Hey there Dancer,
I'm sooo sorry you have been going through all this. I'm really glad that you at least have an appointment with a rhuematologist because they are the experts in diagnosing auto immune diseases. It took me about a year for me to get a diagnosis and that wasn't until my body basically shut down and made me bedridden. I'm really curious that they have drawn your blood so many times but no one has discussed results with you. I have a feeling that there were some indications in your bloodwork, such as a positive ANA or high sed rate, that your doctor has referred you to a rheumatologist. If he is 99.9% sure than one could only guess that there were some indications in the bloodwork of autoimmune problems. It is important that you try and stay stress free and get lots of rest right now. I know you are probably a nervous wreck waiting to see the rhuemy, but try and be patient. There are many drugs out there that can help treat our condition and keep the symptoms in check. Once the rhuemy as seen you and made a diagnosis they will determine the best course of treatment for you. In the meantime, keep a diary of all of your daily symptoms and take any pictures if you get any rashes so you can share everything with them. Many times when we get in the office we get so overwhelmed and forget to share information that could be very important in making a diagnosis. Hang in there and keep us posted.
Hugs and Angels,
Lynnette
DX - sle and carpal tunnel
RX - plaquenil, prednisone, lisiniprol, etolodac, tramadol (as needed), hormones and lots of vitamins