Rheumatologist appointment this Thursday

[Quahog]

This is actually my first time going to see a rheumatologist and I was wondering what should I expect?

As you may know I suffer from chronic pain in my lower back, neck, hips, feet. MRI showed that I have some disc bulges at L5-S1 and and some herniated discs at C3-C5 along with DDD. An EMG/NCV test i had a few years back showed peripheral neuropathy in my feet. A few years later another test showed that I did not have it. Despite all these issues my Internal med doc, pain doc, and numerous neurologists don't feel that any of that is the cause for my pain. I also have this weird feeling in my chest and upper back near my left should and arm It almost feels like I have pulled a muscle and it actually snaps and pops and makes breathing very difficult at times. It has not gone away. I also have incredibly dry eyes, horrible sweating and I've also been having symptoms of reynauds syndrome. Not mention being incredibly dizzy at times.

One nurse Practitioner I saw actually thinks I may have Lyme disease and I have sent out some blood to be tested at Igenex but two weeks later I still have not heard anything.

If anyone can offer any insight into this appointment it would be helpful.

Glenn

[illusion129]

Glen,

I have similiar symptoms (although my list is a lot longer than yours) and many doctors have suggested I may have Multiple Sclerosis. This is after testing negative for both LYME DISEASE and LUPUS. Those are both very similar (at least symptomatically) to MS.

I too have a major problem with perspiration (it literally drips off of my head if I get too warm). Sometimes I look like I've just gotten out of a hot shower just from walking through the store!

Going to a Rheumie is no big thing. They'll do a normal work-up (physical evaluation) by checking your joints. S/He will do this by working them around and when they check your hand they'll sort of tug on it and flop it around. Nothing too painful unless you have stiff hips (which I do) and then when they bend your legs up you may experience some discomfort. Nothing too drastic though.

The Rheumie will usually order a slew of blood tests too. Be sure and ask about what they are and if absolutely necessary because one set of blood work (ran through Lab Corp) ordered by my Rheumie was well over a grand! Of course insurance picked up most of it but I was left to pay a substantial part so if you are limited on income be sure and ask.

You may want to consider having the blood tests done to see if Lupus or Lyme could be a possibilty (these are not normal "routine" blood tests so you need to ask). MS takes quite a bit more work to test for but you can never be too safe! Take care! -RH

[Debbie T]

As said, a rhuemy will order a bunch of blood tests & probably some other tests too. I have lupus. There were about 50 or 60 blood tests in my diagnostic panel, but even then it's hard to diagnose & you really need more than just blood tests for a firm diagnosis. I've had MRI's, xrays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and biopsies to get my diagnosis. Good luck!

[AngylHeart]

Although my GP handles the majority of my medical issues, I do see a Rhematologist on a regular basis and find him to be extremely helpful. I have a lot of problems that give me grief, including Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and neuropathy in my feet. It was my Rheumatologist who prescribed Lyrica to me for the neurapathy and it has been miraculous in treating the nerve pain that escalates at night (neurontin was useless).

I have also been diagnosed with both Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (both of which my Rheumy treats) and this year, I have developed agonizing pain in my hips and knees that radiate down my legs when I am lying down, which he suspects is osteoarthritist.

I think that the most important factor when seeing a new physician, regardless of their specialty, is that you like the doctor and feel comfortable with him/her. When that happens, everything else seems fall into place.

[uvamomb]

Hi, I hope you find some answers at the Rheumy appointment. I didn't find what I wanted to hear - that I needed to learn to listen to my body better, lay down when my pain level goes up 2 points, etc.
Have you had your vitamin levels checked? Especially Vitamin B12, B6 & D. See the Vitamin Deficiency site above and make sure you ask for a full panel of Vitamin Levels.
Please let us know what your Rheumy says and feel better soon,
Kathy:)

[sallyb]

I don't know...but, I am also finally going to one on the 31st of this month!!!
Been told for years that I shoul go to one, but was not ever referred to one. I have very high hopes. From what I understand, I will probably find relief in the pain & fatigue fields. Also, I understand that a rheumy will test for autoimmune diseases. You probably have some of those symptoms. I do.

sally

[Quahog]

Well I had my appintment. I've been meaning to post an update but my internet connection has been down and with all the wild weather around here as of late I'm lucky that is all we lost.

The doctor seems like a really nice guy. Of course at this early stage he can't really ssy for sure what all this is. He drew some blood and had me give a Urine sample and just like usual everything was normal, Too which i am not surprised :mad: Just once I wish something would should up so I can get to the bottom of all this.

He wants me to have a bone scan which I am going to have on Wednesday, I've had them before but not of my whole body. But if history is any indictation this test will also be normal.

He did say that if this test is normal it is then likely that it is myofascial in nature.

Of course i still have not heard about my test result for chronic lyme disease from IgeneX yet and it is my guess that if my pain doctor has the results and has not said anything, then it too is normal.

The doctor also gave me an NSAID to go along with the Oxycontin and wants to see me back in 3 weeks.

I have another Neurologist appointment next week in Boston at Brigham & Women's hospital and it is my hope that this will be more productive than the Rheumy appointment was but at this point in time I am so close to giving up.

I am going to have to face the facts and those are that I may never find out what is wrong with me, then again maybe I am going crazy


Thanks for listening everyone.

Glenn

[BrokenBladder]

Glenn I'm so sorry to hear that you're still searching for answers. That's the most frustrating thing in the world. I think of of CP's feel like they're crazy at times, but we are just fed up with the pain and not knowing why. Please continue to keep us posted and I will keep you in my prayers.

[sallyb]

I wish you could have gone to my new Rheum. I have hopes that she will get down to the bottom of things. She ordered 16 blood tests, added rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis to my list of problems, and is concerned about other symptoms. I have been searching assertively for about 13 years for the answers...and have had a hard time finding docs that I felt secure about. This one is compassionate, and really seems to know her stuff. DO NOT GIVE UP ON LOOKING FOR THE ANSWERS. Somehow, somewhere, they are there to be found. I get into that miserable frame of mind where I say I am just going to give up, too. Fight it...it will go away. Nobody cares for us as much as we do. If we do not speak up, the docs do not know how bad the problem is. I don't know about you, but I was brought up not to whine and complain. As a result, when I go to the doc, I do not paint a clear enough picture. I suspect you might be the same way. Fight for yourself. I'm learning. You can too!

Your friend.....sally