More appointments...today I had to miss school again because I had four separate appointments scheduled. I can't let myself think about it though. When I do, I get to where I can't catch my breath. That doesn't help anything. So instead, I just do what I have to do and push through, processing when I'm ready.
The first appointment was with rheumatologist, Dr. Jeffrey Neal. He was very informative. He explained all about how I am in the high risk catagories for developing an auto-immune disease. Much to his surprise, I understood everything he was saying. He wants to continue to monitor me every few months for the next several years. He also discussed concerns & treatment plan about my bone density due to the years of steroids. Our final topic was very intriguing! He explained the possibility of using the drug methotrexate as a new treatment for my refractory asthma. It is well known as a chemotherapy drug but in small doses has been used in patients for which other asthma meds have been unsuccessful. Dr. Neal said he would work with Dr. Thompson to monitor the dosage of the drug. The side effects could be intense, but it could be the right treatment plan for me.
From that appointment, I went to a very frustrating session with Wafa working on VCD. She is wonderful, but since I am still recovering from pneumonia, I guess my vocal cords just weren't up to being challenged. Sadly this was my last session with her because she's going on maternity leave next week. I'm really going to miss working with her!
At the pulmonologist I learned that methotrexate is not something to get excited about right now. Dr. Thompson was a bit leary about the strength and the side effects of the drug and said we should save it for a later option. He agreed that it was something to keep in mind, but that we should wait to see how the sinus surgery works out first. I understood what he was saying. He also shared the results of the lab work they ran while I was in the hospital last week. My IGg level was a lot lower than it was back in February. This news is kind of a blow because we had all hoped it was going up. I didn't qualify for the IVIg therapy. All in all this means that I have an IGg deficiency but can't be treated for it. That stinks. :( Dr. Thompson and Kristy were both in the room talking with me. They said maybe it's time to change our expectations. ~For example...my lungs are still recovering and I'm still a bit run down, but what if we called today's lung function pretty good?? I sure didn't like the idea. Actually, just listening to them talk was crushing. I understood what they were saying though.
I'm not giving up hope because my doctors are frustrated. I know God is still in this and whatever the outcome, it will be all for good. I understand that this is way bigger than me!
