We've got a blood test in about 9 hours.

They're going to check levels of 2 proteins within our complement system -- specifically C3 and C4 -- and check our levels of antinuclear antibodies via an ANA test, which the notes on our NHS record describe as a "Connective Tissue Disease Screen".

Our notes also state that there may be a "referral to [a chronic fatigue] service, [depending] on results".

NGL: feeling like we're kinda screwed whatever happens.

A null result won't suddenly make us better or less in pain, especially our hand joints.

A positive result could mean who knows how long in terms of a referral with the NHS.

A borderline or unclear result might make things even more difficult.

Please don't wish us good luck or tell us that it'll all be okay: we cannot abide toxic positivity.

Just be there and feel free to reach out if you want. You won't offend us. Equally appreciate you've got your own shit going on.

#BloodTest #ConnectiveTissueDisorder #disability #JointPain #FuckLifeInGeneral #FuckTheNHS

To help reduce the worsening joint pain in our hands, we've added new hand and wrist supports, which we're wearing on top of our finger(tip)less compression gloves.

We're not used to typing with these yet, but we're improving over time.

We're kinda feeling a little like some kind of augmented entity in them though. Perhaps some kind of technomage?

CW for images - hands in gloves

#JointPain

I learned something new about Sjogren's disease today.

I've known all along that all-over body pain is a hallmark symptom of it. What I did not realize is that joint pain -- especially in tendons -- is a very common part of the Sjogren's experience.

I'm currently being treated by 5 doctor specialists for various parts of the body all reporting their own tendinitis. Each doctor is doing their own corticosteroid injections, home exercises, physical therapy, supplements, and follow up visits. Frankly, it's gotten very overwhelming! And it doesn't help that all of this is dramatically affecting my quality of life and even mobility.

I'm excited to learn that my rheumatologist should be able to lead the way instead all of this "noise" from various specialists.

#Sjogrens #SjogrensDisease #Rheumatology #JointPain #Tendinitis

Imagine being the kid who could always win at Twister, the one whose fingers bent back like they were made of rubber. Friends might have called you "double-jointed," and it was all a bit of fun. #Beightonscore #collagen #EhlersDanlossyndrome #JointHypermobilitySyndrome #jointpain #looseligaments #physicaltherapy

https://refreshbalance.com/joint-hypermobility-syndrome/

Knee Pain Treatment Without Surgery | Natural Alternative to Knee Replacement – Navgraha Vajra-Knee Therapy. Knee pain has become one of the most common health problems in modern society. #AstroGuruDeepakJain #KneePain #JointPain #VedicHealing #AstrologyHealing #NavgrahaTherapy #VajraKaya #KneePainS

https://www.astrogurudeepakjain.com/knee-pain-treatment-without-surgery/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social