I had my second Rheumatologist appointment today. He ran some blood work 3 weeks ago when I first went to see him. He said the guy that does it went home early and so he had most of the results but not all. (I think he is frustrated at how unorganized the people in his office are, he also complained that my paperwork in my chart wasn't in the right order)
Mainly, my RF was still a little high, but he said not too much.
And my SED rate which was 129 last time, is 58 this time. So its gone down but its still too high. He said it should be around 16.
As for the pain in my ribs, he told me he really has no explanation for it.
Oh, also he said I dont have this now, but that in the future I could get Human Parvo Virus B-19. He said usually we get it when we're little, but apparently I never got it. He said as children it only causes some fever for a couple days along with some other stuff. But as an adult, it brings more serious consequences, among them, arthritis and anemia. Like I said, I dont have it now, but its a possibility in the future.
So since my SED rate went down, he ordered more bloodwork.
To be honest, im getting sick of getting poked with needles and still not knowing whats wrong with me. Its frustrating.
Oh, on another note, I just found out my insurance coverage through my mom ends in late July, when I turn 23. So if I do have RA, will I be able to find good insurance? I just graduated from college, only Associates degrees in Communications and Criminal Justice. So im still looking for a good job, but I dont know how soon ill get a good one that provides some good health insurance. Anyway, any advice you can share with me on this topic would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Well get insurance now because if you are not yet dxed it will make it harder for them to denie you. Keep us posted as to what the doctors say. Sorry you have all of these problems.You do need to work on the insurance issue since RA would be pre-existing. COBRA is an option, but it is expensive.
I have lots of rib/chest wall involvement with the RA. Dr. can feel the inflammation. Chest actually doesn't expand as much as it used too....
I don't blame you for getting frustrated. Some people just have a hard time getting diagnosed. I do think a bit of luck is involved. IF you are actually swollen or have other symptoms the day of your appointment, it's a bit easier. But, it always seems to be he same way as it is with cars. You take the car to the mechanic for a problem, and suddenly it is fine.
Keep pushing for a diagnosis....ha...ive actually used the mechanic/car metaphor once to describe it.
when my ribs hurt, its actually not swollen or anything. it just hurts.
usually it starts to hurt when i lay on my tummy for more than like 5 min.
but at its worst, the pain is nearly unbearable.
Yes I do not know why the doctors seem so confused about the chest and rib involvement. That is years ago I had a doctor say he did not know what it was. I get it also. IDK, Perla, if I would worry too much about the parvo thing.. seems you have a full enough plate to worry about right now. Thats not a bad way to get by with this disease... just enjoying what you can when you can, right foot, left foot... live your life and deal with it as it comes!
Start the fight for the insurance now though, for sure! You should be able to pick up another policy and the cost will surely be worth it if you get a diagnosis, even if you cobra. I had to do that once and it is rough for three months, but borrow if you have to. The cost could be so much higher in the long run.
I have long had lung/chest involvement with my RA. Get a referal to a good pulmonologist if you have to, that seems to help keep me on top of things. The pain could be any number of RA related things, or it could be fibromyalgia... all tough to diagnose so keep fighting to get some one to listen!
I am sorry you are having such a rough time, you are young to deal with so much! You hang in there and keep us posted!
[QUOTE=waddie]Get a referal to a good pulmonologist if you have to, that seems to help keep me on top of things. The pain could be any number of RA related things, or it could be fibromyalgia... all tough to diagnose so keep fighting to get some one to listen![/quote]
Costochondritis and/or Tietze syndrome can be absolutely frightening and the pain can quite literally stop you in your tracks. Any chest pain needs to be evaluated. Sleeping prone can, and often does, cause and aggravate the condition. Try sleeping with a body pillow to keep your spine and chest wall aligned and sleep either on your side or on your back with your head and shoulders elevated slightly.
I agree with Waddie about seeing a pulmonary specialist and would even recommend seeing a neurologist for evaluation.
Best wishes, Shug
I have a lot of inflammation in my breast bones. I've been struggling with it this week. I take my Humira on Saturday....and it's always worse as my medication wears off. Scared me to death until I had it evaluated by my doctor and I was relieved to know it was inflammation and not something more serious.