arthritis, lupus or too soon to know...

[shellymed]

I am a 40 y/o femaIe who has joint and muscle pain which recently has become worse.  I have had high crp (15) for four years with no other testing recommended.  Recently, I asked my doctor about the previous crp test and he had the test run again.  This time the crp level was 18.  My family practice doctor has sent me to a rheumatologist for additional testing.  The rheumatologist has found:  Rheumatoid factor 8, CCP <20, Albumin low, Alpha 2 globulins high and Sed rate of 53.
He started me on Plaquenil 200mg/day ofr the first month then up to 400mg/day.  He has also recommended 200mg ibuprofen three times a day.
I have a follow up appointment in three months.
I do not have a diagnosis as of yet and would appreciate an opinion on the diagnosis.  Do I wait for three months or do I seek out additional help?      

[smittygirl]

bump

[smittygirl]

I am glad you wrote back and vented, that is exactly why we are here.  Please do not give up, you will find a good Dr. and get help.  Where do you live, perhaps some other members can help you as far as recommending a good doc.  I am going to bump this thread so it goes back to the top.  Hang in there Michelle, we are here for you.

Sue

[shellymed]

I called my rheumy's office for help, the best that they could do was 1 month to get an appointment.  I waited, I went prepared with questions and and I got the diagnosis of polymyalgic arthritis.  
I am so frustrated...I am trying to get in with another doctor but they won't make an appointment without my GP calling to make that appointment.  He is unconcerned and hasn't asked for any follow ups.  I really feel like I am being ignored.
Thanks for letting me vent.  
I will start looking for a new GP and start the process over.

Michelle  

[smittygirl]

I would absolutely NOT wait 3 months.  Your sed rate indicates inflammation in your body and your CRP level is higher than before.   I went thru 3 rheumy's before getting a dx.  There are over 100 types of arthritis.  Please ask them to run the test to see if you are HLA-B27 positive, it is a gene marker that can hep dx some types of arthritis.   I do have the gene and was dx with AS ( Ankoylosing Spondyitis) and ReA ( Reactive Arthritis).. Go to the Arthritis Foundations web site, it was a tremendous help to me.  I had actually figured out what I had before I got to the Mayo Clinic and the doc there said he wouldn't charge me for the appt because I figured out.  Whatever you do, DO NOT let any dr. tell you that you have and type of "poly arthritis"  It just means they don't know what you have.    An anti-inflammatory that worked great for me is prescription Ketoprofen, 200 mg a day.  I am currently on Enbrel injections and just started a morphine patch to help with the pain.   Please stay in touch with me, I have been thru a lot the last four years and may be able to help guide you based on my experience.   Most important thing is to find a good rheumy that listens to you and is determined to find a dx.   I am passionate about trying to help others going through this maze that is arthritis so please don't hesitate to ask me for any help at all.  My best to you.


Sue