Scared of test results : Spoke to my GP yesterday... - PMRGCAuk

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Scared of test results

Buttonshutton profile image
31 Replies

Spoke to my GP yesterday about something else. In conversation she said my results from the rheumatologist were ok. I said wasn't sure what being tested for assume inflammation amongst them. She said yes and kidney and a specialist rheumatologist test she doesn't know what it means.. all normal but the rheummy one showing slightly positive auto immune and looking through other patients notes after similar can be classed as of no significance. At first I thought oh good proves PMR or some auto immune. But then started googling rheumatologist tests. Read that it can mean other things including cancer so then oh what type. Is that why she wants me to have scan etc does she suspect that. Anyway now am worrying self silly like I did at the beginning. But surely they wouldn't be waiting 6 weeks to scan me if thought anything urgent and I would have had a call to discuss the bloods etc. has anyone else had this experience.

If Inflammation normal but still in pain. But I've had this thing 6 months now. Surely I would know about it if anything worse. I need to stop googling

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Buttonshutton profile image
Buttonshutton
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31 Replies
MrsNails profile image
MrsNails

Hello Buttonshutton

Dr Google is to be avoided until you know what you are looking for EXACTLY!

I had loads of Tests done before l was diagnosed with PMR & again later as they thought l may have another auto immune condition as well.

Some results in isolation don’t always reflect a problem but be must looked at in the bigger picture. I had Blood Tests that had to go to London & some that took over three weeks - l do have a positive Rheumatoid Factor but no sign of RA

From someone with experience of a Cancer Diagnosis DON’T GOOGLE - get facts from the correct sources when & if you have a diagnosis.

In my experience it’s people who think they might have cancer who get more stressed & upset than those of us that have had cancer.

Get back to us when you have all your results back.

Kind Regards

MrsN

Buttonshutton profile image
Buttonshutton in reply to MrsNails

Thank you so much

autumnlass profile image
autumnlass in reply to MrsNails

Always such a comfort you are to us all. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

The only point in using google for "rheumatology tests" is when you KNOW exactly what test it was - and she may well tell you if you ask. And when you know, ask here and one of us who does know which thing on google applies will try to help out. I can't say I'm impressed that a GP tells a patient they don't know what a test is, she can use google too!! I am impressed she admits it though.

These are probably all the standard range of tests - you do some and use the results as a baseline for where to go next rather than do everything under the sun, loads of which aren't relevant and a waste of time and money.

Buttonshutton profile image
Buttonshutton in reply to PMRpro

Thank you. I'm being told off by my partner as in. Not this again. I wound myself up into a huge state right at the beginning of the pain wondering what it was. Then I was somewhat settled as pain reduced and PMR diagnosis. Then the rheumatologist and then the GP have wound me right up. I found it odd too her comments. And you are right. I have no idea what test it was so a broad search on google is silly. Thank you. I have enough on with losing dad yesterday and job the same day. And just realised forgot to take my pred yesterday too without driving myself insane with guessing. Thank you. I'll try and be more sensible

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Buttonshutton

I'm so sorry - no wonder you are in a tiz-woz. So all the more reason to just put it on a back burner - whatever the tests show won't alter what is happening and there is no point at all worrying about what may not exist at all. As MrsNails says, even the horrid things aren't as bad in reality as the uninformed panic in advance.

Look after yourself for the moment - let the doctors worry about the other stuff.

Buttonshutton profile image
Buttonshutton in reply to PMRpro

❤️

autumnlass profile image
autumnlass in reply to Buttonshutton

Be kind to yourself … you’re under a lot of stress at the moment. ❤️

MrsNails profile image
MrsNails

Oh Button So Sorry about your Dad, that must be awful for you & the news about your job…..

We are all here anytime you need any support or just a chat. Please don’t forget that!

Sincere Sympathy to You 💐

MrsN

Buttonshutton profile image
Buttonshutton in reply to MrsNails

Thank you so much. Really appreciate it. Horrible times. Both out of the blue

Seacat30 profile image
Seacat30

Once they have got hold of you they will want to test to exclude all the remotest possibilities not because they think you necessarily have them. I have been terrified on numerous themes so far (multiple myeloma, ankylosing spondylitus, urinary cancers, kidney trouble). I have lived in fear and been tested and molested quite extensively over a 3 month period. They have not, so far, found evidence of anything on their hit list.

Buttonshutton profile image
Buttonshutton in reply to Seacat30

Thank you that is reassuring.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Commiserations on news about your dad, and the job, but leave google alone as others have recommended.

