Hello Everyone,
I was going to wait to get the results back from the GI before I proceed to make an appointment with a rheumatologist, but the pain has been coming back in my joints (especially lower back) since I am dropping off of the Prednisone and I realized that it is better to call and make the appointment now and get it over with. Good thing I did because the appointment is for March 26th and by this time I should know more from my GI what is going on there.
Has anyone seen a rheumatologist,? What should I expect and what type of tests will he perform. I am hoping to get an x-ray or something of my lower back. Arthritis does run in my family, my mother has osteoarthritis and grandmother has rheumatoid arthritis. The fact that Pred. took the joint pain away does tell me inflammation, and then I know GI problems and arthritis can go hand in hand.
Thanks!
Kel
Has anyone seen a rheumatologist?
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Kellyerin222
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Has anyone seen a rheumatologist?
Currently waiting results to see exact problem.
Hi Kel. When I went, she just "handled" me, for lack of a better word. She looked closely at my feet, hands, movements, etc. Then we talked about the symptoms I was having, she felt along my back looking for pressure points, then she had me get some blood tests and some Xrays of my back and hips. Oh, and she prescribed a muscle relaxant to help me sleep.
The follow-up was pretty much the same but she diagnosed me with fibromyalgia and a fascia disorder. It wasn't until four months later that we all drew the same conclusion...the fibro was caused by the MC. I had failed to mention that I had been previously diagnosed with that. Talk with your family, get an idea of their history and really know yours.
She prescribed muscle relaxers to help me sleep, pain pills for the pain, and Neurontin for the fascia disorder. I don't take the meds for various reasons, mainly because of some side effects I can't live with. So, the fact that you are able to take meds that help you is wonderful. I manage through diet.
I see her once a year for re-evaluation unless I need to be seen for pain, etc. We re-do the blood tests and the back/hip xrays b/c that's really where I hurt the most. Hope I've helped.
The follow-up was pretty much the same but she diagnosed me with fibromyalgia and a fascia disorder. It wasn't until four months later that we all drew the same conclusion...the fibro was caused by the MC. I had failed to mention that I had been previously diagnosed with that. Talk with your family, get an idea of their history and really know yours.
She prescribed muscle relaxers to help me sleep, pain pills for the pain, and Neurontin for the fascia disorder. I don't take the meds for various reasons, mainly because of some side effects I can't live with. So, the fact that you are able to take meds that help you is wonderful. I manage through diet.
I see her once a year for re-evaluation unless I need to be seen for pain, etc. We re-do the blood tests and the back/hip xrays b/c that's really where I hurt the most. Hope I've helped.
Kelly, i will be curious to see what they say when you go. I had to have a hysterectomy early in life and i am concerned about that as well with the MC. I have a lot of joint pain, mostly in my shoulders and knees, sometimes lower back.
Diagnosed with MC on 1/8/2008 after 7 months of flare. 2nd colonoscopy and new diagnosis of UC on 3/11/2008.
Kelly,
I've never been to a rheumy, but most of us have had arthritis issues along with the MC, some much worse than others. I had it so bad that I could hardly walk at one time, (about 7 or 8 years ago). Eliminating gluten and casein from my diet has pretty well held it at bay, so that it's not a problem these days. Before I started the diet, my knees, neck, and back were a constant problem, and some of my fingers were growing very crooked, (in typical RA fashion), but now my knees, neck, and back, no longer bother me, and while my fingers certainly have not straightened out, they haven't gotten any worse, since then. IOW, the diet didn't reverse the damage, but it stopped it from progressing.
Tex
I've never been to a rheumy, but most of us have had arthritis issues along with the MC, some much worse than others. I had it so bad that I could hardly walk at one time, (about 7 or 8 years ago). Eliminating gluten and casein from my diet has pretty well held it at bay, so that it's not a problem these days. Before I started the diet, my knees, neck, and back were a constant problem, and some of my fingers were growing very crooked, (in typical RA fashion), but now my knees, neck, and back, no longer bother me, and while my fingers certainly have not straightened out, they haven't gotten any worse, since then. IOW, the diet didn't reverse the damage, but it stopped it from progressing.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Kellyerin222
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Fri Feb 29, 2008 12:35 pm
- Location: Granger, Indiana
- Contact:
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Kellyerin222
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Fri Feb 29, 2008 12:35 pm
- Location: Granger, Indiana
- Contact:
Thank you all for your reply. I wish I did not have to wait so long to see the RH. Doc, but just glad I did make the call and set it up. Actually, what prompted me to make that call this morning was the back pain. It was hurting and I just got to think "this is nuts" and looked up and found a RH. Doc and made the call. I put one of those heating packs on and that did not provide any relief. Then both of my knees started hurting and the fingers on my left hand. I took a Vicodin and that took the edge off, but did not completely block all of the pain.
