I just came from my second rheumatologist visit today. This is a new one, a much better, more respectful, more highly educated rheumatologist. This started for me in in August of 2006 with a nasty bout of Epstein Barr virus. Since then I am sick constantly. What used to be an outstanding immune system seemed to me had gone to seed. My primary doctor found that I have a fatty liver(love that name) and a cyst on my liver, high levels of remote Epstein Barr virus, high platelet count and an ANA titer of 1/80. Now, before today I thought that having 1/80, although positive was nothing to worry about. My new doctor said that it is indeed positive. Anyting over 1/20 is considered positive. So I am at the top level of the low end of the positive ANA test. I also saw the one rhematologist I did not like and he said I have vitamin d deficiency. when I asked him about the other tests his nurse told me "they all looked pretty good" Well I have to wonder what "pretty good" is. That is a pretty subjective statement there. My new doctor told me she thinks I probably have rheumatoid arthritis because the big clue was my extreme morning stiffness. That coupled with the test results and the pain I experienced when she pushed on some of my joints brought her to that conclusion. so I took blood tests, and x-rays and will be back in 2 weeks. I also was recently diagnosed with gastritis that they did a biopsy on and I wilol find out that info on this wed. jjust basic news I know but but its late and i better run for now. irishbbookfariy.
It is so good to hear that you found a Rheumatologist that you like. It's hard sometimes to find one who will listen to you and take you seriously. I went through three before I found one that would that would listen to me and keep me completely informed on what he thought was going on and what my blood tests were saying. It sounds like you have quite a bit going on with your health. It's frustrating, I know, but you have a wonderful site. Everyone here is so supportive so feel free to vent, ask question, and share remedies. I found a place on this site that might interest you that tells a little about communication with your rheumatologist and about coping with this awful disease.
http://www.healthcentral.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/living-with-ra.html
I hope this helps! I truely wish you the best of luck!
Hello Holly!
Thank you for your kind reply. Yes, I do like my new Rheumatologist. My first one was horrible. He acted as if I should not even be there. When he asked me questions he asked if I have morning stiffness and I answered yes. Well, they called to tell me the results and just said I was deficient in Vitamin D. Since then I have learned that morning stiffness is one of the biggest symptoms to look for in RA and that if someone has it they will probably have RA. Once again, thanks for the welcome and the reply! irishbookfairy