Hello again everyone. If you remember me I am the newbie that posted about "could I have RA".
My mother has suffered from "arthritis" never diagnosed what kind for most of her life also. She has been getting very swollen, and deformity in her hands. She is almost certain she has RA, but won't go to a rheumatologist or anything. She is just taking some meds her boyfriend gets and taking them (they were prescribed for him), and that's it. So, the hereditary part of RA is a possability for me.
Also, I have done some more research into RA and Fibromyalgia and I identify with them both. I am sure now that I need a "work up" at the doctor... but I called the rheumatologist nearest to me and its is a 6-8 week wait! I wouldn't be able to get in until April, so I am thinking of just letting my regular doc do it. What do you think?
make the appt with the rheumatologist and go see your PCP. Your regular dr can do a complete physical and blood work and hopefully get a lot of the preliminary stuff out of the way
Hello and welcome! *hugs*
What is your Mom borrowing from her BF? I'm sure she needs medical treatment, but from what you said she doesn't want to go. Maybe you can surprise her with a visit to the local doc. ;)
Has your regular doc done any bloodwork for you? I would go ahead and make the appointment with the rheumatologist and ask them to call you immediately if they have any cancellations. In the meantime, I bet your reg doc could prescribe a Medrol pack or something to make you more comfortable. I know 6-8 weeks sounds like a long time, but hang in there!
Hope you have a superfantastic and extra-comfortable evening! :) And welcome to the group!
yes make the appointment with the RD! That seems to be about the usual wait. I got the run around from 4 different Drs. before I was finally referred to a RD. I was lucky it only took 5 months to get dx'ed from when my knee started swelling. The RD knew right away what the other drs. didn't. I don't know why that is...maybe they don't want to be the ones to give bad news. BUT the sooner you get a DX, the sooner you can get meds to stop any damage that might be taking place if you do have RA. Good Luck!