I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through. The initial process of diagnosis can be long, hard, confusing, frustrating, and stressfull. On top of that, oftentimes people are experiencing bad physical symptoms because treatments haven't been started. All together, this is a bad mix mentally and physically.

Hang in there. Get plenty of rest. Find support from others. I promise that things will get better once you get on a treatment plan (althought that also may take some time to figure out what works best).

You will have to be your own best advocate with the doctors. If you need a referral to see a specialist, you're at the mercy of your primary care doc. I wonder if you can ask for the referral and go ahead and make an appointment with the rheumatologist instead of waiting for lab reports to go to rheumy and waiting on them to contact you. They may treat you like a pest but you're the one suffering! Let them know how much you're suffering and that you need to be seen right away.

Did you primary doc give you anything for pain in the meantime? Steroids may also be used to knock down inflammation for the short term.

Andrew

http://livingwithra.wordpress.com/

Hello,

  My name is Cindy, I was diagnosed over 5 years ago, on my first visit to my RA specialist, he knew that day as he examined me I had severe RA, it now being 5 years later has turned into Erosive Ra, I live in Chronic pain every day, you should of had your results by now..

   I would be happy to speak to off line about this any time, it is hard dealing and living w RA by yourself and not having any answers. . My best to you.

  You can reach me any time at bellarizzo29@hotmail.com...  subject line, I live w RA okay.

take care and good luck

Cindy