Hello there and happy New Year from snowy Minnesota! 2019 is off to a great start, so I thought I better share the good news!
The DVT and PE have left the building! No more clots and therefore no more blood thinners (thank God).
Taking those blood thinners was giving me a complex.
All I could think about was not wiping out on the ice (which is everywhere) and I was super paranoid to just live my life.
I’m glad that I don’t have to worry about it anymore and I can just slip and fall in a parking lot, like every other Minnesotan.
I also had a recheck MRI of my pancreas and liver. I'm happy to report that the pancreatitis that I got last spring taking Azathioprine is gone!
My Gastroenterologist was also thrilled to tell me that my little FNH liver friend has not changed, so it’ll likely just hang with me forever in there with little to no threat of ever causing any trouble. Wooot!
So, a very positive MRI and ultrasound to start the year off right!
I had my quarterly check-up with my Rheumatologist last week, which also was very positive.
My ALT is mildly elevated, which is no cause for alarm, but worth noting.
“Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found inside liver cells. Liverenzymes, including ALT, help your liver break down proteins to make them easierfor your body to absorb.”More than likely, an elevated ALT would be due to my medications, but it’s another reason to eat healthy and take care of my body to do my part. My Rheumatologist recommended avoiding drinking too much alcohol, which isn’t really an issue for me, but gives me reason to avoid if not totally “necessary” (“necessary” is definitely not the right word to use).
I know that eating AIP is good for my body and helps me to feel my best, so I’m getting back on that train.
Visit Maren.link/TheMarenUpdate if you'd like to see the associated program books.
PT includes lots of stretching and adding more weight to exercises. I feel like I’m still a solid 2 months ahead of healing schedule from my experience on the other shoulder, which gives me great hope for golf season!
Lastly, I’m due for my Rituxan infusions this month and praying that the approvals go through and I can continue to receive infusions at the new location (previously the only approved location). Until I have those infusions scheduled, I’m a little anxious but optimistic that I can stay on track with my treatment.
I hope that your year is also off to a great start!
Today is Rare Disease Day, so thank you for always taking the time to learn a little more about mine!
XO, M
