when to see rheum dr

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I am 36 and have been having increasing problems over the last 6

years. First I was told I had Mono (went in for debilitating

fatigue), then when the symptoms didn't go away Chronic Fatigue

Syndrom was suggested. My thyroid, lyme disease and all the other

blood tests are normal.

Last year I was having tingling in my hands and feet that progressed

to numbness. My Dr. suspected Reynaud's syndrom (another auto-immune

disorder) and put me on a blood pressure med that corrected the

numbness and tingling. But before the tingling I had extreme joint

pain in my hands and left elbow (occasionally the right elbow but to

a lesser extent). The joint pain comes and goes but didn't really

change all that much.

I was told last year that my rheumatoid factor was " slightly "

elevated and this year she said it was even higher (although didn't

give me any numbers). She said it still wasn't anything too out of

the ordinary.

I am having a bad week of hand pain but pretty much lots of fatigue

(I am also prone to migraines so need to baby myself when tired or

that will get me too!).

I am still able to pick things up, go to work and feed my critter

family but am worried about progression of problems.

Is this enough to warrent going to a Rheum Dr., my regular Dr. didn't

seem to think this was the time and pretty much said wait until I am

more symptomatic as I have long periods with very mild symptoms (just

appear to be lazy not ill .

I do have to say when I really make sure we are eating good foods

(whole fruits, veggies, meats, made at home versus premade with

chemicals added) I feel much better.

I am also wondering if " over doing it " increases symptoms? It seems

like if I start feeling better and get started with exercising that

it comes back with a vengence. I usually stick to yoga and light

weights, very short sessions. This weekend we went for a 45 minute

hike in the woods with the dogs and although I thought I was going

slowly to keep from stressing myself, this week has been awful and I

am wondering if it was the walk or if it was going to happen anyway.

Sorry about the long post and many questions!

Dawn