Return Doc Visit

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

Well, I'm really confused now and I may need a different group then this

one.

I went back to the Doc today expecting a referral to a Rheumy. Didn't get

one. I was told that even though my RA-Factor was " higher than normal " (I

was told 14 was normal and mine was 84) he felt that at this time it would

be a waste. I asked why. He said that I had no deformities (isn't that why

you want an early diagnosis - to offset or stop this from happening?),

movement in joints was pretty good (except when it all flares up), that it

wasn't symetrical. (i have pain in both hands and both knees...but the

flares don't hit both hands or both knees at once. To be symetrical, does

that need to happen?).

My Lupus factor was up also but I know I don't have any of the rashes or

stigmas, etc. So I think that's fine.

Now, I wish I could have understood him better (he's from India and I have a

hard time understanding him when he speaks) but the gist of what he said he

was going to treat me for was something like a stimulated (but not by what I

do with my hands, knees, etc. but by other things) induced arthiritis. He

had a fancy name that I had him repeat 4 times and still didn't understand.

The treat is: Methalprednasone for 5 days and simulatneously, 50 MG

Diclofenac every 8 hours with meals.. I don't know how I'm going to take it

with meals every 8 hours unless I have breakfast (which I don't eat) a 5:30

am, lunch at 1:30 pm and dinner at 9:30pm. Doesn't sound like a great

schedule. The Diclofenac is for two weeks only. Then I stop taking it and

we see if it comes back. I think the said that if it comes back then he'll

try somthing else.

Okay, now can anyone tell me if you have heard of any of this? My boss is

having fits, ranting and raving that I need a second opinion and on and on

and on. My dh seems to think the guy might know what he's talking about.

All I want is an end to the pain so I can sleep and have a life and the be

treated if it is RA because I don't want it to damage me anymore then I

might already be damaged.

Okay. Guess that's about it for now.

Hugs to all,

PS I haven't been on because I have had pain every day where I can't use

hands, knees, etc. Today it's my hip so I can type a lil bit.

[Guest guest]

,

Run, don¹t walk....VERY quickly from this doctor. If this doctor knows so

little about rheumatic

diseases that he is going to wait until you¹re deformed to treat you, he

needs to go back to medical school.

Early treatment is crucial to preventing joint destruction. Characteristic

deformities result from cartilage destruction, bone erosions, and tendon

inflammation and rupture. Just because you are not visually deformed, it

doesn't mean that erosion is not taking place. Did he even do x-rays of

your hands? You only mentioned lab tests. Without x-rays, he has no idea

of what is going on inside. I understand why your boss is ranting and

raving. I completely agree with him.

I¹ve had RA for over 25 years, and my joints are not deformed. My knees

eroded so badly that they had to be replaced at age 43. My ankles are

eroded very badly but there are no ankle replacements that are perfected

yet. The RA is now attacking my elbow, shoulder and wrists.

Joint involvement in RA usually affects both sides of the body equally --

the arthritis is therefore referred to as symmetrical. Wrists, fingers,

knees, feet, and ankles are the most commonly affected joints. These joints

DON¹T have to flare at the same time to be considered symmetrical!!!!!!!!!

Besides the fact that this doctor is in the dark about rheumatic diseases,

there is a language barrier. Rheumatic diseases can be mild, or can be very

serious. It is very important to be able to understand your doctor and

have good communication. I hope you can get another opinion.

The meds he prescribed are a steroid and an anti-inflammatory. Both are to

treat the symptoms, not the disease. Steroids have many serious side

effects when used long term, so most of us here try hard not to use them

unless we have no other choice. They are wonderful to get through a bad

flare, but daily use is something you should read up on before taking them.

Since you are only taking them for 5 days, I think he is trying to alleviate

your swelling.

The link at the bottom of every post is to our RA site that has tons of

information.

a

Who is also having fits, ranting and raving.

> Hi All,

> Well, I'm really confused now and I may need a different group then this

> one.

>

> I went back to the Doc today expecting a referral to a Rheumy. Didn't get

> one. I was told that even though my RA-Factor was " higher than normal " (I

> was told 14 was normal and mine was 84) he felt that at this time it would

> be a waste. I asked why. He said that I had no deformities (isn't that why

> you want an early diagnosis - to offset or stop this from happening?),

> movement in joints was pretty good (except when it all flares up), that it

> wasn't symetrical. (i have pain in both hands and both knees...but the

> flares don't hit both hands or both knees at once. To be symetrical, does

> that need to happen?).

