Guest guest Posted November 4, 2008 Report Share Posted November 4, 2008 --- Well, I say " Deep South " only in a general location. I am from California, lived in Iowa and now live in Georgia and shortly will be moving to Alabama. Hubby got a new job. I have found that there are very few rheumatologists in my area, and that there are people who drive hours to see the doctor I see. I only drive 45 plus minutes to see her. She comes so highly recommended that she can't keep up with her patient level and the normal wait to be seen is between 2 and 4 hours. It's horrible especially when you are there because you hurt so much, and then have to sit too long, so, I " m discouraged, but still hoping to find another doctor who can properly treat me. Les > > Les and group; > > OK now I am curious. What is the difference of a second opinion and being in the deep south and where is the deep south. > > I am in SC. I lived in Cleveland Ohio all my life and moved to SC. I heard many jokes about the south haaaaaaaaa. None true so far. I would guess Georgia is the deep south. Are you saying most of the RA doctors are not in the deep south. I know we have a shortage of RA doctors here. > > gentle hugs > Clora > > > > > > > > From: <leslielick777@...> > Subject: [ ] Re: Is it really RA? > > Date: Monday, November 3, 2008, 11:48 PM > > > > > > > --- IHi Doreen, > > Thanks for the good advice. I hadn't thought of that, but it's a great idea to look into. I'll > see what I can find out about getting in there for an appointment. I live in the deep South, > but hopefully, I can arrange for my insurance to let me get an opinion there. > > I really appreciate your thoughts and advice. > > Take care, > > LEs > > > > > Hi - the first thing that comes to mind is if you are unhappy > > with your Rheumy, get a second (or third) opinion. It doesn't sound > > like the second opinion you got was with the brightest crayon in the > > box as he only pushed the pain pills and put doubt in your mind. Some > > people have had good luck going to a major medical center (The Mayo > > Clinic comes to mind). Best of luck to you.......Doreen > > > > > > > > > > Hi Everyone, > > > > > > I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need > > > you. I was wondering if there is a more concrete way to know if a > > > diagnosis is correct or not for RA. My initial blood work showed a > > > positive RA/RF I can't remember what it's called. But after each > > > yearly test, it has come back normal and the initial readings were > > > barely positive. My C-reactive Protein levels are off the charts, > > > which only indicates that there is inflammation somewhere in the > > > body. The other tests like ana and others were slightly above or > > > below normal which ever applies. I just want to find out if I > > > truly have the right diagnosis. I have been on MTX for 2 years > > > plus, and Enbrel for about a year with no change. My wrists ache, > > > my fingers ache my knees ache, I have trouble grabbing and holding > > > onto things like a very clumsy child. > > > > > > I never have swelling in my hands, feet, ankles or anywhere for > > > that matter. I do have Osteoarthritis in my neck and spine and > > > other joints of my body. I just need answers and my rheummy is > > > certain that I have RA or ankylosing spondylitis, but there is no > > > real proof that I do. What should I do next? I had a 2nd opinion > > > about a year ago from another rheumatologist who said I don't have > > > RA, but wasn't sure what I had so he sent me home with a > > > prescription for pain which I don't want. So, that was a negative > > > experience. > > > > > > I'm so confused. What should I do next? Is there a way to take > > > fluid from the joint and test it for RA or any other auto immune > > > disorder? > > > > > > Thanks for listening. > > > > > > Have a great day. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2008 Report Share Posted November 4, 2008 --- Florida is a lot closer than NY or MN, more to ponder. Thanks, > > Well if we look at the map you can not get further south than Florida and still be in U.S.A. > there are many floridians on this support group from Florida and quite pleased with their rheumy.... > > Raniolo > > > > From: <leslielick777> > Subject: [ ] Re: Is it really RA? > @gro ups.com > Date: Monday, November 3, 2008, 11:48 PM > > --- IHi Doreen, > > Thanks for the good advice. I hadn't thought of that, but it's a great idea to look into. I'll > see what I can find out about getting in there for an appointment. I live in the deep South, > but hopefully, I can arrange for my insurance to let me get an opinion there. > > I really appreciate your thoughts and advice. > > Take care, > > LEs > > > > > Hi - the first thing that comes to mind is if you are unhappy > > with your Rheumy, get a second (or third) opinion. It doesn't sound > > like the second opinion you got was with the brightest crayon in the > > box as he only pushed the pain pills and put doubt in your mind. Some > > people have had good luck going to a major medical center (The Mayo > > Clinic comes to mind). Best of luck to you.......Doreen > > > > > > > > > > Hi Everyone, > > > > > > I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need > > > you. I was wondering if there is a more concrete way to know if a > > > diagnosis is correct or not for RA. My initial blood work showed a > > > positive RA/RF I can't remember what it's called. But after each > > > yearly test, it has come back normal and the initial readings were > > > barely positive. My C-reactive Protein levels are off the charts, > > > which only indicates that there is inflammation somewhere in the > > > body. The other tests like ana and others were slightly above