I'm new here - just thought I'd say hello. I've enjoyed reading all of your posts. I hate what has brought us all here, but it's good to know that there are others who are going through some of the same things - who can really understand. I have felt pretty alone here the last couple of weeks. My GP did bloodwork, which came back negative. Now he seems to think that it's all in my head, despite the flu-like symptoms, swollen, painful joints, etc. I've been asking him since last Thursday for a referral. He finally called me back yesterday (after my fiance called up there and raised h***). Hopefully, it won't take as long to get the referral done. I just want to know what's going on with my body and what can be done to combat it.
Hi Izzie...welcome!
I hope you get the answers you're looking for soon. Must be frustrating not knowing what's going on but even worse, having a doctor not believeing what you're telling him.
Kelly
Welcome Izzie. You're facing a difficult time right now. We're happy to support you through it....come back and visit us often. It helps sometimes to talk with others in the same situation.
Again; Welcome
Hi Izzie,I am new too! Only a few days new and I've learned so much AND have an immediate place to turn with new questions or situations as they arise. ALL of my friends & family have been beyond belief supportive, however, I do feel like all I do is complain and feel like crap around them, I am sure they get tired of it too. So.. it's WONDERFUL to be able to share anything about our illness.
I go BACK to the rheumy on tues - been 3 weeks since I saw her and she was running more tests and took xrays - Part of me knows this HAS to be RA - just waiting for her to put a name on it. She wanted to be sure. So scared of meds, what she'll tell me, etc. She does have me on an anti inflam which has made me comfortable.
After 6 weeks of this nonsense of chronic pain and feeling fluish and exhausted - today I woke up and felt almost normal! I'm afraid to close my eyes tonight.
I agree - doctors put their pants on one leg at a time like you & me - we are paying them to help us - they don't get to "kick us to the curb". I hear over & over the bloodwork is NOT conclusive. Even my rhuemy agreed -
Hang in there - "that which you endure, will make you stronger"....
Don't give up. Apparently this is something that happens a lot. When I initially went to an Urgent Care, the doctor there told me not to let the general practicioner treat me and to fight and push for a referral to an rheumatologist if they don't send me right away. You need a good RA doctor. Good luck. Hi Izzie and welcome. This is the place to come and talk with friends who are going through the same things. I'm glad you will be seeing a rheumatologist soon. It can take an awlfully long time to get formally diagnosed and many of us have had similar difficulties with being taken seriously and getting diagnosed. Believe in yourself and your intuition. After many years of joint and muscle problems, I finally was seen by a rheumatologist. Even then it took 8 more years to have the blood work definitively show that I have RA. It can be frustrating. Good luck and keep us informed about your appointment. Hi Izzie,