>

> My Lupus factor was up also but I know I don't have any of the rashes or

> stigmas, etc. So I think that's fine.

>

> Now, I wish I could have understood him better (he's from India and I have a

> hard time understanding him when he speaks) but the gist of what he said he

> was going to treat me for was something like a stimulated (but not by what I

> do with my hands, knees, etc. but by other things) induced arthiritis. He

> had a fancy name that I had him repeat 4 times and still didn't understand.

>

> The treat is: Methalprednasone for 5 days and simulatneously, 50 MG

> Diclofenac every 8 hours with meals.. I don't know how I'm going to take it

> with meals every 8 hours unless I have breakfast (which I don't eat) a 5:30

> am, lunch at 1:30 pm and dinner at 9:30pm. Doesn't sound like a great

> schedule. The Diclofenac is for two weeks only. Then I stop taking it and

> we see if it comes back. I think the said that if it comes back then he'll

> try somthing else.

>

> Okay, now can anyone tell me if you have heard of any of this? My boss is

> having fits, ranting and raving that I need a second opinion and on and on

> and on. My dh seems to think the guy might know what he's talking about.

> All I want is an end to the pain so I can sleep and have a life and the be

> treated if it is RA because I don't want it to damage me anymore then I

> might already be damaged.

>

> Okay. Guess that's about it for now.

>

> Hugs to all,

>

>

> PS I haven't been on because I have had pain every day where I can't use

> hands, knees, etc. Today it's my hip so I can type a lil bit.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi a,

Thank you so much for this information. I told this Doc over and

over about different things, such as my hands hurt all the time.

Sometimes more then others and sometimes to where I want to do the

Hanibal thing ( " This is going to hurt " ...chop). It is *not* in the

joint nearest the fingernail but it is in the next one. On *both*

hands. When I gets really bad, usually only one hand is affected.

The fingers swell, my hand becomes more of a claw because I can't

open it and I can't make a fist. The entire hand has swelled and

this last time a spot in the wrist area (underside of hand) where the

tendons are came up. My knee blew up the other day like the goodyear

blimp. This was the left knee (my right one is also affected), and

on the left side of the knee (towards outside of the body) where

there is usually an indentation 3 spongy spots came up. I thought

they were fluid filled. These " blow ups " are exactly what my ankle

has been doing or are very similar to what is has been doing for more

then 20 years! These are what I have been experiencing and may not

be as bad as some of what you all experience but, I tell ya, it's

more then enough for me. I have also started keeping a log when one

of these " blow ups " happen.

Anyway, I now know that mine is definitely symmetrical...like I

thought it was. Don't know why he won't pick up on that when I tell

him.

No, no x-rays were done. The only tests were: Maybe a CBC, general

blood test, RA-Factor, the one where the SR is (meaning which tells

you there's inflammation) and the ANA. The ANA took 2 weeks to come

back and *he* said it was *generalized inflmmation*. He also

indicated that the test was so-so; non-conclusive; 50/50. Those

aren't his words just my way of describing what he meant.

Well, I do have a name of a Rheumy from a friend who has MS,

Fibromyalgia, and a multitude of other ailments. But no referral to

him. Is it necessary to have a referral to go to one? Why do you

need a referral? If it's anything to do with insurance, I don't have

any.

Okay, guess I will start seeking other help.

Thank you, a, and everyone. You all have helped me get through

some terrible days...moving the mouse with a needle nose pliers,

putting my socks on using 2 tools that are made to pick up lil car

parts that fall to the floor, etc. You guys are always here and even

when I don't post, I'm reading and right there with you all.

Hugs,

[Guest guest]

W,

In my opinion....I would be looking for another Rheumy Dr. If you can't

understand what he saying to you then you'll never have that confidence and

close communication that you should have with your DR.

I'm sure he must be a good Dr. but you're going home not knowing all he said to

you because of the language barrier... making you feel even more confused about

your illness.

Just my opinion, :-)

Gail.

[ ] Return Doc Visit

Hi All,

Well, I'm really confused now and I may need a different group then this

one.

