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Had appointment for RA

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 12/4/2009 5:19 AM (GMT 0)

 I had stated previously that my RF was elevated again.  I saw the doctor (rheumy) on Tues, he said that he still believes that most of my problems are from my fibromyalgia and my degerative arthritis in my knees.  I really didn't even get a chance to tell him what was going on.  He just made that assumption and didn't even see the lab work.  The doctor (PCP) did send it to him before I left and he sent me for more blood work that the PCP didn't do.  He did also do x-rays of hands and feet.  He will see me  in three weeks.  I really have to make a plan so that I get a chance to speak my mind.  Oh, he did give me a shot of cortizone in one knee to see if that helped.  (it did)  smilewinkgrin

I am just concerned because I have been reading about RA and I have a lot of the symptoms.  The feet problems, bunions and plantar fascitis and bursitis, and I have baker's cysts behind my knees.  I don't know it just all scares me. I am always tired and I have all of the fibermyalgia pain.  Well I will let everyone know what happens in 3 weeks.  But, if anyone has any suggestions of how to handle the doctor or what to ask, I am more than willing to listen. 

Thanks ~ Bella

Posted 12/4/2009 7:40 AM (GMT 0)
Why don't you visit your local doctor and list your concerns and get them to ring the specialist for you or write a new referal? I recently had this experience where my rheumy didn't seem to be hearing what I was saying to her and then I went to my GP for help and she rang the specialist on the spot and spoke to her about all my concerns. It worked a treat for me. My specialist rang and jumped into action straight away, it was brilliant.

Certainly can't help to try. They seem to hear other medical professionals. Goodluck, golitho
Posted 12/4/2009 8:50 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you, that is great advice.  I think sometimes we look at doctor's as some super human being, that we fear to speak up to them.  No matter, how prepared I think I am with questions or concerns, as soon as the doctor walks in and starts talking, I seem to forget everyhting I wanted to say. I feel I have a good relationship with my GP, I just might have to take your advice on this.  I might wait to see how these test results turn out.  Thanks again,  I keep you posted.

Bella

Posted 12/4/2009 9:01 AM (GMT 0)
Bella, Im the same as you with Specialists, I walk in with a list of symptoms, concerns, meds Im on etc and as soon as I walk in their office I become a blubbering fool. I take their word all the time for what is right for me and have only recently push one of my specialists with what I wanted from her.
Not with my GP though, I can tell her anything and get better advice on meds from her.
I like golitho's idea about getting the GP to call for you (might use that one myself lol)
Good luck and keep us posted
Jo
Posted 12/4/2009 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Bella. Well, I have learned the hard way. Never take one doc's word for it. Go to you GP and ask for a referral to a different specialists. I was with a rheumy and had some new pains, all of a sudden he thought I had fibromayalgia (sp??). Yes I had the pain and the tiredness, but he didnt even check the 12 points. Also, I knew that I didnt cause I know my body. Got a referral and went to another rheumy who said no fibro but bone degeneration and my body's natural defense since I was first diagnosed at 2 has been to sleep when in pain. When I go to my rheumy, we discuss my bloodwork. I always go by my sed rate to see if my arthritis is flaring. Then we go over my symptoms. Then we talk about meds. I always have it all written down and I dont let them leave or rush me til I'm done. Stand your ground about how you feel. No one knows your body better than you!. Best of luck! Niki
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