GP just referred me to a rheumatologist

restorativepose · 06-13-2012, 11:42 AM

This morning I had an appt with my wonderful GP. We reviewed the work that had recently been done at a local neurology clinic, which turned up nothing. The only thing it did find was an abnormal EMG.

Based on my primary symptom of major weakness in the legs (very hard to walk), he has asked me to see a rheumotologist who he works with closely.

The tingling comes and goes, as does the blurry vision. After a clear MRI of brain and cervical spine the neuro states in his report that MS has been ruled out.

I don't have any experience with rheumatology and don't know much about it. Have any of you ever seen one?

Kitty · 06-13-2012, 02:01 PM

I hope the Rheumy can give you some answers. And a clear MRI doesn't necessarily rule out MS. Your GP should have referred you to an MS Neuro.

Keep us posted on how your appt. goes.

Sparky10 · 06-13-2012, 02:41 PM

Good luck on getting some answers, restorativepose! Just figuring what is wrong can make you feel better, even before beginning a treatment for whatever it is.

restorativepose · 06-13-2012, 03:01 PM

[quote=Kitty;888562]I hope the Rheumy can give you some answers. And a clear MRI doesn't necessarily rule out MS. Your GP should have referred you to an MS Neuro.QUOTE]

The MS specialists where I was going won't accept a patient to diagnose / evaluate possible MS unless the general neurologist refers them.

Since my general neuro "ruled out MS" via a clear MRI, the MS specialist wouldn't see me.

.... which is why I'm now trying a different network (previously University hospital, now trying a local care network and also Mayo is reviewing my notes.) Persist! Persist!

Dejibo · 06-14-2012, 07:19 AM

MS can mimic more than 100 different diseases including those with lesions in the spine and brain. This is why they do so many different tests before handing you that label.

Sjoghrens comes to mind. it can cause many of the same symptoms including dry eyes, visual issues, dry painful joints, and so on. My MD sent me to a rhuemy to be sure.

they would also handle lyme, lupus and a bunch of other things that can mimic MS. Best of luck.