A GP doctor diagnosed my fibro and then had a lip biopsy for Sjogren's Syndrome, and an Rheumatology doctor diagnosed the RA. So waiting and tests are a way of life. Just don't give up!!

KEEP PUSHING THE DOCTORS!! I was just a few weeks shy of 17 years before I got my diagnosis because I was continuously ANA positive. Doctors kept telling me my pain was all in my head and refused my request for x-rays. I've had vitaligo (an autoimmune disease that affects the skin) since I was 4 - it's in my chart but, because none were dermatologists, it didn't register with any of them.

I saw 6 rheumatologists, 3 neurologists, 2 occupational therapists, 1 physical therapists, and a multitude of GPs before I FINALLY got my diagnosis. By that time all my joints were affected and it hurt to sit/stand/lay down/walk/do much of anything.

PUSH the doctors - tell them you aren't leaving the appointment without something more definitive. Ask for x-rays, go over your chart with the doctor(s). Tell them you need something or you'll go over their heads.

Record each visit on your phone (some states you have to tell them they are being recorded, some states you don't have to say anything). That way you can go back and revisit the appointment to see if you missed anything (helps with brain fog issues as well). And I've found doctors treat you much better if they know they're being recorded. They may bring up HIPPA regulations but, since you are the patient, and initiating the recording, they can't stop you.

Many offices have a sign saying to turn off your phone. Just turn off your ringer and leave it in the visit room if you have to go elsewhere (like for x-rays). I tell nurses/doctors I have pictures of all my meds on my phone so it will have to stay on. And that I have an app showing my pain levels and the phone will have to be on for that as well.

I don't want you to have to wait as long as I did - until all your joints are affected, you are miserable, and your life is pretty much done.

Keep us updated on your doctor visits. Sending LOTS of hugs!!

I first became sick in June but, normally, I feel much better in the summer. Perhaps it is your activity level...or it could just be the fickleness of the illness.

I hope you can find out the cause.

Thank you i have lost all hope with the last letter a review of my recurds b4 a new RA appt Wait 6 mos for and they think j have fibro? How can they when i can't get into the RA Dr ??? I feel it is my crappy insurance

Do you take any rheumatoid mediacine