Good Visit with Rheumy :-)

Well he sees things differently. He came in smiling and said that he was really pleased with the lab test results. My CK is down to 75. That is the lowest it has EVER been. And the C reactive protein was very low indicating that the inflamation was gone. He said now we are going to start reducing the prednisone. He said "I DO NOT LIKE PREDNISONE". He mentioned this 3 times during my visit. He said that if I started feeling worse or if I had another flare he would increase the Imuran, but not the prednisone. I told him that I was really fatigued and he said that was from the prednisone. He also said that since the CK and CRP are so low it is time to start increasing the rehab. He wants me to walk more and increase the time on the stationary bike.

He also had me do some muscle strength tests. He had me lay down and he held my feet down. He asked me to sit up without using my hands. I was shocked. I could not lift my body at all. I raised my head only. There must have been a look of panic on my face because he said, "It's OK Phil. This will come back." Then he had me do a squat and try to get up. Couldn't do it without him pulling me up. So frustrating. But at least he is optimistic. He also said that the extra weight and puffiness would go away when we got rid of the prednisone. I don't see him again until July, but he said to call him if I noticed any change, especially since we are reducing the prednisone. He doesn't want another flare. Nor do I. Ha.

So I feel better about the lab tests but sure wish I felt stronger. We type A personalities are just impatient.

Carol and I are in Louisville for a couple of days in the genealogy libraries. Be home tomorrow.