Help with my first apt. with Rheumatologist

[Guest guest]

Suggestions please,

Dec. 05 I began a trail following autoimmune problems. I asked and

had my primary Care doctor to do a GAD 65 test for a determination of

diabetes. It was positive and so moved my diabetes out of type 2 to

LADA. Late developing for sure as I was 72 and had diabetes only a

few years. At the same time an unrelated problem popped up. I

developed a cough so severe it would stop me from breathing. Because

it was so urgent I was able to see a pulmonary specialist right

away. A CT scan showed multiple noncalcium nodules in both lungs.

He then did a biopsy and tested for a zillion things. The biopsy

came back negative and he did a batch of lab test for autoimmune

problems. They all came back positive except RA. Those pointed to

scleraderma and/or lupus. The testing lab suggested several other

tests be done on the same specimen. Those were not done. The lung

doctor said the nodules were not causing the cough and an

inflammatory process caused it and I should see a Rheumatologist

ASAP. I did get in to see one in a couple months. I took the lab

papers as well as some other things to her. She looked at the lab

and said that she did not know anything about those test and she

would do her own. She did one catch all type test that came back

positive. She said I was fine and to see her again in 3 months.

While I was in her office I was very cold and Raynauds had my hands

and feet looking terrible which I thought good she would be able to

see it.

Then letter she sent my GP was that she found no evidence of

anything. When I saw that I could not believe it and when the lung

doctor saw it he said see somebody else. My GP started trying to get

me in to see another Rheumatologist. The first opening this one,

also a " she " was booking for July. I had just about decided to say

to heck with it and let it go. But last week the GP office called

with an apt. from a cancellation. That apt. Is May 31.

I intend to take my stacks of lab reports when I go. I think perhaps

part of the problem was that I did not complain enough with the first

Endo. I guess I thought the lab results would speak for itself

especially since the Raynauds was so evident when I was there. I

HATE going to a doctor and trying to moan and groan and say how

terrible I feel and I can't do this or that.

The purpose of this post is sent hoping that this group will help me

know what information I should groan about or at least bring up.

Last month I fell in my kitchen and when it didn't clear in 3 weeks

I had ribs and hips x-rayed. They showed no broken bones but stated

the hip and lower back was too degraded to really know about that

part. It is also time for my Dexacan bone density test. They mailed

me a report, which I have never seen done before. This is a first

time in that facility so maybe that is just their way. At any rate

it came back severe osteoporosis and the hips/low back is too

degraded to read.

This time when I go to this doctor I want to be well armed so that I

can pull out the best information to give and questions to ask. That

is what I would like some feedback for. Yesterday I discovered

something that could be of significance. Hip problem pain occurs in

the groin area. I did not know that before. I have an elliptical

exerciser that is sort of like riding a bike. My exercise on that is

severely limited because I develop a pain in my groin that I can't

continue exercising.

One final question. Who treats osteoporosis? Rheumatologist or

Orthopedic?

I gave so much background to help you understand my situation and

hope that the group can give me some insight for when I see this

doctor. Ever so much thanks.I appreciate your input.

Bvan (Betty)