Been to rheumy today | Arthritis Information

Hello everyone

Just calling in to say that new rheumy doesn't think I have an active rheumatoid disease (??) and wants me off the prednisolone asap. If he doesn't think I have active rheumatoid disease then why go to all the trouble of having NINE vials of blood drawn for every lupus test known to man and more??

Been down this route four years ago and only got a positive RF from it then. Just feel so deflated. I suppose I was hoping to get some positive help to get off the prednisolone and treat me for the PMR (if it is PMR.......duh!).

Another wait and see. for the results.

Take care, love Judi xx

Oh Judi,
Boy do I understand how it feels to be up in the air with these Doctors. Like how did you get on pred.to begin with? You did not write the prescription.

Don't forget that even insurance companies sometimes recommend a second opinion and that may be where your help lies.

You know something isn't right with your body.

Hang in there and we'll just see how reducing your pred. works.

I think Doctors are playing a game. They are not sure of this diagnosis when they make it.

Best Wishes,
Kewanee

Hi Kewanee

I wish I had the chance of a second opinion. We in the UK do not have that luxury with the NHS. In particular, I live in a rural town and have to visit the hospital of a city (small) where the rheumatology department has only two consultants (I've now seen both of them). We cannot be referred out of the area due to funding issues. I do not have any medical insurance so I cannot go to see a private consultant. (I can't afford to pay either!). I must say my GP is brilliant and he has been treating the symptoms. He originally thought of lupus years ago but all the tests can back negative. (I know with lupus you can be seronegative and/or test results can differ from time to time.)

As you say, I'm going to hang in there and reduce the prednisolone and see what happens.

Hope you are having a better day. Just off to bed now as I have tobe up early tomorrow to take the Bonviva.

Night night

Judi, I'm so sorry. If He takes you off and the pain comes back, you have PMR. I hope he's not relying on sed rates. Some of the use that as their gauge and it's just not accurate. If so, you'll have to go to someone who will prescribe the prednisone or you can't make it. It's just a nightmare. Love and prayers