Hi Everyone,
I made the trip to the rheumy last week because I have had 2 postitive ANA's since Jan. My new PCP did alot of lab work on me and ruled out many other diseases. She narrowed it down to Mixed Connective Tissue Disease or Lupus. She was leaning more towards MCTD instead of Lupus. But, after the dr reviewed my paperwork including recent labs, he reached into a cabinet and pulled out papers on Lupus for me to read. He also gave me a sheet of paper with the medication Plaquenil. Told me read this stuff.
We then talked about my crohns and me being on Remicade for so long, but it sort of lost its punch for the cd. He then started talking about Humira, but said he would not put me on it because I have a pain pump implanted and infection could become an issue. He then said, of course, you could always have the pump taken out and then go on Humira!!!! I said you are right, but I am not, because all of my pain is not crohns related, that is not why I have the pump. Quite frankly, I don't think this guy is much on chronic pain and pain pumps, at least this is how he made me feel. I also felt like he is one of these that says take tylenol when you are writhing in pain.
He did do a very good examination, I will say that for him. When I mentioned Dr. Berutti thinking MCTD, he said no, I think its Lupus, are we on the same page!!!!
I go back on 10-26, so I will see what he has to say. He did more bloodwork right there in his office and they have their own lab.
Hope everyone is having pain free days as possible.
Susie