man, and I'm a wussy. I hate seeing him in pain, and not being able to do anything for him. It hurts to see his blood sugars so high because of the pain, and not being able to control them better. I hope for his sake, I learn my lesson in patience fast, so he doesn't need to suffer anymore.