or > > > below normal which ever applies. I just want to find out if I > > > truly have the right diagnosis. I have been on MTX for 2 years > > > plus, and Enbrel for about a year with no change. My wrists ache, > > > my fingers ache my knees ache, I have trouble grabbing and holding > > > onto things like a very clumsy child. > > > > > > I never have swelling in my hands, feet, ankles or anywhere for > > > that matter. I do have Osteoarthritis in my neck and spine and > > > other joints of my body. I just need answers and my rheummy is > > > certain that I have RA or ankylosing spondylitis, but there is no > > > real proof that I do. What should I do next? I had a 2nd opinion > > > about a year ago from another rheumatologist who said I don't have > > > RA, but wasn't sure what I had so he sent me home with a > > > prescription for pain which I don't want. So, that was a negative > > > experience. > > > > > > I'm so confused. What should I do next? Is there a way to take > > > fluid from the joint and test it for RA or any other auto immune > > > disorder? > > > > > > Thanks for listening. > > > > > > Have a great day. > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2008 Report Share Posted November 4, 2008 --- Boy, I really started something here. I only said Deep south as an expression. I think, but could be mistaken, the deep south is Georgia, alabama, mississippi, louisiana, etc. Anyway there is no correlation between the deep south and a second opinion, other than the fact that where I live there are very few rheumy doctors and I've seen 2. One I currently see, and the other who had no clue what was wrong with me and sent me home with lyrica. Take care, > I don't think she was talking about Florida......Clora > > > > > > > From: <leslielick777> > Subject: [ ] Re: Is it really RA? > @gro ups.com > Date: Monday, November 3, 2008, 11:48 PM > > --- IHi Doreen, > > Thanks for the good advice. I hadn't thought of that, but it's a great idea to look into. I'll > see what I can find out about getting in there for an appointment. I live in the deep South, > but hopefully, I can arrange for my insurance to let me get an opinion there. > > I really appreciate your thoughts and advice. > > Take care, > > LEs > > > > > Hi - the first thing that comes to mind is if you are unhappy > > with your Rheumy, get a second (or third) opinion. It doesn't sound > > like the second opinion you got was with the brightest crayon in the > > box as he only pushed the pain pills and put doubt in your mind. Some > > people have had good luck going to a major medical center (The Mayo > > Clinic comes to mind). Best of luck to you.......Doreen > > > > > > > > > > Hi Everyone, > > > > > > I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need > > > you. I was wondering if there is a more concrete way to know if a > > > diagnosis is correct or not for RA. My initial blood work showed a > > > positive RA/RF I can't remember what it's called. But after each > > > yearly test, it has come back normal and the initial readings were > > > barely positive. My C-reactive Protein levels are off the charts, > > > which only indicates that there is inflammation somewhere in the > > > body. The other tests like ana and others were slightly above or > > > below normal which ever applies. I just want to find out if I > > > truly have the right diagnosis. I have been on MTX for 2 years > > > plus, and Enbrel for about a year with no change. My wrists ache, > > > my fingers ache my knees ache, I have trouble grabbing and holding > > > onto things like a very clumsy child. > > > > > > I never have swelling in my hands, feet, ankles or anywhere for > > > that matter. I do have Osteoarthritis in my neck and spine and > > > other joints of my body. I just need answers and my rheummy is > > > certain that I have RA or ankylosing spondylitis, but there is no > > > real proof that I do. What should I do next? I had a 2nd opinion > > > about a year ago from another rheumatologist who said I don't have > > > RA, but wasn't sure what I had so he sent me home with a > > > prescription for pain which I don't want. So, that was a negative > > > experience. > > > > > > I'm so confused. What should I do next? Is there a way to take > > > fluid from the joint and test it for RA or any other auto immune > > > disorder? > > > > > > Thanks for listening. > > > > > > Have a great day. > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 --- Hi Shirley, IF you don't mind, would you send to my address or here, the name of your doctor in Gainesville. I live about the same distance from there as well, give or take. I'm north of Winder, GA. in Hoschton. I'd very much appreciate it. I hadn't seen a doctor in Gainesville on my list of doctors, but will definitely consider going out of my network if I can get a better outcome. The doctor I currently see is in Lawrenceville and Duluth, but I go to her Lawrenceville office. Thanks so much. > , > I also have a female rheummy in Georgia (Gainesville) that I drive 45 mins. to her office. > Shirley > > > > > > From: <leslielick777@ ...