Health Update: Navigating New Diagnoses and Managing Chronic Conditions
Recently, my family faced a wave of health concerns when my father’s sisters were diagnosed with bone degeneration, thyroid cancer, and uterine cancer. Given my own complex medical history, this prompted me to undergo a PET scan to ensure I wasn’t overlooking any potential health issues. Here’s an update on my scan results and the next steps in managing my health.
Family Health Scare and Preventive Measures
Family Diagnoses:
When my aunts were diagnosed with significant health issues, including bone degeneration and cancers of the thyroid and uterus, it naturally raised concerns about potential hereditary risks. Considering my existing conditions, I wanted to be proactive about my health and decided to request a PET scan as a preventive measure.
Requesting a PET Scan:
A PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography) is a highly detailed imaging test that helps doctors see how organs and tissues are functioning. It’s frequently used to detect cancer, monitor heart disease, and evaluate brain function. Given the family history and my own health challenges, I asked my Primary Care doctor to order the scan to ensure nothing serious was being overlooked.
PET Scan Results and New Diagnoses
Scan Interpretation:
After my Primary Care doctor left Ochsner, my Rheumatologist took over the responsibility of reviewing my PET scan results. Fortunately, the scan showed no signs of cancer, which was a huge relief. However, it did reveal some new challenges.
Sarcoidosis Spread:
The scan revealed that my sarcoidosis had spread to more areas of my body. Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease where granulomas—small clumps of inflammatory cells—form in various organs. These granulomas can affect the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, skin, and other organs, leading to symptoms like fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and respiratory issues. The spread of sarcoidosis means more areas of my body are now affected by inflammation, requiring adjustments in my treatment plan.
Osteoarthritis Diagnosis:
In addition to the sarcoidosis findings, the PET scan also revealed osteoarthritis in my hips. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage between bones wears away, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. My osteoarthritis is likely a side effect of long-term steroid use, particularly dexamethasone, which I took to manage Cushing’s Syndrome.
Adjusting Treatment Plans
Increased Medication for Sarcoidosis:
Given the spread of sarcoidosis, my Rheumatologist increased my dosage of Azathioprine, an immunosuppressive medication that reduces inflammation by modulating the immune system. Azathioprine is commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and in my case, sarcoidosis.
Orthopedic Consultation:
For the osteoarthritis, I was referred to an Orthopedic doctor to evaluate my hips and assess whether surgery would be necessary. Thankfully, surgery is not required at this time. Instead, the Orthopedic specialist recommended non-surgical treatments to manage pain and improve joint function, such as physical therapy and medication.
Moving Forward
Managing Multiple Conditions:
Living with multiple chronic conditions requires constant monitoring and adjustments to my treatment plan. With the increased dose of Azathioprine and the recommendations from the Orthopedic specialist, I am focused on managing both sarcoidosis and osteoarthritis effectively.
Stay Informed and Supportive:
I’m grateful for the continued support from all of you following my journey. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that staying informed about your health and seeking comprehensive evaluations when needed is crucial. Please feel free to share any questions or personal experiences in the comments below. We’re all in this journey together!
