Starting All Over...

[StormyRenee]

Hi All,
After much thought and suggestions from my friends  I have decided to see another Rheumatologists. I am having issues that might actually lead to a real diagnosis.Fingers crossed.... So wish me luck and send me happy thoughts...I go on April 12th.....

XXXXXTheresa

[silkcut]

Great news that Theresa. I'd be hesitant about old records too. Here we have no choice - all NHS depts the length and breadth of the land have access to your records, which are often wrong or missing. In some parts of the country 1:5 patient records are missing. Officially it's 1:40! So read about 1:17 and you would probably be quite accurate.

Here doctors are incredibly influenced by old records. In fact, 2nd opinion docs just seem to follow all the previous docs because of the old boys' club and that they are mainly sheep (with a few old goats mixed in to give the patients a bit of gip...).

But MRIs are a safer bet in terms of fact.

[StormyRenee]

I did find out that this new clinic is part of IU (indiana university)here.So thats promising.It is completely independent from the old clinic.It is also a woman.It was really hard to find a female rheumy.
In a way I am almost hesitant to bring my prior Rheumy records. I would really like to just start out fresh with this doctor.I want a completely new perspective. I think sometimes doctors can be influenced by prior doctors findings.She can order them if she wants them. I am however going to bring my MRI's.


Thank You All!!!!1
XXXXTheresa

[silkcut]

That sounds like a very good idea, T.

How much of your previous history goes with you? How accurate are your med records? How independent is the new guy from the old? These are the sorts of things we'd be concerned with here.

sammxx

[cin68]

Best of luck to you.  I have my numb fingers crossed for you!  ok bad joke.  If I do not joke about things I will cry.  I love to laugh.
I see a new specialist on the 29th of this month.  He is supposed to be a MS guru.  We shall see.

Please keep us updated and have a wonderful day!

Cin

[thyroidian]

Dear theresa.
I am just writing to wish you well, with your new doctor and hope he can put some light to your diagnosis for all your terrible symptoms,
Ive got my fingers and toes crossed for you.
They mentioned sjorgens , to me but ive never had the lip biopsy,but i do believe its a disease what can mimic MS.and cause similar symptoms.
Good luck for april, please let me know how you get on
Wishing you much luck this time
Nicola.xxxx

[StormyRenee]

Thank You My Friends!!!!

I am pursuing the Sjogren's issues..It just makes way too much sense....
I am most hopeful that I will actually get some answers this time.....I am tired of the "Well you are definatly showing a flare and remitting pattern,I am just not positive what the cause is.." So go home and either wait for nothing or somthing horrible to happen that may or may not help you get dx'ed B.S I seem to get from all the docs.I am sure we have all heard some variation of that . It takes an average of 6.5 years to get a Sjogrens dx. Thats what it says on the site.Thats sad....

XXXXTheresa

[illinwithoutacause]

dear theresa,

i think this makes very good sense.  i am still waiting to hear back about the east coast location for the sjögren's study that i mentioned, but maybe this new rheumy will know?

and like jibby says, it does take a lot out of us to keep plugging away, but there are answers out there.  there just have to be, and this is the only way to find them.

best wishes
binx

[jibjen]

Good Luck!!!
I wish you all the best with this new doc..It takes a lot of energy and strength to keep on gong with this...Best wishes...I hope this will find your answer..

Be Well
Jibs

[Mike_Shuswap]

Good for you Theresa! We all need a bit of a break now and then, but sooner or later you gotta get back at it and push for answers.

Good luck with your new rheumatologist! I really hope this one is the one who'll be able to diagnose and help you.

Sending positive happy thoughts your way!

All the very best to you

Mike