Hi,
I made an appt with a new Rhuemy for logistic reasons old one is about an hour drive without traffic.
I also wanted to see if my old one was just running me around sometimes I think he was just too busy.
Anyhow back to the new guy my appt was at 11:00 am went back at 11:30 sat in the room another 25 min then he came in and asked about symptoms and medication.
He then gets a call and leaves says he will be right back about 25 min go by comes in and does a physical examine lasted 10 min.
He then tellls that because I tested SSA positive and ANA back in 2010 that he is not sure I have Sjogrens....
He keeps asking if my eye doctor ever told me I had dry eyes I said no that I went thru a period that I could not wear my contacts but after a yr plus on plaquenil I now can.
He said the only way you can confirm Sjogre's is with a lip biopsy...
Also he is really hung up on me having a Schimers test and some other stuff from eye doc.. He ordered new Antibodies test and new SSA panel.
I was diagnosed a year and a half ago went on my merry way learning to live with my original diagnosis minus eye test and lip biopsy. Now he has me thinking I was misdiagnosed :(
Long story not sure I will go back...
Dry2010
Hm, in that case, I may be misdiagnosed too. :) I was diagnosed off of lab work and have no interest in getting a lip biopsy - my labs are strongly suggestive of a connective tissue disease, so I'm on Plaquenil to treat the symptoms and we'll treat any issues as they present. We suspect it's Primary Sjogren's because the only specific antibodies I tested positive for are SS-A (which were extremely high) and RF (also very high). My ANA was also extremely high both times. I understand it's frustrating though not to know for certain what AI disease we actually have - it seems so many of them cause the same problems and can even result in similar labs.
Hi Daisy,
It isn't unusual for a second opinion/new doctor to do his own tests etc...before confirming a diagnosis. It doesn't sound like he is doubting you since he is wanting all these tests again, he is just being thorough. Diagnosing autoimmnue diseases and distinguishing between can be quite tricky and it isn't unusual for them to hold off on a diagnosis for awhile to see how things evolve over time. It could also be that you have an overlap of Sjogren's with some other autoimmune disease which would confuse the picture. Just saying I wouldn't necessarily write this guy off just yet, I think I would wait and see what he comes up with after the testing.
You also might want to try to get his first appointment of the morning or after lunch since he would be more likely to not be running late yet. I learned that a long time ago and always get the earliest appointment that I can.
Hope you get some good news back about all your testing~
Nancy
I have a positive ANA and SSA and osteo which my first doctor diagnosed as Sjogrens Arthritis. My second doctor got the same lab results and she's diagnosed me with general osteo and undifferentiated connective tissue findings because I don't fit the entire SJS diagnosis. So for now I'm in the undifferentiated category until something new pops up!
I guess I would give the guy a chance also. Did you ask him what he is thinking in regards toyour condition??
Also, these rheumies are very scarce and are super busy so it seems that though he was in and out at least he sounded like he was doing and saying the right things.
Also, sometimes the doc that we think we don't like ends up being the best one of the bunch. Irish ;D
Hey Dry,
I agree with Irish...just like teachers....the toughest and least liked teacher became my favorite!
I have been lucky to get into a second rheumy for a second opinion (best practice in town) however, I think I may select the first rheumy (new in town for 3 years) because she got me in within 2 weeks, took time yet very efficient and I liked the office staff!! Sometimes the more popular practices get so busy they have less time for each patient! We'll see....I'm still getting my second opinion but I think I'll end up staying with my original rheumy (who at the time I thought would be less experienced....I was wrong....she ran all appropriate tests, more than my internist who diagnosed me with Sjogrens Arthritis.....she also got xrays which he could have done and ruled out rheumatic arthritis due to the xrays!!! She is very sweet but seems to know her stuff!
Keep us posted! :)
Thanks all for the replies.. I have not decided what I am going to do my first impression is not good that always seems to stick with me.
He is adament that it must be diagnosed via lip biops which I have read post from so many of you that you were diagnosed by bloodwork and some with negative results.
I may give my old rhuemy a shot again besides I only see him three times a year..
Dry2010