I went back to the Doc today expecting a referral to a Rheumy. Didn't get

one. I was told that even though my RA-Factor was " higher than normal " (I

was told 14 was normal and mine was 84) he felt that at this time it would

be a waste. I asked why. He said that I had no deformities (isn't that why

you want an early diagnosis - to offset or stop this from happening?),

movement in joints was pretty good (except when it all flares up), that it

wasn't symetrical. (i have pain in both hands and both knees...but the

flares don't hit both hands or both knees at once. To be symetrical, does

that need to happen?).

My Lupus factor was up also but I know I don't have any of the rashes or

stigmas, etc. So I think that's fine.

Now, I wish I could have understood him better (he's from India and I have a

hard time understanding him when he speaks) but the gist of what he said he

was going to treat me for was something like a stimulated (but not by what I

do with my hands, knees, etc. but by other things) induced arthiritis. He

had a fancy name that I had him repeat 4 times and still didn't understand.

The treat is: Methalprednasone for 5 days and simulatneously, 50 MG

Diclofenac every 8 hours with meals.. I don't know how I'm going to take it

with meals every 8 hours unless I have breakfast (which I don't eat) a 5:30

am, lunch at 1:30 pm and dinner at 9:30pm. Doesn't sound like a great

schedule. The Diclofenac is for two weeks only. Then I stop taking it and

we see if it comes back. I think the said that if it comes back then he'll

try somthing else.

Okay, now can anyone tell me if you have heard of any of this? My boss is

having fits, ranting and raving that I need a second opinion and on and on

and on. My dh seems to think the guy might know what he's talking about.

All I want is an end to the pain so I can sleep and have a life and the be

treated if it is RA because I don't want it to damage me anymore then I

might already be damaged.

Okay. Guess that's about it for now.

Hugs to all,

PS I haven't been on because I have had pain every day where I can't use

hands, knees, etc. Today it's my hip so I can type a lil bit.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Just my opinion, but I'd give it a try for two weeks, and then I would get a

second opinion. If you have a positive RH Factor, you have a positive ANA,

and you're having flares that are so bad you can't use your hands, knees

etc. - I think you really should be seen by a rheumatologist. Do you have

an HMO that this Dr. is so hesitant to give you a referral (like it's

costing him)?

The good news is that the methylprednisone should give you some relief. You

're right in what you say about wanting to avoid damage. To say you don't

have damage so it isn't RA is scary.

I hope you get some relief soon.

Hugs,

Carol

[ ] Return Doc Visit

Hi All,

Well, I'm really confused now and I may need a different group then this

one.

I went back to the Doc today expecting a referral to a Rheumy. Didn't get

one. I was told that even though my RA-Factor was " higher than normal " (I

was told 14 was normal and mine was 84) he felt that at this time it would

be a waste. I asked why. He said that I had no deformities (isn't that why

you want an early diagnosis - to offset or stop this from happening?),

movement in joints was pretty good (except when it all flares up), that it

wasn't symetrical. (i have pain in both hands and both knees...but the

flares don't hit both hands or both knees at once. To be symetrical, does

that need to happen?).

My Lupus factor was up also but I know I don't have any of the rashes or

stigmas, etc. So I think that's fine.

Now, I wish I could have understood him better (he's from India and I have a

hard time understanding him when he speaks) but the gist of what he said he

was going to treat me for was something like a stimulated (but not by what I

do with my hands, knees, etc. but by other things) induced arthiritis. He

had a fancy name that I had him repeat 4 times and still didn't understand.

The treat is: Methalprednasone for 5 days and simulatneously, 50 MG

Diclofenac every 8 hours with meals.. I don't know how I'm going to take it

with meals every 8 hours unless I have breakfast (which I don't eat) a 5:30

am, lunch at 1:30 pm and dinner at 9:30pm. Doesn't sound like a great

schedule. The Diclofenac is for two weeks only. Then I stop taking it and

we see if it comes back. I think the said that if it comes back then he'll

try somthing else.

Okay, now can anyone tell me if you have heard of any of this? My boss is

having fits, ranting and raving that I need a second opinion and on and on

and on. My dh seems to think the guy might know what he's talking about.

All I want is an end to the pain so I can sleep and have a life and the be

treated if it is RA because I don't want it to damage me anymore then I

might already be damaged.

Okay. Guess that's about it for now.

Hugs to all,

PS I haven't been on because I have had pain every day where I can't use

hands, knees, etc. Today it's my hip so I can type a lil bit.

[Guest guest]

You¹re very welcome . Referrals are only needed when insurance

companies are involved.

