Hi, I had my appt yesterday, saw a different consultant, and he seemed to listen to what I said. Asked lots of questions, and said I wasnt presenting the usual symptoms for RA, but definitely had RA and OA, and there is joint damage.
He suggested it could be mixed connective tissue disease, or an undelrying overlap of illnesses, mainly Lupus, had more bloods done, results not until March now. He thinks I also have sjogrens. There is alot of swelling on ankles, elbows, wrists and hands. The methotrexate was upped to 15mg. I am to continue on tramadol 100mg, even though I get pain all the time, especially in feet. At night its mainly hips and neck and shoulder pain.
He said my job doesnt help, working with 2 babies every day pushing a double buggy etc and lifting children. Will have to talk to parents now I think.
Any help with the MCTD would be useful, if anyone else has this, thanks.
Sam, I agree about getting the results faxed or mailed to you. I remeber when I first starting having chronic health problems I did not know to ask for this information. I also get copies of the letters my Neuro and Rheumy send to my General practioner...I am really lucky...all 4 of my doctors , Neuro, rheumy, ortho and family doc...have never made me feeled rushed. But I have been to some in the past that did...like my old OBGYN...he was always rushed
Why do you have to wait until March for results on the labs? Can you call and get a report sooner? I have Sjogrens too, I get my permanent punctal plugs on Mon., it felt like I could tell the instant the temporary ones dissolved!
Hi, thanks for replies, I have checked out the web site for MCTD thanks mrs pincushion. I dont know if I could get the results for the tests before this, even if I do, I still have to wait for an appt with the clinic to get anymore help, thanks waddie. I havent seen a podiatrist yet, no one has mentioned this, maybe I could ask for a referral from my GP. Also havent seen anyone about eyes, I get my eyes tested for glasses regularly as I wear varifocal lenses. Again this would be referral from GP. When the GP mentioned sjogrens (and the rheumy agreed) there was no mention of needing to get special checks done. I feel like I am being a nuisance with asking things, and like I am making a fuss about everything, so I dont like to keep on asking questions. Even at rheumy, it is always a fairly rushed appt, this time was better I had about 15 mins. Dont really know where to go next for advice really. Thanks all
Awwww, Barbie, don't think of it being a nuisance, think of it as being pro active! Some of the visits I have with specialist were suggestions of my RD, others I did myself, but check if you need referrals. I found my RD was more than happy to give me referrals.
Do you have an advocate to take with you to visits? That helps me to get all my questions asked and to remember the answers! I make a list of questions (and try and research them before I go) and my advocate (DH wears many hats!) takes notes for me. Your RD should be willing to answer questions.
Also, try and put together a team of doctors that will work with one another. Your PCP is a good place to start and can help with referrals. I ask all my doctors to send progress notes to one another and make sure they all have updated medication lists. Make sure you run supplements you are thinking of adding by your RD before you add them as well.
Coming here is a great place to go to have questions answered, support and other things.
As far as what to do next, you may want to do research. Research meds, treatments, disease control, anything RA related! It helps you to talk to your RD and gives a measure of control.
Take care Barbie!
Barbie
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