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Rheumatologist appt tomorrow!!

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  • #1

    Rheumatologist appt tomorrow!!

    I got a call this morning from the new rheumatologist's office and they have a cancellation for me at 9:30 tomorrow morning. I am so happy! I guess the receptionist took me seriously when I told her about the problems I was having. I'm still taking the second round of prednisone, so I don't have a rash on my face, and I'm not itching as badly as I was....I guess it's a catch 22 for me. I don't want to have symptoms, but I wanted something that this new doctor could see.

    I have new doctor anxiety....I'm so nervous that he won't take me seriously. I'm getting a health history typed up, and a med list, along with current symptom list to make sure he understands the depth of what's going on with me.

    Wish me luck!!!
    *IC-- Summer 2004; PFD--October 2005
    *Fibro--Fall 2000; CFS-- Fall 2000
    *MPS--Fall 2000; Crohn's disease-- 1997*IBS,GERD, *Migraines, hypothyroidism, GYN problems *Degenerative Disc Disease/scoliosis

    Total Abdominal Hysterectomy--adenomyosis--9\08

    04/17/09 Crohn's disease almost killed me with a combo of extreme constipation from pain medications. My bowel ruptured, I almost died from peritonitis and spent several days in the ICU then more in a private room on the floor. If you have any questions about severe constipation from pain meds please don't hesitate to send me a message.
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  • #2
    What great news Sandy!:woohoo:

    Im sure the evidence will be undeniable to the rhum doc. They see this all the time, and know what to look for, as gp's aren't as experienced. I'm wishing you luck. I have new doctor anxiety too. I see an interstim specialist in 2 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yikes. Im sure everything will go great, and he will be able to give you some answers and releif!

    Erika
    IC diagnosed officially via cysto/urodynamics 1/26/07

    Grade II Endometriosis diagnosed via lap 12/11/07

    "Fall down seven times, Stand up eight."

    "Life is a tragedy for those who feel and a comedy for those who think."

    Current Treatments:
    Interstim Since 5/25/07!
    Birth Control

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    • #3
      Hi Sandy!
      I have an appt. with a Rhum specialist in 2 weeks. This will be my first time going to this dr. I hate 'breaking in' new dr.s and having to give your life history (literally!) I have high hopes that this dr. will figure out if I have Fibromyalgia or exactly what my problem is. I wish you luck with your appt. You are lucky you are able to get in sooner than expected! Roxie

      Double Spinal Cord Stimulator surgery 8/09
      Unsuccessful MiniArc sling surgery 12/07
      Dx'd Hypothyroid
      Dx'd Chronic Axonal Neuropathy & Myopathy
      June 2007
      Dx'd IC May 2006 (after suffering for 25+ yrs!)
      First Cysto 1979
      First Hydro 1981 (Many treatments since then!)
      Collagin"Durasphere" injections for urethra
      Gall bladder surgery Aug. 2004
      Gastric Bypass Dec. 2004
      Dx'd: Barrett's Esphogus July 2004
      Dx'd: Vaginal Atrophy 2005
      Bladder surgery 2000
      Dx'd: IBS 2000
      Hysterectomy (fibroids) 1999
      Laminectomy 1989
      Dx'd: Degerative Disk Disorder 1989

      For IC I use Elmiron, Elavil and Freeze dried Aloe Vera (it works likes Elmiron, but naturally)and Azo as needed. I also take Zegerid, Randitine for Barrett's Esophagus. (which causes me to have constant yeast infections!)I take Cymbalta for Neuopathy/Myopathy pain. I use the Climara patch for menopause symptoms. I'm on a very strict diet because of the IC, IBS and Gastric Bypass. I take Primal Defense Probiotics and whole food Iron.
      I no longer have the awful urethral pain! I've been using MSM gel now for 4 mo. and haven't had a flare up or the urethra pain.....it's amazing stuff!!:woohoo:

      Comment

      • #4
        I'm sooooo glad you got your appointment moved up. And if the office staff is an example, you have found a caring place to go. I'll be thinking of you and waiting to hear.

