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Anyone been referred to a rheumatologist?

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Posted 8/10/2009 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
I recently had a bone scan that showed osteoporosis from the prednisone. My GI told me to call my primary to get referred to someone and he referred me to a rheumatologist. I was wondering if anyone else has seen a rheumatologist for this. If so, what should I expect? Also, if anyone has a Dr recommendation in the Atlanta area, I'd welcome it. I just scheduled an appt with Dr Fishman near St. Josephs but he can't see me until late Sept. Fortunately, I don't have any pain or symptoms that I know of.

At least I'm going to max out my deductible this year!!

Thanks.
Posted 8/10/2009 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I was not referred because of bone loss though. Luckily, I have only been on pred once.

I was referred so that I could be tested to rule out other autoimmune diseases such as Lupus and Arthritis. The rheumatologist was wonderful at explaining the auto-immune response that causes all these wonderful diseases (including UC). He did a very detailed blood test that revealed I am ANA positive - which let us know that I definitely have an out of whack immune system...helped shed some light on the disease for me and also gave me some good information! I hope your visit will be as good as mine was!
Posted 8/10/2009 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
I would really like to see one. I am always worried I will end up with other issues like MS. Let us know how it goes.
Posted 8/10/2009 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
Yep, me too. I was sent because it seems like my UC and body pain came about the same time. So when I flare intestinally I flare in my bones as well. Oh yeah, my eyes too...very weird to me.
Posted 8/10/2009 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
festeris, off topic, but are you really on 600 mgs or Imuran?
Posted 8/10/2009 11:34 PM (GMT 0)

Jen O said...
festeris, off topic, but are you really on 600 mgs or Imuran?

shocked

Got to be a typo.
Posted 8/11/2009 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
I've been referred to one, but because of the arthritis in my knees which I think is only an inflammatory thing and nothing to do with my bones... She didn't explain much.

She put me on Sulindac, bad idea. It didn't work well enough anyways.
Posted 8/11/2009 1:35 PM (GMT 0)
festeris - it is not uncommon to have UC and irisitis or uveitis in the eyes...the same autoimmune response causes both...it can also cause body aches and joint swelling...all forms of autoimmune caused inflamation...I also have irisitis...I actually had that years before any UC symptoms. I was about 25 when the eye inflamation came on, however, I have it VERY much under control thank goodness!
Posted 8/11/2009 2:36 PM (GMT 0)

Jen O said...
festeris, off topic, but are you really on 600 mgs or Imuran?

Hi Jen O, NO typo!

From what I understand they measure dosage proportionate to your weight and I'm 265 lbs. I'm concerned regarding this especially now that I've decided to undergo Remicade treatment on the August 17th.

The worst part is my Doctor is fairly certain that due to the agressive nature of my UC I will NOT be able to STOP the Imuran during treatment of Remi and the threat of Cancer has got me scared *#$%less!

Don't mean to hijack a thread...just answering a question...thanks! 


Posted 8/11/2009 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
festeris - That seems to be a crazy high dosage even at 265lbs. I have heard 1 mg per 1 pound of body weight is even considered high...that would put you at 265 mg not 600 mg. Are you have regular blood count tests done? I would be very concerned at that dosage. Are you going to taper down to a lower dosage at some point? I hope that the Remicade helps you. I am so sorry your UC is so agressive!
Posted 8/11/2009 5:33 PM (GMT 0)

thatfield said...
festeris - That seems to be a crazy high dosage even at 265lbs. I have heard 1 mg per 1 pound of body weight is even considered high...that would put you at 265 mg not 600 mg. Are you have regular blood count tests done? I would be very concerned at that dosage. Are you going to taper down to a lower dosage at some point? I hope that the Remicade helps you. I am so sorry your UC is so agressive!

Duh! I just checked the bottle and I'm actually taking 6/50mg. a day! Not 600mg. only 300mg. wink Thank God! Should I still be alarmed? Will this be a problem with the Remicade?

Thanks!

Posted 8/11/2009 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
festeris - Whew - that sounds much better! I was worried for you! :) I know that several people take both Imuran and Remicade with success. I don't have any first hand experience with either though. I am hoping the very best for you, sounds like you could really use some relief!
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