Rheumatologist in San Antonio

I just received bloodwork and my GP is referring me to a rheumatologist who can't squeeze me in for another four months!  Does any one have any recommendations?  I tested Positive ANA Speckled pattern titer 1:40.  Thanks!

[karajo]

What are your symptoms?

[anafromtexas2]

I have severe joint pain in knees, elbows, feet and hands.  Fatigue, Morning Stiffness, sudden onset of high blood pressure, feel crappy for past six months.  Insomnia.  

[karajo]

There are 11 criteria for a lupus dx.  You must have at least 4 of the 11 to recieve a dx.

They are:
1. malar rash over cheeks (butterfly rash)
2. discoid rash, red raised patches
3. photosensitivity - reaction to sunlight, resulting in skin rash
4. oral and nose ulcers
5. arthritis
6. serositis - inflamation (inflammation) of the lining of the lung or heart
7. reanl disorder - excessive protein in urine and/or cellular casts
8. neurologic disorder - seizures, or psychosis
9. anemia or low white blood countor lymphopenia or low platelet count
10. positive ANA
11. positive anti-DNA or anti-Sm, or antiphospholipid antibody or false pos. syphilis test

Other symptoms are:
fever
abdominal pain
chest pain
shortness of breath
blood in urine
hair falling out
fatigue
muscle pain and weakness
dizziness
poor memory
headaches
poor circulation in fingers and toes
tingling in extremities
diarrhea
bloating
nausea
weight loss
abdominal pain
blurred vision
depression
palpitations
raynauds (where fingers turn white when cold)
intollerance to cold
sore throat
...to name a few

Keep in mind that fibromyalgia, CFS, MS and lymes disease also have similar symptoms.  Your ANA is very low and would be considred negative by a rhematologist.  I encourage you to spend time in the sun prior to your next ANA test.  If you have lupus, the sun will cause your ANA to be elevated, thus helping w/ the dx.  

We are here to help in anyway.
God bless, Kara