I'm completely baffled. A few weeks ago I posted about the horrible stomach pain I was having, a few weeks before that the pain whenever I took a breath, and before that the weird rash that was new and different from anything I had had previously. Well after having everything checked out, the rash was SLE, the pain when I breath was pleurissy, the stomach pain is most likely an ulcer, no obstructions luckily, the problem is I've had 2 CT scan, one of my lungs, one of my abdomen, the one of my lungs was ok no PE or pneumonia, the one of my abdomen was ok BUT it showed an older 2mm nodule, and a new 3mm nodule in the lower lobe of my right lung, whats baffling how this could've been missed in july, I don't have much trust or faith in doctors as it is, this latest adventure just reminds me why I quit going to doctors and taking meds to begin with. Just feeling really frustrated, and not sure who to believe anymore when it comes to tests and doctors in general.
These are small nodules and would not likely show up on a plain xray or on physical exam that is why CAT scans are done to pick up more subtle findings that are missed otherwise. It is also possible that your pleurisy contributed to the development of a nodule
I do not have much faith either in doctor's. Today, however, I did see a good Dermatologist. She seemed very knowledgeable, Told me the rash on my legs is from the SLE.
Unfortunately, the art of medicine is not infallible. Doctors are not infallible. Plus, not all doctors are equal. There are good ones, and not so good ones! I think the best we can do is seek out the physicians we feel best meet our needs, and work with them. We need to be our own advocates, and when we think something is not right, challenge them. Ask questions. If you don't understand a test result, ask for an explanation. And, its okay to change doctors if you feel the doctor you're seeing is not meeting your needs.
I think in our case its even more challenging as there does not seem to be a 'standard' treatment for Lupus. About the only standard I've seen is that everyone goes on Plaquenil. After that - anything goes!
Its not so much the Dr’s but the radiologist reading and writing the reports that can be conflicting… I’ve learned to make sure I get a copy disk of whatever im having done so my specialist can review the scan him/herself and compare it to the radiologist report… one of my best girlfriend s is my primary care physician and she is always telling me about botched radiology,its terrifying!
I have nodules on my lungs too and get short of breath a lot. The tests on my heart and lungs always come out fine so it is very frustrating. Doctors are practicing medicine and lupus is not easy for anyone to deal with. They look at various tests and don't really have an answer. They just need to listen to us and try to help whatever is the problem at any given time. They don't all take the time or show the concern though. Sometimes you find a really good one that hears you!
This is a great idea, as the ct scans were only 4 weeks apart, I remember someone telling me MRI's are always subject to interpretation, never considered the same true for all the other stuff as well. I've had multiple organ involvement for along time now, about 8 weeks ago something changed and the normal flare I had been living with somehow has gone completely off the reservation, I've managed to stay away from doctors and medication for over a year, now both are becoming increasingly necessary and I'm not looking forward to it I appreciate all the input.
dawncelest said:
Its not so much the Dr's but the radiologist reading and writing the reports that can be conflicting... I've learned to make sure I get a copy disk of whatever im having done so my specialist can review the scan him/herself and compare it to the radiologist report.. one of my best girlfriend s is my primary care physician and she is always telling me about botched radiology,its terrifying!