~ Diagnostic Conundrums (long)

[Guest guest]

Hi ...if I understand you correctly you have not seen a rheumy yet. I

believe that would be the next essential step. Many of us have gone months or

even years without a definitive diagnosis. These types of illnesses can be

difficult to diagnose. You are so right that if it is RA treatment asap is

vital. Joint damage can be minimized and sometimes avoided with agressive

treatment. I do not like to take meds either. But I had a beloved aunt, she

actually just passed away 2 months ago, who was diagnosed the exact same age

that I was diagnosed at. That was a long time ago when no meds that treated the

actual disease process were available except essentially gold injections. Her

hands and feet became extremely disabled and her pain was horrible for many

years, despite pain meds prescribed. I decided I would treat my illnesses as

aggresively as my rheumy advised, with caveats, of course, if the side-effects

seemed/became more dangerous than the illnesses. There can be s

ide-effects with all meds, but you have to weigh the pros and cons and choose as

wisely as you can.

I truly wish you all the best on this journey, .

Hope,

Cheryle