I have felt so fatigued today. Luckily the GI issues have been very good for the past two days! I did have some issues on Saturday, but it looks like Pred. is keeping it at bay for the time being. This afternoon I ran out to do an errand, but the fatigue was overwhelming and I thought "what can I do?", I just wanted that little more energy to keep me going. I stopped at Starbucks and got a small latte, which did not even counter act how fatigued I felt. I did think hard about getting it though because coffee can bring on immediate diarrhea and/or ab pain for me, lol-- but I thought "oh energy, just want some energy".
Then this afternoon with the joint pain and feeling so fatigued I just grabbed a pillow/blanket and curled up on the couch. I really only wanted to sleep an hour or so, something to just help a little, but ended up sleeping for 3.5 hours and it was not until my children got home from school that I forced myself to get up.
Still trying to knock the cob webs out of my head at the moment and try to think straight, lol. This fatigue is just crazy. I feel as if I am not as productive as I should be. I have things I need to get done and yet when it hits me-- the only thing I can think of doing is sleeping.
Erin: I was approved for a hyster. when I was in my early 20's. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and mild endometriosis. The PCOS is still there (confirmed on ultrasound of ovaries in Dec and my testosterone level was in the 300's, which normal for woman is 50 and under), I really do not get much of the endo pain with menstrual cycles. It seems after I had my daughter (with the help of IVF) they are regular now. Though the hyster. is something I have considered-- would you do it again and do you ever regret it (if you do not mind me asking).
I will keep everyone update on how the Rh. Doc appointment goes!
Kelly
I have felt so fatigued today. Luckily the GI issues have been very good for the past two days! I did have some issues on Saturday, but it looks like Pred. is keeping it at bay for the time being. This afternoon I ran out to do an errand, but the fatigue was overwhelming and I thought "what can I do?", I just wanted that little more energy to keep me going. I stopped at Starbucks and got a small latte, which did not even counter act how fatigued I felt. I did think hard about getting it though because coffee can bring on immediate diarrhea and/or ab pain for me, lol-- but I thought "oh energy, just want some energy".
Then this afternoon with the joint pain and feeling so fatigued I just grabbed a pillow/blanket and curled up on the couch. I really only wanted to sleep an hour or so, something to just help a little, but ended up sleeping for 3.5 hours and it was not until my children got home from school that I forced myself to get up.
Still trying to knock the cob webs out of my head at the moment and try to think straight, lol. This fatigue is just crazy. I feel as if I am not as productive as I should be. I have things I need to get done and yet when it hits me-- the only thing I can think of doing is sleeping.
Erin: I was approved for a hyster. when I was in my early 20's. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and mild endometriosis. The PCOS is still there (confirmed on ultrasound of ovaries in Dec and my testosterone level was in the 300's, which normal for woman is 50 and under), I really do not get much of the endo pain with menstrual cycles. It seems after I had my daughter (with the help of IVF) they are regular now. Though the hyster. is something I have considered-- would you do it again and do you ever regret it (if you do not mind me asking).
I will keep everyone update on how the Rh. Doc appointment goes!
Kelly
Currently waiting results to see exact problem.
kelly, I had a partial when I was 29. I had a condition called adenomiosis and endometriosis....and horrible pms. Blessed to have my two kids...honestly to have been able to conceive and carry was a miracle. Now I'm 42. Did I regret having a hysterectomy? Not on your life. I thank that Dr. every single day!
As for more children, we decided that there were other options if we chose to enlarge our family. I guess I still get a little teary if I think too hard about not being able to have more children, but for me, the good far outweighs the bad.
I hear from older women that it's harder psychologically to have a hysterectomy young...but many wish they had had that option. I'm glad though. I"ll be thinking of you.
As for more children, we decided that there were other options if we chose to enlarge our family. I guess I still get a little teary if I think too hard about not being able to have more children, but for me, the good far outweighs the bad.
I hear from older women that it's harder psychologically to have a hysterectomy young...but many wish they had had that option. I'm glad though. I"ll be thinking of you.