Being that the results of my sed. rate test were 6 which is just below the middle of the scale 1-15. Clearly there is still inflammation present. Since I do not have a previous lab to compare with I will have another test done in six months. I expect the results to be much lower then. Our weather has been overcast and rainy for a few days and I have not felt any worse. I am taking that as an indication that the inflammation level is truly lower.
My new Physical Therapist (former mechanical engineer) has given me results that I never would have expected. I was very sceptical and only went because my trusted Dentist referred me. A few exercises to rehabilitate the tiny muscles closest to the spinal cord get damaged from injury. Without the proper rehab. the larger muscles covering them compensate and the result is pain, spasm and constant discomfort. I have slept better and generally felt better with two treatments than all of the other therapies I have tried.
According to my PT the neck is not trashed as I had been previously told. Believing that I was just going to be managing pain from degenerated discs and vertebrae combined with Arthritis for the rest of my life. Never again to sleep well or wake up without some form of neck pain or headache........ It's a new day.
Jaw pain is directly related to neck pain. If you clinch you jaw, grind your teeth or have jaw pain. I would highly recommend contacting Advanced Rehab Services for a referral. The treatment time is surprisingly short, so travelling here to be treated is possible.
Generally I am feeling consistently better. There are just twinges of discomfort now in my foot. All swelling is minimal and I no longer have pain in my hands, hips or shoulder. Requested another 90 supply of antibiotics from my doctor. After that is finished I should be able to stop the Minocyline and be Arthritis free. According to the book some people never need further antibiotics and some have a minor recurrence and go back on the prescription for a short term. Once the symptoms disappear the treatment ends.
Antibiotics makes so much sense for Arthritis. The immune system is designed to react to infection. I refuse to believe the "auto-immune" explanation ever again. Taking drugs that can either kill you or leave you completely vulnerable to die from the flu, tuberculosis, liver problems etc. just is crazy.
My husband is only home these days for about 12 hours before he is gone again for 1-2 days. We are very thankful that he is working steadily after 5 years of inconsistent work. We will be joining the gym ASAP to restart the workout routine. Winter is the high time for those of us who are not snow sport enthusiastic in Montana. Focusing on getting or staying in good condition to take advantage of the sun and warmer weather is our style.
