Your yearly doctor visit--to the family doc--is another important piece of the wellness strategy.

Some years, I'm tempted to skip it! After all, I see the rheumatologist, the gynecologist, the eye doc, the dentist. Do I really need Dr. Chan, too?
Well, since my meds can impact other aspects of health, it's important to keep up with these regular checkups. Arava can impair lung function. The rheumy doesn't really check that. Nor does she check cholesterol or sugar levels, she mostly manages my autoimmunity.
However, general health issues such as weight definitely affect the arthritis. So...here I go, only 2 1/2 years late.
At least, she told me last time to cut my cholesterol and weight, and I've done that. I should get a gold star!

--Sooo...back from the doc's. She had me take a bone density test, gave me a pneumonia shot. She prescribed my inhaler. I haven't used one in a year or more, and I am feeling the lack of it. She was not too worried about my cold/allergy.
And--I've lost 2 1/2 inches in height somewhere. I used to be 5'6", and now they say I'm 5'3 1/2". I've been lying for years!
Also, I've left off all asthma meds. I don't really think I have asthma. But--oh, yeah! I'm not a doctor. Shouldn't be self-diagnosing. However, I certainly don't want to take a dozen medications that work against each other. Neither should you.