You don¹t need a referral to go to a rheumatologist. I¹m sorry you don¹t

have insurance. If it¹s at all possible to get it before you get a

diagnosis, it would definitely be a good idea. These rheumatic diseases can

be very expensive, especially the newer meds that are available. If you got

insurance after diagnosis, you may be subject to an 18 month pre-existing

clause.

Without doing x-rays, there is no way any doctor can know what is going on

inside you. X-rays of the hands and feet are normally the first thing done

along with blood tests when looking for diagnosis of a rheumatic disease.

It¹s great that you have a personal reference to a rheumatologist.

Sometimes it takes several weeks to get an appointment.

My ANA Is Positive. . .What Does That Mean?

http://www.lupus.org/education/articles/ana.html

a

> Hi a,

> Thank you so much for this information. I told this Doc over and

> over about different things, such as my hands hurt all the time.

> Sometimes more then others and sometimes to where I want to do the

> Hanibal thing ( " This is going to hurt " ...chop). It is *not* in the

> joint nearest the fingernail but it is in the next one. On *both*

> hands. When I gets really bad, usually only one hand is affected.

> The fingers swell, my hand becomes more of a claw because I can't

> open it and I can't make a fist. The entire hand has swelled and

> this last time a spot in the wrist area (underside of hand) where the

> tendons are came up. My knee blew up the other day like the goodyear

> blimp. This was the left knee (my right one is also affected), and

> on the left side of the knee (towards outside of the body) where

> there is usually an indentation 3 spongy spots came up. I thought

> they were fluid filled. These " blow ups " are exactly what my ankle

> has been doing or are very similar to what is has been doing for more

> then 20 years! These are what I have been experiencing and may not

> be as bad as some of what you all experience but, I tell ya, it's

> more then enough for me. I have also started keeping a log when one

> of these " blow ups " happen.

>

> Anyway, I now know that mine is definitely symmetrical...like I

> thought it was. Don't know why he won't pick up on that when I tell

> him.

>

> No, no x-rays were done. The only tests were: Maybe a CBC, general

> blood test, RA-Factor, the one where the SR is (meaning which tells

> you there's inflammation) and the ANA. The ANA took 2 weeks to come

> back and *he* said it was *generalized inflmmation*. He also

> indicated that the test was so-so; non-conclusive; 50/50. Those

> aren't his words just my way of describing what he meant.

>

> Well, I do have a name of a Rheumy from a friend who has MS,

> Fibromyalgia, and a multitude of other ailments. But no referral to

> him. Is it necessary to have a referral to go to one? Why do you

> need a referral? If it's anything to do with insurance, I don't have

> any.

>

> Okay, guess I will start seeking other help.

>

> Thank you, a, and everyone. You all have helped me get through

> some terrible days...moving the mouse with a needle nose pliers,

> putting my socks on using 2 tools that are made to pick up lil car

> parts that fall to the floor, etc. You guys are always here and even

> when I don't post, I'm reading and right there with you all.

>

> Hugs,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

You don't need a referral to go to a rheumatologist. I would get a copy of

the labs so you don't have to pay for them twice (although he may do them

again). My rheumatologist was $180 for the first visit, and $64 each after.

So you see it's not much more expensive than the MD (although all are

different, of course). You really sound like you need to see a rheumy. It

takes time to get an appointment, so the sooner you make one the better.

You could always cancel it.

You'll be in my prayers tonight.

Love and hugs,

Carol

[ ] Re: Return Doc Visit

Hi a,

Thank you so much for this information. I told this Doc over and

over about different things, such as my hands hurt all the time.

Sometimes more then others and sometimes to where I want to do the

Hanibal thing ( " This is going to hurt " ...chop). It is *not* in the

joint nearest the fingernail but it is in the next one. On *both*

hands. When I gets really bad, usually only one hand is affected.

The fingers swell, my hand becomes more of a claw because I can't

open it and I can't make a fist. The entire hand has swelled and

this last time a spot in the wrist area (underside of hand) where the

tendons are came up. My knee blew up the other day like the goodyear

blimp. This was the left knee (my right one is also affected), and

on the left side of the knee (towards outside of the body) where

there is usually an indentation 3 spongy spots came up. I thought

they were fluid filled. These " blow ups " are exactly what my ankle

has been doing or are very similar to what is has been doing for more

then 20 years! These are what I have been experiencing and may not

be as bad as some of what you all experience but, I tell ya, it's

more then enough for me. I have also started keeping a log when one

of these " blow ups " happen.

