Guest guest Posted April 22, 2005 Report Share Posted April 22, 2005 Good morning, A couple days ago I went to see a new doctor, a rheumatologist in private practice whom my primary family doctor referred me to. There were a couple unique things about this appointment. The doctor spent over TWO HOURS talking to me and examining my feet and hands. Two hours! This doctor is convinced I do not have RA because of my body's non-responsiveness to traditional RA drugs. He took many vials of blood for testing and ordered some of my test results from as many as 5 years ago from my primary clinic office. He is interested in treating me for chronic lyme disease to start. 5 years ago I became very ill with what my then-primary stated was Lyme Disease. At that time, I was sick for two weeks with fever, stiff neck, and achiness that progressed into being unable to move my arms, hands or stand up straight. I was treated with 21 days of tetracycline and got better. This new doc thinks 1) 21 days of the antibiotic at that time may have only scratched the surface of the infection, leading me to think I was better for a time. He believes the infection may have resurfaced in my joints, causing the pain and obvious damage I have now or 2) I have another, different, perhaps unknown infection that never was truly Lyme in the first place that is causing ongoing damage. This is entirely new for me. I have asked other doctors about a possible connection between my trouble now and that illness 5 years ago, and one actually laughed at me. This is the FIRST time a doctor has not only asked for an entire history, but is of the opinion the instances are connected. He is investigating previous tests which, from my statements to him based on what I have been told, are conflicting and perhaps inaccurate. I have also had instances of skin disorders and pnuemonia which he feels are connected to my current trouble. I now have a new set of drugs to take. The new doc wants me to stop the previous regimen and begin with the (2) new antibiotics and plaquenil until he can see me in 3 weeks to go over the new test results. If I do this, I will not be able to continue seeing my original rheumatologist, who is likely to be upset about this more radical approach. I've talked it over with my family and everyone supports me switching, if only based on the new doc's reputation (excellent), old fashioned bedside manner and his willingness to take my entire history into account. Please wish me luck! Kirsten in MN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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