I went back to the doctor (GP) on Monday.  He’s a very kind and patient man with a wacky sense of humor.  Part of that is due to the fact that I have been seeing him for about 15 years.  Anyway, being the excellent physician that he is he told me that all of my aches and pains are related to rheumatoid arthritis and that it is progressing.  He said that I should discuss all of this with my rheumatologist at my next appointment.  In the meantime he prescribed a “mild” pain reliever.  This medication is awesome! 

The medication is called Tramadol.  Stronger than ibuprofen (which makes my ears ring!) and milder than oxycodone.  He said take two every six hours…I haven’t felt anything since Monday evening.  I sleep alot, but I don’t mind.  Sleeping has always been a favorite pastime of mind.  I have come to call this particular drug “damnitall”.  I love it.  On Sunday I cleaned the house like I was manic.  On Monday I was so busy it felt like I was chasing my tail.  By Tuesday I was in my pajamas until 2:00 p.m.  Thank you damnitall!

This medication is in no way improving my arthritis, but it is improving my pain and thus improving my attititude.  With damnitall, I don’t care that the laundry has been sitting in the utility room since last Friday.  I don’t care that the front room looks like it has been hit by a hurricane.  The fact that every bed in the house needs cleans sheets just mildly amuses me.  Everything has become so much less important with damnitall.   I just really don’t care.   I haven’t even been in the pool in several days…Friday, I think.  I was thinking about cleaning out closets last week.  That’s over!  Those closets can stay cluttered for ever and a day.  Plus I think my OCD is cured!

If nothing else takes place I hope they keep me on this medication.  I am so much more relaxed than I used to be.  I mean soooooo relaxed!  It just doesn’t seem like anything is important anymore.  I know so many people I would like to see on this medication.  My daughter, for one.  She could really use a vacation, and I think damnitall is the answer.  It’s cheap, for one thing…and you don’t have to pack.  You feel amazing and nothing matters.  Who couldn’t use that? 

This is all I can write for now.  I need a nap.  Thanks damnitall!