Asking the right questions

[DDH]

Well as usual, I heard nothing from my doctor after my blood work. So, my sister was going in to see him and I had her take him a note. I didn't want to butt in to her doctor time, but I wanted to know something. She said he told her he would get a letter off to me, that has been a week ago tomorrow, so I don't know yet.

I still hurt in my joints but continue to try to do some kind of exercise like pilates or something when I cannot ride my bike. That seems to help. I know when I ride, my wrist will kill me during the ride and I have to constantly stop and kind of losen them up.
I just refuse to let it stop me from getting things done or doing what I want to do. I just have to be really careful when walking about my left ankle, because certain ways I step down make me want to go through the roof.

If I don't get some results soon, I will have to change my doctor.

My mom has Fibromyalgia, but she just describes the restless leg kind of stuff. Or maybe that is somthing different.

[doc]

My mom has Fibromyalgia, but she just describes the restless leg kind of stuff. Or maybe that is somthing different.

Oh no, fibromyalgia (and other pain syndromes) are painful! Restless leg is an entity unto itself, and not associated as far as I know.

[spokewench]

Donna:

There comes a time when you just can't put up with it anymore. It is definitely time to become the squeeky wheel! Call that doctor's office at least twice a day (3xs if you can stomach it). Leave messages and demand to talk to the doctor's personal assistant (MA, whatever, they have in that office) each and every time. If you can't get them, leave a message each and every time!

Send a letter immediately (overnight mail, certified return receipt) describing your concerns in writing and demanding some kind of follow up.

If you do not get a response to a week's worth of calls, go to the office and pitch a B - - - -! Act obnoxious if you have to. (I know I hate to do this, but it does get results and is necessary rarely but sometimes). I think it is necessary in your case!

spoke

[Dogmama]

I triple ditto what Doc & Spokewrench said.

I have lupus and it took a rheumatologist to diagnose it. Lupus & R.A. are similar in that they are autoimmune diseases. If your doc says nothing is wrong, demand to be referred to a rheumatologist. The blood tests are very specific to the condition. Just because a preliminary blood test comes back normal, you aren't cleared of lupus or RA. I don't remember all of the fancy tests because it was a long time ago.

Spokewrench is right. I might even invoke the "L" word (Lawyer) if you need to get really nasty. Doctors & lawyers are generally like oil & water.

(As an aside - you know what the difference is between a malpractice lawyer and a catfish? One of them is a scum sucking bottom feeder and the other one is a fish.)

I decided 3 weeks ago that I didn't need to take my plaquinel for my lupus. I've taken it for 15 years, but I suddenly became an M.D. three weeks ago. I have had a headache for the last ten days. I finally connected the dots (duh!) and started the plaquinel again. Taa -daa - no more headache!

I give that example just to show how complicated these conditions can be.

You go get 'em girl!!