Quix~Rheumatologist

[SUGAR~~]

Quix~

Well I had my rheumie appointment. He said" Your bloodwork was very interesting. There is nothing indicative of lupus or any other auto immune problem. There is however some inflammation. What joint bothers you the most??" I told him that my shoulder was the usual culprit. As it is the most common site of problems. My hip causes the most significant problems though as I can not bear weight when it is flaring. But anyway. He said "we're gonna give you a shot into the joint." I asked him if it hurt, as I have never received a injection of this nature,  and he said, "It won't hurt me."  He said that I had osteoarthritis and when I questioned him about this being the cause of the dibilitating fatigue, he said,  he didn't think it was.  He stated that it may be related to the anemia. I asked what would have caused it before the anemia was diagnosed and he kinda just rubbed his head with no response. So, then what has he done to help me???...............Nothing. I left that office in a great deal of discomfort. He took a baseline x-ray of the shoulder and said if it bothered me to call, otherwise see him again in 6 months. He wants to repeat the bloodwork and see what's going on. I don't have the numbers. I went through such hell at the receptionist desk regarding my referral, due to the unprofessionalism of my PCP's staff, I didn't think to ask for copies of anything. Honestly Quix, I am getting thoroughly discouraged and losing hope. My faith in the healthcare field is dwindling, to say the least. Just wanted to let you know the outcome, as I said that I would. I have the VEP on Monday morning and at my last neuro visit, they decided to do SEP studies (upper and lower extemities) also on Monday. I am going to have all of the labs, done at the rheumie appointment,  repeated at the Cleveland Clinic, as my neuro ordered them also and then some. The aformentioned sleep study will be done sometime in the future. The neuro and his nurse are on vacation. Thank you Quix for your time and expertise regarding all of this. it is greatly appreciated.

Thank you~~Cindi

[Quixotic1]

It's so nice to have a name for you!  I'm going to reread some of your other posts in light of the clear rheumatology work up (You relly need to get those test results and the copy of the rheum's consult to your PCP).  With that out of the picture and knowing that your inflammation index (ESR or CRP) is elevated, I'll reasses what your wrote.

Quix

[jenn38018]

Man do I know your frustration when it comes to both rheumie's and neuros.  I have seen four rheumatologists and four neuros over the last eight years and still no one can tell me what the heck is wrong with me!  I even have a bunch of things on my bloodwork that are indicative of autoimmune disease, and they still can't give me a proper diagnosis.  It takes so long to really figure these things out,and unfortunately, by then you are so bad off that you have missed out on getting the disease under control in its early stages.  Believe me, I know you feel like you are fighting an uphill battle.  Just take a day or so to regroup, and start fresh with a new outlook next week.  That is what I had to do after my neuro appointment last week.  Don't give up though.  If you don't fight for yourself, no one else will.  We love you and are here for you!

Jenn