Anyway, I now know that mine is definitely symmetrical...like I

thought it was. Don't know why he won't pick up on that when I tell

him.

No, no x-rays were done. The only tests were: Maybe a CBC, general

blood test, RA-Factor, the one where the SR is (meaning which tells

you there's inflammation) and the ANA. The ANA took 2 weeks to come

back and *he* said it was *generalized inflmmation*. He also

indicated that the test was so-so; non-conclusive; 50/50. Those

aren't his words just my way of describing what he meant.

Well, I do have a name of a Rheumy from a friend who has MS,

Fibromyalgia, and a multitude of other ailments. But no referral to

him. Is it necessary to have a referral to go to one? Why do you

need a referral? If it's anything to do with insurance, I don't have

any.

Okay, guess I will start seeking other help.

Thank you, a, and everyone. You all have helped me get through

some terrible days...moving the mouse with a needle nose pliers,

putting my socks on using 2 tools that are made to pick up lil car

parts that fall to the floor, etc. You guys are always here and even

when I don't post, I'm reading and right there with you all.

Hugs,

[Guest guest]

One more thing, then I’ll shut up :-). a has an excellent point about

health insurance. My biggest regret is not getting insurance before my

diagnosis. The better meds are all ridiculously expensive. I called about

insurance and was told that they won’t cover me unless I am 5 years med free

for RA.

Hugs,

Carol

Re: [ ] Re: Return Doc Visit

You¹re very welcome . Referrals are only needed when insurance

companies are involved.

You don¹t need a referral to go to a rheumatologist. I¹m sorry you don¹t

have insurance. If it¹s at all possible to get it before you get a

diagnosis, it would definitely be a good idea. These rheumatic diseases can

be very expensive, especially the newer meds that are available. If you got

insurance after diagnosis, you may be subject to an 18 month pre-existing

clause.

Without doing x-rays, there is no way any doctor can know what is going on

inside you. X-rays of the hands and feet are normally the first thing done

along with blood tests when looking for diagnosis of a rheumatic disease.

It¹s great that you have a personal reference to a rheumatologist.

Sometimes it takes several weeks to get an appointment.

My ANA Is Positive. . .What Does That Mean?

http://www.lupus.org/education/articles/ana.html

a

> Hi a,

> Thank you so much for this information. I told this Doc over and

> over about different things, such as my hands hurt all the time.

> Sometimes more then others and sometimes to where I want to do the

> Hanibal thing ( " This is going to hurt " ...chop). It is *not* in the

> joint nearest the fingernail but it is in the next one. On *both*

> hands. When I gets really bad, usually only one hand is affected.

> The fingers swell, my hand becomes more of a claw because I can't

> open it and I can't make a fist. The entire hand has swelled and

> this last time a spot in the wrist area (underside of hand) where the

> tendons are came up. My knee blew up the other day like the goodyear

> blimp. This was the left knee (my right one is also affected), and

> on the left side of the knee (towards outside of the body) where

> there is usually an indentation 3 spongy spots came up. I thought

> they were fluid filled. These " blow ups " are exactly what my ankle

> has been doing or are very similar to what is has been doing for more

> then 20 years! These are what I have been experiencing and may not

> be as bad as some of what you all experience but, I tell ya, it's

> more then enough for me. I have also started keeping a log when one

> of these " blow ups " happen.

>

> Anyway, I now know that mine is definitely symmetrical...like I

> thought it was. Don't know why he won't pick up on that when I tell

> him.

>

> No, no x-rays were done. The only tests were: Maybe a CBC, general

> blood test, RA-Factor, the one where the SR is (meaning which tells

> you there's inflammation) and the ANA. The ANA took 2 weeks to come

> back and *he* said it was *generalized inflmmation*. He also

> indicated that the test was so-so; non-conclusive; 50/50. Those

> aren't his words just my way of describing what he meant.

>

> Well, I do have a name of a Rheumy from a friend who has MS,

> Fibromyalgia, and a multitude of other ailments. But no referral to

> him. Is it necessary to have a referral to go to one? Why do you

> need a referral? If it's anything to do with insurance, I don't have

> any.

>

> Okay, guess I will start seeking other help.

