Guest guest Posted August 28, 2002 Report Share Posted August 28, 2002 Hi All, I feel as though my appointment with my new Rheumy was not very productive. Tests turned out the way we both thought they would...diagnosis...arthritis with arthritic changes in both feet and hands; increasing sclerosis of the right si joint with sacrolitis and degenerative change at the inferior pole of the SI joints; in the knees...osteophyte formation and spurring. There wasn't an explanation for the ankle swelling and all blood tests were negative. Platelet count and Complement C3 is higher than norm...I don't know what that means. All of this is on top of the already diagnosed FM, TMJ, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel, thoracic outlet, cervical spondylosis, and radioapathy. In other words, I have serum negative arthritis. I told him about what happened this weekend with the nerve pain and he did not comment on it. I really stressed that I can't be in the bed for two days at a time and that I can't work with that pain. The report about the SI joint suggested further investigation but he didn't say anything about that either. He was pretty much " wait and see " . I point blank asked him about treating my pain and he pretty much ignored me by saying we'll see if you are feeling better in six weeks when you come back. He prescribed Azulfadine increasing the dosage to double after 21 days. He said that he doesn't know whether this medication will help since I have spent so many years in pain therefore, it was completely entrenched. I am afraid that I am guilty of once again hoping for a definite diagnosis that would have a " make me well " medication. I am going to see my ortho dr again for my knee and I will ask him about further investigating the S1 joint as I am much more comfortable with him. I also am going to make an appt with my oral surgeon because I fear bone spurs are locking my jaw up. And, if this dr refuses to treat my pain, I am going to have to find a pain specialist. I am so tired of dealing with all of this. No one takes me seriously because...you guessed it...I look fine. Any way...that is my update. I hope all of you are having a pain free day. __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2002 Report Share Posted August 28, 2002 (((((((((((((((((Iris)))))))))))))))))))) I'm sorry that your rheumy appt. didn't live up to your expectations. Did he diagnose you with seronegative RA, or inflammatory arthritis? I can't believe he ignored your comments about treating your pain. Maybe he feels he has to develop a relationship with a new patient before he prescribes pain medication. As you said, maybe a pain clinic is a good alternative. I think someone in the group has been to one before, although I'm not sure who. Hopefully the Azulfadine will give you some relief, although being a DMARD I 'm sure it will take time. Darn doctors. Love and hugs, Carol Re: [ ] My appt with rheumy Hi All, I feel as though my appointment with my new Rheumy was not very productive. Tests turned out the way we both thought they would...diagnosis...arthritis with arthritic changes in both feet and hands; increasing sclerosis of the right si joint with sacrolitis and degenerative change at the inferior pole of the SI joints; in the knees...osteophyte formation and spurring. There wasn't an explanation for the ankle swelling and all blood tests were negative. Platelet count and Complement C3 is higher than norm...I don't know what that means. All of this is on top of the already diagnosed FM, TMJ, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel, thoracic outlet, cervical spondylosis, and radioapathy. In other words, I have serum negative arthritis. I told him about what happened this weekend with the nerve pain and he did not comment on it. I really stressed that I can't be in the bed for two days at a time and that I can't work with that pain. The report about the SI joint suggested further investigation but he didn't say anything about that either. He was pretty much " wait and see " . I point blank asked him about treating my pain and he pretty much ignored me by saying we'll see if you are feeling better in six weeks when you come back. He prescribed Azulfadine increasing the dosage to double after 21 days. He said that he doesn't know whether this medication will help since I have spent so many years in pain therefore, it was completely entrenched. I am afraid that I am guilty of once again hoping for a definite diagnosis that would have a " make me well " medication. I am going to see my ortho dr again for my knee and I will ask him about further investigating the S1 joint as I am much more comfortable with him. I also am going to make an appt with my oral surgeon because I fear bone spurs are locking my jaw up. And, if this dr refuses to treat my pain, I am going to have to find a pain specialist. I am so tired of dealing with all of this. No one takes me seriously because...you guessed it...I look fine. Any way...that is my update. I hope all of you are having a pain free day. __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2002 Report Share Posted August 28, 2002 ((((((((((((((((((Dear Iris)))))))))))))....I'm sorry this is so frusrating. You deal with so much...I pray you get some relief. I sure don't think you should have to wait 6 weeks to get some pain relief. Yikes. Could you ask the Dr. you are more comfortable with for some pain meds? Much Love & Many Hugs.... Tess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2002 Report Share Posted August 28, 2002 Dear Tess, Thank you, your concern means a lot to me. I have already made an appointment with a new pain treatment dr. Fortunately, I have several weeks of meds left. I also called my oral surgeon only to find out that he retired...must be nice to retire in your late 40's. He did 2 of the TMJ surgeries for me and I trust him. The jaw has been dislocating and causing pain and numbness. I made an appt with the practice that received his patients. I certainly don't want to have surgery again but it would beat the headaches and TMJ pain. Hugs and wishes for a pain free evening. Iris P.S. ...keep those wonderfully expressive poems coming! > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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