Tuesday, June 7, 2011

some answers and more questions

November 16, 2010 at 5:01pmI'd love to say that the doctor's visit was a complete success.  No such luck.  However, it was a partial success.  I know that I do not have Lupus.  And I know that I do have Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Additionally, I have several indicators that I do have an immune disorder that was not specifically tested.  The result:  another referral, this time to a rheumatologist.

I have a gyn appointment Monday the 22nd at 8:45am.  I have a pulmonary appointment December 9th at 8:00am - for a complete pulmonary function test - in Gainesville (an hour away).  The rheumatology appointment has not been set as yet.
I have to see my doctor again in a month for a follow-up... with luck, after having seen all of the specialists.

The hitch:  my doctor leaves the Lake City office in 2 weeks - and will then be on the East side of Gainesville.  The doctor she was filling in for will return when she leaves, but the office itself is closing down - most likely before the end of the year.  I'm thinking I'll follow my doctor to her new office.  It is so difficult to find a suitable doctor that now I have one, I don't want to let her go.

What needs to happen:  the gyn exam should result in the same conclusion my previous ones have - that I need a full hysterectomy.  The pulmonary exam should result in my being cleared for surgery - and analysis of any underlying pulmonary issues.  At that point, the gyn can schedule the surgery - and with luck, before the end of the year, I'll have the surgery and be on the road to recovery.  Meanwhile, the rheumatologist can get me on a management program for the RA and find out what other disorder(s) I have.

It's not all the answers I hoped for, but it's a solid start and I'll count my blessings.

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