All systems are "GO!"

I had very good intentions of calling the doctor on Monday to see if my blood test results came back for my Tysabri pre-qualification.... but of course, I "forgot."

The doctor was fresh on my mind this morning, though.  I had to do my Avonex injection last night, and of course, it hit me hard this morning.  It actually felt like it hit me harder than usual.  I first awoke at about 3 a.m. and tossed and turned uncomfortably from about 3-4 a.m. wishing I had the strength and energy to get out of bed and medicate some more.  Then this morning before the alarm went off I was already awake and hurting in a bad way.  Israel asked if he could get me anything and I didn't even hesitate:  Lortab. Please. And thank you.  He got me one and I took it then laid with my back to him so he couldn't see that I was crying... it was involuntary crying and I couldn't seem to help it.  When the alarm went off 10 minutes later, I slowly uncurled my aching body and went straight to the shower to get ready... which for anyone who knows me is absolutely not normal for me... but I was hurting and uncomfortable.

When I got to work, I was quite relieved (maybe even excited) when the caller ID showed my neurologist's number. (They're incredibly hard to reach there, so I always appreciate when they call me.)  She asked me a couple clarification questions about my Vitamin D intake and then I took the opportunity to ask her about my blood tests and scheduling a Ty-1 appointment with the PA.  She was like, "Actually, I was calling to do that, too... I'll call and get your labs faxed over as soon as I hang up with you, and then, I know it's short notice, but... can you come in today at 2?"

PERFECT!

Given my poor health lately (and depositions that were supposed to take place this week and ended up not taking place) no clients were scheduled for me today... so it was great timing!  I grabbed the appointment and ran with it. For anyone that has ever worked with specialists in any field, you know that a same day appointment is absolutely unheard of!  The appointment was actually going to be a combined Ty-1 and Ty-2 appointment (Ty-1 being with the PA, then Ty-2 being with the doctor to sign remaining paperwork) and was supposed to take about an hour combined.

Of course, It took closer to 2 hours and 15 minutes... but I wasn't complaining.  I took advantage of the appointment with the PA and made sure that I asked ALL my questions.  She's easier to talk to because she's generally less rushed and more concerned than the doctor.  So I took a great deal of time with her talking about my concerns (and Israel's) and then headed over to the doctor for an expected quick 10 minute visit.  She was sweet because she gave Israel some real encouragement about being a good partner through this whole thing-- dealing with my emotions, irritability, etc. (And confirmed that it was not me-- it was the medications.)

But aside from the helpfulness of the PA and her friendliness and ability to answer all my questions and relieve some of my fears and concerns, the highlight of my day (maybe even my WEEK!) came from Dr. Foley:

"No more Avonex shots.  Last night was your last one."

No more water-pounding.
No more pre-medicating.
No more needles.
No more Sharps containers.
No more Avonex "hangovers."
No
More.

I think my heart even smiled a little bit at that moment.  I could have cried actual real happy/relief tears.

Best.News.Ever.