Went for routine bloods at Rheumatology but ......

jordan7j
jordan7j Bots Posts: 346
edited 5. Jul 2010, 02:14 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi everyone, while my blood was being taken I asked if the nurse knew what the rash on my shins could be, she called in a more senior nurse and she decided to get the consultant to look. He asked how long I had it for, and then said but you're well otherwise? No, I feel awful, lots of pain and swelling etc. Ok, will see you, but could be a long wait. Got seen about 2 hours later, and he said it could be from the sulfasalazine, and because I came off the pred as instructed, he felt that maybe it was the pred that had kept it at bay. He then asked more questions, and I told him I had felt ill for around 4 weeks, he asked why I hadnt asked for earlier appt, and I said it was because I had appt on 16 July so didnt want to pester them. He wasnt impressed about that and told me off!!! He then said that he feels that my diagnosis is wrong, and that I have Sjogren's Syndrome. I do have dry eyes and mouth etc but it wasn't apparently dry enough, he wants me to have a lip biopsy to confirm it, as it doesnt show up in my bloodwork. I am so confused, as this time last year i was told its definitely RA. I also have fibromyalgia, which he diagnosed only in April this year. Does anyone have Sjogren's and how does i affect you, having read on the site it looks like it can cause various health problems. Thanks for reading my long story!!! love Jay x x

Comments

  • jordan7j
    jordan7j Bots Posts: 346
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Forgot to say he has oput me back on the pred at 15mg to help with the swelling and pain, I am also on 20mg mtx and 200mg hydroxy
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I thought R.A and Sjorgens(sp) were linked. Could you have both?


    Elizabeth
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein
  • jordan7j
    jordan7j Bots Posts: 346
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elizabeth, yes, he said that the Sjogren's is the primary and RA as an overlap, or secondary. But its made me feel like I am a fraud now, and shouldnt be saying I have RA, or being on the forum etc., Feeling really fed up :? :? :cry::cry:
  • livinglegend
    livinglegend Member Posts: 1,425
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Whatever you are told you have, then you have it until an expert says that you definitely don't have it. But, of course, you may still have it, whatever it is that you may or may not have. Got it? Or not got it yet?

    We would still make you welcome even if you never get it, whatever it is that you have or don't have.

    Joseph 8)
    Josephm0310.gif
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    you are welcome on here we do not have rules that say if you are lucky enough to find you do not have arther you have to leave all your friends we are here for you what ever you have. sorry but lots of people get the run around it is because so many things the same and hard to tell one from the other good luck keep us posted on how it goes and hope they get things sorted for you val
    val
  • chris7
    chris7 Bots Posts: 2,696
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Jay :?

    Oh dear that was a bit of a confusing appointment for you, no wonder you are fed up. I can't advise at all as have the very simple and straight forward OA. Do hope you soon get some answers. It shouldn't really make a difference, but I know many people do like to have a name for whatever it is they are fighting! Just wanted to send a hug or two as I think you might be needing them. ((( )))

    Hang in there
    Take care
    Chris
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I am so sorry that you are feeling down and unwell. Being poorly is probably making you depressed as all these things link up.

    As all the others have said, of course you are welcome on here. You certainly are no fraud anymore than the rest of us are. Getting a correct, accurate diagnosis is very hard and can take a long time. I'm still unsure of mine and things have been going on for 3 years!
    But even if your main problem isn't arthritis, so what, you are welcome and you have knowledge of difficultlies getting a diagnosis and that will help lots of people who come on here confused and worried. You are needed and wanted here.

    Lots of love Suexxx
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    jordan7j wrote:
    Hi Elizabeth, yes, he said that the Sjogren's is the primary and RA as an overlap, or secondary. But its made me feel like I am a fraud now, and shouldnt be saying I have RA, or being on the forum etc., Feeling really fed up :? :? :cry::cry:

    Dear Jay,

    You most definately are not a fraud. These consultant often have no bedside manner at all. Of course you are most welcome on the forum. You do have arthritis and are on meds prescribed for RA and unfortunately another symptom may be added to your diagnosis. You keep calling in and we will try to help and support you as much as we can.

    Chin up, Jay,

    Hugs
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • jordan7j
    jordan7j Bots Posts: 346
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Joseph - you made me smile!! first time since Friday!!
    Val - thanks for replying, and yes, I suppose many do get the run around, it does make things difficult. Will keep you posted.
    Chris - Thanks for the hugs, greatly appreciated!!
    Sue - Thank you so much for your kind words and support
    Elna, Always there for everyone!! thank you for your support, you always know what to say to help x x :)

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