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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 1/30/2006 5:58 AM (GMT 0)
I got diagnosed with RA in August, but probably had it for years (never went to docs much). At the time I had 278 Ra F, and nodules on the lungs. I can teel I'm bad off, in perticular my cervical spine that feel like a big bump on the back. I had a bad previous MD doc, who never referred me to a Rheumy (small town too, no rheumy), so I left him after some other errors he did and got a new MD. This doc only prescribed Plaquenil. I can teel it's not working now after 6 months. My new doc, I've seen twice, but he haven't mentioned a Rheumy yet. I still have Nodules on the lungs (peeked on X-Ray last Monday) but the radiologist is holding off, wanted previous X-rays to compare. My question is; shouldn't I have more aggressive treatment than Plaquenil? I have chronic low-grade fevers, painful and stiff all over, especially my spine. My lungs too, and High Ra Factor? Can an MD prescribe better stuff or do I have to see a Rheumy? (I know I have to, but in the meantime). I am afraid my hands and feet are going while MD's are messing around thinking Plaquenil is ok, not taking this disease seriously? Can I call my doc. and tell him I'm flaring right now, and expect some help!? Any advice for emmeditate help, and longterm (a rheumy of course!) would be helpful.
Posted 1/30/2006 9:33 AM (GMT 0)
Insist on seeing a Rheumy.
Posted 1/30/2006 12:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hey noodlearms - welcome to the Arthritis Forum... like SnowyLynne said, you really need to insist on seeing a rheumy.. Yes, your regular doctor can prescribe better stuff, however, they may not be experienced enough with your problems to feel comfortable in doing that. Call your doctor and tell them what the issues is and see if they can prescribe something. If not, there is always the emergency room... I'm sure they will give you more than plaquenil there! Good luck to you, and please let us know how you are doing... - Duck
Posted 1/30/2006 3:44 PM (GMT 0)

Oh no.  Isn't it terrible how so many times doctors let RA go for so long until it's completely out of control?

In my opinion, more aggressive treatment is immediately needed.  Starting a TNF medication such as Humira or Enbrel perhaps. Maybe beginning Imuran and starting Remicade, especially if you have lung nodules and are in the pain that you are.

If you went to the ER, they could at least Rx some steroids, pain meds and even reffer or give a name of a hospital or rheumatologist that can best suite your case.

Better to be on the plaquenil than nothing at all right now.  But definitely, DEFINITNELY seek a GOOD practitioner for rheumatics. 

Your primary Dr. should be able to Rx prednisone, Imuran, and say Arthrotec and other NSAIDs.

I know too well how painful and life altering rheumatic heart and lung disease is.  It's something as you know...we can really do without!

What state are you from?  There are hospitals dedicated specifically for bone and joints.

Please, when you feel up to it, write back.

Prayers & good thoughts are with you.

Erin 

Posted 1/30/2006 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, bless your hearts for the replies! I am in Washington state, Walla Walla. There is one Rheumy that goes to the very Clinic i go to, but he won't accept medical Coupons from the State right now. I really want to curse about that, he knows people are VERY limited in options, he is the only one here! I can't imagine how it is for the guys who have no transportation and are worse off than me and have to be referred to Spokane aor Tri Cities? If it's ok, can I use the info you mentioned here to show my doc. he is really a very good doc. that listens, just not an expert. maybe if he reads the response he will do it if I tell him I want him to. This morning I had no fever and my gouty (I think) toe is going down, no red left, only larger than the other toe. I will get pushy this week! The nurse will call with lab results, I will tell her I want better help right away. I have heard Plaquenil is only for really mild Arthritis, mine is not really mild, and who knows what my fett and hands look like once X-rayed or CT'd?
Posted 1/30/2006 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hey noodle... Walla Walla huh? Very cool! By all means, take this to your doctor... I have to ask, you said gouty (sp?) toe... do you have psoriasis? I have Psoriatic Arthritis and before I had been diagnosed with that, the docs thought that I had gout due to the swelling and pain in my toes... Hhhmmmm... hang in there and let us know how you are doing! - Duck
Posted 1/30/2006 5:57 PM (GMT 0)
A very good idea indeed.  A long time ago I think we had a thread and the person printed it out for the Dr.  Mainly because it is easier to "get out" what YOU are feeling and your complaints and questions here, than it is at the doctors office!

I think it is a good idea.  I know myself, when I write here...I don't miss a beat.  But then I become braindead @ my appointments!

I think your arthritis is NOT MILD as well!

We're all rooting for you.

I understand the docs not taking medical coupons.  I'm forced to be on Medicaid...& unfortunatley I still have to pay out of pocket for my rheummy and my GI.

Here's to you noodlearms! 

:-)  

erin

Posted 1/30/2006 8:26 PM (GMT 0)
Ah, that stinks, outta pocket for Rheummy. There's one in Spokane that takes "poor" guys like me, it might be worth the trip. Or howabout my doc. consult with the Rheumy about me when the Rheumy gets into the same office halls he is in!? Anywho, I dropped off a note to the nurse (she is sweet!) and told her the Plaquenil is for mild Ra, and RA with polmunary involvement is not MILD. I then asked her if the Dr. would dare to prescribe something stronger? I told her I'm in a fever for the past week and flaring, and my hands and feet are getting worse by the season. We'll se what the guys say. If I ask that way it might work, I am not pressing, just asking, but still letting them know this is a problem they should know about- and know that I know about,,,LOL! I am 39 by the way, I have a 7 year old and a almost 2 year old in the home, I got many years to go where I need mobility. Thanks bunches and many hugs you all! I'll let you know what the nurse says.
Posted 1/30/2006 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
By the way, how do i get to my profile so I can edit?
Posted 1/31/2006 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
hey Noodle,

 

if you click on your screen name, go up to the control panel icon...from there you can click on the "edit profile" and it basically lets you fill in some info.  you might have to re-enter your password and name again to gain access to it.  if i gave lousy instructions, LOL, i do believe there are some detailed directions to the right under forum help.

 

erin  smurf

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