Managing the Mess

By mlynn

1 min read

I'm not a multi-tasker. I don't do anything in a hurry. I prefer a leisurely stroll over a sprint. That my husband will simultaneously wash dishes, cook a meal, and fix the can opener mystifies me.

I do pay attention to details, though. I like things tidy. I relax better in a tidy environment. I make to do lists and feel good when things get crossed off.

RA is a messy condition

RA is not a tidy disease. I learned to manage the mess until 2 new medical hiccups appeared this year. A meningioma is nestled against my optic nerve and, for reasons still unknown, my eosinophil count is climbing into a range that makes my doctor uncomfortable.

Neurosurgeons and hematologists have been added to my to do list. One wants frequent MRIs, the other has a lengthy list of labs ordered.

This morning I learned that the lab couldn't run my latest TB test because they labelled the tube incorrectly. Could I please pop back in? I need the TB test done like now so I can change biologics. It took the lab 2 weeks to tell me that they screwed up.

After my 3rd medical related phone call this morning I noticed that my to do list was growing by the hour while nothing was getting crossed off.

Managing RA is overwhelming

This does not feel tidy. Details are running amok. I had made peace or at least called a truce with the tilt a whirl ride that is RA. The addition of these other unresolved medical issues has me flustered and out of sorts.

I admire all of us here for learning how to adapt and take one day at at time. But I don't want to adapt today. Going with the flow is getting on my last nerve. I want things to feel resolved. Maybe I should file my to do list under "not right now", take a breath and learn to embrace the new uncertainties. Sigh.

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Jo Johnson Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="mlynn" user-id="8572343"/> "But I don't want to adapt today." Yep, been there! Jo
1. latoya.juniel Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="mlynn" user-id="8572343"/> That's my Monday! (haha) -Latoya (Team Member)
2. mlynn Member
 <inline-mention username="latoya.juniel" user-id="3929151"/> , I hope your Monday didn't spread to the rest of the week 😀
Splodge Member
I had pretty much the same issue with a TB test recently. I do empathise. I, too, could have done without it, and was angry.
1. mlynn Member
 <inline-mention username="Splodge" user-id="8785667"/> , oh no, a lab goof up for you too! If I hadn't been so tired when the lab finally called to announce their error, I would have been angry. I didn't have the energy. I was in an epic flare when I posted this and waiting for a load/taper of steroids to kick in. It was the proverbial last straw to a challenging week. After I hung up the phone with the lab, I picked a fight with my husband (I rarely do that) but I felt a wee bit better after I stomped my sore feet in his general direction and then cried. Oops! 😀 
2. Richard Faust Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="mlynn" user-id="8572343"/>. You hit on an excellent point that I think often gets overlooked. That to a certain degree; the insurance, medical paperwork, labs, etc... can just wear a person down. I think a lot of insurance denials happen because the insurers just think the patients won't be able to follow through with the fight to get an approval (and clearly this is often true or there wouldn't be so many cases where insurers fold once someone actually decides to fight (<inline-mention username="Daniel Malito" user-id="3160778"/> wrote about this some here: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/health-insurance-tips' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/health-insurance-tips</a>). Hope you are having a better week than that one this week. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
mlynn Member
<inline-mention username="Richard Faust" user-id="3227544"/> , exactly! The minutia can wear a person down. I have learned the skill of being a pleasant but persistent pest when needed.
1. christine.laaksonen Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="mlynn" user-id="8572343"/> that is such an important skill to have. And I love the way you put it, "a pleasant but persistent pest"! I'm saving that one in my back pocket for later. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)