Re: Re: a little funny story then a couple questions...

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Well my experience has been that I started getting pain in my feet around where bunyons would form. So my PCP referred me to a pedistrist. He gave me cortisone injections in my feet - yes, that was fun - but I did get relief for about a month. I was diagnosed with bunyons on both feet and a hammer toe all at the ripe age of 45. My mother said, you don't have bunyons and I don't understand why you have so much pain - they don't look that bad.

We can all relate to that can't we? So after months of pain, and more injections and trying different meds, you know all the anti-inflammatory ones, even the better ones that got withdrawn earlier this year, they would work for about a month, then I'd get pain a lot of pain again. It then started going to my knee, so they diagnosed me with runner's knee. I could barely walk down the stairs let alone walk.

Then I was told I had neuroma on the bottom of my feet - as I have a nice lump on the left foot underneath. He recommended surgery for that and the bunyons. Well I live alone, had just gotten divorced, and my bedroom is upstairs. I also worked at an office where I had a 2 hr daily commute and had to walk at least 4-5 blocks even if I paid for parking instead of public transportation. So I asked what other options he had. He prescribed orthodics.

Next thing I knew I was in more pain than ever - it went to my entire body I swear - my feet, my right knee, my shoulders, wrists, I could barely get dressed. I had a co-worker laugh at me at work as he thought it was funny I couldn't get my jacket on - so they would help throw it over me - people just don't understand. I could barely start my car let alone get out of the bath tub at night. One night I thought I wasn't getting out. And remember, I live alone.

So then I got sent to an orhopedist who said I should have never been prescribed orthodics and sent me to physical therapy. I could barely do any of the exercises there but the heated treatment and massage helped some. All of this occurred before anyone knew I had R.A.

So finally after almost a year, I wrote to my PCP and said I need help now! So back into her office I went, and she said I had fibromyalgia. She then referred me to my rheumy. It took her 5 minutes to diagnose R.A. - and the blood test showed up positive as well. I was also diagnosed with diabetes and liver disease all at the same time. I saw 3 specialists, liver biopsy, but now the liver disease has gone away. I guess 2 out of 3 ain't bad!

So thanks to my great rheumy, I had relief within 24 hours. I had to go off the typical meds like Prednisone due to my diabetes and liver problems. So like one doc told me, you are an experiment! So whoever wrote that one message about her docs - you'll like that one

I'm not seeing that doc anymore. I have a great rheumy though. I've taken Remicade, but I had to switch to something I could do at home, as I couldn't afford to take the time off and jeopardize my job and it falls under my medical benefit which is too expensive for me. So I tried Enbrel, but it didn't work that great for me, so I'm now on Humira with Imuran, ibuprofen during the day, and pain pills at night if needed.

That's my story.

<catdelouise@...> wrote:

Hi ,In regards to Fibro vs. Neuro:Last year I had hip pain in both hips so badly I needed a wheelchair. My Rheumy said it was not my RA and suggested it was neurological. I went to a neurologist and had MRIs, the nerve test where they shock you (too tired to remember what it is called), etc. Nothing came up with a real name so I was diagnosed with nerve pain. Months later I started to present more Fibro symptoms along with the hip pain and the Rheumy diagnosed me with Fibro. So, just be aware that Fibro can come on slowly in some people. > Hi kids...> > Well - went to see my FP on Friday and he was in a hurry and> defintely had "his crabby pants

on"...> > He kept looking at this watch... I would ask if he had to be> somewhere & if he wanted me to come back...> > I had my 22 month old very curious daughter with me and he said he> couldn't think straight with the extra commotion... I replied,> isn't your daughter going on 1 year next month and told him he> better get used to it...> > He scoffed at me when I told him my neurologist was 99% sure my> troubles were RA... he actually laughed and "well, I'm 99% sure> it's Fibromyalgia"... come to find out from a friend who also sees> both docs that they weren't getting along... Guess some big golf> tourney team issue... My FP wasn't invited to play!!! I just love> being a scapegoat - don't you guys??> > Then he told me that all I needed was a good night's rest and I'd> feel much better... I told him to walk around in my body for a day -> even

after a good's nite sleep - and see if he changes his mind...> > I won't be going back to see him... but will definitely request to> see his wonderful PA, which I should have seen in the first place...> > So anyway... regarding blood tests... My neurologist had only> ordered regular type blood tests along with my RA Factor (which was> 9.1) Is it true that the RA Factor test can be quite deceiving?> What tests should be done on initial visit to Rheumy? What> questions should be asked?> > So my good friend, Dr. FP, said to take 800 mg of Ibuprophen every 8> hours, which I had been doing... He also suggested 1000 mg of Fish> Oil capsules twice/day and 1 Tbsp Flaxseed Oil w/ food once a> day... Any feedback or where to buy cheaply would be greatly> appreciated!!!> > Thanks much for your comments & ideas!!!>