> > > Subject: [ ] Re: Is it really RA? > > @gro ups.com > > Date: Monday, November 3, 2008, 11:48 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- IHi Doreen, > > > > Thanks for the good advice. I hadn't thought of that, but it's a great idea to look into. I'll > > see what I can find out about getting in there for an appointment. I live in the deep > South, > > but hopefully, I can arrange for my insurance to let me get an opinion there. > > > > I really appreciate your thoughts and advice. > > > > Take care, > > > > LEs > > > > > > > > Hi - the first thing that comes to mind is if you are unhappy > > > with your Rheumy, get a second (or third) opinion. It doesn't sound > > > like the second opinion you got was with the brightest crayon in the > > > box as he only pushed the pain pills and put doubt in your mind. Some > > > people have had good luck going to a major medical center (The Mayo > > > Clinic comes to mind). Best of luck to you.......Doreen > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi Everyone, > > > > > > > > I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need > > > > you. I was wondering if there is a more concrete way to know if a > > > > diagnosis is correct or not for RA. My initial blood work showed a > > > > positive RA/RF I can't remember what it's called. But after each > > > > yearly test, it has come back normal and the initial readings were > > > > barely positive. My C-reactive Protein levels are off the charts, > > > > which only indicates that there is inflammation somewhere in the > > > > body. The other tests like ana and others were slightly above or > > > > below normal which ever applies. I just want to find out if I > > > > truly have the right diagnosis. I have been on MTX for 2 years > > > > plus, and Enbrel for about a year with no change. My wrists ache, > > > > my fingers ache my knees ache, I have trouble grabbing and holding > > > > onto things like a very clumsy child. > > > > > > > > I never have swelling in my hands, feet, ankles or anywhere for > > > > that matter. I do have Osteoarthritis in my neck and spine and > > > > other joints of my body. I just need answers and my rheummy is > > > > certain that I have RA or ankylosing spondylitis, but there is no > > > > real proof that I do. What should I do next? I had a 2nd opinion > > > > about a year ago from another rheumatologist who said I don't have > > > > RA, but wasn't sure what I had so he sent me home with a > > > > prescription for pain which I don't want. So, that was a negative > > > > experience. > > > > > > > > I'm so confused. What should I do next? Is there a way to take > > > > fluid from the joint and test it for RA or any other auto immune > > > > disorder? > > > > > > > > Thanks for listening. > > > > > > > > Have a great day. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 --- IWow, it truly is a small world Shirley, Yep I live near Hwy 124 & Hwy 332 where the brand new Publix is. Thanks for sending the info to me. Very much appreciate it. I wish you the very best as well. > Funny...........I already sent it! > Good luck with whom ever you see. I can also ask a friend who she sees, she lives in Gwinnett County. I will send her an email shortly. Hoschton, well doggie, I am just off of Hwy 53. I live off of Mulberry Road close to 211 near the old County Line School. It is a small world. > Shirley > > > > > > > > From: <leslielick777@ ...> > > > Subject: [ ] Re: Is it really RA? > > > @gro ups.com > > > Date: Monday, November 3, 2008, 11:48 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- IHi Doreen, > > > > > > Thanks for the good advice. I hadn't thought of that, but it's a great idea to look into. > I'll > > > see what I can find out about getting in there for an appointment. I live in the deep > > South, > > > but hopefully, I can arrange for my insurance to let me get an opinion there. > > > > > > I really appreciate your thoughts and advice. > > > > > > Take care, > > > > > > LEs > > > > > > > > > > > Hi - the first thing that comes to mind is if you are unhappy > > > > with your Rheumy, get a second (or third) opinion. It doesn't sound > > > > like the second opinion you got was with the brightest crayon in the > > > > box as he only pushed the pain pills and put doubt in your mind. Some > > > > people have had good luck going to a major medical center (The Mayo > > > > Clinic comes to mind). Best of luck to you.......Doreen > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi Everyone, > > > > > > > > > > I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need > > > > > you. I was wondering if there is a more concrete way to know if a > > > > > diagnosis is correct or not for RA. My initial blood work showed a > > > > > positive RA/RF I can't remember what it's called. But after each > > > > > yearly test, it has come back normal and the initial readings were > > > > > barely positive. My C-reactive Protein levels are off the charts, > > > > > which only indicates that there is inflammation somewhere in the > > > > > body. The other tests like ana and others were slightly above or > > > > > below normal which ever applies. I just want to find out if I > > > > > truly have the right diagnosis. I have been on MTX for 2 years > > > > > plus, and Enbrel for about a year with no change. My wrists ache, > > > > > my fingers ache my knees ache, I have trouble grabbing and holding > > > > > onto things like a very clumsy child. > > > > > > > > > > I never have swelling in my hands, feet, ankles or anywhere for > > > > > that matter. I do have Osteoarthritis in my neck and spine and > > > > > other joints of my body. I just need answers and my rheummy is > > > > > certain that I have RA or ankylosing spondylitis, but there is no > > > > > real proof that I do. What should I do next? I had a 2nd opinion > > > > > about a year ago from another rheumatologist who said I don't have > > > > > RA, but wasn't sure what I had so he sent me home with a > > > > > prescription for pain which I don't want. So, that was a negative > > > > > experience. > > > > > > > > > > I'm so confused. What should I do next? Is there a way to take > > > > > fluid from the joint and test it for RA or any other auto immune > > > > > disorder? > > > > > > > > > > Thanks for listening. > > > > > > > > > > Have a great day. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.