HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

dazed and confused

Support Forums
>
Rheumatoid Arthritis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 5/9/2013 4:45 PM (GMT 0)
I went to my family doctor because of dry mouth. I was waking up several times a night, sometimes my mouth so dry it was painful. He did some tests and everything was normal except for a slightly elevated ANA. When I said my ophthalmologist told me to start using eye drops over a year ago for dry eyes, he sent me to the rheumatologist. She ordered more tests, prescribed neurontin (i think for the pain from nodes on my fingers), continue with the eye drops and use biotene for the dry mouth, and said if something showed up in the labs she would call, otherwise come back in 6 months. I received a copy of my labs which showed an anti-CCP of 75. Everything I've read makes me think I should be concerned, but she hasn't called me about it. I called the office 2 days after I saw the labs and was told that the doctor hadn't seen them yet but if there was a problem, she'd call me. That was 3 days ago and I still haven't heard anything. Like I said all other tests were normal (Sed rate, RA, c-reactive, etc.). Should I think about another rheumatologist or just be patient for awhile?
Posted 5/9/2013 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
I'd give it till tomorrow and then give her a ring and see what her nurse has to say. I know that sometimes with test results unless it is off the charts many doctors I have seen will shrug it off. Not saying that is the case here but just my experience.

I like to try and do my best to be patient with the doctor. It's hard when you are not feeling well but I get very anxious about these things and they need time to research. With a full case load of patients as well it can take some time. I hope you feel better. -Don
Posted 5/10/2013 5:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi I would find another rheumy doctor if you are unhappy. I never
keep any doctor that I have problems with.
Posted 5/11/2013 12:07 AM (GMT 0)
If you don't hear back soon you might want to try another RA doctor, sometimes the doctors get the test results in and might read them at the end of the day or they might have to wait until the office manager gives them the results...so it could be that the doctor hasn't read it yet...It takes labs around here 2 weeks to get results...You can have normal lab results and still have RA, it's called sero negative RA, one of my better doctors said lab results can change from day to day, so ever small changes should signal something might be going on and the sooner you can get on medications to treat it the better. Hope this helps...
Many well wishes
Posted 5/13/2013 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
I find that odd.

My rheumatologist always schedules a return appointment for new patients-about 2 weeks after the first one to review labs etc.

Once a diagnosis is made and a patient is stable on meds and feeling good then she might go to 6 months-although, I have never made it past 3 months.

Posted 5/25/2013 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
I believe that Sjögren's Syndrome can cause dry mouth and lack of tears. I have dry mouth, and I keep some water or diet soda by my bed at night. I know some medications can also cause this in some people.

If you aren't getting responses from your doctor, yes find a new one. I know many of them are overworked, but the lack of compassion and concern shown by some of them is just not acceptable.

When you have one autoimmune disease, you are much more likely to get another than the average person. You might want to google Sjögren's Syndrome, and see if you can get back in to see the rheumatologist.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply