Great Doctors and the continued Thickening Plot

[RedFlame]

I had my appointment with the Rheumatologist yesterday.  My PCP had referred me to look into Sjogrens because of my chronic Parotid gland swelling and other things.  

He performed the Schirmer test.  That test is placing two strips of paper in each eye and then having the patient close their eyes.  Normal is greater or equal to 15 millimeters and mine was 1, but of course there are other criteria.  

He sent me over for an x-ray because he was suspicious of Interstitial Lung Disease, something that I don’t even want to think about right now so I will deal with it later.  When I got in my car I began to cry a bit about that as I am out of breath much of the time.

I go back tomorrow morning for two biopsies.  One of the Aphthous ulcer that I have had now for 6 months and then he will biopsy the salivary glands.  He was quite concerned about these and didn’t even want to wait until Friday for the biopsies.  Quix has been very direct and firm in her concern about these things.  It has taken time, but finally a doctor is following through.  I was just so tired.   If only Quix could be our physician!

He ordered massive amounts of blood tests.  Ten vials of blood were taken for a host of things I didn’t recognize. He even ordered an HIV test, he asked if he could ---it’s highly unlikely.  

After the biopsies I go to see the neuro-opthalmologist assuming I can make it through the snow.
Thanks to all for all the support you have given.  You are the best!

Red

[sadie405]

Hi, Red--


Relieved to hear you've still got fight in you, and 2nd the dream about Dr. Quix. :)

Sadie

[RedFlame]

geez Lu, a zero!  What a terrible disease.

kelly,  they have to rule Sjogrens out.  There is a primary and a secondary type.   I'm not sure how it all works----but yes, a biopsy of salivary gland is part of that diagnostic process.  

I will keep all of you posted.

thanks again,

Red

[Lulu54]

I'm glad to hear the doctor is retesting some of these other problems.  as for the schirmer, I feel for you because mine was ZERO.  They said they had never registered an eye that dry.  A one might as well be zero.  Hopefully they gave you some drops to help ease the eye strain because that really does make a difference.

as for the rest of your tests- it is long overdue to have them done.  keep us posted.

[anon07072023]

Red, it sounds like you're on the right track so far. I hope they can figure it all out for you - ASAP. I know it has to be really frustrating.

Do they think you might have Sjögren's Syndrome with them wanting to biopsy your salivary glands?

[Sumanadevii]

Red, I am so proud of you for not giving up the fight!!!!!  I hope this time these doctors take you seriously and really offer some help.  You have struggled too long from lack of good medical care.  I am so hopeful this time for you.

[daisy.girl]

you are in my thoughts and prayers.....so glad you found a doctor that is going to find out what is wrong, so happy to here that!