RAD Caregiver

Back to Dr Forouzesh for test results

Tanya and I went back to see her Rheumatologist, Dr. Forouzesh yesterday; with the primary intent of getting the results of the Vectra DA blood test and the bone density test that were conducted two weeks ago. She also had an ultrasound done to check her thyroid because of nodules that are growing on it. Her neck has been swollen and swelling for a couple years now. The results of these tests were going to help Tanya decide if she wants to get stem cell therapy or not. Needless to say, it was a visit we have been looking forward to.

As I sat and listened to Dr. Forouzesh and Tanya go over the test results, I have to admit a certain amount of relief. To my untrained ear, it sounded like Tanya could be a lot worse off than she is today, at least according to the test results. Of course, there is one part of the test that might suggest that she does not have Rheumatoid Autoimmune Disease/Rheumatoid Arthritis, but that is why they take seven vials of blood instead of one. The bone density test results were very good, so I guess at this point in time Osteoporosis is not a concern. Dr. Forouzesh did say Tanya needed more Vitamin D and Omega 3. There was an indicator of possible heart issues, but they ran a test in the office and I guess it is not something to worry about . . . yet.

Blood Pressure Check

A visit with Tanya’s new Rheumatologist

Yesterday, Tanya went to see a new Rheumatolgist, Dr. Solomon Forouzesh in Culver City. Since her move to Southern California, this has been her first visit to a doctor about her Rheumatoid Autoimmune Disease. As I have mentioned in prior posts, we are seriously considering going to Panama to take advantage of the adult stem cell therapy that is available there. Since she has not been to a doctor since the middle of last year, it was decided that it only made sense to get a checkup so we could see where she was at. After doing significant research, Tanya decided on Dr. Forouzesh which I have to say seems like a great choice.

Anyone that knows me or has followed my blog for any significant amount of time probably is aware of my attitude towards doctors and the medical profession in general. I am pleased to say that I walked away from his office quite pleased with the events of the afternoon. After [actually] listening to Tanya, Dr. Forouzesh ordered up a Vectra DA blood test that will give an accurate idea of what is happening with her now, along with a bone density test both of which were done there in the office. He also wants an ultrasound done on her thyroid, but that has to be done earlier in the day, so she will have it done when we return in two weeks. Read more…

Hope can change your day

It is mind blowing how quickly attitudes can change, especially when hope is added to the mix. It was only yesterday that I had finally fought through the writer’s block that had been preventing me from writing my last post about RAD and stem cells. By the time I finally got into the groove of writing, I may have mentioned stem cells to Tanya, but the fact of the matter is that she did not really understand them or how they worked, so if I mentioned them in passing, the brain fog that RAD causes had caused my comments to go unnoticed. It happens.

The thing is, about the time I started writing, Tanya received a letter from her rheumatologist in Indiana. She had not seen him since the middle of 2011 and had postponed scheduled appointments because of her move to CA. The letter contained some very discouraging news. While prior test results were always described as boring, these ones were not. There were signs of a lot of damage and from what was read to me, it sounded like the potential for more was absolute. Tanya was pretty depressed as was I. It is tough hearing what to expect in the forthcoming years to the woman you love. Scary too.

Tanya having better times in Ireland