Lupus Support Group

High red and white blood cells, ANA negative (positive in previous test. Each doctor is telling me Polymyalgiarheumatica but the Hematologist said "No cancer or polymyalgiarheumatica or Porphyria, but I don't know what it is. I'm a needle in a haystack.

PCP won't refer me to Rheummy but when I go see her on Wednesday I'm gonna ask again.

I have gone to Dermatologist, G.I., Hematologist, PCP beside Rheummy who or what else do I do?

I am so exhausted with all of this I don't know how I'm gonna get thru this or how much longer I can take this. I'm frustrated and confused and EXHAUSTED.

I think you would need to find another PCP who is willing to refer you to a rheumatologist. A rheumy has the expertise to diagnose autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Other physicians could exclude other diseases, but not to confirm autoimmune diseases. I think you are entitled to request a referral to see a rheumy, if you have tested positive to ANA in the past.

I am so sorry you are going through all of this! I agree with Looopie, you need to get a referral to a Rheumatologist. I don't get your Dr.... it really is no big deal to refer someone. I would TELL her that you WANT a referral to a Rheumatologist and would like for them to get you in quickly. Take someone with you right into the examining room with you as back up. You are paying them for a service. If they are not going to provide good service, you can take your money elsewhere. Get the referral first though okay before releasing your Dr. Good luck to you.

I agree with the other ladies that you need a new pcp! One that will get you diagnosed! I'm sorry you are going through this. Try to get some rest and keep us posted.

Take Care,

Amy

I also agree with all these wonderful ladies....get a new PCP and get a referral to another Rheumatologist....they are the ones that can give a diagnosis of Lupus or other Connective Tissue Diseases. Please keep us informed.

Eva

Thank you all for the advise. I am going to ask one more time and then if still no referral will change PCP. Thank you all for your support, it's great to know others are around to give that emotional support.

Rockwell40, I am going to tell you this story just because I think it could help put the Dr./Patient relationship into perspective for you and might make you smile...

I went to a Dr. once that treated me like dirt and was making me feel like I was worrying TOO MUCH, an overstressed mom type. On the second appointment I stood up in the middle of the exam, grabbed my purse, extended my hand and said "Thank you very much for your time. I am done." He was shocked and he was also the same Dr. the hospital called in twice when I was there for 11 days with a bad flare... I didn't say anything just stared at him (long pause, silence, staring, chirp chirp) lol. I told another Dr. in the hospital that I pitied the other Dr.'s parents and hoped they didn't spend too much on his Medical College education...

I grew up being the Daughter of an R.N. I learned early on that it's OK to fire a Dr. They are not God, they do not know everything and medicine is part science and part art. Good luck to you and (((HUGS))).