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Tests-And the Survey Says...

Alrighty...I want to know how some of you get away with only having tests once a year! Our survey showed that there is no average around here. We go from once a month or less to once every two years for medical testing. I suppose much of the difference can be attributed to type of arthritis, the medications we take and the severity of our condition.

Here are some of the things you said:

"...I have blood tests done every time I go the doctor, about every other month. I also have a bone density test once a year..."

"... I have a very good doctor who explains everything thoroughly. She treats me as an equal. I've had some doctors who treat me like a child (some of that is due to the fact that I've had arthritis since I was about 20, and probably looked like I was 16)..."

"...my doctor is very good about explaining why they are performing the test..."

"..Blood tests are meaningless to me. My eyes glaze over at the beginning explanation of the terminology. Too bad they don't have "blood work for dummies" as a quick training manual..."

"...why? is it that medical doctors act like they don't care about someone with this sickness a few doctors that saw me a few times before acted like something meaningless..."

"...When first diagnosed, I didn't know or understand the majority of the tests. This site and discussions have helped educate me not only on what the tests are but how to approach my doc to get info that I need..."

"...I know that the bloodwork done for me is to make sure there is no liver or lung damage along with my methotrexate, but I don't know what they are or how they can tell anything..."

"..since I've been diagnosed why more tests?"

This week we'll look into some of the tests and what the results mean. We'll also find out why they are done or aren't done. Please make sure you join us tonight at 9:30pm Eastern time in the Chatroom as Dr. Barry Waters joins us to discuss Tests & Diagnostic Procedures.

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Page last updated on July 16, 2000