It was a year ago that I was sitting in the exam room at an Orthopedic Surgeon’s office. I had just spoken with the surgeon’s Physicians Assistant, been examined by the surgeon, had my knee drained, and the surgeon looked at me and said, “We need to know what is causing your pain. I am referring you to a rheumatologist”.
That began the process of finding out I have Celiacs which is another autoimmune problem for me. Getting autoimmune problems diagnosed is like putting a puzzle together. It takes patience on our part, communication with the doctor, and being subjected to many tests.
I left the surgeon’s exam room feeling hopeful that the rheumatologist could figure out why I had pain everywhere and skin rashes. The appointment was two months away but I was starting to feel hope.
It seems appropriate that the appointment with the surgeon happened in May a month we associate with new beginnings as nature comes to life after a long winter.
If you are currently seeing a doctor trying to find out what is wrong, hang in there, communicate. One suggestion I give people is to write things down before we go to the doctor to help us remember what to share and ask about. I have white coat syndrome meaning I have anxiety when I see a doctor, so writing things down helps me to remember what I wanted to talk with the doctor about.
Hope you have a blessed day.