After being sick for almost 20 years, I was finely given an official diagnosis today. After being on methotrexate for a few weeks, and showing great improvement, my doctor gave me the diagnosis of RA and Sjogren's. While most people would be disappointed, I am elated because I have a name the describes what is wrong with me and that name is NOT CRAZY!!!!!
Oh yes, my doc is going to have a little chat with the rheumy and tell him there are other ways to determine if a person has an auto immune disease when the blood work routinely comes out neg.
Collie
Hi Collie,
Glad you finally have a diagnosis. It's so hard to explain to someone that you are sick, when you can't tell them why. I have had those looks from people, even if they don't say it, they still think you are crazy. I finally got to the point at work that I tell everyone I am fine, whether I am or not.
I hope your rheumy takes the advice from your other doctor, so he will not make the same mistakes again.
You are not crazy, and you are not alone.
Hugs & :-*s
Martha
Hi Collie, I think many of us know exactly how you feel about having an answer. I know I felt the same way.
Steve
Aww Collie,
I too know the relief you are feeling. Just having a name to put to it after all these years is like getting the Gold Seal of Aproval stamped on your forehead. ;D I'm so sorry you have these dx's, but I know how you feel knowing what it is.
Take care and don't forget we are here when you need us.
Hugs, Pooh
Collie :)
Im really happy you have at last something that you can tell people whats wrong..and even more that at last you have found a Doc brave enough to try and treat by your symptoms rather than do nothing because your bloodwork is neg.
Just shows us gain that bloodwork is not the way to commit to a final diagnosis...
Must mention your improvement to my Doc's next time I see them.
A quick question...what symptoms are being relieved for you by the methotrexate ? Cheers
All my continuing best
Ron
Hi Collie :)
I totally understand how having a label is better than not having one. Lots of us have been accused of the 'crazy' one. Don't be surprised if, when the elation wears off, you feel a little bit down. It passes.
Take care - Scottie :)
Hi Collie-
That is good news--to have a diagnosis, that is! When I had my lip biopsy report come back, the oral surgeon told me, "your suspicions were right.." I gave him a high 5........and he probably thought I was nuts. Rheumy had just told me I was fine. The same bloodwork at a U hospital a couple of weeks later had positive bloodwork, the rheumy had just not taken the right tests.
Hopefully, this will lead to a treatment plan, or an even better treatment plan. Luxy ;D
Thanks guys,
When I talked to my Dad today, I was actually able to tell him what was wrong with me rather than trying to explain it; it was amazing how his attitude became more caring when this disease had an actual name attached to it.
The Doc did not tell me what the Methotrexate was for, she just said she wanted to see if there was any improvement with my symptoms; I actually expected nothing to happen. Anyway, the swelling, pain, and inflammation I had improved after the first dose and now I can actually use my hands without dropping everything I tough. My Dry eyes are slightly better too.
My Doc said I will need to take this for the rest of my life, although she may decrease the dose some after I have taken it for 6 months or so.
Collie
Hi Collie
So glad you've finally got a diagnosis, just sorry what the diagnosis is though - if you get my meaning. I've never taken mtx so can't comment on it, but it does sound as though it's working and giving you some relief. I totally understand about having a label for your illness, you can tell well meaning people that 'no you just don't need an early night!'
Take care
Wen x
I liked the way you explained the methotrexate helped you! I expected it to take a long time (and it does) but I swore I felt better by my second dose. I was right, I did feel better. So glad you are, too. Lucy