Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Rheumy Update

Hello to All,

I appreciated all the support I received from all of you when I was really having a bad time of it. You are truely a wonderful group of kickas'ers! Thanks!

I decided that if I needed to go back to that Rheumy I would talk to him in person. Now I have no reason to go back to his office. He called me today w/ the xray results.(I did not want to address his comments on the phone.) He told me that there is nothing wrong w/ my ribs. I said 'well there is something there you felt it so is there another test I could have done? He said, 'No other test can be done for the ribs, They are fine. You're just having pain in the muscles.' I decided at that point to just say okay & thanks.
I wrote him a letter that I will give to him after I get my records from him. I have muscles that feel like rocks but believe me this feels like a bone!Initially, he said it was my rib!

Brad (wolverinefan) gave me the name of his Rheumy & I have an appt. Oct. 2. Thank you again Brad!!!!!! I will just address everything with her.

Oh, he also said I have lesions & calcium deposits in my lungs that my GP can address. I didn't even ask him anything about that. just oh, okay!

Anyway, thanks again for the support!

Peace, Tam

I'm glad you went ahead and made an appointment with another doctor. This guy sounds like a real looser. Doesn't it make you wonder how they stay in practice and make any money with attitudes like this?

I have had AS since I was 15 and I am almost 35. I feel miserable most of the time. I have had rib/lung issues for the past year. I have never had a good rheumy, so I just live with it and complain a lot. How do your ribs and lungs feel? I seem to have had pain every place else, but this rib/lung thing has been new for me this past year.

Tam,
You're rheumy seems to be a bit of an idiot. Probably lazy I would guess, but I'm pleased that you're going to see someone else. Most of my current problems are concerning the ribs. The problem seems to be inflammation in the joints where the ribs attach to the spine. The pain spreads round from the back to the sides and on bad days to the front and sturnum. My rheumy has no doubts that my ribs are 'wrong'. Indeed, recently my chest expansion was measured to be only one centimetre. Rib problems are common in people with AS and your original rheumy should know this. I have been told that a large amount of the pain in the ribs is due to inflamed, stretched and pulled soft tissues that wouldn't necessarily show up on x-ray, again your original rheumy should know this. I do and I'm a bit thick!I find that I get a bit of relief when I wrap a large towel soaked in hot water around my torso. Hope your new doctor doesn't think you're making it all up. Must be frustrating. All the best,
Tim.

Hello Tam. I am glad to hear you have made a decision regarding your rheumy. I hope the new rheumy is wonderful! and that she works well with you and not against you.

Good luck on Oct 2!

Rita
Squeaky

Tam - Well done you, more power to ya gal. Excellent, and I bet you are heaving a huge sigh of relief Rib pain is horrible. Mine waxes and wanes, at the moment waxing. Will be interesting to know how you get on and what the findings are.

Will be seeking out for a new rheumy myself next week - crossing fingers!

Take care - continue being strong and positive

Molly
Keeping on Keeping on (not giving in)

Yes, it sure does make me wonder. I have had alot of bad luck w/Rheumies. The one rheumy that I did like moved away. She really took the time to research things & do all she could to help. I guess 1 out 7 ain't bad!

Peace, Tam

Thanks Tim,
Yeah, the rib/chest pain is the worst! It hasn't let up for me in many yrs! i have a very hard time breathing due to the pain.

I really think Pete was right about him. He just doesn't want to take the time to try & help me. And quite honestly he doesn't seem to be the type to call in other doctors-which is important. I am considered as a difficult patient because I have multiple problems & symptoms that are not as common for most-they always scratch their heads and rub their chins.

Peace, Tam

Thanks Rita,
Hi Rita,

I know one thing for sure! She couldn't possible as rude as he is! that cannot happen twice in a lifetime!

Peace, Tam

Hi Molly,

Thanks for the pat on the back! I do feel empowered & greatful that I will be seeing someone who is familiar with AS!

Good luck to you on your quest for a Rheumy. The rib pain & chest pain is the pits.

Peace, Tam