>

> Thank you, a, and everyone. You all have helped me get through

> some terrible days...moving the mouse with a needle nose pliers,

> putting my socks on using 2 tools that are made to pick up lil car

> parts that fall to the floor, etc. You guys are always here and even

> when I don't post, I'm reading and right there with you all.

>

> Hugs,

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I'm sorry your visit left you wondering about everything.

Even though you may not have rheumatoid arthritis, you do have symptoms

and lab results that should be assessed by a rheumatologist. Something

is going on. And, you and the others who wrote you are right, if it is

RA, early treatment is best.

Too, as others have suggested, getting insurance before seeing the

rheumatologist would be a very good idea.

You mentioned that you've been experiencing symptoms involving your

ankle for 20 (twenty) years. Is that right?

If you couldn't really understand what your doctor was telling you you

had, do you know what diagnosis code (an ICD) he chose today? That may

shed some light on the subject.

If you don't mind divulging your age, I'm curious about that, too.

[ ] Return Doc Visit

> Hi All,

> Well, I'm really confused now and I may need a different group then

this

> one.

>

> I went back to the Doc today expecting a referral to a Rheumy. Didn't

get

> one. I was told that even though my RA-Factor was " higher than

normal " (I

> was told 14 was normal and mine was 84) he felt that at this time it

would

> be a waste. I asked why. He said that I had no deformities (isn't

that why

> you want an early diagnosis - to offset or stop this from happening?),

> movement in joints was pretty good (except when it all flares up),

that it

> wasn't symetrical. (i have pain in both hands and both knees...but

the

> flares don't hit both hands or both knees at once. To be symetrical,

does

> that need to happen?).

>

> My Lupus factor was up also but I know I don't have any of the rashes

or

> stigmas, etc. So I think that's fine.

>

> Now, I wish I could have understood him better (he's from India and I

have a

> hard time understanding him when he speaks) but the gist of what he

said he

> was going to treat me for was something like a stimulated (but not by

what I

> do with my hands, knees, etc. but by other things) induced arthiritis.

He

> had a fancy name that I had him repeat 4 times and still didn't

understand.

>

> The treat is: Methalprednasone for 5 days and simulatneously, 50 MG

> Diclofenac every 8 hours with meals.. I don't know how I'm going to

take it

> with meals every 8 hours unless I have breakfast (which I don't eat) a

5:30

> am, lunch at 1:30 pm and dinner at 9:30pm. Doesn't sound like a great

> schedule. The Diclofenac is for two weeks only. Then I stop taking

it and

> we see if it comes back. I think the said that if it comes back then

he'll

> try somthing else.

>

> Okay, now can anyone tell me if you have heard of any of this? My

boss is

> having fits, ranting and raving that I need a second opinion and on

and on

> and on. My dh seems to think the guy might know what he's talking

about.

> All I want is an end to the pain so I can sleep and have a life and

the be

> treated if it is RA because I don't want it to damage me anymore then

I

> might already be damaged.

>

> Okay. Guess that's about it for now.

>

> Hugs to all,

>

>

> PS I haven't been on because I have had pain every day where I can't

use

> hands, knees, etc. Today it's my hip so I can type a lil bit.

[Guest guest]

, I don't understand this dr not referring you

and saying that you don't have any deformaties. A

Rheumy can see you for a lot of different reasons, not

only RA. You need a dr that will explain it to you in

terms you understand and also will keep looking until

he has the answers you need. My ankle started

swelling suddenly with fever and pain about 30 yrs ago

and I went to 3 different types of Drs who never could

come up with a definite diagnosis. Now I am reading

that this could be caused by FM. If one DR isn't

right for you, keep trying. I also agree with Carol

and a about insurance.

Question - if you are approved for disability do you

have to have insurance? Thanks. Iris

--- Carol <carol@...> wrote:

> Hi ,

>

> You don't need a referral to go to a rheumatologist.

> I would get a copy of

> the labs so you don't have to pay for them twice

> (although he may do them

> again). My rheumatologist was $180 for the first

> visit, and $64 each after.

> So you see it's not much more expensive than the MD

> (although all are

> different, of course). You really sound like you

> need to see a rheumy. It

> takes time to get an appointment, so the sooner you

> make one the better.

> You could always cancel it.

>

> You'll be in my prayers tonight.

