The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

The Mayo Return Trip

by Dessa Rodeffer, Publisher/Owner

18 December 2002

Several have been curious about the results of my return trip to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN last week.

I spent Tuesday thru Thursday at the clinic and after a blood test and a 50 minute MRI of my hand, I met with Rheumatology specialist, Dr. Chris Storgard.

He and his intern talked with me of my history, and after an examine of my joints, and reviewing the MRI and blood work, he diagnosed me as having Rheumatoid Arthritis.

He said, "We don't know what causes it, but we can treat it." Finding it early is a plus, he said, because you can get help before it causes a lot of damage.

He said they have joint replacements for almost every joint in the body, however, some work better than others and it is best to avoid the need for them.

The Celebrex was the first thing ordered which I already have from my November visit.

He prescribed folic acid (B6) along with two other drugs, one which is also used for cancer and severe cases of Psoriasis.

My dosage is so low, he said, that side effects would be practically nonexistent but he must tell me of them. (liver problems and deposits behind the retina).

Dr. Storgard recommended yearly eye exams and regular blood tests to monitor the medications.

Then he sent me for more blood work, a TB test, a chest x-ray, a bone density test, and a mammogram as a base to monitor my progress.

He wanted me to have a cortisone shot in my left thumb which was severely swollen, to avoid damage to the joint.

I returned to Dr. Brault, the hand specialist for this procedure. It was not painful, to my surprise. Afterwards, Dr. Brault arranged for me to meet with one of the top surgeons -Dr. Spinner, for his opinion on an enlarged nerve the MRI showed.

Dr. Spinner said it was a neuroma from my injury rather than a tumor, and felt it best not to aggravate it with more surgery. He wants the pathology report and surgical procedure of my carpal tunnel to look over.

I received more than I bargained for with the Rheumatoid factor, but I am glad to have answers from such a good group of medical professionals.

Dr. Pogue will be ordering my blood work for Dr. Storgard and I will return in three months.

I'm hoping the "meds" will eventually cure my problem and yes, it still is like "Wonderland."