New Phase

Starting Monday I'll be entering a new phase of my life. "WORKING WOMAN!" I've been in school for the last 10 years preparing for my chosen career. Monday is my first day at my new job and also the first time in about 24 years that I'll be working full time. Thankfully they're starting me off part time at just two 10 hour days a week. But 10 hours is a very loooooong time. I love what I do and I'm sure the time will fly by. But I'm also very worried about my body being able to play "keep up" with my mind. 

Along with starting a new job I'm also still adjusting to my new medications. I'm currently taking 50mg of Lyrica twice a day. I'm on day four of Cymbalta and take 25mg at night before bed. My doctor added the Cymbalta after I talked to him about feeling so stressed out all the time. Now I have a good reason for feeling emotional right now, but I also welcome a bit of a break. I need to focus on my new job and adjust to life a bit without bursting into tears daily. He thinks the Cymbalta will help. AND it also happens to be good for nerve pain and RA pain, so that's a win-win in my book.

So far my biggest side effects have been feeling dizzy, feeling a bit foggy headed and not being very hungry. That last one is a bonus for me as I'm trying to lose weight anyway. The first two suck, especially for driving. Luckily for me my husband has been driving us since my pain and muscle weakness got so bad. But that's yet another thing to add to his already full plate.

I met with my new Rheumatologist two days ago. He's ordered more tests, but said he had some ideas. I'll go back in two weeks. More waiting, more testing... but I do feel like things are progressing and I'm getting more help. Also that the medications I'm currently on are really working to fight back both joint pain AND neuropathy. I'm so thankful to FINALLY be on something that helps!

August will bring with it a new phase in my life. That of working hard (and actually getting PAID!), hopefully some health answers and also treatment that helps. No more struggling to just help myself or "waiting." Waiting for my career to start, waiting for medication that works, waiting for a specialist to see me. Instead it's a time for "doing" and that excites me!