New Rheumatologist...

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Smokie Darling (Annie) - 11 Aug 2005 22:33 GMT

Hmmm, I'm still a bit thrown off. I went to see my new Rheumatologist.
Nothing like a 2 hour drive as a precursor (bleh).

He seems to know of what he speaks. He's quick, and I like it, but at
the same time I'm worried about what I forgot to bring up.

I'm to stop MTX (yeah!) and sulfazine (woo-hoo I can be in the sun for
5 minutes without getting hives). I'll be on Enbrel, but if I don't
have more improvement (heck I was happy with where I am now) he is
going to push my insurance to cover Rituxan infusions. He said
possibly 2 infusions every 6 months or more often if I need it. He
said I've been putting up with mediocrity for too long. I've been
allowing "better" to be good enough, and it isn't for him.

My head is still spinning, and it wasn't the altitude (he is in Aspen
one day every month)! I've decided that I'm going to write down the
things I want to know... would Lunesta be better long term than
Ambien. That one I need to remember. The other question (mouth sores)
seems to be moot now since I'm off the MTX (have I cheered yet?).

I see him again next month (gotta leave home at 06:00 to be there in
time), and hopefully he'll have my records by then (spew). Why should
he get them before *I* do!?!

Ah well, now that I can, I'm going to have a beer.

Oh, is anyone on cytoxan (sp?)? He wants blood work done in two weeks
to see if my marrow is recovering (hey, I've been at 2.2 WBC for years,
why should anyone care now?), if it is, he wants me to start taking
cytoxan (or however it's spelled).

Smokie Darling (Annie)

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Duckie - 12 Aug 2005 04:23 GMT

The Rituxan slightly lowered my WBC. Is that what you
are asking?
Duckie

> Hmmm, I'm still a bit thrown off. I went to see my new Rheumatologist.
> Nothing like a 2 hour drive as a precursor (bleh).
[quoted text clipped - 28 lines]
>
> Smokie Darling (Annie)

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Charrlygrl1 - 12 Aug 2005 16:31 GMT

Annie,
Good luck at your next visit. How come you got yourself a new RD?
I, myself, am on my third, but pretty happy with this one.
I also have problems with Azulfidine and the sun. Which sucks, cuz I am
on vacation this week, and found that out the hard way.
I would also be interested in the answer to your Ambien/Lunesta
question. I have been on Soma at night, but it doesn't seem to be
helping me much lately.
I hope you thoroughly enjoyed your beer
Char2

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Smokie Darling (Annie) - 12 Aug 2005 17:05 GMT

> Annie,
> Good luck at your next visit. How come you got yourself a new RD?
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> I hope you thoroughly enjoyed your beer
> Char2

My current RD closed his office as he is going to Japan. He's going to
"open" a medical community for a pharmaceutical company. His parents
both live there, so it's going to be a huge bonus for him. He
recommended the new RD, and I'm thinking even more today that I like
him.

Lunesta was the second most important question I had for him. The
primary one (whether I can try Estroven) I did remember. He saw no
problem with that, but figures my moodiness is more likely connected to
me not being even remotely healthy (I guess this explains why I've been
so sick for so long, I just thought that was normal for me).

I did enjoy my beer (Harp), was very tasty. When I see him next month,
I've asked my husband to help remind me that I need to ask about
Lunesta (he is the one who remembered the Estroven question).

Smokie Darling (Annie)

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Newsgroup Spambuster - 18 Aug 2005 14:43 GMT

Annie,

Wow, sounds like a great visit with this new RD. Good for you!

Make a list of questions for next time, but also when you forget to ask
something, don't be afraid to just call the office and leave a message
for them to get back with you!

Sure hope the new medication regimen works wonders for you and gets you
to feeling really well!

Hugs!

Donna G

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Smokie Darling (Annie) - 12 Aug 2005 17:01 GMT

> The Rituxan slightly lowered my WBC. Is that what you
> are asking?
> Duckie

I had not heard that about WBC. My current level is 2.2, and the RD
was a mite upset. He said that yes we want to slow my immune system,
but it was obvious that I had more than lowered mine. He believes the
infected nodules (owwie) are a result of the lower counts.

He also said that in many instances (not all) that MTX lowers the WBC,
and when that happens (and it gets as low as mine was) the RD or PCP
should be looking at stopping the MTX and he doesn't understand why
mine didn't (hey, I've had super low WBC since 1999).

I'm guessing that he knows about the possibility of lowering the WBC
with Rituxan, but he feels that risk is worth the possible benefit I
may get.

I "think" I knew you were on Rituxan, so if I end up going that route,
I will be "bothering" you alot with questions <grin>.

Smokie Darling (Annie)

> > Hmmm, I'm still a bit thrown off. I went to see my new Rheumatologist.
> > Nothing like a 2 hour drive as a precursor (bleh).
[quoted text clipped - 47 lines]
> _('< "AFLAC!"
> (_<_)

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Squirrely - 15 Aug 2005 05:30 GMT

I hope the enbrel works for you. Wishing you the best of luck with the new
med.

Signature

Love and hugs to all
Good thoughts coming your way too.

Squirrely Jo

"> Hmmm, I'm still a bit thrown off. I went to see my new Rheumatologist.

> Nothing like a 2 hour drive as a precursor (bleh).
>
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
>
> Smokie Darling (Annie)

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