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Rheumologist exam?? what happens?

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Posted 2/15/2008 7:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi again...here are my symptoms and could you let me know what a exam is like with a Rheumotologist?  I can't remember if what was done, only the blood tests...

I have seen a Rhumatoligist, Neurologist (2), Internist, and was in VGH hospital for a few weeks a year ago, the Hemotologist wanted me to have a bone marrow, LP, and other Lung function tests etc. 

My symp started with Vertigo and off balance, alot of joint pain in my hands, wrist, ankles, knees, shoulders. then I got worse with Double vision/blurry vision etc.  Now my leg muscels are sore and weak and my calves get crampy almost everyday in the late afternoon and evening,  My hand get so cold I wear glove in the house, everyday. 

My symptoms are more now then they were a year ago when I saw the specialists who said they don't know what is wrong.. I did have two MRI...showed lesions in corpus callusom and subcortical...but they said not the MS type??  I had Granulomas in my Bone Marrow and monoclonal bands in my blood...?? The lung function test came back with Reactive Airway Disease...which means they are not sure why I have shortness of breath...I don't know .. my GP says he is stump and now I'm going to try a psyciatric and see if its in my head...as well as the pain..??  thanks for any info..

take care

quack

Posted 2/15/2008 11:55 AM (GMT 0)
Given the test results it is not all in your head, or at least not the way that requires mental health professionals. I think you need another neurologist, one who is willing to search for answers about the lesions. Also I would get the tests the hemotologist wanted done. You need to have full blood work done checking for everything and anything.

As for a rheumetologist exam, it varies by doctor but mine took a full history, examined all my joints, did x-rays, ordered blood work, asked questions, looked at my hair, skin, and nails. But she knew what was wrong with me by my history, pictures I took of rashes, and the visable swelling in my finger joints that was accompanied by redness and heat.

I suggest you seek out someone who is willing to look until they find an answer instead of accepting that they do not know why.
Posted 2/15/2008 7:45 PM (GMT 0)

thanks..I did get the bone marrow done it showed granulomas, which they are not sure why, and the LP was normal, I have to keep watch of the monoclonal band in my blood...haven't had them checked in a year..and supposed to have another MRI done of my head...but it will take another year to get that done...boy Canada is wonderful...haha

I do need to see the psyc for an assessment for the GWL insurance and for my own peace of mind, I do want a Rheum appt my GP said we will take another sed rate and see what happens, now that the sed rate went down from 74 to 32, I don't think he will refer me?? He says to me that I have seen alot of specialists (a year ago) and no one can figure it out, so just take the pain meds and live with it...I need a Dx for my own peace of mind and insurance purposes as well  

Maybe it's time for a new Dr..but he has been there for 20 years and knows me?  also, through the last few years with these problems. I'm still waiting for a Cervical Spine MRI in July... also waiting for a colonoscopy in Oct.  Everything take so long to get done. 

Sorry for venting..

quack

Posted 2/15/2008 11:43 PM (GMT 0)
I say find a new primary care. Sorry, but to say no one knew what it was so live with it is WRONG! He doesn't care about you or your health if he said that- if he cared he would work to find the cause or find you a doctor who could. All of those tests you say will take so long would take a lot less time to get if your doctor made a few calls. Obviously he isn't. I say this because I have contact with a few ppl in Canada who say time before specialists and special tests all depend on your doctor NOT the supposed wait list.
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