OT/ Answers coming!!!

[Guest guest]

Hello again! I hope all is well. I am finally getting the much

needed answers!!! Bizarre! One goes for so long and then when you

get there - it is a little weird? I don't know if anyone can relate

or not? Right now I am waiting to see the new rheumy at the end of

April! It has been a long haul to say the least! After the

bombshell of the HCV and dealing w/ that reality - I am doing much

better other than the constant flaring these days and my lower back

decided to join in on the fun as well. I had almost forgot what back

problems were there for a year now! I am still getting geared up for

the rheumy, got info, history, and pictures to boot!!!! Good

pictures of the different rashes, etc... Got to meet my new doc - the

gastroenterologist and wow! Not only is he a looker but really

sensitive and reassuring, etc... He said that I can call anytime

with any questions and he will get back to me by the end of that

day! That is a new one - Communication! He really informed me about

the joy of treatment...he referred to it as Brutal! W/out it - he

seems to think I have 20 years left in me? He would use the P -

Ribavarin therapy for a year. Yuk! Right now, I'm not in a position

where that is an option. Right now he won't treat me until

consultation and supervised care through the rheumy. So - that is

good because that keeps the rheumy on board regardless of what my so

called GP seems to think! He said that he absolutely did not think

that my arthur is anyway related to the hcv. The ssb does not

correlate with what is going on with me and he is certain that it is

rheumatolgic - if that is a word? He did go ahead and check the

cryoglobulins anyhow!!! Another first. The so called clubbing - he

said is not related to the hcv and is rheumatic as well. That alone

was a relief as I thought maybe with all my problems - it was only

the hep and I was pretty bad off. He didn't think it was necessarily

clubbing either. He said it wasn't any type of clubbing that he has

encountered w/ hep. At least he took the time to look at it I

guess. He said the rashes (he got to see) are not hep related

either. So kinda at square one w/ all that again but he reassured me

that the rheumy I will see if also a specialist in immunology and is

familiar w/ developing complexes? Whatever that means? He also

stated that it was clear that it was rheumatic as the flares tapered

off with exercise and now have retured without it? If anyone knows

about these types of issues - anything you have to offer on the

subject would be greatly appreciated!!!!! My computer is kinda

messed up lately so I really haven't had a chance to get caught up on

what is up w/ everyone. Just know that I send XXX's and best wishes

to each and everyone!!! Take care. Kim