I'm not sure if I told you guys but I went to see a new rheumy a few weeks
ago. I was having a bit of trouble with the previous guy because he was
condescending to me. At the time I was on an anti-depressant to help me
cope. Since I've got the diagnosis I've come off it because now I know
what it is it seems easier for me to deal with it. The old rheumy was
saying things like "just because you have RA, it's no reason to kill
yourself" and "are you sure you're feeling this way?". He had to go.
So I went to the new guy, who is very nice, introduced himself by his first
name (I like it when doctors do that) and took me completely seriously.
Examined me, started me on Plaquenil and discussed with me about
starting methotrexate, ordered more blood tests and I went on my merry
way.
When I went to my GP for my chest pains the other day, my rheumy had
sent him a letter saying how nice, polite and well grounded I was!
How nice is that? In the letter he also said that my bloodwork was still
completely negative (RF and anti-CCP and my sed rate has come down a
bit) but he has no doubt that I have RA due to my completely symmetrical
inflammation, my morning stiffness and my family history.
I'm still having problems though. It seems like everything I can possibly
get, I do. I have insanely dry eyes, the sjogrens makes my nostrils dry out
and bleed, I have tooth decay and receding gums from the sjogrens, I
have pleurisy and chest pains, I have a LOT of fatigue and malaise, and I
have these insane mood swings from being so tired and cranky.
Bah, I can get teeth pulled out, use drops, take medications, at least I still
have my life! And I'm so grateful for that everyone, I hope you're
having a good day!
Love your attitude and humor, Chelsea. Great you got a new and improved Rheumy!
As far as that suicidal thinking.That is very real and should ALWAYS be taken seriously.People have taken their lives due to pain many times.The depression that comes along with it is awful.Are you sure you should have come off your anti-depressant?You have to be careful witht that.Believe me I know.I have bipolar and severe depression.been on meds. for along time but still get down.If I didn't have my meds. I would be dead by now.The meds. help more that you think.But then again once you get treated the depression could be what is called situational depression and short term treatment of anti-depressants are all that is needed.
Whatever be the case, I am so glad you have a good dr. looking out for you.
Sheila