First Rheumatology appointment

[NicT]

Hi everyone, I posted in March about the long waiting list to see a rheumatologist and this week I finally had my first appointment.

Having previously been investigated for similar symptoms in my teens with no satisfactory diagnosis or treatment I was very nervous to say the least!

The doctor I saw was wonderful! He listened, took into account how my symptoms have changed and worsened, looked at the pictures I have of the butterfly rash, examined me and took bloods.

He said to me the best thing I could have heard, "You don't have fibromyalgia" this is something I have been certain of for 15 years, my symptoms simply don't fit!

He is investigating potential auto immune/ connective tissue disorders and gave me a steroid injection which hopefully will deliver magic, if brief, pain relief! I am already feeling some benefit.

It really couldn't have gone better for a first appointment! Still hoping for answers and a way forward which I know may not come but it's progress. 😄

[misty14]

Hi nic

Great reading your first Rheumy apt outcome!. Your on the right road for a CTD diagnosis and lovely the steroid injection is kicking in!. Proves there's inflammation !. Did he say when he will see you again, presumably lots of bloods were taken?. Good luck and keep us posted. X

[NicT in reply to misty14]

Thank you! I'm seeing him again in a month. In the mean time I'm keeping a diary on how I'm feeling so I can give a proper account of how the injection has helped. I'm trying to be realistic I'm not expecting to be totally pain free but so far so good! X

[misty14 in reply to NicT]

Hi nict

Sounds like a really good plan!. Take photos of any rashes if you get any to add to your notes. Good luck in a month and hope the injection keeps helping. Keep us posted. X