Rheumy has diagnosed me

[jaygee]

I went for my 2nd appointment today and took the blood tests my GP did with me, which was a good job as she had not sent them to the rheumy (she told me I probably had menopausal symptoms).

He agreed that, based on symptoms, I should be treated for Sjogrens.  He mentioned the lip biopsy and something to do with putting dye in your glands, but then said he did not feel either was necessary, unless I wanted to do this, as sometimes lip biopsies are negative anyhow, and they are very painful - he said he rarely recommends them at all.

I admit I got a little emotional when I told him the GP had not prescribed any of the meds he had recommended in his previous letter, given she had received all the blood tests which were negative.

He was very kind when I got upset (and hubby was with me and telling him how he is sad to see how sore and stiff I am every day).  I told the rheumy I was quadra plugged after the optician referred me to an eye specialist about 8 years ago and that my dentist had sent me to a mouth specialist who diagnosed dry mouth and prescribed biotene products - all of this many years ago, but that because I didn't know they were related health problems I had not had either of these problems looked at since and had just lived with it.

He is going to write to my GP and prescribe plaquenil, pilocarpin and other stuff I can't remember right now, and said for me to try any of these as one of them also helps with fatigue.  He says I don't need to see him again unless I become worse, and that he hopes the plaquenil will help after about 8 weeks.

He will send me a copy of the letter he writes to the GP, and once I have it I can go in to get the meds prescribed.  When I get the letter my plan is to get an appointment with any of the other doctors, so that I won't have the embarassment of seeing the GP who said it was the menopause.

I am so glad I found this site, as I don't think I would have got anywhere, given the negative blood results, otherwise.  So thank you all for sharing your stories here.  xx

[Bernice]

I am so very glad that you are now on the right track, at least now with you diagnosis you have a sense of knowing exactly what's going on with your body! Even though a lot of wierd stuff comes with the diagnosis of Sjogren's leaving you wondering just what on earth is this now!? At least you know the underlying root of them.

Peace & Be Blessed
Bernice

[ruby52]

jaygee,I'm so glad you got a dx and are being treated with the meds that should help.I wonder why the Rheumy is not seeing you himself in the 4 to 6mo. period they usually monitor us.Many GP's don't know enough about this illness and prefer you see a specialist.Especially after the menopause comment.Just my thoughts.
                                                                                Ruby

[Crabcakes]

You must be releived, jaygee, to get somemeds and hopefully some relief! I'd love to hear how they work for you!

[jaygee]

jaygee,I'm so glad you got a dx and are being treated with the meds that should help.I wonder why the Rheumy is not seeing you himself in the 4 to 6mo. period they usually monitor us.Many GP's don't know enough about this illness and prefer you see a specialist.Especially after the menopause comment.Just my thoughts.
                                                                                Ruby

Thank you all.  Don't worry, Ruby, I plan to make an appointment to see him again - I will ask the doctor to refer me.  Have learned so much by reading stuff on here, that it didn't worry me to leave it there at the appointment today.  xx

[harrigan]

so glad you will be getting the right treatment now - I know how relieved that feels.  Take care and keep posting xx Ailsa

[Scottietottie]

Hi jaygee 

Really glad you've found a rheumy who is going to treat you regardless of blood test results. result!! I hope your GP is suitably chastened!

Hope you get onto the meds quickly and feel a bit better soon. Phase the Plaquenil in slowly and take it with food. less chance of stomach problems then.

Take care - Scottie