Re: What my Rheumy does is not what is recommended?

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

I have only been tested monthly since starting the sulfazine.Ask your

rheumy for a standing blood order.This allows you to have bloodwork

done every month,even when you are not seeing the rheumy and the

results can be faxed to them.They can let you know if you need to lay

off the sulfazine,methetrexate,etc.,if you have low blood count,etc.Do

you have a local primary doc or lab where you can go in to have your

bloodwork done?This is how I have my bloodwork done on the months I

dont see the rheumy.Just a thought.Hope this helps.

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon, My rheumy had me doing the bloodwork every 4 weeks to

begin with and then it was every 6-8 weeks. Now that I'm taking part

in a clinical study, its back to every 4 weeks, but I think its all

based on the physician's preference and as long as he is keeping an

eye on your levels, I don't think there is a right or wrong.

IMHO.............Doreen

>

> Hi All,

> I'm having a really bad day for fatigue, luckily it's my last shift

> before I go on my days off!

>

> Anyway I was double checking the consumer sheets on the med's I

> have been prescribed (sulfasalazine, prednisone & diclofenac) just

> to check possible side effect is fatigue (because I've never felt

> this fatigued before, it's a ton of bricks today).

>

> One site (rheumatology.org.au) said that blood tests should be done

> every 2-3 weeks for first 3 months when you start sulfasalizine. My

> Rheumy has got me having 1 test a month for first 2 months (done

> them) and I skip this month before having another test in September

> before I see him again in Mid Sept.

> Tests done have been within normal limits, except 2 areas that can

> suggest reduced kidney function or Vitamin D defiency (I can't

> remember what the test was & I don't have my tests here with me).

>

> Should I query why he isn't testing as often?

> I know that's going to get his back up lol.

>

> Thanks, Sharon of Oz.

>

[Guest guest]

I have get my tests done at the same path lab, yeah.

I'm actually looking for a new GP atm because the one I had is moving

on & Queensland health are going to be filling in with locum's until

the main mining company in our area can sweet talk a new GP into

servicing our area lol.

I wonder why they bother putting all that info on the consumer sheets,

like " tell your doc if you experience these...(or they worry you) 'cos

99% of the time the doc just says thats normal & does nothing Makes

me feel like a hydrochondriac Lol

Sharon

>

> Sharon,

> I have only been tested monthly since starting the sulfazine.Ask your

> rheumy for a standing blood order.This allows you to have bloodwork

> done every month,even when you are not seeing the rheumy and the

> results can be faxed to them.They can let you know if you need to lay

> off the sulfazine,methetrexate,etc.,if you have low blood

count,etc.Do

> you have a local primary doc or lab where you can go in to have your

> bloodwork done?This is how I have my bloodwork done on the months I

> dont see the rheumy.Just a thought.Hope this helps.

>