Update

We're home from Charleston. Randy and I met with Dr. Judson. After reviewing his paperwork and examining Randy, he seems to think that the chest pain is coming from something else besides the sarcoidosis. He did say that he had been wrong once or twice. Randy and I kept waiting on him to smirk or laugh, but he didn't. :) He does think the fatigue and weight loss are caused by the sarcoidosis. So... here is the plan. Randy is going to try a major dose of steroids for 3 weeks and go back. If the pain still exists, Dr. Judson feels sure it is coming from somewhere else. He said that sarcoidosis pain usually reacts positively to steroids and that Randy should be able to tell a major difference.

Randy and I have thought all along that there must be something else causing the pain, but no doctor can find out what. We've gone the cardio and gastro route, so I asked Dr. Judson if he were in Randy's shoes and was still hurting in 3 weeks what he would do. He said that he would refer us to a rheumatologist there at MUSC. Randy did see one here, but I felt better knowing it would be one of the best there. Also, Dr. Judson told us that they just recently completed a study about using Ritalin, Adderall, and Concerta with sarcoidosis patients with fatigue. If his fatigue continues, he would recommend that. If Randy chooses to do that, he would have to undergo a complete psychiatric evaluation before the meds could be prescribed. Dr. Judson asked if Randy objected to any of this, and Randy just told him he was tired of hurting and that he was willing to do anything to feel better.

On a very positive note, Randy had to complete lung tests because sarcoidosis typically affects the lungs. He passed with flying colors. :) The nurse was really impressed.

My parents went with us to Charleston, and we were able to do a few things... I'll try to post some pics tomorrow.

Our tax money came back.... I treated myself to a NEW LAPTOP.... yes, I am blogging while I am sitting in my recliner. Hopefully, this will make it much easier for me to keep up. ALso, I changed my background. How do you like it? I wanted to welcome SPRING!! Because I am sick and tired of being cold!

Thanks to everyone who prayed for us! We love you!