I new so please excuse my first vent, my ra is getting to me.

[sashedd101]

Well, I finally got to my new rheumatologist only for him to tell me that although I have the largest ra nodule on a finger he has ever seen that i don't have ra and he is not really sure what is is. but because he doesn't handle my problem he will be happy to refer me to a hand surgeon to remove the end of my finger. Now my rf factor may have been neg this time but doesnt mean it wasnt positive before. of course, he didn't do any test of his own or any type of exam. I have a nodule that goes thru my foot but since it is broken he couldn't look at that. I have already lost one finger to ra. I am so tired of being sick and never getting any answers. i have several other problems chronic anemia, nerve damage, lupus but i hate to be a constant downer. Does anyone have any suggestions of how to stay positive? And i guess worst of all my upper arm feels like the meat is being ripped off the bone. This is not normal. But was of no concern. Im concerned. I have gone back to my primary and we go back to treating symptoms........

[Hidden]

Hi. I'm sorry to hear the visit to the new Rheumatologist was a negative experience. I'm guessing you had to wait some time for an appt. and had hopes that just maybe he would be helpful.

Joining this forum is a good start to find people who have some understanding of what you are going through. Venting gets it 'out' and leaves space for the possibility of finding positives. All the best.

[sashedd101 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your kindness

[Witness2]

It’s no wonder you feel so let down. Being referred on so casually without, it seems, any convincing explanation as to why the Consultant thinks you don’t have RA, is disempowering for you and the best remedy for that, I have found, is to try to gain some control. So: is your GP helpful? When they have received the letter from the Consultant, make an appointment to discuss your GP’s understanding of the problem and the Consultant’s diagnosis. Request a second opinion or ask the GP to liaise with the consultant to obtain a clearer understanding.

Above all remember that you matter and deserve respect and empathy. I hope you feel better after taking some action.

[sashedd101 in reply to Witness2]

thank you i did just what you suggested and we have put a plan into action so holding my fingers crossed

SS

[Gnarli]

You go ahead and vent if you need to. Feeling so let down after a long wait for your appointment it's totally understandable that you feel dismissed, diminished and unregarded. In your position I reckon I'd be wanting a second opinion from a well qualified and understanding rheumatologist. Please let us know how you get on. Wishing you well

J

[sashedd101]

thank you it helps to hear that i am just not crazy of course i am a little but not when it comes to my ra. you would think that the drs would be concerned about the depression that goes along with this stuff.

SS

[Witness2]

That’s a very good point Sashedd, I wonder if any researcher would like to study the effects of feeling dismissed and the onset of depression?!