Look what a year can do......6/2/2016

Just wanted you all to know that Darcy is doing great. She has had a few set backs and is still on prednisone.She monitors her blood regularity so as to take the smallest dose that provides the most relief. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers... May 28, 2015 We would like to thank all those whose prayers have lifted us up through this uncertain time in our lives. We had our appointment with the rheumatologist in Bangor on Tuesday. He took the time to spend with us so that he could really understand our situation. Being a seasoned traveler, he was interested in us as people, not only as paying patients. After listening to Darcy’s story, he cut right to the chase. “You are a white woman over the age of 65, your condition began quickly with severe stiffness and aching in the shoulders, neck, hips and knees. You have experienced unintended weight loss, 10 lbs, over the past few months and you often feel more tired than you did before. These symptoms tell me that you most probably have polymyalgia rheumatica. We will draw blood right now. If the results of the blood tests have high markers, that will tell me that I have made the correct diagnosis. You will begin taking a corticosteroid right away. You should see a vast improvement within a day or two. We will taper off the dosage as we monitor the improvement, so you will be taking the least amount for the most gain.” We celebrated this morning with the taking of the first tablet. We will keep you posted. Continue to keep us in your prayers as we know the Lord has his hands upon us..

This memory from Facebook was posted May 28, 2016... just a few days ago. Today Wally and I will bike 21/2 miles to a local lab. The results of the blood tests will be faxed to my neurologists in Bangor, ME. Based on those markers, he will adjust the dosage of corticosteroids that relieves the pain from my polymyalgia rheumatica. This is a monthly detail that we willingly carry out; I can enjoy this active daily boating lifestyle by following this plan. God’s blessings abound!