I actually am seeing a pm doc tomorrow. I have my follow up with my rheummy today. My pain woke ms up at 3am. Like clockwork. She understands my pain. I’m on 120mg of im medrol a day as well as weekly infusions to keep my degos, SLE, and vasculitus at bay. But I don’t want to be that patient getting a bunch of different narcotics from a bunch of ER docs which it has been. I’ll keep you all posted. But the percosets sitting next to my bed side and the Xanax are no longer cutting it. And the NSAIDs caused so much gi problems I needed blood transfusions from internal bleeding. It took me 9 years to get a proper diagnosis and we’re STILL working on a decent treatment plan. My advice, educate yourself. Fight for your healthcare. Don’t be afraid to make a scene. And get a picc line. 
nobody argues with a picc.
Hi CherBaum!
If your tests in past showed RA or Lupus you must have tests that confirm this? although I hear that Lupus is the hardest to confirm/diagnose. everything you are saying is what I feel as well and I have it - doesn't mean I diagnose you at all and you may have something different-find the best of the best in your State-google them-and go for testing-but I gained a ton even before I was diagnosed with RA and before going into MCTD_LUPUS and topped it off by stuff like prednisone just packed it on. So if you had this going on before and now-hello? something is Deffinetly happening here-what I did when i MOVED and had to get a doc-is I talked to her nurse and told her of my concerns-I didn't want to be stuck taking pain-sht either. I am just about to get Plaguinil. You will lose the wieght! yogurts-greens-water-a little less sugar and no sweeters will help you-suppliments for your organs will help too. Turmeric is what I take for swelling-it works and helps get the wieght moving out. let me know lov ya.
This sounds like my situation! I recently moved cross country. My new rheumy didnt read my file and started me back on methotrexate and plaquinil. I refused to take it and made another appointment with my husband as back up. The docfinally agreed to put me back on my old medication. now I am interviewing other rheumatologists in the area to replace him. sadly, not having muchluck. one doctor told me it was impossible to have Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. and doctors are puzzled why they have such backlash!
Hi!, Yes we all do! Ha! But the most important thing to remember is , That you are not ALONE!! Stressing does it no good, so stay calm! Sound easy to say but it works! Take things one at a time! Live for the moment and take deep breaths as often as you can . Focus on on ting at a time at your own pace , -this work for me! Sometimes there are alot of things that rush upon us and throws us into the aches and pains , but tat is the time when you have to step back and say am taking a break! Then start over -Don’t overwhelm yourself…Beverly L.