Anyone been referred to a rheumatologist?

I recently had a bone scan that showed osteoporosis from the prednisone. My GI told me to call my primary to get referred to someone and he referred me to a rheumatologist. I was wondering if anyone else has seen a rheumatologist for this. If so, what should I expect? Also, if anyone has a Dr recommendation in the Atlanta area, I'd welcome it. I just scheduled an appt with Dr Fishman near St. Josephs but he can't see me until late Sept. Fortunately, I don't have any pain or symptoms that I know of.

At least I'm going to max out my deductible this year!!

Thanks.

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Dx w/ UP in 2005; Dx with UC in 2008
Was taking: Lialda and Mesalmine Enema (1x per day); Colazal (9 per day);
Now Taking: Pred-a 10 mg/day down from 40mg but experiencing bone loss; Apriso - 4 per day; mesalmine enema nightly
Tricor for Cholesterol
Male; age 43; Located in Atlanta

I would really like to see one. I am always worried I will end up with other issues like MS. Let us know how it goes.

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Diagnosed with mild proctitis in March 2007: Treated with Canasa (as needed)

December 08: Began treating with Asacol 400mg (9/day) + Canasa 2x/day - Anemic

May 09: Off Canasa, taking Asacol (9/day)

Back on Canasa every other night + Asacol (9/day) + Probiotics + Iron

Reducing to 6 Asacol/day + Canasa + Probiotics + Iron - So far so good!!! -SPOKE TOO SOON! Back to 9/day...

festeris, off topic, but are you really on 600 mgs or Imuran?

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Age 34, Diagnosed with UC September 2008
Current Meds:
Started Azathioprine 100 mgs 6/22/2009 and Apriso 4 tabs daily 6/11/2009
Biotin 5 mg
Vitamin D 2,000 IU per day
Calcium 1500 mg per day
Flaxseed Oil 2000 mg per day
Multivitamin
Also tried: Remicade, Asacol, Rowasa, Cantasa, Prednisone 2 times for about 3 months each

I've been referred to one, but because of the arthritis in my knees which I think is only an inflammatory thing and nothing to do with my bones... She didn't explain much.

She put me on Sulindac, bad idea. It didn't work well enough anyways.

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19yr old female diagnosed with UC (pancolitis) in 2005 at age 15

125mg Azathioprine 1xday / 1 Mesalamine enema every night /

2000mg Fish Oil 1xday / 500mg Turmeric 3xday /

450mg Boswellia 1xday / 400IU Vitamin E 1xday

Arthritis in both knees

Also: asthma, acid reflux, and Reynaud's Syndrome

Jen O said...
festeris, off topic, but are you really on 600 mgs or Imuran?

Hi Jen O, NO typo!

From what I understand they measure dosage proportionate to your weight and I'm 265 lbs. I'm concerned regarding this especially now that I've decided to undergo Remicade treatment on the August 17th.

The worst part is my Doctor is fairly certain that due to the agressive nature of my UC I will NOT be able to STOP the Imuran during treatment of Remi and the threat of Cancer has got me scared *#$%less!

Don't mean to hijack a thread...just answering a question...thanks! 

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600 mg. - Imuran daily

     5 mg. - Pred daily

   20 mg. - Prilosec daily

   35 mg. - Fosamx weekly

Post Edited (festeris101) : 8/11/2009 8:40:52 AM (GMT-6)

thatfield said...
festeris - That seems to be a crazy high dosage even at 265lbs. I have heard 1 mg per 1 pound of body weight is even considered high...that would put you at 265 mg not 600 mg. Are you have regular blood count tests done? I would be very concerned at that dosage. Are you going to taper down to a lower dosage at some point? I hope that the Remicade helps you. I am so sorry your UC is so agressive!

Duh! I just checked the bottle and I'm actually taking 6/50mg. a day! Not 600mg. only 300mg. Thank God! Should I still be alarmed? Will this be a problem with the Remicade?

Thanks!

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600 mg. - Imuran daily

     5 mg. - Pred daily

   20 mg. - Prilosec daily

   35 mg. - Fosamx weekly