UCTD... Lupus

Feb 24, 2009

Well, I finally have a diagnosis that feels right.  Let's hope it is...  I have been having IV IGG infusions for almost 2 years every 4 weeks, and my IGG levels have not risen.  I went to a new Hematologist who believes that my immune deficiency is due to an autoimmune disease.  He called and spoke to my new Rheumatologist and told him his opinion.  My Rheumatologist is now diagnosing me with Undifferenciated Connective Tissue Disease (basically Lupus without calling it Lupus).  He is treating me as if I have Lupus and has started me on Plaquenil.  It is a drug that they use to treat Malaria, but it works very well on Lupus patients.  He says that it can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months for the medication to work (boy I hope it is closer to the 3 week side).  Anyway, I feel like I am back on the right track.
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Century Mark! Woot, Woot!

Feb 09, 2009

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My ticker

Jun 11, 2008


My Band

May 21, 2008

I have the AP Standard 10cc band.  Here are the specifics about my band:

· They are either APS (small, hold 10cc) or APL (large, holds 14cc).
· They are considered to be "the next generation in AGBs".
· They are considered less likely to cause blockage or obstruction
than other AGP types.
· They are considered less likely to slip than other AGP types.
· They are considered to be less likely to cause band erosion than
other AGP types.
· Like the VG band it is "Omniform" technology - i.e. the balloon has
ribs or baffles and the band itself is curved.
· The AP has more of a 360 inflation around the stomach as opposed to
the 10cm or 9.75cm (4cc) bands, which have more like 260 or 280
degrees inflation (the rest being the buckle), and the VG which has
more like 280 or 300. It is understood that this is an upgrade to the
existing band to make it easier and less traumatic to remove. It
should also cushion the stomach and decrease erosions risk, most of
which occur at the unpadded exposed "buckle" area in the old bands.
· The silicone material is much softer than other AGP types.
· They are more concentric (rounded) when inflated than other AGB
types, which is felt to produce less stomach trauma.
· The balloon is pleated to 'grip' the stomach better.
· The balloon goes all the way around the inner surface of the band,
rather than missing a piece at the locking mechanism.
· The balloon is wider. A sideview of the band shows the balloon
protruding top & bottom rather than sitting flush.
· They have an easier release mechanism to remove the band if need
be.
· They have the locking mechanism isolated from the stomach.
· AP type bands have been FDA approved for the US, but will not be
available until the summer 2007 .

I love my band!  I am doing so much better than I could have imagined!
~Dejah

About Me
Central, TX
Location
24.8
BMI
Surgery
03/19/2008
Surgery Date
Apr 14, 2008
Member Since

Friends 31

Latest Blog 4
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