Potentially bad news.

My blood tests results came back. All the levels were normal, with one exception - elevated level of rheumatoid factor. This points to a strong possibility of rheumatoid arthritis, although it could be a few other things. Going back this week for another blood test, then depending on the results, being referred to a rheumatologist. Geez, what next?

Now what?

In the last few months, I've noticed a strong ache in my leg muscles, only at rest - when lying down, primarily, and sometimes even when sitting. I didn't think much of it until it started interfering with my sleep - I'm taking an hour or two to fall asleep, wake up late and miserable and tired. Rinse, repeat.

I hate going to the doctor for something so intangible, but I figured it was time. I went to my GP, Dr. V, and I did feel a little bad for going, since I was just there 2 weeks ago for vertigo (which was truly awful). He laughed a bit at how much he scared me during my vertigo visit - he'd had to basically induce the vertigo to check it out, and I felt like I was going to fall off the exam table.

I learned that muscle pain is a hard thing to find the cause of. At the end of the visit, he said he didn't know what would be causing it, but sent my blood out for several tests, including mundane things like dehydration and mineral deficiencies, and the more severe possibility, rheumatoid arthritis. I'm hoping it's just something silly, like low potassium. I should find out this week!