HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Rant! Rant! RAnt!

Support Forums
>
Lupus
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/1/2013 10:26 AM (GMT 0)
I'm seriously starting to dislike drs. I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus back in Dec by a Neurologist. I had been having balance and cognitive issues so I went to see her. I am supposed to be seeing a Rheumatologist. It has been 7 months now and I have been asking for referrals from her as well as my general dr.

I cannot see any other dr. because my health insurance demands that I have these referrals. I did manage to get 2 referrals finally but 1 Rhuemy decided she wasn't taking new patients. Argghhhh!  And the other 1 hasn't got back to me to say whether or not he'll see me.

Last week I got what I thought was a UTI with bleeding. Went to my general dr and he tested me for one but it came back negative but he did give me an antibiotic and it both the pain and the bleeding stopped within 2 days. I asked him if the bleeding meant my kidneys were infected and he said yes they were but the antibiotic cleared it up. I then asked him shouldn't I have some other tests done to check my kidneys like a possible biopsy to make sure my kidneys weren't failing? He said since I have an apptmt with the Nuero on the 20th that I should be ok and she will do it. Grrr!!!

Now, on top of all this i'm having skin rashes on different parts of my body that is starting to look like subcutaneous Lupus. Think red sunburn with the burning skin with pimple type bumps with whiteheads that pop and itches to the point I feel like i'm in an ant bed. Sorry if TMI.

Called my nuero to see if I could get in sooner have been put on cancellation list but told not to get my hopes up. Explained what was going on and asked what I could do in the meantime. Was told to take Benadryl and use an OTC Triple Antibiotic ointment.

I would love to bypass my health insurance and payout of pocket but I don't have the money for the office visit, tests and meds. We are talking about 700 bucks. I am so miserable I just want to scream!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, rant over for the moment. Now, if I could just get this itching to stoooooopppp!! That's why i'm awake, the Benadryl isn't working toninght or should I say this morning.

Posted 8/1/2013 12:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi txplowgirl. It's always good to rant and it always releases anxiety. I'm so sorry that you can't see a rheumatologist because once you see one, he/she will be one docs you see most. My lupus also began with neurological problems. There aren't too many lupies who start that way. I was initially brushed off by the neurologist who told me I had a somatiform disorder (all in my head) and it took two years to be diagnosed.

Anyway, since I have a BS in Medical Technology (lab) I hope I can calm your anxiety a bit more by telling you that blood is frequently found in urine with a urinary tract infection even in healthy folks. It is caused by the bacteria irritating the lining of the bladder. Yes, lupies often have kidney problems, but one of the first signs is large amounts of protein in the urine. Also the common blood tests of BUN and creatinine will be elevated. Only if all these are high will a kidney biopsy be  done and then only if the kidney problem continues to be a problem. Kidney biopsy is one of those tests done that are way down the list.

Systemic Lupus also often causes rashes, hives, and itching. Most of us are also sensitive to the sun. Some develop flares just from being in the sun. I recently posted a reply for itching, so I'll make this brief. Bathe or shower in cool water, wash only the important areas with Dove or Neutrogena glycerine soap, and while your skin is damp rub on oil. Use moisturizers during the day and Benedryl pills and spray as needed.

I hope you get to see a rheumatologist soon and I really hope you get your itching under control! Love, Butterflake

 

Posted 8/1/2013 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
I find that ice packs help with the itching for me.
I hope you can get some help soon.
Posted 8/2/2013 4:09 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info, i'll be getting that stuff and using it. Thank you for the tips.
Posted 8/2/2013 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
one more suggestion that has helped me is Aveno Oatmeal baths. They only help when I am in the bath and for a very short time afterwards, But relief is relief when we itch.

Debbie
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply