You are a puzzle to solve

[maya]

Well, this is what my GP told me last time I visited her. I'm sure it's the same with many of you!

I'm posting this to know your suggestions about "What do you think I should do next". It's almost been 1 year since I have Sjogren symptoms show up.  I have had typical symptoms -- dry eyes, mouth, some brain fog, skin rashes etc--for about an year. Last month, had a painful "gout experience" as well!

Most annoying of all symptoms has been numbness in my anal region and constipation. My GP sent me to neuro who gave a "clean chit" for now after performing CT Scan of pelvis, blood work etc. He didn't do an MRI though (my insurance didn't accept it). Numbness and constipatoin have been around for 3 months now.

GP mentioned that next I might have to see a gastrologist/rheumatologist but she will leave it to me to decide. She seems a bit confused. Blood work for SjS is negative. I haven't done a lip biopsy and not planning for it at least as of now.

How do you think I should proceed. I'm not asking for medical opinions. Of course I can see gastrologist/rheumatologist for that. I'm just asking for general directions. Other than numbness, other symptoms are well taken care with drops/skin creans etc. I'm not worried about them, and I'm generally doing well.

I'm taking things one step at a time, and at this time wondering if I should simply wait, see a gastrologist or a rheumatologist or change my GP (she is very nice but I puzzle her - she admitted frankly! May be she doesn't have too much experience handling such patients; Having said that I like her.)

Any thoughts?

Maya

[Joe S.]

It was not until I saw a rheumy that any actions on testing happened. Tests that my GP did not want to do were authorized. Sleep Apnea, RLS, Lupus, RA, Sjogren's, and Central Neuropathy to add to the other Dx's. When I went to a gastro, he tried to treat me for IBS and was surprised that the meds did not work. He did not understand Fibromyalgia and did not believe it was an illness. I think it all depends on who you find.

[Linda196]

Maya, my first reaction to your GPs comment is that because she finds you a puzzle, she may go the extra mile to solve that puzzle. Granted she probably finds you too complicated for her, but she seems to know that and has made appropriate recommendations...I would think a rheumy would be the next logical step. In the world of specialists, a good rheumy is sort of an overview type, and can see any subspeciality problems that come up and make the call then about seeing a gastro. Of you have access to one, an immunologist could fill the same role.

[Scottietottie]

Hi Maya 

You must have read in here about sjoggies with negative bloodwork.

Is your GP treating the symptoms?  If possible I think you should see a rheumatologist and a gastrologist. Constipation is no fun. I've found that takng more cod liver oil than the recommended dose helps and also Activia Yogurt and lots of fruit and whole meal bread. Also, of course, lots of water.

Take care - Scottie 

[ProudAuntieNWash]

That is about all a person can do really is find a doctor who can treat the symptoms. It took me 15 years to get a good relationship with my doctor. Went through some hard times with him. Now he is really good at reading my body language he can tell me how I am doing just by looking at me.

Good doctors are hard to find. I am very lucky!!!

Before finding my current doctor, I had fired a few. LOL. Kicked one out of my room while in the hospital. Hope you find a good one like mine. And never be afraid to "fire" a doctor or two.

Denise