Diagnosis Before Taking Prescribed Medications?

[peg612]

Last month, after three months of pain, that only got progessively worse, I was seen at the Emergenc Room, and
given a DX of bursitis.  It's been my belief tht bursitis is localized to a specific location, like the shoulder or hip. This
pain, and stiffness has progressed from the left hip to the right hip, my knees, hands, ankles, and all joints, including my lower back. I breakout in hives and have not idea what the cause is. I don't want to bore you with, but
my paternal grandfather was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in this middle to late forties. The pain I'm having,
is all over my body.  It's bone pain, not muscle pain.  So far, all I've been given are nsaids to reduce inflammation,
for bursitis.  Upon seeing my primary care provider, not once was there further discussion, as to just what my DX is.
Total body inflammation can be extremely serious, because it can affect all organs.  

I love my doctor, and wouldn't swap him out, for a million dollars.  But, it's my opinon I should at the very least have
some labs ordered, such as the Rheumatoid Factor, and a referral to a Rheumatologist.

If you have any advice, I would really appreciate your input.

Thank you,

Peggy

[LivingInHope]

Please keep me posted!  

If the rheumatologist offers to refer you to an acupuncturist, it's worth a try if you can get one well trained, as I've gotten help before with my TMJ arthritis in the past (though one of their TMJ needle locations on each side of the head I nixed after getting a terrible migraine once).  Lately, I've been wondering about seeing if I can get some more, because it's been a long time and hurting me to lay on my sides for very long again.

  They once showed on tv about a scientific study where the gave acupuncture for knee arthritis- some they put needles in the correct places, after traditional fashion, and with other patients, they put the needles in the wrong locations.  Those with the needles in the proper spots showed a significantly larger percentage of help with their arthritis pain versus those who got them in the wrong spots!

[carolanivey]

I agree with Pmartin - we are our own best health advocates. Sometimes we have to be the squeaky wheel to get what we need!

[pmartin1664]

I beleive the concenus is in, Take your Doctor actions or inaction as just that, non-action amybe due to his, not getting the point. It's clear to us all, you have a condition that has not been established. To do nothing, is just wrong. You HAVE to ask him to order a referral. It could be as simple as saying, " could you refer me to someone in, Rheumatology, someone you like". Make him/her feel like, they are doing you a favor. The fact is, somethings wrong. The fact is, you are in a level of pain and discomfort, that siginifies, pertinent action. seems to me, not much has been done, thus far.
If you have just had your appt, call for another, right away. Maybe then, your doctor will see that yuour not in for, "another monthy visit and chit chat"!

When we all find a great Doctor, sometimes we, beat around the bush on issues that we think are a, "touchy subject". Does the good doc think I'm trying to get some narcs? I don't want to seem, too pushy. My doctors really busy, I don't want to take tto much of his time. Man, the doctor came in the room, and is quicky flying through the visit, I'd better get pushy next month.  All these issues get you, NOWHERE. Why should you live in pain. Not knowing is pain in itself. Get your future in order today. Find out what is causing these ssymptoms. Get to the bottom of it. Then your life will be easier. Cause then, your in the know!!  Get to it, and take care of YOURSELF!  Pmartin

[peg612]

Thank you, for your comments.  I re-read what posted from my initial post, and it appears that some info was dropped, or I just typed to darn fast.  Doc keeps throwing
pills at me.  First NSAIDS, and Tramadol, a narcotic pain reliever.  No, I didn't even
bother taking the Tramadol.  It's highly addictive, and while I'm sure I wouldn't feel any
pain, I'm not interested in taking opiate based, pain medications.  

I will be calling for a referral to a Rheumatologist. I don't see how my doctor could
refuse me.  If he does, I'll find my own Rheumatologist.  

Again, thank you both for your responses.  Take care, and stay well.  

Peg

[TrudieC]

Insist on a referral to a rheumatologist to rule out RA and Lupus.  They are the best at diagnosing and treating and even do their own testing which is more senstivie.

[LivingInHope]

I agree with you- be pro-active.  Tell your doctor you want to be tested for rheumatoid and lupus too!  You might want to get your calcium and vitamin D levels tested as well!  And tell your doctor you would like that referral.  If your doctor is truly worth their salt, they will be willing to try to help you in you pursuit of answers!