Hi Gang,

Saw my RD today for the first time since I got out of the hospital after
my stroke.

I was sooooo nervous about this appointment as I had talked to my RD's
nurse the friday right before the weekend when I had the stroke.   The
nurse had told me to go to the ER and I never went, figuring I have had
the stomach flu a million times in my lifetime and could just handle it
at home.    Well, as you all know, very early that following sunday
morning, is when I had the stroke.  

I thought the RD would probably ball me out today and I was prepared for
it as I felt I deserved it.  After all, had I gone to the ER like
instructed, perhaps I wouldn't be in this situation.

In any case, the RD walked in the room and saw that I was quite nervous
and he asked me why.  I told him and he just came over and handed me
some kleenex, sat down in front of me, set everything down, held up his
hand to give me five and said to quit blaming myself.  

He said no one could have predicted what happened to me and he said
quite honestly he probably would have made the same decision I had made.
I told him I was also worried because I know doctors get mad when you
don't do what they tell you.  He held up my rather large chart and said
listen, I've known you now for 10 years and I know very well that 99% of
the time you do what you are told and I am not worried about you in that
regards at all.   He said don't ever let anyone make you feel guilty
about this whole deal or get mad at you about it!  
He said he had complete faith in me and knew that I would work very hard
to get back as much of my function as possible.  He felt bad about all
that had taken place and just wanted me to know that he was there for me
in what ever way I needed him to be!  

WOW!!!

Talk about being blessed.  I have always said that I have some of the
best doctors around ---very compassionate and caring individuals, but
sometimes even I am blown away at just how wonderful and supportive they
are!!!

He told me to stay on top of the pain when it hits and we talked a bit
more about the results I have gotten thus far with the rituxan.   It has
been 4 months now since the second infusion.  I have gotten some relief
but no where near as much as I did with the enbrel.  He said just let
him know when I am ready to do my next set of infusions and he will get
it set up.  He said he is finding that with each subsequent set of
infusions, that his patients seem to do better and get more relief.
So, think I will try to hold off until late march or early april and
then go for the next round.   Hopefully by then I'll be much further
along with the rehab stuff as well.

Thank you GOD for blessing me with such awesome and caring doctors and
for such a good visit today!!!

What a tremendous boost todays visit turned out to be!

Now, leaving thursday morning to go on the family cruise that has been
planned since october!!!   Didn't think I would make it after the
stroke, but I am going to go!!!

Woooooohooooooo!!!

Hugs and blessings to all of you!!!

Donna G.
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ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
them FRIENDS......