 One year ago today I was officially diagnosed with Rheumatic Fever. Since then my ASO titer (see Sick of Getting Sick for more info) has gone from 935 to an even 400, showing that I am well on my way to recovery. While I still have a ways to go, I am feeling healthier than I have in a long time (even with the unsurmountable stresses of graduate school). My doctor, Dr. Shikhman at the Institute for Specialized Medicine in California, is working with my doctor here at Texas A&M so I can utilize the clinic on campus, which is very convenient and pocket friendly. I can stop in between class and lab to chat with my case manager if I ever have a random question or concern and I get all of my injections and blood work done without having to drive all around town. It has been a bit difficult, as the injections still knock me out for a couple days after I get them and I occasionally get bouts of fatigue here and there, but I can only imagine what my life would be like if I weren't getting them. I am thankful for that diagnosis one year ago and even more thankful that the treatment is working!
2 Comments
Hi there. I too see Dr Shikhman and was just diagnosed with rheumatic fever. Not one Dr has addressed my elevated ASO. I've been sick for 4 years. I'm wondering if you improved on the Bicillin injections. I used to do them for Lyme disease. Did 2 shots per week for 8 months. Now I'm no longer dealing with Lyme, but with strep apparently.
Caitlin - the biologist
11/6/2013 02:37:06 am
Hi Sonya! I went to multiple doctors before finding Dr. Shikhman as well and, even though I am now in another state, I am still working with him because I couldn't find a doctor here that knew how to manage my condition. I have improved with the Bicillin. In the post I mentioned I was at an even 400 but it turns out the lab I was going to used an inaccurate, outdated test. I am now getting the test done elsewhere and my ASO is actually at 768. Its not down much, but it's down! And, if anything, I am feeling a lot better on a day to day basis. Best of luck with your treatment! Leave a Reply. |