>

> Love and hugs,

> Carol

>

> [ ] Re: Return Doc Visit

>

> Hi a,

> Thank you so much for this information. I told this

> Doc over and

> over about different things, such as my hands hurt

> all the time.

> Sometimes more then others and sometimes to where I

> want to do the

> Hanibal thing ( " This is going to hurt " ...chop). It

> is *not* in the

> joint nearest the fingernail but it is in the next

> one. On *both*

> hands. When I gets really bad, usually only one

> hand is affected.

> The fingers swell, my hand becomes more of a claw

> because I can't

> open it and I can't make a fist. The entire hand

> has swelled and

> this last time a spot in the wrist area (underside

> of hand) where the

> tendons are came up. My knee blew up the other day

> like the goodyear

> blimp. This was the left knee (my right one is also

> affected), and

> on the left side of the knee (towards outside of the

> body) where

> there is usually an indentation 3 spongy spots came

> up. I thought

> they were fluid filled. These " blow ups " are

> exactly what my ankle

> has been doing or are very similar to what is has

> been doing for more

> then 20 years! These are what I have been

> experiencing and may not

> be as bad as some of what you all experience but, I

> tell ya, it's

> more then enough for me. I have also started

> keeping a log when one

> of these " blow ups " happen.

>

> Anyway, I now know that mine is definitely

> symmetrical...like I

> thought it was. Don't know why he won't pick up on

> that when I tell

> him.

>

> No, no x-rays were done. The only tests were:

> Maybe a CBC, general

> blood test, RA-Factor, the one where the SR is

> (meaning which tells

> you there's inflammation) and the ANA. The ANA took

> 2 weeks to come

> back and *he* said it was *generalized inflmmation*.

> He also

> indicated that the test was so-so; non-conclusive;

> 50/50. Those

> aren't his words just my way of describing what he

> meant.

>

> Well, I do have a name of a Rheumy from a friend who

> has MS,

> Fibromyalgia, and a multitude of other ailments.

> But no referral to

> him. Is it necessary to have a referral to go to

> one? Why do you

> need a referral? If it's anything to do with

> insurance, I don't have

> any.

>

> Okay, guess I will start seeking other help.

>

> Thank you, a, and everyone. You all have helped

> me get through

> some terrible days...moving the mouse with a needle

> nose pliers,

> putting my socks on using 2 tools that are made to

> pick up lil car

> parts that fall to the floor, etc. You guys are

> always here and even

> when I don't post, I'm reading and right there with

> you all.

>

> Hugs,

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi , a, Carol and everyone!

Okay, to answer . yes, my ankle has been bothering me for 20 years. I

was diagnosed in 1983 with arthritis in my neck. I am 51.

I called the Doc office today and talked to the nurse practioner. I got a

copy of my lab work. It's strange. Some things they said were good,

aren't, some things they said weren't good are, some things are high that

they never mentioned. I have a postive ANA. It says postive is equal to

are greater then 1:40 and my titer is 1:80 with a speckled pattern. My RA

Factor is 84 with normal being 14 or less. My sedimentation Rate (ESR) is

36 normal being 0-30. (they had told me mine was 50) Monocytes is 13 normal

is 4-12. Albumin is 3.8 slightly low and Globulin is slighty high. As soon

as the bad weather leaves I'll get back on and go to the site to learn about

these items.

The diagnosis was Migrating Arthrogolysis ... not to sure about the last

word and I don't know how to spell the last word. I'm checking on the

internet and nothing is coming up...I checked in the Human Merek and there

isn't anything. Anyone have any ideas on that?

The nurse practioner said, " You aren't alone in this. We've had a large

increase in arthritis symptoms this summer. " Makes me wonder if something

was put in the water, air, etc, know what I mean?

Okay, weather is starting to come through so I best get off.

Hugs to all of you and my prayers for painless days and nights.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

When I started to have symptoms of RA, they were completely opposite of what

was written in the books. My rheumy says that " MY RA " didn't read the

medical books and has a mind of its own. My joint pain and stiffness was in

my left knee and my right hand. The labs were even not as expected. Even

though I was getting 50 cc of fluid drained from my knee each week, my sed

rate was only 27. However, I had a wonderful PCP who looked at the whole

picture and could put 2 and 2 together properly and gave me the appropriate

referrals and quickly. I think that you should definitely get a second

opinion for your own peace of mind. Hope you find some relief.

Love and Hugs

Stacey in PA