Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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orchidisland 09/08/2015

Well tomorrow is my follow up with my new PCP after receiving my blood test results. I am somewgphat curious and apprehensive. Curious to see what he has to say and apprehensive on my path forward. I am also hoping for some validation on symptoms I have had fior over 18 years that have been brushed aside by other Drs. They have been treating my pain but never really dug in to find the true cause. I finally feel like I'm not a crazy person that is just whining about not feeling well. I am grateful for him at least listening to me and looking for a root cause to my issues. Time will tell.

jslittlegirlie 09/08/2015

Orchids land,
You are not crazy! Sorry this is happening to you, but I can tell you Iknow what you're feeling about needing validation. Hopefully your PC will refer you to a Rheumy. Frankly if the PC doesn't I would ask for a referral to a Rheumy. You might want to consider researching Rheumys ahead of your appt. with your PC so that maybe you can ask for the one that you think will work best for you. I researched my second Rheumy to make sure he was open minded and willing to think outside the box. Most Rheumys only think in terms of textbook symptoms and will only treat you if you present as such a case. Good luck with your PC and proactive in your treatment after all it's your body. Carol

altoclef 09/09/2015

I know you said in another post that one of these jokers said you had osteoarthritis when you were still in your twenties. If this one isn't going there, you are off to a good start. Let us know how it goes.

orchidisland 09/09/2015

Well back from appt with PCP he isn't sure and wants to see what the rheumatologist thinks. Im waiting for them to get my referral approved and appt set up. He said I do have some osteo but it has to be more than that because of it being in so many places and that I have tendon damage in several joints and my arms. Back to waiting.

mamoose83 09/10/2015

well, it is frustrating when you get that "mixed bag" of response from him. Did you get a copy of your blood test results? I could see mine online the next day, so I kind of knew what direction it was going to be headed. Hopefully you can get in soon (rather than later) to the Rheumy and get more direction. I'm new to this RA thing too and you've got to be on top of things & do your research. Prayers and HUGS!

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