2nd visit no better than first

By G Sunday, November 07, 2010

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Here is what I got going on keratitis (cornea inflamation), Costochondritis (inflammation of a rib or the cartilage connecting a rib),knees feel like they are grinding together,a rash that is on my legs, chest, back, and face, swelling in hands and feet, pain,and tired all the time!

I've had a pretty crappy week so far. And if the above stuff is not enough, Wed I woke up to pain in my side and couldn't breathe, I thought I was getting pneumonia. I had K take me into the hospital, and got some shots and more blood work. The arthritis has caused the lining of my lungs to get inflamed. The shot they gave me made me feel better, although I'm still hurting some (but I can breathe).

Went to the Rheumy Friday! SECOND VISIT I spent 1-1/2 hours driving, 15 minutes in the waiting room, another 15 minutes in the office tell the nurse what was going on and 2 minutes with the doctor. He said I didn't have Lupus and everything I'm experiencing is normal with RA. (really everything) He said to try the 8 mtx weekly. (now instead of 15mg every week I'll be taking 20mg) He said to come back in eight weeks to see if we were on the right track. (???) and if I need anything the nurse could help me. (I really thought I paid the Dr to tell things not the nurse)

I am going to get an appointment with a different Rheumy that is closer. I might have to pay more (50%) but I think it will be better and I won't have a 3 hour round trip drive.

My eyes are feeling better and my joints are better to I think. My knees and ribs are the only things that really hurting. Sorry I didn't update you sooner but I have been worn out.

Comments (11) | Add comment

LISA MONETTE

11/ 7/10 8:56pm

I was diagnosed with RA 1 year ago and I have very similar pains! Over a week ago I had such bad neck pain in the back of my neck but it actually hurt to swallow. I called the rheumatologist and they called in a medrol pack. The doc scared me because he said if this persists or If I begin to have trouble breathing to go to emergency... This disease really sucks!! I am sorry to hear all that hurts you! I too have had the rib pain and painful breathing..I just cannot imagine how much worse this can get!

11/ 7/10 10:38pm

sorry to hear that you feel the same way I do.... I can sum up my week by saying that "my feel bad even hurts"...ha ha ha ... We might as well laugh cause crying won't make it any better!

Lee Monette

11/10/10 10:38am

This is true-they say laughter is the best medicine. It certainly helps. How have you been feeling lately?? I got past the swallowing issue and now have pain in my sternum and right ribs. My jaw is stiff but believe me that does not stop me from eating!! ha ha ...Talk to you again !!Lee Monette

Nan

11/ 9/10 2:24pm

I am sorry about your suffering. No one should go through any of it but unfortunatly we do. Gaining pain management is tricky in the RA world. It has taken me some time and the more time that goes by the more symptoms come or new joints join the party. I wish that on the days that require immediate medical intervention the dr. would get more aggressive. Sure the steroid shots work but not for a day or two do you get any relief. Why cant they just give you the steroids and a demerol shot or something to knock down the pain until the steroids kick in. Its not like giving you a perscription of pain meds, which they absolutely are not going to do anyway. The last time I went in flaring so bad I could not pee without help they gave me a steroid shot and a script for tramadol with tylenol. I already have plenty of tramadol and there is tylenol, motrin and aleve at home. Uh, they dont work, thats why I'm here. Sorry about the soap box I got on there. I hope the next rheumy helps you more. I've been through a couple myself. In the beginning it is so hard to understand that this disease is really hard to treat, we all are a bit different and respond differently to treatment. I think that being a rheumy must be a terrifically challenging profession. My rheumy will tell me he's doing his best and I guess that's all I can expect. It's just hard when you hurt.

ronie

11/17/10 11:48am

Yes, this disease sucks. I think your rheumie sucks butt. It is apparent that your RA is running amuck and he is not working fast enough to keep up with it. Ok so you don't have Lupus. Ok great! but you have all kinds of other issues going on right now and he is not stepping up to the plate.

About the mtx. are you taking tablets or injections. it took my first rheumie a year to figure out that the pills were not working and put me on the injections. They work better and don't cause so many stomach issues after the dosage.

It also sounds like you are having enough symptoms to warrant being on a bio med.

Make you appt with a new rheumie as soon as possible and be a self advocate. There is no reason for you to suffer so much without at least trying more and different meds. Let your doc know you are angry with your disease. (complaining about your current doc won't do much). While you are discussing things with the new doc, let him know you want your treatment to move a little faster cuz while your current doc is pussy footing around, your RA is causing damage.

Send me a msg if you need to vent!!

Ronie

11/18/10 4:51pm

I thought I would give everyone an update,,, I feel 100% better...I guess the increase in MTX did the job... I am having some bad side effect of the increase but my GP has them under control ... He is working with me on all my issuse, since my Rhumy doesnt have the time.... I talked with the Rheumy that I want to go see but I'm not going to be able to afford it... till later, G

ronie

11/19/10 12:57pm

Dang it sucks about that new Rheumy.. But if your GP is caring enough to step up that is a good thing. Maybe he can act as your Rheumie. Most of the time I don't see why a rheumie is considered a specialist. They don't do much more then squeeze your hands, check range of motion and send you for xrays and bloodwork. My GP does the same thing and is a lot more thorough than my rheumie not to mention more caring and patient.

But alas I get sent to the hand squeezer every month by my GP..<sigh>.. I consider it a waste of my money sometimes. Just write me a script for labwork that lasts for a year and we can skip the BS.

11/19/10 3:59pm

I feel the same way... my GP is the one that does the lab work .... My Rhumy has written standing order to draw blood every two weeks.... Why do we need Rhumy's?????

V, Health Guide

11/19/10 8:51pm

Best I can tell, we need rheumies to validate what our GP's, or in my case, my NP, pretty much already know. My NP seems to be in awe of the rheumie she sent me to. Thing is, she already had me taking Plaquenil before I saw the rheumie. He added a med and upped the Plaquenil. When I see him, he looks, he squezzes my hands, he looks some more, he thinks silently to himself, and then he looks at my chart and writes something in there, and then he looks again, and then he decrees whatever it is he is going to decree. He isn't much of a talker. More the strong silent type w/blue eyes and curly hair. Nice smile, and pretty cute.

ronie

11/19/10 11:36pm

you are a baaad little girl.

Lene Andersen, Health Guide

11/22/10 7:39pm

whoa Nellie! that sounds awful - and so sorry you're going through such a rough time. I'm late in catching up with SharePosts and I'm sorry I didn't see the sooner.

And you're right. You need to see another rheumatologist - sometimes, the extra cost is worth it and your current one certainly doesn't seem to be very supportive. Which is fine if you're in remission and doing well, but when you're under attack but you are right now, you need somebody will join in the fight with you. I'm sure you already know what you're looking for, but if you want, check out my post on characteristics of a good rheumatologist for potential other requirements.

if you're up to it, let us know how things go. But only if you're up to it. I'll be thinking of you.

2nd visit no better than first

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