That’s one theory- that some of it is the meds. One of my meds (Plaquenil for the lupus) is known to cause various blood disorders. There is some gene that if you have it, the Plaquenil is really bad for you. It is almost never found in people with European ancestry so they didn’t test me for it before starting me on the med. Once the anemia hit, they tested me and luckily I’m negative.
The biopsy is supposed to test for at least aplastic anemia (which can be caused by Plaquenil) and I think a few other things. All of the terms start to swim in my head after a while.
My doctors have been fabulous about coordinating with one another. It’s very clear when I go in that they’ve reviewed all of my stuff and contacted other doctors on my team if they’re not sure of something. I am grateful beyond words that I’m in such a great network.
So, I put in a Google search:“Lupus, Rheumatoud Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Central Pain Syndrome, IBS and iron-deficient anemia”’ and I got:
The findings of this case-finding study indicate that some misdiagnosed IBS/FMS patients could have underlying CD, which could contribute to IBS/FMS symptom development and maintenance.
And an article about mesh implants causing many of these diseases (you don’t have any of those, do you)?
Based on a quick and dirty disability benefits calculator, I make too much money for benefits- which is just fine by me! And we have super insurance through the university.
I have been very discouraged lately but I try to remain hopeful. I have to admit that I was really scared when my blood work came back even worse after my oral iron treatments.
Not that I ever would want this to happen at any point in my life, but if it had to happen this was the best time. I have incredible insurance and currently have protections that I didn’t have a few years ago. My support system in my home, school, and hospital and beyond is better than I could ask for. As long as I can to hold on to those things, I’ll be in good shape
@romanigypsyeyes, I’m so glad you have such a fabulous support system AND great insurance and protections. As someone who has been dealing with my and our kids chronic health issues for the past 17 years, I can definitely relate to the importance of a great support system and amazing insurance. Those definitely go a long ways toward making a tough situation more tolerable.
Wishing you the best in navigating toward more answers and better health!
@romanigypsyeyes Good luck, husband has had many bone marrow biopsies in the past two yrs, last one was Valentimes Day (great date jk). He has done both sedation and local. One think to think about is with sedation (esp with complicating medical conditions) it can take quite awhile to recover, for him 4 to 5 hrs before he could stand to leave the appointment and 1 to 2 days before mind was fully functioning.
Last biopsy was done with local, I was in the room and there were 2 times with very intense pain causing him to scream, but he could leave 10 minutes after the procedure and by then was in no pain. After a nap, he was fully back to himself. I just asked and he said he prefered that.
Also, don’t know if you have a choice, but one oncologist had a PA who did nothing but bone marrow biopsies, he was fabuous. The other oncologist uses fellows, she was not as good.
And we have super insurance through the university.