Letter given to Rheumatologist w labs and an article

[JennaShi]

Hi all, I typed up a letter to the Rheumatologist whom I was referred to and included my lab work along with a government article on the Hep 2 cell ANA test. All my questions were included and I requested that he respond via email. He was out of town last week and its been 3 days since he got back and I've concluded that he most likely wont respond via email. I realize he is busy, but he should also take time to respond to my questions as they as valid as his patients. He may not know the answers but I would glad pay to have an appointment to talk with him as long as he hears me out. I al just ranting to get this off my chest. I do not know whether my EBV is causing an increase in my ANA titre but I can say through charts that its not the cause my my thyroids current condition. But it is consistent and has been getting higher, i do have autoimmune Graves’ disease and so I do not think I am any other “normal person with antibodies.” Thanks for reading my rant, you don't have to respond, I still have a hard time letting things be and seeing someone if and when it gets worse. I don't want a problem, I am merely recognizing that there is an early (not so early with some symptoms) onset of another problem.

[Wee1kirby]

I have no advice only to say please don’t give up and keep fighting. You know yourself when something is wrong and I think if you were simply one of the few healthy people with antibodies, you wouldn’t even be getting an ANA test done as you’d have no symptoms! I really hope someone gets back to you and he is just busy. Sorry to hear about your Graves, it sounds like you have a lot to contend with.

[JennaShi in reply to Wee1kirby]

Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I agree and will keep trying, just frustrating at times.

The receptionist did say he took my letter and labs etc that I attached and is looking at them so, I find there is some hope in this. And I did request to see a specific hematologist through my primary. I guess he doesn’t diagnose and would prefer being seen afterwards but will take me in. He has the areas of interest that may be helpful in my case so I am hopeful on that as well.

[Wee1kirby in reply to JennaShi]

Unfortunately this whole process has taught me how much we have to advocate for our own health, sadly at a time when we feel most weak and unwell. I really hope you have some success

[JennaShi in reply to Wee1kirby]

I couldn’t agree more and hope that you are able to great and much needed care as well! Thank you, your notes have inspected me to make some calls. I have some hope!