If he hasn't seen you yet, then not sure why he'd refer you to a rheumie at this point. Did you ask why?

I wasn't home. It was a message he left but he said he believes I have a clotting disorder. Lupus is the only one I can think of which now adds to anxiety.

There's lupus which is the autoimmune disease and then there's the lupus anticoagulant, which is not lupus the autoimmune disorder. I do know that lupus the autoimmune disease can increase your risk for clotting. So can lupus anticoagulant.

I think it's complete CRAP that you get a call like that with no explanation, and if it were me, I'd be on the phone NOW, getting some freakin' answers from somebody.

I'd not panic yet. I'd try to get information first.

It could be too that if your hema just wants a second opinion from a rheumi if your blood work came back inconclusive. Still, that should be explained to you.

I've looked online and most all information is about women which is understandable. All the information about guys says the prognosis is more grim. I called te doctor back but he's with patients and can't take the call. This isn't what I need when trying to overcome this anxiety.

Well, lets be honest, looking stuff up on line isn't doing your anxiety any good, so I'd stop that for now.

When do you see your hema? Did you leave him a message to call you when he has some time? If he doesn't call you back, ask to speak to a nurse. It's usually better than trying to work through a receptionist.

I did leave a message. We'll see if he calls back.

And I don't see him until the 21st of this month.

Well, see if he calls you back and if not, just keep calling. You can just say you weren't clear on what the consultation was for and would like more information as to why it's necessary at this point.

Hmmm. This is all very odd. I don't have lupus, but I do have rheumatoid arthritis (also an autoimmune disease) that pre-dated my DVT/PE. It's possible that the RA was a contributing factor, but very unlikely that it was the sole reason. The hematologist really shouldn't be in the business of putting an idea that you have lupus in your head - I can't imagine that lupus can be diagnosed soley from a blood test.

I agree with @rnb that the hematologist owes you an explanation as to why he's suggesting a rheumy referral. Alternatively, if this is causing you significant stress, try calling the rheumy's office each day to see whether there's a next-day cancellation where you might get squeezed in for quicker answers.