New Diagnosis

[lisapooh]

Well I went to my new doctor today and he doesn't think I have rheumatoid arthritis at all but fibromyalgia. I have to go for a bunch of blood tests tomorrow including a screening for RA. From all he has ordered I don't know if I will have any bllod left when they finish. Yuck.

He has also put me on a different drug for pain. Hope it works because the Aleve was not working and I am maxed out on that. Well at least we know why I am in so much pain and why I'm so tired all the time. Now to find a way to get trhough it. Also explains the ringing and dizzy spells. Geez I'm a mess! Turns out my hearing loss may also be related to it. Not that it will get my hearing back but it may explain it.

[teri]

I sympathize. I carried the RA diagnosis for 20 years, through 4 board-certified rheumatologists, and a few years ago a new rhematologist told me I do not meet the current criteria for RA. She won't put a label on it, I have x-ray changes in some joints so it isn't "just" fibromyalgia. (Just???) Very frustrating.

Aleve never worked for me, just put a hole in my stomach. I hope they find something that works for you. Celebrex caused my liver enzymes to jump - I have to stay away from that whole class of drugs. I am back on ibuprofen, plus Tylenol on mornings when the morning stiffness is bad.

[SueM in MN]

All I can do is wish you good luck and send a little pixie dust your way to find something that works for you.

[mnmom22]

My Dr. gave me a dx of fibromyalgia after weeks of blood tests etc. It's been miserable because it's a disease that is diagnosed by ruling out everything else---arthritis, mono, lupus, etc. I've been doing some therapeutic pool therapies that seem to help and my Dr. gave me ritalin to help with the energy problems. Now I give my son ritalin to calm him down (adhd) and take it myself to try and keep up with him. The worst thing about this dx is that the general medical population believe it's a "Whiney woman's disorder". I hope thoings go ok for you!!!

[Mazzy]

Lisa, sorry to hear you're having a bad time at the moment, I hope the tests aren't too painful for you.

My sister was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a couple of years ago. She has been doing hydrotherapy classes every week which seem to be helping a little.

Do let us know how you get on.

Best wishes

[lisapooh]

Thank you for all your good wishes and pixie dust. The new medication I'm on is Relafen and it really seems to be working for me. I woke up this morning with no pain. I have been on crutches for 2 weeks and today I have not used them at all! Got up, went to the grocery store and now I'm home DISing. Before I would still be in bed curled up in a ball.
No stiffness in my hands at all and my signing feels so free and comfortable. Really makes fingerspelling a lot easier when your hands aren't stiff. :bounce: :bounce:
Boy I am glad I switched to this doctor.
Syill need to not overdue but I am a happy camper.

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the update. We must have sent you some really potent pixie dust. It doesn't usually work so fast.;)
Seriously, hope you continue to have good luck.

[lisapooh]

Sue between you guys and pixie dust and my deaf gang praying it sure did work fast. I wasn't expecting it but praise the Lord.

[kejoda]

I'm glad to hear that your health is improving. I will say prayers for you and send more pixie dust your way.