I had an interesting appointment today. It was MUCH more detailed of an
exam than the first Rheumatologist I saw did. They actually took xrays
of my joints.
However, the new Rheumy isn't convinced that RA is the correct
diagnosis. Simply because I don't have any swollen joints, nor did I
have an RA factor in my bloodwork. However, the lack of swelling could
be due to the prednisone I have been taking for the past 2 months, so
I'm on a slow weaning process over the next 4 weeks, then I see him 4
days after I'm completely off the prednisone. (not like the pred helps
with the pain anyways, heh)
He thinks I have fibromyalgia....however he did say he was going with
that right NOW, but wants to see what I'm like without the prednisone,
and how my bloodwork comes back (it's been 2 months since I've had
labwork...my initial labwork was done 5wks into the joint pain...so
very early). He's not ruling RA out, but since I've had alot of trouble
sleeping, thats what tipped him off to fibro. I'm not convinced,
because part of my sleeping problems are also due to the fact that the
baby is us 2-3 times a night.
So, weaning off the prednisone, he's upping my Zoloft to 50mg instead
of 25mg. He thinks that upping the zoloft will help the pain, and help
me sleep. Not convinced, since I WAS on 50mg of zoloft when all this
started, but hey, I'll try it again. (I went back down to 25mg, because
I'm not mad at my mother at 25mg, which means it's doing it's job. lol.
I was put on Zoloft for PPD....and am now just staying on becauase
SSRI's are supposed to be good for chronic pain patients) He also gave
be a script for Relafen. I'm allowed to have any NSAID my little heart
desires (his exact words, I thought that was cute). I can't take
Celebrex though because I'm allergic to Sulfa. *sigh*
So, who's got experience with Relafen?? I'm dying, so I ate something,
and just took one for today. Being out and about all day really wiped
me out.
All in all, it was a good appointment. He knows the other Dr I saw, and
says his (the other doc) treatment style is very normal of the younger
Rheumatologists, which is "treat now, ask questions later", whereas, he
prefers to sit back and see whats going to happen with a patient like
me for a few months before pushing heavy duty drugs like MTX and the
biologics. Which I respect that decision. I actually prefer it...I
still hold out hope this is just post-partum hormonal induced, and
it'll go away soon (hey, a girl can dream, right???)
He's also a good friend of my uncle who's on staff at the same
hospital. So, I think that helps a little bit. (it's actually DH's
uncle....but still family.)
I feel a little better. I just hope this relafen works. I hardly slept
a wink last night, I was in so much pain. I just couldn't get
comfortable.
*crosses fingers*
It sounds like you'll make progress with this doc. He seems very open to the idea of just finding out what wrong with you, and not sticking with one diagnosis permanantly.
I can't BELIEVE other docs didnt do x-rays on you! I have had so many x-rays I should glow. :|
As far as the RA Factor, well, I've had this since damn near birth, and I've NEVER tested positive. Not to burst your bubble, but blood work isn't everything.
I can see you having Fibro. It's good that doctors are start to actually diag. people with it, not too long ago it was thought to be "all in your head" So at least what you have is a start, and that's better than anything at this point!
Good luck and keep us posted!
Katie
Katie...