(Another) New Rheumatologist
30 Jun
We met with David’s new rheumatologist yesterday. The old rheumatologist back in Dallas sent a copy of David’s file on June 16, but it still hadn’t made it’s way to South Jersey. The mail runs very slowly between Texas and New Jersey.
So, without any paper work, x-rays or labs to go on, the doctor examined David, asked a few questions and told him he looked great. He could see any signs of Psoriatic Arthritis. Of course, that could just be because of all the medication he’s taking.
He questioned David’s diagnosis for several reasons, and ordered new x-rays plus the standard blood work David has every eight weeks. For one thing, Psoriatic Arthritis is typically asymmetrical, meaning patients have pain in one elbow, a knee and a hip. Symmetrical joint pain, like David has, means that both elbows, both wrists, all the knuckles, both knees, etc hurt. The doctor also felt that PSA should respond better to all the medication David is on.
He was really surprised at everything David was taking. To me, that’s a good sign. Although David is doing much better on the Humira, I still don’t consider this remission.
I’m glad he’s not going to just go along with another doctor’s (well two doctors, actually) diagnosis, but I feel confident that David does have arthritis. The new rheumy mentioned fibromyalgia several times, but I don’t think that’s it. I have a few friends with fibromyalgia. Their pain sounds completely different from David’s kind of pain. We’ll see what the doctor thinks when he looks at David’s old bone scan, x-rays and lab work and compares them to the new results.
The rheumy spoke very quickly, sometimes talking over us. He didn’t seem rude. I think it’s just the Northern culture. I’ve noticed I have to ask people to repeat themselves a lot up here. Anyway, it got so bad that I started answering questions for David. I normally don’t do that. More than anything at doctors’ offices, I typically ask a lot of questions, or maybe add something to David’s answers. This time, I saw David wasn’t answering fast enough, and the doctor just kept asking more and more questions, so I’d answer him, and then look at David and say, “Right?”
This doctor’s office doesn’t do their own lab work. David has to go to a lab in the next few days, and then the rheumatologist wants him to start a six day trial of Prednisone. I took Prednisone for exactly that long after my knee injury. It was awful. It worked wonders on my knee, but I felt famished the entire time and quickly gained a significant amount of weight. I really hope that’s not the case for David. The doctor was very cautious not to give us any expectations about the Prednisone. He said, “It may not do anything. You may feel a little bit better, or you may feel a lot better. We’ll just have to see.” So, we’ll see…
Hey Ashley,
Just wanted to throw it out there that I have pain/swelling in both feet, ankles, knees, and hands. Mine is symmetrical too. NOT that that means anything for David, but I think it might be a little common in PSA patients than what some specialists think. Most of the PSA sufferers I know have symmetrical pain.
Thanks again for sharing your life stories. I enjoy reading your blog!
Megan
Prednisone and Humira? I surely hope, this new doctor knows what he is talking about. Not that I’m a doctor, but… would suggest that this be run by his old doctor in Texas. Does the doctor understand the pain David has in his back and neck? Fibromyalgia? Did this doctor think that he could give David a diagnosis without having any of the tests results over the last few years? David wasn’t trying to get a diagnosis. Much less from someone who just looked at him on the outside, to give it his best guess….sorry, I’m upset. (I don’t trust a lot of doctors out there! You have to be in charge of your own health care if you don’t like what they are doing and saying.)
I am on Simponi and 5 mg of Prednisone. I feel so much better. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis…which I think I told you already…have they checked for RA?
Been praying for you guys. I hope that the prednisone helps and doesn’t hinder in other areas for him.
(((HUGS)))
Hi Ashley,
I want to write to let you know there are options out there for treatment of you husband’s condition. Naturopathic medicine offers a whole slew of alternative and complementary treatments. If you’d like a referral for a Naturopathic Physician in the New Jersey area, please go to the national association’s website at naturopathic.org. Hang in there and God Bless,
Gibran Ramos, ND, MSOM, LAc
Hey girl,
Fibro pain is allllll over, and not necessarly in the joints. More achy-flu-ey feeling. And the tender touch points…Youch!
Prednisone: the drug I love to hate. Prednisone can literally save your life, but there are a LOT of side effects. If here is any way to avoid it, I would. This is coming from someone 10 YEARS on it, up and down, big weight gains, mood swings, and now osteoporosis and arthritis. What dosage, do you know?
August is Psoriasis Awareness Month! Help us spread the word that psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are serious diseases that demand national attention, research dollars and public understanding.
Take the 2010 Psoriasis Awareness Month Challenge — and you could win an iPad or other great prizes! Each day you’ll get a new challenge to do (such as post a status about your disease on FB or make an appointment with a derm/rheumatologist) For each challenge you complete, you’ll earn points toward the prizes.
Sign up today! http://www.psoriasisawarenessmonth.org.