Ear Ache

My ear has been hurting the tiniest bit and it is terrifying. If I didn't have WG, I wouldn't even think twice about it, but now it is so scary. I was at the store today and push the grocery cart with one hand and had some pain in my knuckle. I was like, "Oh no... is that the arthritis coming back? Is this a flare?" I live in this constant state of bodily assesment now. And it's sort of funny... it's not the ear pain or the Wegener's symptoms that I am truly afraid of. It is having to go back on the Cytoxin. I think I might actually refuse to go on it again. I might insist we try something else. Anyway, hopefully this is nothing.

Visit with Dr. Staecker

My arthritis has progressed to the point that walking is difficult. I cannot straighten my elbows or use my hands well anymore. In the morning my mom or Ross has to help move me into position to breastfeed Amelia. I cannot scoot myself back into a sitting position on the bed or really even get her head in position because my hands and wrists are so weak and painful.

Saw Dr. Staecker who confirmed Dr. Burroughs assessment that I had WG. He contacted the KU rhuematology department and got me scheduled for a visit on 7/16/07. He put me on 20 mg of Prednisone 2x daily and Nexium. He also ordered some bloodwork.

Dr. Staecker also tried to scrape the middle ear effusion out of my left ear which caused me so much pain that he had to stop. He prescribed Floxin drops to loosen up the debris and scheduled a follow up visit in 1 week to check on it.