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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RCross 02/25/2013

I FINALLY have a rheumy appointment tomorrow afternoon....and as Murphy's Law would have it, I feel almost "normal" today!

There's still some redness in my finger/toe joints and some swelling in my hands/feet but nothing like I've been having. I did take some pictures of my hands/feet a couple of weeks ago, so hopefully he won't think I'm just nuts!

altoclef 02/25/2013

So go run around the block, scrub your stove top, brush mats out of the cats, stand in place for two hours this evening, etc!

I hope it goes well tomorrow and that you at least start to get some answers.

trishcorsi 02/25/2013

I'm sure the doc has seen people who aren't in a flare and still been able to determine you have a real problem. I was afraid my guy was going to think I was a malingerer and make me leave his office. He checked my out went over the blood test results and whalaa a diagnosis. You'll be fine. Trish

RCross 02/25/2013

Thanks for the support y'all! The appointment is in the afternoon and I have a few errands to run first. So we'll see how I am at the appointment.

I really wouldn't be nervous about it except such a "zebra" when it comes to illnesses. From the time I was 3 years old and throwing up blood until now...I've never been a "text book" case. I'm just crossing (as crossed as they will go without pain) my fingers that he'll take the time and LISTEN to me as well as examine and run labs.

Christine26 02/26/2013

It's okay RCross, a good Rheumatologist knows that with RA some days are good, some not so good, and some awful. Jot down notes and give him your history. Years ago, the doctor I had, who I saw as a covering doctor for my primary, diagnosed me in a few minutes on history alone. My main complaints were stiffness, and back pain, and with that he sent me to a Rheumatologist right away, and here I am now almost 10 years later. Good luck with your appt. i hope you and your Rheumatologist make a good patient/doctor connection.

deleted_user 02/26/2013

I still wish there was a "like" button to the people that commented so far ... you are "right there" with your experience and your understanding ... RCross ... try to write down what you want to explain that has been different about your life ... your flare might have subsided which is a welcome thing ... but I agree with what all have said even with altoclef ... (but you don't really have to do all that) ... your signs will show ... and if you have it ... well then you do ... it is there in blood work, xrays and your life experiences ... research aggressive treatment .. I wish I had had it ... without it too much damage can happen and you don't want that ... I sure hope the best for you in all ways ... keep us all posted!

RCross 02/26/2013

I'm not feeling great about the appointment today...but the rheumy did run labs and take xrays. Didn't discuss what he thinks might be happening, or any course of action beyond the tests today....including a follow-up appointment. Just says he'll call me. Sigh.

I provided him with pictures, previous tests/labs, and diagnosis statements from my pain doctor and PCP, etc. All I can do is hope he's willing to figure things out for me.

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