        Warm hugs,
        Donna
        Stay safe


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        I am not a medical authority nor do I offer medical advice. In all cases, I strongly encourage you to discuss your medical treatment with your personal medical care provider. Only they can, and should, give medical recommendations to you.         [3MG]

        Anyone who says something is foolproof hasn't met a determined fool

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        • #5
          Sandy,

          I am so glad that you are finally getting in!:woohoo: I am sure your new Rhem will be able to put it all together. Dont forget to take the picture with you. (The one of the rash.) It will definately help for the Dr. to see it.

          Please post as soon as you get home. I cant wait to hear how things go!

          Hugs,
          Amy

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          • #6
            Oh, yay! Don't you love cancellation lists? That's great you can get in sooner!
            Kim

            Diagnosed August 2001

            Current IC meds: Elmiron (since 2001), Levaquin (one pill after intercourse to prevent UTIs), Effexor (for depression & anxiety)

            Past IC meds: Amitriptyline (Elavil), Hydroxyzine (Vistaril), Detrol LA, Lexapro (for depression & anxiety, but also helped my IC) (They all helped, but I was able to discontinue them.)

            I've been virtually symptom free and able to eat & drink whatever I'd like for about 8 years now.

            *****************************

            “We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.” ~ Viktor Frankl

            “You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.” ~ Brian Tracy

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            • #7
              WONDERFUL. I know how much you've needed this appointment and I'm so glad there was a cancellation so you could be squeezed in. I'll be thinking of you and hoping this doctor is one of the good ones!
              ****
              Jen

              *Diagnosed with severe IC in 2004
              *Also diagnosed with PFD, fibromyalgia, chronic myofascial pain, IBS, migraines, allergies/asthma, dermatographism
              *Kept trying a million different treatments for all these things until I found what works, and I am doing okay these days with the help of a cocktail of medications and the InterStim, which was first placed in 2007. [I have had 2 revisions - one in 2010 when my battery died and had to be replaced, and one complete replacement (lead and generator) in 2012 after a fall on my stairs caused my lead to move.]
              *Current meds include Atarax (50mg at night), Lyrica (150mg twice a day), Xanax (0.5mg at night and as needed), Zanaflex (4mg at night), hydrocodone (10/325, every 6 hours as needed), Advair, Nasonex, Singulair (10mg at night), oral contraceptives, home instills containing Elmiron and Marcaine (as often as I need to do them).

              **I am not a medical authority nor do I offer definitive medical advice. I strongly encourage you to discuss your medical treatment with your personal medical care provider. Only they can, and should, give medical recommendations to you.

              Comment

              • #8
                take your picture in, and make your self a list of questions. ask about cortizone shots they help my shoulders and thighs they really help alot.
                They may want to x ray you from head to toes..
                'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'

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                • #9
                  Fabulous news!!! I am sure you are doing as much of a happy dance as you can, hee hee!!! Let us know how it goes - I will be thinking of you!
                  Hugs,
                  Tracey
                  How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time...

                  Harry arrived 2/23/09!



                  *IC Volunteers are not medical authorities nor do we offer medical advice. In all cases, we strongly encourage you to discuss your medical treatment with your personal medical care provider. Only they can, and should, give medical recommendations to you.

                  IC Diet Cheat Sheet:
                  http://www.ic-network.com/diet/2009icdietlist.pdf


                  Dx's:
                  IC dx'd Nov 2004
                  Lymphocytic Colitis dx'd July 2005
                  Possible IBS
                  Current IC Meds
                  Vistaril 25mg in the evening
                  Previous IC Meds taken:
                  Cystoprotek - 2 caps 2x's a day
                  Elmiron, 100mg 3x's a day
                  Ditropan, 5 mg 3x's a day
                  Others:
                  Wellbutrin 150mg 2x's a day for Anxiety/IBS
                  Pepcid 40mg a day for GERD
                  Zytrec for Nasal Allergies
                  Align Probiotic daily for IBS

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                  • #10
                    Hi.
                    I am happy you got an early appointment. Good Luck at the rheumy. Just from my experience with the rheumy, make sure you tell him evrything and every symptom you have as it is important at getting the right diagnosis. He will likely order a bunch of blood work, at least that is what mine did. Good Luck and hope you get some answers.
                    Jen

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