Some good/bad news

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The horrible Rheumatologist who told me that he didnt see anything wrong with me after doing blood work and X Rays has apparently been trying to reach us since last week. He says he left multiple messages on our answering machine (I didnt even know I had an answering machine LOL) I typically dont answer the home phone because it is usually someone speaking in French and I dont understand them and they dont understand me! So the doctor told my husband that after reviewing my MRI's, CT and X-rays on my CD from California and also looking at my new X-rays with other doctors it is very clear that I have Ankylosing Spondylitis. Which means my joints and spine are fusing. He wants to see me right away to start treatment which typically is either Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or Anti TNF drugs. We have already tried steroids and high dose anti inflammatory and my pain and bone damage continues to get worse.
So I am going back to see him on Monday. I dont like him but I would have to wait over a month to see another Rheumatologist so I would rather get treatment started and then decide if I want to switch doctors. Anyway, its bad news that I have this disease but I have pretty much known for a long time that I did and right now I just want the pain to stop. Just wanted to let you guys know since I posted the other day about this. I hope they find a treatment that works for me because Maddy & Luc and my husband need me to be back to my old Aspie self ASAP .

I hope they find something that helps.

I am so sorry! I hope they are able to find a way to help you!

Well, sorry to hear that you have it, but like you said, you pretty much knew anyway, so now at least you may be able to get some help. I know what you mean about not liking doctors. I am NT, and I sometimes just don't get a good feel from certain doctors. Some are really wonderful, but others just don't really have great bedside manner IMO! Anyway, just do the best you can, and maybe you will warm up to him a little. Hope you can get your pain under control. Hang in there!

Im sorry to hear about your diagnosis. My mother has Ankylosing Spondylitis too and she has used Methotrexate and other natural remedies to control the symptoms with a lot of success. The good news is that the disease is typically far less severe in women than men but it is hereditary. Good luck and keep us posted on how your treatment is going!

Thank you all, and I will keep you posted !

Sorry to hear this. Hope you find good answers soon.

I went in to see my Doctor on Monday and they are going to start me on Enbrel, a anti-TNF medication, in two weeks. I have to wait for insurance to clear and for my blood and other tests to make sure I have no infections like TB. The medication will lower my immunity. The disease is an auto immune disorder so lowering your immunity slows down the body attacking itself. I will have to give myself a shot once a week but thats no big deal. Ive worked in the medical field for about ten years so Im no stranger to needles and I dont mind sticking myself. I used to draw my own blood all the time. So I hope it works and I can keep from getting any infections. That is the only bad part about using these types of drugs. They may work wonders but if you get ill you have to go off of them until you are better, then all the pain comes back. There is also an elevated risk of developing cancer but that is rare. The risk is higher for children who have to use these types of medications. Even though there are risks Im ready, Im really tired of living in pain every day.