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This journal entry is viewable only by OhMickey's friends.
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So I went to see UCLA Rheumatologist today to get a second opinion on my RA diagnosis. He is a wonderful doctor who, to my surprise, spent an hour and a half with me discussing my lab and xray results along with symptoms and swelling. He confirmed that I have RA and in addition have psoriatic arthritis. This would explain the severe itching I have. I have also had itching and peeling on my hands, in my ears and on my scalp that scab and bleed. He agreed with my Rheumatologists and her treatment. He told me that he would be happy to treat me if I wanted to or I could see him periodically if I wanted to continue seeing my Rheumy in town. I will start back up on the MTX tomorrow 
then start Enbrel in the near future. My liver enzymes will be closely followed as for now they are slightly elevated.
I am glad to have had confirmation even though the outcome is RA. He gave me hopes that I will eventually be my old self with time and treatment. As for now I will not do the thyroidectomy. I need to get my swelling and pain taken care of first. See how I'm doing a few months or so from now then decide about the surgery.
I don't mind the drive to UCLA it's an easy 1.5 hours, but don't know what I will do if I'm feeling crappy. Will I want to deal with the drive? It seems my Rheumy had it right so maybe I'll see her and see him periodically and have them work together on treatment as that was an option.
The vicodin has helped on bad days so now I've got to suck it up and take the MTX for now and hope that that along with Enbrel will do the trick.
Thank you all for all your thoughts and hugs they do mean a lot to me.
Mickey
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I'm glad you like this new doc, and I think you're probably right about staying with your old doc, and see this guy periodically. I think two minds working together is much better. I have to drive 75 minutes to see my rheumy, and there have been a lot of times when my wife has to take off work to drive me.
Who's idea is it to go to Enbrel, and was there an particular reason why that drug instead of another? That choice always interests me.
I'm so glad you've got that behind you; now you can start moving forward again. Best wishes and lots of hugs. Doug
bc2
I'm glad you have confirmation one way or the other. it is better than not knowing....Why did they choose embrel, any idea? I am looking forward to hear how you are progressing.. glad to read about your nephew's recovery. take it easy and don't sweat the small stuff. just take it day by day. I am very fortunate, I drive maybe 15 minutes to my rheumy. hugs,deby
kramd5
I'm sooooo thankful this MD treated you well and took the time to explain things to you. While of course I'm not happy that you have RA, I am happy you can now begin treatment and hopefully return to a somewhat normal life. I applaud you for getting things taken care of and searching for answers until you found them. :)
By the way, there is a new lady here who also has psoriatic arthritis---her name is Angelina101. You may want to talk with her about any tips on dealing with the skin issues. Hugs Mickey!
MsRigorMortis
Thank you all for your comments and for caring. When I mentioned to the UCLA doc that my Rheumy's next step was to try Enbrel, he thought it was a good choice. He said that that's what his next step would be. I have to get back on the MTX for a month to rule out the liver prob and to ensure that MTX alone won't do the trick before adding Enbrel. Stupid me, I should have just stuck it out instead of thinking that maybe I had some other problem. I've just added another 4 weeks to my problem. My drive to my local Rheumy is only 15 minutes. Thank you MsRigorMortis I will look Angelina101 up on the psoriatic arthritis and again I am glad that you are feeling better.
Hugs to all,
OhMickey
I'm so glad you had a good RD experience. Its nice when a doc takes the time to communicate and reassure you. I'm sorry he couldn't give you better news but at least you know you are on the right track. Don't beat yourself up over the decision to stop the MTX. Sometimes it gets confusing and you have to do what feels right at the time.
I'm glad your nephew is doing so good. Good luck with the new meds.
saavik
I am glad you have confirmation from this doctor and know the plan of action the first RD had was in line. Let's hope you can get on the right meds now and feel better!((hugs))marcia
bizemomm
Glad to hear that your meeting with the UCLA was good and that you received the clarity that you needed. It's always nice to get a second opinion and find out that your initial doctor has a good plan. I hope the MTX will kick in soon and that you start to feel better. Just take it one day at a time. Hugs, Dawn
Dawn2
So glad that you had a great visit with UCLA doctor. I agree with everyone - when it comes to RA, you can't get too much input. I hope you are feeling much better soon and I know what a relief it is to have a diagnosis - you then have something to work with.
Hope this week is good for you. I also hope that Drew continues to do well.
Many hugs.
Lynne
lycesq