Today's rheumatologist visit

So much happened today, it's hard to get it all down.  I'll try.

Dr Stevens impressed us both.  He was late coming in, but my hope was that THAT meant that he would take good time with us.  AND HE DID.

He is a bit skeptical of Raynaud's since my hands aren't as affected as my feet, BUT he is giving that diagnosis, and is treating me with meds towards that end.

He did bloodwork though - which I had done at the IU hospital "next door" before we headed back from Bloomington.

He wanted me to wait on the MRI - he said the steroid pills I've been taking might affect a diagnosis.  I have my MRI rescheduled for June 28 now.

He is changing my Raynaud's medicine from Norvasc to Nifedipine extended-release 30 mg - which Alex's company happens to make, so I should be able to get it for free.  He wants me to check my bp in about a week after starting it.

He is also upping the Elavil (Chronic pain: Elavil works best for chronic pain that is nerve-related) that I'm already on, from 10 mg to 25 mg.

No ideally I don't want to be on meds long term BUT if this foot pain can't be explained, nor HELPED in any other way, I'm sure willing to at least try it for now.

I have a follow-up appt on July 3, and we'll see if there is any improvement in my symptoms.  We should also have results from the MRI on June 28 by then, as well as the bloodwork results.

He wants to start attacking things one at a time - interestingly, he thinks my pain seems somewhat to be plantar fasciitis, even though I've had 2 podiatrists say it was NOT that, and I've even had an ultrasound that "ruled it out".

He does think it is possible that all but the stabbing pains in my heels could be related to Raynaud's.

All in all, finally, a hopeful dr visit.  I know I've rambled some here, and if anyone has questions, please ask.