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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 4/8/2011 6:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hello all. I recently went to the doctor for symptoms related to gluten sensitivity - brain fog, upset tummy, etc. We did a full blood panel and found my rheumatoid factor in the 60's. I was referred to a rheumatologist, but haven't yet made an appt. I didn't like the reviews of the referred rheumy and get to feeling I'll when I try to research one and set an appt.

I am looking for recommendations and support.

Thanks.
Posted 4/8/2011 2:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Atticus, I am relatively new also. But I can tell you from being on this forum and others that a good rheumatologist is essential. Many times our symptoms and lab tests do not match and yet we are in a lot of pain. It really helps to have an understanding and kind rheumy. From reading here, some just belong in another profession. On my first visit to my rheumy in January, he said all of his patients were a puzzle and everyone had to be treated individually. I really appreciated that. He also said that a diagnosis was often hard to determine for a long time. Good luck finding a rheumy. If you dont like the first one, try someone else. This forum is very supportive so keep posting. And welcome!
Posted 4/8/2011 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
In the Houston, TX Area, Dr. Waller is very good, but you'll have a 2 month wait so get the appointment soon.
It's Dr. Philip A. Waller, Rheumatologist, off I-45 South and Fuqua. 12553 Gulf Freeway, He's very good and
will explain things good for you..Nice to meet another person from Houston, sorry about the RA dx...
Hope you can get a low pain day soon
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Atticus1))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
healing hugz and well wishes
Posted 4/8/2011 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
I really really love my rheumatologist, Dr. Richard Rubin. He's in the medical center. You may have to wait a while for your first appt. He is the best DR I have on my team, by far.
Posted 4/8/2011 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your responses. I feel bad posting it here, but I don't have any real symptoms. I was told about my rheumatoid factor being abnormal, but don't have joint pain. Would a gluten sensitivity relate at all to RA? My GP wasn't able to tell me anything, except that it could be any number of autoimmune diseases or nothing at all. So, now I just need to figure this out so I can stop freaking myself out or start getting whatever my issues might be in order.
Posted 4/8/2011 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Atticus- welcome. I was going to say that an elevated RF factor does not necessarily mean RA. I forget what else can cause it though. I would think if it was RA you would be experiencing some significant pain.
Keep us posted.
Posted 4/8/2011 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
I went to see Rubin because I was having joint pain. Even though I thought it was part of my bowel disease, my GI wasn't prepared to help me with it.

Rubin took a complete history on my first visit. I mean COMPLETE. He took 5 gallons of blood (small exaggeration) to see if I had any other immune system markers that would help in understanding my joint pain. He measured my height, arm span, weight, did a physical exam to palpate my joints, belly, back, and on and on. It lasted more than an hour.

In the end, we all agreed that I have enteritis arthritis (joint pain related to IBD).

Even though you aren't having joint pain, it is worthwhile to see a DR who is intimately familiar with the mysterious workings of the immune system and a rheumatologist is that DR.
Posted 4/9/2011 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
Please, don't feel bad about posting here, you did good...seems like you got two good picks,
choose the one closer to you so the drive is easier on you. A good rheumatologist will
be able to better find out what going on will you and you will be facing a lot
of bloodwork, maybe even mri's...keep us posted on how your doing and just
wait things out till the rheumy doc says for certain if you have RA or not, well wishes
and healing hugz...
Posted 4/10/2011 5:35 AM (GMT 0)
hi, welcome.

I am new here to . I went to the doctor about my hands and feet hurting. he did blood work. my ra factor is 420. i go to the doctor on the 19. i how she can help. good luck turn turn
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