Do some people here also have arthritis?

[jstroble]

Please do not hold off on seeing the rheumatologist.  I really think you can get an answer from him and if, need be, you can get  the right treatment in the shortest amount of time.

Warm regards

Joyce

[LeoLady]

I also have had acute shoulder pain that lasted for months and months.  They tried PT but only the ice packs had any effect on the pain.  They also tried a course of steroids for pain.  Nothing worked.  My GP finally referred me to an orthopedic surgeon.  He took x-rays and he recommended rotor cuff surgery immediately for my right shoulder.  They did an S.A.D. (sub-abcromial decompression).  Basically he went in and scraped out loose cartilage and bone chips.  He said it was the worst he's ever seen - and he specializes in sports injuries!    Anyway, he said if I hadn't had it done right away, the paralysis could have been permanent.

I also have OA in my knees and fingers.  And weather fronts wreak havoc with Fibro and pSJS.   My rheumy has everyone fill out a 1-page questionnaire every time you visit and one of the questions is to rate your pain level on a scale from 1 thru 10.  This gives her an idea where you are and what she can do to help with the pain.

I hope you get some relief soon.  There are so many suggestions here that may help you.  Take good care of yourself.

LeoLady

[Autoimmunity]

I also have had acute shoulder pain that lasted for months and months.  They tried PT but only the ice packs had any effect on the pain.  They also tried a course of steroids for pain.  Nothing worked.  My GP finally referred me to an orthopedic surgeon.  He took x-rays and he recommended rotor cuff surgery immediately for my right shoulder.  They did an S.A.D. (sub-abcromial decompression).  Basically he went in and scraped out loose cartilage and bone chips.  He said it was the worst he's ever seen - and he specializes in sports injuries!    Anyway, he said if I hadn't had it done right away, the paralysis could have been permanent.

I also have OA in my knees and fingers.  And weather fronts wreak havoc with Fibro and pSJS.   My rheumy has everyone fill out a 1-page questionnaire every time you visit and one of the questions is to rate your pain level on a scale from 1 thru 10.  This gives her an idea where you are and what she can do to help with the pain.

I hope you get some relief soon.  There are so many suggestions here that may help you.  Take good care of yourself.

LeoLady

So that just happened out of the blue?  Was it from the arthritis?  Yikes!!
Yeah, I couldn't even get my steroids today as they weren't called in.  That plus I became very ill from the meloxicam - sorry if I am repeating myself, I don't remember.

[Autoimmunity]

Hey guys, quikie question.  Doctors office originally was going to refer me to the rheumatologist yesterday, then they called me last night stating the Dr. reviewed my chart (I had seen the nurse pract.) and she didn't want to refer me and wanted to start me on medrol dosepack - which has yet to even be called in.  Should I call the Drs office back and insist on a referral?  Does a rheum. need a referral?  Wonder if I should find one on my own.  Or should I just try the medrol, which I think will help, but that doesnt really address the underlying issue.  Plus, having lots of pain in my right and stiffness in my right shoulder now - still can't move my left arm.
Thanks.

[Navigator]

Hi

Moving around muscle/joint pain, an excruciating headache, a toothache with no cause, along with really dry eyes and dry mouth were what came on "out of the blue" and signaled my introduction to a SJS flare. It lasted 2 weeks. Over the counter drugs did not seem to have an impact and the pain moved around the neck and shoulders randomly and within the hour.  At some points I did not want to raise my arm over my head.

You need to see a rheumatologist.

Only your insurance knows for sure whether you need a referral...you should call the number on the back of your insurance card.  If they say yes...do not give up on your GP.  Pester him/her to take care of your pain.  If it is a flare it will eventually resolve but life is happier with treatment.

Meloxicam is a prescription anti inflamatory...try taking it with food.  The good news is if you are diagnosed and treated...plaquenil (which takes awhile to work) really cuts down on the aches and pains and slows progression of the disease...I now just have lower back pain when I wake up...and that too started in the course of a flare...out of the blue.  After I "warm up" with moving around it goes away....that was not the case with my earlier pain.

[Nancy60]

With the + RF and family hx of RA and the symptoms you have, I would want to see a rheumatologist. 

Referral depends on  what type of insurance you have if you are in the US.  HMO's are more likely to require a referral, but you need to call your insurance to find out for sure. 

If you don't need a referral then you can call and make an appointment for yourself.  I would ask around to find one who treats autoimmune diseases like sjogren's, lupus, RA etc...not all do.  Tell them your positive RF, severity of joint pain and family history.  If you are having significant pain, positive bloodwork and a family history sometimes they will squeeze you in sooner, but don't be surprised if you can't get scheduled in right away, a lot of rheumies are booked out.  If you ask to be put on their cancellation list you might get in quicker - they will call you if they have a cancellation to try to fit you in a last minute opening.

Good luck and let us know how you do.

Nancy

[Autoimmunity]

Thanks guys.  I know with my insurance I do not require a referral, but was wondering if it was like an endocrinologist where most require a referral from a different doctor before they will accept you as a pt.  I will have to call around and see.