Cathy

[Guest guest]

Well, just come here anytime you are in a bad mood, ! We're here

for that.

Sounds like your family might make interesting genetic study material.

What about the idea of traveling to see a very good rheumatologist just

once for a consultation? If he or she could give you a diagnosis and

treatment plan, a local doctor could implement it. I'm not sure how far

you would have to go, but it may be worth it.

RE: [ ] Rheumatoid Factor/Numbers?/links/

>

>

> First let me say that I was afraid that I was in one of my nasty

> moods.....we all know those! LOL ....and just blowing off some steam.

> Guess I'm not the only one frustrated with these tests that seems to

go no

> where. Good to know.

>

> Oh how many people in my family have arthritis......at least 8 (couple

have

> passed in the last 10 years) and as sibs and cousins tend to age they

are

> getting hit with it too. Some have been lucky and only have mild

forms, the

> rest of us seem to get hit hard. A few of us have been hit with it

before

> hitting the age of 21. This mess is definitely in the family. So far

there

> is RA, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and psoriasis arthritis. (Please

forgive

> spellings)

>

> My rheumy has the family history, but tends to ignore it. He checks

the

> last visit and goes from there. Not very thorough, but then again

there

> aren't many rheumys around here to compare him to and I just dread

having to

> travel for a couple of hours to go to someone different.

>

> Like you I DO hope they come up with some better tests and soon, but

until

> then I guess we just question everything they do.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much for your note..Perfect timing...

Spoke to Dr. today and he doesn't want to keep

me on prednisone longer than a month...Strongly

wants me to consider mtx. at that time...Thanks

so much for you wise words and support.

NJ