It's very easy to do, but it gives a lot of stuff that doesn't apply to YOU...and most of us aren't knowledgeable enough to sift out the garbage.

You have enough on your plate without worrying about something that may not apply.

Buttonshutton profile image
Buttonshutton in reply to DorsetLady

Thank you. I know. Just a terrible control freak can't stand doubt etc. but you are all so right. I know

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Buttonshutton

I think one of the things that PMR can "give" us is a way out of control freakery - it is hard, but it is so freeing.

Buttonshutton profile image
Buttonshutton in reply to PMRpro

That would be nice. Take it you are the same type of character

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Buttonshutton

Sort of - only in some things. My first lesson was a a brand new mother - when my baby was kept in NICU for 6 weeks and there wasn't very much I could do. Same happened with the second as well - so I definitely never suffered from the helicopter mother thing. But while I hate housework and don't do it unless essential - when it is done, I want it done right and I cannot cope with a cleaner "tidying" things away in the wrong place. Everything I use regularly has its place and that is where it must go back to - almost OCD about that! My mother used to put things away in the wrong place and not in the neat rows when she visited. Luckily OH never did do anything so helpful and the girls are worse than me ;) Things may not be perfectly TIDY here, but it is arranged for ease of use for me - since no-one else was there to do things.

Buttonshutton profile image
Buttonshutton in reply to PMRpro

Oh you sound very similar to me. And weirdly my daughter was also in hospital when she was born. Not as long though. Just over a month in the Neonatal in Sheffield Children's. Poor thing had an op at two days old. So sorry this happened with both your girls. Hope both are ok now. With you on the house work. I hate it but gets to a point where I can't stand it anymore. My fellow house occupiers also don't do unhelpful putting in the wrong place either. Or the right place for that matter.. lazy buggers.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Buttonshutton

Mine were awful when they lived at home, fussy about eating too - now both will eat the sort of food I eat! Even OH has discovered veggie soup and salad!!!!!

Buttonshutton profile image
Buttonshutton in reply to PMRpro

Skills. Well done !!

123-go profile image
123-go

Oh, you poor thing! If it's of any reassurance I, and probably most people with PMR have had tests for many conditions including kidney and liver function which I have each time I have a blood test. I had one for HIV before my consultant would prescribe Leflunomide!! Try look at things in terms of thoroughness on the part of your doctors and remember that these are largely routine tests.

I'm sorry to hear that you have lost your Dad. This, of course, has caused added stress. Come back here at any time for a bit of virtual tea and sympathy. Our ears are always at the ready.x

Buttonshutton profile image
Buttonshutton in reply to 123-go

Thank you so much. I'm in a bit of a tangle. Trying to be strong for mum.

123-go profile image
123-go

Of course. It's all so very recent. When you can, find some time to put your feet up-even if it's only 15 minutes at a time. Supporting someone when you're poorly yourself is hard.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew

Some really thoughtful, kind comments and excellent advice that I can't really add to, but just to say I'm thinking about you.

Buttonshutton profile image
Buttonshutton in reply to Kendrew

Ah thank uou so much

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

My Rheumatologist arranged for a full raft of scans and tests to be sure of the diagnosis. She is thorough, she’s curious and she listens. I find this reassuring. I do know that gnawing worry about your health though, when even an ingrowing toenail seems sinister. It maybe simply that you are not on enough Pred. I needed 20 mgs to mop up the inflammation in the early days - some people even more - and I stayed there for 6 weeks. A correct diagnosis is vital. Much better to have a correct diagnosis. It needs to be a process of elimination because there isn’t really a definitive test for PMR.

Buttonshutton profile image
Buttonshutton in reply to SheffieldJane

Hi. Thank you. I'm feeling much more reassured that all this is normal. Never googling again !! Really appreciate this

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to Buttonshutton

So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad.🌸

Buttonshutton profile image
Buttonshutton in reply to SheffieldJane

Thank you

Koalajane profile image
Koalajane

Sorry to hear of your losses, both your Dad and your job.I had so many tests prior to my diagnosis. It is normal for all these tests. I had an MRI which found nothing but a ovarian cyst which meant a trip to the gynaecologist! Blood and urine tests for myeloma, continuous blood tests and then a diagnosis so it is quite normal. Keep calm and please try and relax. Remember stress is not good for us.

Buttonshutton profile image
Buttonshutton in reply to Koalajane

Thank you. I'm going to after next week which will be busy sorting, try to take time out for me. Hope you are all ok now on the cyst front

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