RE: [SPAM] Re: My first visit with a rheumatologist since 1993

[Guest guest]

I am not aware of any test or single

criterion that can either prove or disprove that you have RA. Doctors have to

consider a large number of things to make an accurate diagnosis and for some

patients it can be very hard. Others fit the textbook cases well enough for an

accurate diagnosis. However, some who seem to fit many criteria for RA turn

out to have some other problem instead. Lyme disease and hypothyroidism may be

mistaken for RA and there are undoubtedly many others. If we are treated for

RA and don’t respond to the treatment we should make sure that other

things have been ruled out. Some people who truly have RA also have a hard

time finding the right treatment and dosages so treating RA can be a real

challenge. God bless.

From: Rheumatoid Arthritis [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of Deborah Bargad

Sent: Saturday, February 10, 2007

2:38 AM

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Subject: [sPAM] Re:

My first visit with a rheumatologist since 1993

Okay- Well, the tests for ANA titre if positive will

show you have RA. Raised sed rate also will help. If you havent

been treated by a doctor for RA for that long, doctors assume that the pain was

not severe nor the disease process severe enough to force you to

treatment. We can assume that your disease basically ate you alive and so

now you have the resulting OA. The disease by its very nature can change

over time. You should explain that you were in denial and had to take

care of other people before yourself. How you managed to live with the

pain is unimaginable but now you have to treat your joints with a bone builder,

control your inflammation and thus your pain. Sewall Street is the only group in this

area. I have been treated for my disease from the start and have been

very aggressive. A bone density should be done if it hasnt already and more

xrays. If you are in a severe flare, call and ask to be triaged or make

an emergency appointment. Then they will see a swollen boggy joint and

reconsider their diagnosis. I am due to see my RD on Monday. I have

to go in for blood tests. The Dr. will inspect my feet which are always

swollen, my left hand knuckles and we will talk about possibly switching me

from MTX to Cyclosporine. I also have to ask for another bone

density. There is no need to take baseline tests for RA anymore because

the Remicade is managing my symptoms well enough. The proof lies in the

same swollen tender joints I have always had so the Dr. knows without speaking

what is happening. Last time I saw him was a triage appointment. My

jaw was so swollen it literally pushed my mouth askew. He wanted to shoot

it with cortisone and handed me a script for a medrol pack. I refused

both. I did ask for a anti biotic therapy but didnt get that. This

appointment I will bring with me articles and information to show my Rd I know

as much as he does about my disease and as well as options he may Not be aware

of. Hugs, Deborah.

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