Good Morning!
I go to yet another doctor on June 11th to see if someone can figure out
what's wrong with me. I have all of the hallmark symptoms of RA. But
everyone keeps telling me I am fine. I am starting to think I am crazy.
Do any of you have any suggestions of ways to explain or show to my new
doctor what is going on so I am taken seriously? I am in a great deal of pain
and with 15 days left of the school year, I hope I can make it!
Thanks!
Do you have any days where your joints are swelling and they look just icky? Take pictures of that. Journal daily how you are feeling along with whatever activity you have done that day and bring that in. Are you very fatigued? Mention that also. Be honest about your pain level on a scale from 1 to 10 with being they are cutting off a limb with no anesthesia. Also, if you have had blood work or xrays done by the other doc...bring those results in with you. Mention how long any pain, fatigue, and stiffness has been going on. If you have any questions for the doc...write them down and bring that in. My rheumy said you can have RA with all blood work indicating you are healthly.... if needed get more than one opinion....good luck and god bless.
That'ts the thing that I kept saying to my GP-- my bloodwork shows signs of
inflammation--I said could I have some kind of arthritis? He said "Maybe you
have a virus." That would be a pretty amazing virus to last since 11/2004.
That's when I asked for the referral. Hopefully she will be able to help me.
Check with your insurance company. You may not have to have a referral. You might could just set up your own appointment on your own.
That's what I did years ago. Good Luck!
Hi, Wow, the school year ending will give you so much relief. I'm sure you've done a great job and will be able to relax . Stress contributes so much to our pain and suffering. It seems like a long time off to see the doctor *15 days!, I hope you can call and get an appointment sooner. They always say they don't have anything, but maybe you could get on a stand by list? I know how awful you feel waiting for help! SarahKeep a log of your daily symptoms between now and the 11th. Log how much sleep you got, how you felt when you woke up, how long that feeling lasted. At the same intervals during the day record your pain levels, describe it as well as which specific joints are affected. Write down what you eat and how you feel 2 hours after eating. Write down your exercise and how you feel 2 hours later. Record any other symptoms: fatigue levels, rashes, fevers etc, changes in bowel movements. Even if the symptoms seem totally unrelated write down anything that is different to your norm. So many rheumatological diseases have overlapping symptoms that sometimes it is the littles things that differeniate them. ALso record any medications you have taken over the time period and how you reacted to it. Include any pictures you take of inflammed joints, rashes, etc
Thanks for all of the ideas. Believe me, I tried to get in sooner, but she only