Rheumy and dx | Arthritis Information

A year ago overnite, I awoke w/extreme pain upper arms, neck, wrists, hands. The doc ran tests and said I have Sjogrens, RA. Nothing for pain. On my own I started prednisone and was on it for 4 mo. inorder to sleep at nite. Tapered off the pred and was much better. Then a relapse, arm pain, hands, knees. The doc ignored the possibility of PMR and insists its Sjogrens. He rx Placquenil and Evoxac. I started the E. and got hives. Then I started prednisone, and miracle - woke, no pain. Havn't started the Plac. yet. How do you get a doc to look beyond the positive ssa and ssb to the possibility of PMR when the Pred. clearly works. I hve been to 3 rheumys now.

Jule

Jule, Hope you don't think we're ignoring your problem, but you've used some terms I'm not familiar with and maybe others aren't. What is Sjogrens? I presume the RA refers to rheumatoid arthritis. What are ssa and ssb?

About the only advice I have is go for rheumy #4. Seems they are trying to force you into an arthritis slot.

Also, don't mean to pry but some folks have no info at all in their profiles. What kind of medical system are you in? UK, U.S. etc.? That might have a bearing.

What dosage of pred did you start and how long was the taper process? What dose are you on now?

Hope you get some positive response from #4 rheumy.

[QUOTE=BobW] What is Sjogrens?[/quote] There is a nicely done discussion re:Sjögrens syndrome >>HERE<< I presume the RA refers to rheumatoid arthritis. [quote] What are ssa and ssb?[/quote] Usually, in connection with diseases that fall under the categorization of autoimmune illness, they are laboratory specific tests for autoimmune markers.

Jule, I am more than a bit perplexed as to why your physician did not prescribe something, anything, for the RA. Was a recommendation forthcoming re: Sjögrens, such as regular eye examinations, wetting agents for your eyes, vigorous dental care, including regular examinations and the use of oral wetting agents?

I am sure that many of the members of this discussion forum have experienced the necessity of becoming our own health care advocates and seeing many physicians in our quest to have the very best health care available.

I salute your search for optimum health care from a reasonable, responsible physician.

Let us know how you are doing and how your search is progressing.

With courage, Happ

Bob and Hap, thanks for your replys. I had no swollen/red joints in my hands so the sjogrens dx superceded the RA. Ive had dry eyes mouth and sjogrens dx for 8 yrs w/no pains, till last year. The only rx for sjo. is placquenil. The docs don't mention pred.ad think the plac. will help the pain (in maybe several months.

Jule