As most know August 10th I went to see a new rheumatologist since my old rheumatologist was no longer covered under my insurance plan.

Sharad Lakhanpal with Rheumatology Associates is my new rheumatologist. I can’t say enough about the staff and him. He ordered the typical blood work to test for rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus and ordered X-rays as well.

I was not to return back to his office till the end of September. After last Fridays episode of pain, barely able to walk, and so swollen I knew I couldn’t wait till the end of September. So Monday I emailed the doctor asking for an earlier appointment. Yesterday they called me and asked if I wanted to come into the Dallas office at 1:30. I said yes of course.

So I finished what I could at the office and off I went. I was nervous but excited to get some type of diagnosis.

Results are in. It’s OSTEOARTHRITIS! It’s very common but not in the spine or neck as mine is so that explains a lot of the pain. I asked if that’s what was causing my swelling, he said yes. He recommended that I exercise and asked me if I had been. Which I have been for the past month or so. He told me to stick with low impact exercises and swimming during the summer. I jokingly asked if he could prescribe me an in ground pool. (I’m really over trying to keep the above ground pool clean.) He prescribed me a muscle relaxer (which I do not like taking) and said that I can’t go without it and must take it every night. He also prescribed Etodolac 500mg twice a day.

Yes, my diagnosis could have been worse. I’m blessed it’s not Lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. I will never forget the doctor at HerKare telling my mom and I that she hates the term fibromyalgia because she said it’s a blanket diagnosis to something more that could be more serious. So again, I’m glad I went to another doctor for a more formal diagnosis.

I will update in about a month after giving time for meds to do their job. Although he said I may notice a difference right away.