Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Hi Guys,

I don't know if I belong here, but here I am. I just picked up my blood test results and I definitely have lyme disease which I was treated for last year. He said the count had gone down from the previous tests. He treated me with a one month regiment of anitibiotics...he thought I was okay and everything looked good even though I complained of fatigue still and soreness, cognitive problems..etc. He thought I should do a sleep study and maybe it was sleep apnea related. I'm due for that tomorrow. Well , what he failed to tell me that on my blood tests it shows a HI Cardio CRP of 7.8 and a HI Sedrate level of 18. My concern is does this indicate another autoimmune disease which I'm not being tested for. I have laryngitis alot and the ent doctor put me on prilosec..he thought that was the problem because there were no nodes or lumps on the vocal cords when he scoped me. I found that alot of people have voice problems with RA, should I pursue futher testing, I'm frustrated and upset that he totally ignored these levels to me on the phone and didn't want to pursue more testing because the CRP indicates inflammation in the body...any help or suggestions are welcome. Thanks,

Mary

Sounds like you might could use a second opinion?? What type of doctor are you seeing right now? To me, and I'm just a patient (!), it sounds like your labs would validate a trip to a specialist...a rheumatologist.

Good luck...and YES, you are in the right place!

Hi,

I was wondering if someone would reply to my post. Thanks,

Mary

I am seeing a primary right now, but in the past a Rheumatologist first diagnosed my lyme. Of course, my new blood tests indicate to me further testing. I called my doctor and I am seeing him today to talk about the results. I'll let you know. It may just be lyme or my concern is Lupus or RA..

Mary

Hi Mary,

Welcome to our little group. In my humble opinion, it sounds like you could use the opinion of a rheumatologist too. MANY of us have the voice and hoarseness issue, and just recently we even posted on here about it. It's quite common. See a rheumy dr and maybe you'll get some actual answers to your problems!! Let us know how you're doing, and good luck!! xoxoxo

karen

Hi all,

Just left my doctor and he sent my for another Lyme test that did more detailed testing. He wants me to go to a Rheumatologist also. On my way there my voice went again. He thinks it is related to acid reflux and wants me to see a gastro doctor even though my ent doctor already prescribed prilosec for the laryngitis. I mentioned RA and Lupus but he thinks my numbers on the Cardio CRP and sedrate aren't high enough. My question to him is why do I feel so lousy all the time, I'm only 52 but feel 80. The doctor feels I should keep my appt. with the sleep study tonight to rule out apnea. Frustrated emotionally and physically. I'll keep you posted.

Mary:

Mary, get the testing just to be on the safe side, and then it will rule out all of the possibilities of what it "could" be. It can never hurt to be too thorough.

karen

Hi Mary, and welcome to our group

CRP and sed rate are indicators of inflammation, but is not like they tell that much. I mean, i've had RA for 27 years and both tests have been all over the place, really low, really high, in between. But i always have had RA. You will probably need lots of testing before answers, because AI illnesses can be hard to diagnose. A good rheumy is a must...

Hello Mary: My name is Kathy ...60 years old..I think the Methotrexate I was taking messed with my voice.....be sure to read

the information regarding side effects so you will know what to

expect when they hit you. Personally MTX will not do for me, and

next trip will be for something my body can agree with.

I have LEARNED more on this site listening to those who KNOW what

this is...than any where else.

Don't panic! By the way.....most all of us are on some kind of

anti-depressant to counteract upheaval of emotion...etc.

RA and all these "attached" diseases require rest, peace, and

kindness......here we are.

Kathy

Very hoarse tonight... I sound like Im going through puberty again! Kind of hard to enforce rules with the kids when your voice is croaking...lol