Re: Well-respected rheumy says I'm just fat

[Guest guest]

-

I would have answered you off list but cannot find an address for you.

I am not " disappointed " not to have a diagnosis of PA. I HAVE a diagnosis

of PA from three different doctors over the last 10 years. I have been

treated with DMARDs, hardly the pharmceuticals of choice unless there is an

indication!

What I was expressing was my frustration at being discounted and ignored

because 1) I'm female 2) I'm overweight 3) my symptoms are not as obvious:

I don't have hugely swollen hot digits or acres of P 4) I'm 51, he's much

younger. I was merely throwing in a " me, too " to all the comments and

stories that have showed up on this list about having symptoms ignored

and/or misdiagnosed. The doctor was condescending and patronizing and I

didn't appreciate it from him, nor do I appreciate it from you.

I'm glad you think my problems are curable. I do know what " sina qua nons "

means. I don't need a second opinion, I've already had three. I was

referred to him by my derm so that makes four. Do I WANT to have PA - no.

But I've got it, I see where other people on the list are going, I'm my sole

support and I'm planning for my future. I certainly do intend to finish the

eval. I had x-rays and lab work last night. My sed rate is way up and the

x-ray tech said someone was going to have fun with the films, lots to see.

So we'll see where this goes.

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[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/6/2003 7:53:28 PM Eastern Standard Time,

carlsonc@... writes:

> So his present diagnosis is obesity with muscle

> deconditioning and general whining.

To your doctor, I would say a great big BULLyouknowwhat!

First of all, PA is usually only diagnosed by ruling other ailments out. There

is NO test to prove you have or don't have PA. While I certainly wish that you

don't have it, it sounds like your doctor dismissed you with you are just a big

fat hypocondriac (take it from me - they thought I fit that mold as well - but

guess what? my immune system doesn't care how much I weigh!). My guess would

also be that you are female. When I first had a PA flare, I was told it was

PMS!

I agree with the moderator to have another doctor give you a diagnosis. My own

advise would also be to tell this so called expert rheumy to learn some bedside

manner and see if he can find a course in compassion. Oh yeah, I forgot, that

would be going against everything they learn in med school!

I wish you well - whatever you have, it's not because you are fat or " it's all

in your head " - I know your pain is real. Don't stop searching until you find

the answer, the treatment, and a doctor who understands you - there really are

some out there. My rheumy is one, and I thank God for her everyday.

[Ed. Note: , don't forget that if you or anyone else has a rheumy or other

doctor that you highly recommend (or don't recommend) to please provide their

contact info and I or one of the other moderators will add them to the

" Recommended " or " Not Recommended " doctors list - or you can email the info to

me at: " PA@... " Ron]

[Guest guest]

Hi

You have my support. I'm impressed you had the stomach to continue

your eval with this doc(or should I say physician). I used to be

very very thin and if anythig, my PA was more active then. Of course

I have no idea if there is a correlation. By the way, and I mean

this seriously, what the heck is plantar faciitis?

Best Wishes,

Marti

[Guest guest]

Hey!!My doctor told me " one step at a time too " ! I think we probably have

excellent doctors..why add any more stress to our already stressful situation.

Like I said...if it was a problem, I am positive he would have brought it up.

I'm always prepared for that to be said too, but nobody ever does. Maybe we are

paranoid???? lol. Take care!

[Guest guest]

,

I have belonged to this group for a long time (almost 2yrs I think) and it seems

to be forgotton that the entire purpose of this group is for SUPPORT and

information/knowledge concerning PA. If someone knows that their comments can

be interperated in an offensive or harmful manner then they should just keep it

to themselves. Everyone is entitled to their opinon but I don't see how that

very rude comment could benefit the group. It sounded more like a personal

attack against all over weight people.

That being said, I am a tiny (or petite) girl. I have been blessed to have a

high metabolism (although it is starting to slow down) and I have always eaten

whatever I wanted. I am sure when the day comes that I do start putting on real

weight I'll be in big trouble cause I have no self control when it comes to

sweets (nor do i want it).

My arthritis is out of control and my weight has absolutely nothing to do with

it so I see no correlation between obesity and PA. If that was true then my PA

would be minimal. The only thing that I could think that a doctor might suggest

losing weight is if you have problems w/ your knees, ankles, etc. and he wants

to reduce the weight/stress put on those joints. Losing weight might make you

more healthy but it won't make your PA go away. Nobody wants to be over weight

and for some people it is completely out of their control (due to medical

conditons). Also, some medications such as prednisone cause weight gain (I know

this from personal experience and it took me 6 months to lose the weight I put

on).

If you choose not to be sympathetic or have a bit of compassion perhaps you

should keep your comments to yourself.

P.S. Your neighbor probably has an inferiority complex due to people like you!

[Guest guest]

Robin,

Let me chime in, with all of you, and say the same thing...(As I've

said elswhere,) at 6'1 " , even with a largish German/Scandinavian-

heritage skeletal structure, it wouldn't hurt me to lose about 25-35

lbs; if I gain another 20+ lbs, I'll be buying pants in the Big &

Tall department--yet none of my docs have brought up the " weight "

question. I agree that the docs would point out the problem, if it

was worthy of concern.

D.

> Hey!!My doctor told me " one step at a time too " ! I think we

probably have excellent doctors..why add any more stress to our

already stressful situation. Like I said...if it was a problem, I am

positive he would have brought it up. I'm always prepared for that

to be said too, but nobody ever does. Maybe we are paranoid????

lol. Take care!

[Guest guest]

Hi

I know you've been a member of this group for a very long time and

have struggled with P and PA for a longer period of time. I am very

sorry to hear that doctor attribute all of your symptoms to obesity.

Just because someone is reported to be an excellent rheumatologist

doesn't mean they are or that they are right for you. Find another

rheumatologist. In any event, this rheumy sounded extremely ignorant

of the facts about PsA!

Losing weight is always a good idea when dealing with arthritis. It

will alleviate some of the pressure on the joints. Getting into warm

water to exercise is probably the best way to start. Just start

slowly and build up. Work with your current doctors to find exercises

that are good for you. Also, Weight Watchers is one of the most

reasonable programs out there and they really work on helping people

think differently about what food is for, ie try not to use it as

comfort, find other forms of comfort.

Please don't be put off by the moderator's comments to you. Keep

using this group, because this group is for information and support!

Best wishes,

Meghan

> I finally got in to see the person I'm told is the best rheumy

> for PA in Portland, OR. Almost his first comment was, " You don't

> have PA. "