What to Think?

Sue:
1) you may be doing better. If your ana titer was 1:80...It is borderline and depending on the doctor they may or may not say it is positive.
2) he's new and he wants to make sure you are getting the correct treatment. I have had this happen almost *every* time I have gone to the er.
3) there are also other autoimmunes that have likeness to lupus. He probably wants to make sure. My best friend and I (she is a doctor, by the way) joke about how every time you see a new rheumatologist, they have to run all the tests again. It just goes with the territory.
4) if you really feel that uncomfortable, see if you have other options with the insurance.

I know this is not overly helpful, but may point you in the right direction.

Hugs,
ladybrannon

Sue:

perhaps you can get copies of your files and test results from your original Dr. The you can show them to the new dr as evidence as to why the dx was made in the first place.

I keep a copy of all test, and make notes when the Dr. Explains them...This way if I need to see a different dr I have all the information at hand.

I have found that by doing this my dr's are more open to discussing my condition and treatment with me...Also they don't get to play games as I have all the information.

You need to be your own advocate. There might be a slight charge from the old dr's for copying fees to get your charts, however you are entitled to them so don't let them blow you off!

Good luck - (((hugs))) stephanie

Oh lady do I feel your pain....

For two years I went through every test known to man...
No one could pinpoint what it was. I was finally told it was
in my head. I had to get a second opinion... I felt like someone
was telling me I was crazy. The next doctor slapped the label
cfs because I didn't have a rash.... In the beginning I did
not pull a positive ana... I was fatigued, had severe joint pain,
ulcers in my mouth, uv sensitivity.

A few months later.... My doctor got a new "partner" a younger
doctor who got "stuck" with me. Thank god she did... She
saw a pattern and started monitoring things very carefully.
She finally found my demon with a urine protein test. 6months
later the anas started coming back positive....

The moral to this story.... Lupus is hard to diagnose. If a doctor
double checks a previous diagnosis its not a bad thing. There are
so many indicators for lupus that could be another auto-immune
disorder. There are also so many things that can be mistaken for
lupus.

Definitely obtain your medical records. Review them with the new
doctor. Ask questions.... Don't let it shake you... Again remember
the more you know and understand the more active you can become
in your own recovery and wellness. Remember this is his/her job
but your life!!!!
heather

Thank you for your replys. I did in fact, have my old records. I just go the feeling the doctor did'nt care for my first one - you know one of those "power" things. I think I am border line and don't have it as bad as most thank goodness, but will continue with what I am doing since it is helping and just go for my 3 month px's - but he did'nt come out and say I did'nt have lupus - just said I had indications that could be. So I guess in lay mans terms - it means he does'nt know for sure and will stick with the original diagnosis. Good grief. I get more info from this forum and will continue to use it as my guide!