[candobrandy]

Hi all! My name is Brandy, 34 yrs old, Mom to 3, son age 10, daughter age 7, and new baby girl 5 months. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 7 yrs ago, SLE 3 yrs ago, along with herniated disc at L5, bilateral CTS and bursitis in my hip. Anyway, a few weeks ago I had a UTI, went on antibiotic and it cleared up. Went in for a follow up, and UA came back with white blood cells. I knw I had a rheumy appt in 2 days, so figured I should mention it to him. He felt it wasn't a big deal, not even to do a blood test or UA himself. He said he doesn't think it has anything to do with my lupus, as I have not had kidney involvement before. He said he would "watch it". He has not done bloodwork or UA since October, and my next appointment he scheduled for October! October! Exactly how well can he watch things if he doesn't see me for 4 months?? I also had complaint about my hip, told him I questioned if it could be avascular necrosis, he reluctantly, it seemed, ordered an Xray, but I came away feeling very disappointed with the visit. Was I right to be concerned about the white blood cells isue? Or does he know best and I was concerned for no reason? Just wondering... If anyone could give me their opinion, that would be great. Thanks so much!!
Brandy:?

 

[LBH]

Hi Brandy

Hi Brandy! I am too going through the same issue with me getting UTI's on a constant basis. And my WBC is always showing a high number. Take the antibiotic and it clears up for about a week to suddenly come back again. My regular doctor seems to be more on top of things than the Rheumatologist I have been seeing. He is finally helping me find new doctors and I get in to see them next week. Seems like so many of us have problems with our doctors not listening to us. Either that or they wait until we get so sick that they finally have to do something. I am even going to ask for a referral to see a urologist and see why I keep getting problems. Just about ready to ask them to do a biopsy of my kidney! Wonder what would turn up. Hope you get some answers soon and wish you luck. Nice meeting you

 

[KarolH]

Brandy,

I think you are justified. It is your body and you have the right to question anything that is not normal.

I once had a doctor ask me if I was a Auditor for the State.:rotfl:

I guess he was threatened by me asking too many questions and feeling like I was dictating to him.

YOU are your own personal health care Advocate. If you do not stand up for yourself no one else will.

Your 100% right in what you did, IMHO.:wink2::wink2::wink2:

 

[Douglas]

Howdy,
I too have had less than satisfactory care from specialists but, thank God, I have an interested family physician who actually found the ANA ["extremely high"] and has given me via Tramadol the best quality of life I have had in a decade or more.
I hope you can find someone who is less distracted.
As a sidelight I might tell you that I had to change MDs as the previous one was a bit like your specialist although he was honest enough to admit he had no idea what was wrong with me.
As a general principle, we are each responsible for our own medical care.
If we accept less than acceptable care, whose fault is it? If a mechanic (oops! "automotive technician") does not give your car proper care, what do you do? You find one who does take good car of your car. Surely our bodies deserve care at least as good as our automobiles.
By changing physicians my life has improved immensely.
Good luck!
Douglas+

 

[Raglet]

the wbc in your urine is a classic uti thing. So I would think it was connected with your recent uti, so I wouldn't be concerned abut that in terms of lupus. You may want to ask the doctor who treated your uti if you need a follow up urine test at some stage, but personally being a lazy person I probably wouldn't bother hahaha.

hth, and feel better soon

raglet