Good morning all!
Tomorrow I am off to see a private rheumatologist, after being told to come back in four months by the nhs guy. I am hoping to get some answers and maybe some solution.
I suppose deep down I am hoping he tells me it has all been a big mistake and I don't have RA (still not been officially diagnosed) and the problem is easy solved. I know, wishful thinking.
Anyway, he can't be any worse than the last guy so keep your fingers crossed (carefully) and I'll let you all know how it goes.
Niki
Good luck at your appointment!!! It would be really nice if he told you that you didn't have RA and that he can give you some miracle pill that will cure you in 10 days. I know that is what I wished for when I was going through getting diagnosed. However, mine hit so fast that I had no prior thoughts of anything before my first appt with my Rheumy. I didn't even know what kind of doctor a Rheumatologist was, I was just told by another doctor that I needed to go see a Rheumatologist. So, you can image how shocked I was when I walked through the door of his office only to find out that this was an arthritis place...I didn't have arthritis...my grandmother had arthritis!! That is honestly all I knew about it. In fact, I thought HE was crazy for telling me that he thought I had RA right from the befinning....low and behold after a few months of test after test after test, his "first thought" soon became my only reality. But....in saying all of that...RA does not mean that your life is over....it just means that it is now different.
I will be thinking about you tomorrow....please let us know how it goes.
I'd cross my fingers for you Niki, if I could.
Seriously though, I wish you luck with this doctor. I hope your visit goes well.
I'll be thinking about you, and keep us posted.
Cris
Good Luck NiKihh....our thoughts will all be with you.
Please check in with us an give us a report as soon as you can.
Lovie
Just thought I would report back on my appointment on Friday. This bloke was really nice. He did a lot of phoning round while I was there, just to make sure he had all of my blood results. Good news is that I am negative for lupus (phew!). I have an ESR of 21 but I am still sero-negative.
He thinks there is definately something going on, but is reluctant to start me on any medication until he is absolutely sure. He laughed when I told him the last guy blamed it on my joint hypermobility. Anyway, I am no nearer an answer, but he wants to see me again every month until he can work out what it is (not like the last guy who said come back in four months!). And even better, he will see me at his other consultancy round the corner from my job, and I'm on his NHS list so no charge! Great!
As I said, I am no nearer an answer but at least I don't feel like a hyperchondriac and feel someon is willing to do something about it. I'll keep you up to date as things progress.
thanks for all the good luck messages.
Niki
Good to hear you got a good doc and he takes you seriously I'll send