Update, I saw the doctor today!

The Rheumy doctor did a very thorough exam. Some of my blood work is back, some will take until Wednesday.

My rheumatoid factor was BORDERLINE. I am 26 years old. How many of you had a positive rheumatoid factor test?

The ANA and Sed rate are not back yet.

Even though my liver functions came back okay, he is worried because he feels that my liver is hard/rigid/swollen. That is also where I feel my abdominal pain! I think he may have me get another CT. I had a CT two months ago (can things change that quick?).

He is not ready to put a Lupus diagnosis on me yet. He feels it *COULD* still be a really, really bad virus. (I have a hard time believing that)

So I talk to him again Wednesday. If he decides it's a virus, should I get a second opinion?

I am so close to losing my job...... but what do you when: you are passing out asleep all day, in pain, can hardly walk and can't concentrate?

I am so frustrated!

Emerson, I'm so sorry . . . Ask your doctor for a note for work. When you are out that long, the employer really does have a right to see something in writing. Also, there is a topic from just a week or two ago about Family Leave Act . . . I'll see if I can find it and bump it up to the top IF you do have a virus . . . that sounds like the best possible dx. . . because I would assume that it could eventually be cured. I don't blame you for being scared about the liver . . . but it sounds like this doc is really being careful and the second scan is a great idea because they can compare the outcome with the last scan and see how rapidly things are progressing. The more info the rheumy gathers, the better he'll be able to hone in on what is really happening. With everything you've posted, I think he is just gathering all him information and doing some serious evaluating before making a conclusion. This disease really is hard to dx w/o a positive biopsy . . . they just really need to make sure they get all their facts before passing judgment. I don't see anything that would make me run and get a second opinion just yet. He squeezed you in quicker than anyone here has ever seen. Sorry you are still "in waiting" for your dx . . . but keep us posted . . .ok? It sounds like both your docs are on the ball so far. Look for that other topic I'll bump up. Blessings!

Thanks!!!! I am hanging in there.
I just talked with my boss and they need some forms filled out from my doc and it's that easy! (Thanks AlwaysRosie for the advice!!!)

I am SO LUCKY to have such great docs! Being sick is frustrating period. But that's just how it is!

I will keep everyone updated.... everyone here is so nice :)