OK. Had blood work drawn and will get Xrays today. I saw the PA and also the main Dr. Some of my joints are inflamed, she said. As of right now, she is saying it is some type of inflammatory arthritis. She said she doesn't want to jump to the Rheumatoid diagnosis without the bloodwork and xrays. She said it could be as simple as a virus. She also said my lower back stiffness has nothing to do with Rheumatoid arthritis so that may be something different, although the neck and hips are leaning towards RA.
So, after spending 5 weeks counting down the days to a diagnosis, I am sitting here knowing nothing more than I did before I went to the appt.
Well, I guess I'll just wait some more.
Karen
Karen; lots of folks got the same sort of unclear dx their first trip to the RD. Mine was easier; but I think some doctors will diagnosis it quicker than others. Every doctor is different. Don't give up...I know you must really be discouraged.
I'm with the rest of the gang here; Take the predisone!! It's really going to help. Not everyone gains weight anyway...it's well worth any weight gain anyway at this point.
Hope you feel better.
Lovie
Prednisolone has been a life saver so far for me. Even on just one tablet a day I felt no pain at all. And if anything I've lost weight. How that works out I dont know xDitto! Take it! I didn't gain weight on higher dosages. (up to 20mg) Just be aware that the stuff makes you hungry, so pay attention to what you put in your mouth. And even if youy do gain a little, ask yourself which you want--pain or a few pounds? You're going to feel so much better!Thank you for the support. I actually read the Rx and it is 7.5 mg (1/2 tablet in the AM, 1 tablet in the PM... tablets are 5 mg each). I think I am only going to take the 1 tablet at bedtime and see if that helps.
I had my 21 xrays yesterday
I hope everyone has a great day today and I will check back in on Friday if I get my results.
Thanks,
Karen
I agree with the others. Take the pred. When I was prescribed it last year I wasnt going to take it either just because I knew all these meds weren't good for you in the long run. But I gave in because of the pain and it was the best thing I could have done! Felt better in days. I started out on 5 mg. Never gained weight; actually lost it. Now I'm down to 1/2 mg and hope to be off it next month. Good luck to you!
Susan Update: My x-rays were pretty good, nothing major showing up. So, I guess I just have to wait til the end of next week for the results of my bloodwork. In the meantime, I'll continue taking the Prednisone since I did search up on here about many people having normal x-rays but still have RA. We'll see what the bloodwork shows... I don't know what would be worse, having an RA diagnosis or having a "I don't know what you have, maybe you're just crazy" diagnosis.
Prednisone isn't doing much yet... I am taking one 5mg tablet before bed. My neck is still sore and everything is still popping. Hips still hurt after I get up from sitting down. Well, I'm off on Saturday for a week of Fishing. I will check back in when I get the results of the bloodwork. I do, however, have this feeling that it will be normal and that this is all in my head and I am as crazy as a loon (no offense to the Canadian Dollar).
Karen Karen honey, hang in there. You aren't crazy. I had negative blood work myself, and all though I do show signs of errosion on my X-Rays over time....my doctor did not delay in diagnosising me that very first visit. Not all doctors are the same though and some hesitate much longer than others think is best. The only missing criteria for me was the blood work, and you only need about 4 to be diagnosised. Check that post on the first page under the "Useful Links" sections. It's one of the first ones I posted. Lots of doctors are different; but lots of folks here have been exactly where you are now. Don't let anyone tell you your crazy. Enjoy your vacation time and try not to worry. Take Care, Lovie Karen, I have been reading about all the drugs and I have noticed that prednisone is used for all kinds of inflammatory illnesses so even if you don't have ra, it may relieve the pain. Lovie, I was very high in rh factor and crp something or other (i think that is the acronym) but they still did not diagnose ra in hospital. Rheumy diagnosed me right away, as soon as he saw the blood work. He also said a good indicator of ra is if prednisone has results right away. Have you heard of that?
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