Update

I went to the rheumatologist last week, on Wednesday.

I told him everything, from my pain, to how long it's been going on whilst he was checking my eyes, my ears and my heart. He did every basic check, and also checked how "tense/firm" my back, knees, and neck were. What really confused me was when he began to thoroughly check my fingernails, and asked about the "eczema" I had on my arms.

After he was done, he had me perform a few routine exercises (bending over, touching my toes) and that's when he really started to get me worried. Apparently, a normal teenager can bend to about 15 inches (?) and I can only bend to 14. Though it doesn't sound like a lot, he said that is a monumental difference. Because of this, and the multiple swollen joints, along with my other symptoms, he suspects psoriasis and possibly psoriatic arthritis, what is said to be the worst form of arthritis.

He then noticed the shirt I was wearing, a t-shirt that had the logo for my school's marching band on it. He told me I might not be able to march anymore, because the exercise and sun might not be good for me. That really hurt.

He recommended that I go into physical therapy, so I could improve my motor skills, and also signed me up for multiple blood tests, an MRI, and some X-Rays. Along with psoriasis, he also had me tested for Lupus.

But he said, for now, I just need to keep positive thoughts, and try to move around a bit more to improve my flexibility, and hope that I can be well for the next marching season.

It was very hard to keep a positive mindset as he told me what my possible battle plan could be. I just keep thinking, how much my life is going to change because of this. I really wanted to continue a future in band, not just marching, but the pain was holding me back. I also thought about my friends and family. What would they think? Most of my friends are in the band, and by leaving I wouldn't be able to see them as often.

For now, I will try my best to be positive.