i didn't have any issues like that, but it almost sounds like he just doesn't want to dx you with ra.

Sorry you're having these issues, Kimmey. I haven't had the same as I'm early on - first appt with rheumy on the 21st of this month. I do want to say, though, if you aren't happy with any of your docs, get a second opinion. You have a right to your medical record. The new doc should have a form for you to sign so they can send for it if you don't want to ask for a copy of your record outright from your doc. Best of luck to you!

Have you asked him why he's ignoring the results of your blood test?
You have the right to demand an explanation. If he doesn't have a good explanation then I'd find another rheumatologist. I think doctors sometimes forget that we are paying customers. We don't pay to be ignored or condescended to.
sherrie

Thanks guys..I appreciate the input..

Sally..I guess I thought since this rheumatolgoist had all my previous results I thought it would be easier...Also with my RA factor being so high and the joint pain, I thought it was a no brainer.... Im thinking he ran Anti CCPblood test. He said this was the best test for determining RA..

I fully intend on getting a 2nd opinion..My mom is almost crippled..If I have this, I want to start meds.

Sorry to be a pest..thanks again for the help.

Sorry your appointment ended in frustration. It is sometimes hard to get some doctors to dx RA... Maybe a second opinion would be good... I went to a new Rheumy (my old rheumy retired) and he said I didn't have RA just FM... well I have been dx with RA for over 20 years and had been on the meds for a long time...my hands and feet show RA damage plus my hands and thumbs were so swollen that I could not bend them at the joints... not able to make a fist....and he said with what I said and what he seen he was sure I had RA.... I have been sero-negative for years so some doctors agree with this and some don't. So all blood tests came back negative. So for this rheumy the negative blood work meant I didn't have RA.... So frustrated also I went back to my PCP and he redid some of the some of the same blood tests and I had a high anti-CCP which is a blood test they use for RA... so my PCP referred me to another Rheumy and she said yes I have RA and now my blood work says so...so now I am sero-positive. My doctors that did get a high reading for the Anti-CCP said it was likely the lab where my blood was sent to might of made a mistake. I agree with you on the FM dx it seems most are told they have FM before learning they have something else. Have you had an Anti-CCP blood test? was it higher then 22? Hope you get some answers soon as to why you are hurting.

Just don't go getting yourself knocked up between now and the 14th.

haha not even possible altoclef ;)

Good one, alto. Thanks for the laugh.

If you go back to him and he wants pregnancy test - mess with him and exclaim "if I am it's the next immaculate conception!'

I did that to one young doctor, took him a long moment to get it... while I snickered...

The other thing you could do is get BIG innocent eyes and ask "don't you have to have sex to get banged up?"

Not saying that you don't... just saying it's fun to be an older lady and mess with a young Doc on the obvious!

Yeah, I vote to find another one. By law they have to give you copies of all your records if you request them.

tell him you chose today to come out of the closet and you're gay.

with this guy's record, he'd probably say and I am happy also.

your doc is a moron, time to move on :)

said with solicitousness and not malice :)

Ros

I was diagnosed about a year ago, and my counts were the same as your. I am taking plaquenil and methotrexate. So far it is working well and I have had minimal side effects. With an RA count that high, I am not sure why he is hesitating.

Hi just a little update..

Spoke with the nurse yesterday..It appears he did NOT do an anti CCP test on me. I can't really express my frustration with this doctor. The only blood test they did was the pregnancy test!! tested my thyroid which was normal and my GP had just checked it. They did do a sed rate test which was high..So a high RA factor greater then 256, high sed rate...joint pain...but not anit ccp test...no diagnoses other then FM.

Just made an appointment with a top rated rheumatologist..first appointment June 10..so the wait continues..

Wow! Can certainly understand your frustration.
Why in the world would this doctor not run the proper tests?

You mentioned your mom has RA also so you have the genetic factor also.
He's actually doing you a favor here. You don't want a doctor who does not do his job.
Keep a journal & pictures till this next appointment.
May be a wait but with a bit of luck it will be worth it.
Sammy

Thanks Sally!

His office put me on a cancellation list. She told me they had 3 cancellations this week. She as super nice..Im a receptionist, so I know they "kill em with kindess approach works!" ;)

They are already gathering my all tests..So maybe I will luck out on a cancellation.

Thanks for listening! :)

thanks again for the info sally..I will def start me a binder. I appreciate the input! :)